Category Archives: thai environment

baht, bangkok, cha am, exports, hua hin, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Aug 7

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Hua Hin to sterilize 150 monkeys/Hua Hin Olympic kite surfers/Motorcycle crash in Cha Am/American father reunites with Thai daughter/Solar Panel Installation Costs/Minister stifles info on blackchin tilapia/Monk donates lottery win/Wild elephant electrocuted/Hidden costs of fashion/Thai police seize vaping products/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Baht faces volatility/Investor confidence index bearish/Inflation up in July/Poll paints glum picture/Wary eye on world/Exports expected to grow 1%-2%/Hyundai to invest $28M/Tesla Cancels EV Factory/Rail freight business prospering/Waste into valuable resources/Tourism: The New Chinese Tourism Market/Budget for tourism promotion/Tourists rescued from flooded cave/Thailand Experience: Rice terraces inspiring flood control/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Hua Hin to sterilize 150 monkeys

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Hua Hin Olympic kite surfers wait on wind

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Motorcycle crash in Cha Am kills elderly man, injures woman

An accident occurred when a young woman riding her motorcycle against traffic collided with another motorcycle, resulting in the death of the other rider. The incident left the victim’s family grieving at the scene.

Yesterday, Police Lt, Kancha Klao Viriyadechawat, an investigator at Cha Am Police Station, received a report of a motorcycle collision on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, in the Huay Sai Tai community of Cha Am municipality. Rescue teams from Cha Am Hospital and Sawang Sanphet Rescue Unit rushed to the scene. Continued …

American father reunites with Thai daughter after 48 years apart

A 72-year-old American man traveled across the globe to reunite with his Thai daughter after being separated for 48 years. With assistance from a friend with a Thai wife and a renowned hotel owner in Nang Rong, Buriram, the father and daughter finally met, embracing each other with tears of joy.

Terry Howley and 49-year-old Kanjana Milkewicz, from Yai Yam Watthana, Chaloem Phra Kiat district, Buriram, had been separated for nearly five decades. Despite the long separation, both father and daughter never gave up hope of finding each other. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Solar Panel Installation Costs in Thailand

Installing solar panels in Thailand in 2024 is a smart and worthwhile investment. With long-term benefits such as reduced electricity bills and increased government support, this green energy solution is gaining popularity.

Technological advancements have also made solar panel installations more efficient and cost-effective. The keyword “ราคาติดตั้งโซล่าเซลล์”, or solar panel installation costs, is crucial for those considering this eco-friendly upgrade. Continued …

Minister stifles info on blackchin tilapia

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow has cautioned the Department of Fisheries not to release further information about the controversial blackchin tilapia fish issue, saying it has become a legal matter under court consideration.

Thamanat said the ministry would not release any information to the public, including its investigation results, until legal procedures being carried out by the Supreme Administrative Court were complete. Continued …

Nakhon Phanom monk donates 18 million baht lottery win

A monk’s extraordinary luck has become the talk of the town in Nakhon Phanom province after winning a lottery jackpot of 18 million baht, generously distributing his winnings to the needy and local temples.

After a ceremony at Wat Phra That Phanom, Phra Khru Kai announced his lottery win, revealing he had won first prize with ticket number 061905. The windfall, amounting to 18 million baht, was entirely donated to the underprivileged and temples within That Phanom district within just one week. Continued …

Wild elephant found dead from electrocution in Ranong sanctuary

A wild elephant was found dead from electrocution at the radar hill in the Thungraya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong province. The elephant, believed to have pulled down a tree that fell on high-voltage power lines, was discovered by local government officials who are now working to protect the remaining five elephants in the area.

Chawakun Sithisak, deputy inspector of Muang Chumphon Police Station, and Thana Thongsamui, head of the wild elephant surveillance team at Namtok Ngao National Park, along with officials from the Thung Raya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary and veterinarian Piya Serirak from the Office of Conservation Area Management 4, inspected the site Monday. Continued …

The hidden costs of fashion

When Thammika Songkaeo, a co-founder of the Singapore-based company Two Glasses, saw people around her with big boxes of clothes for donation, she wondered, who wanted used clothes?

“I lived in many places, including Africa, India, Thailand and Singapore. People in these places did not lack clothing. Many people have too many clothes and they try to solve the problem by donating without thinking what happens afterwards,” Thammika, who is based in Singapore, said. Continued …

Thai police seize 5 million baht worth of vaping products in Bangkok

Thai police dismantled a major online vaping operation, seizing over 24,000 items from a townhouse in Din Daeng, Bangkok. Officers described it as the largest bust of its kind this year.

The raid, conducted yesterday, was led by high-ranking officials, including Nirandon Lueamsri, deputy commissioner of police, and Thanakrit Jittareerat, assistant to the minister of Public Health. They announced the arrest of individuals involved in the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes via online platforms. Continued …

Kuwaiti Man Crashes into Thai Riders in Motorcycle Accident

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Baht faces volatility with US under pressure to cut rates

The baht is expected to experience higher volatility and a weaker trend this week, pressured by uncertainties surrounding the U.S. dollar and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy direction. The Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) forecasts the baht will move in a range of 35-35.75 baht per dollar this week.

The key factors influencing the baht’s movement are the depreciation and volatility of the dollar, which are driven by updated U.S. economic data and the monetary policy direction of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Continued …

Investor confidence index turns bearish in July

The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations’s (FETCO) Investor Confidence Index (ICI) retreated to the bearish zone last month, dragged down by concerns over intensified geopolitical conflicts, the direction of the Federal Reserve (Fed) and Thailand’s slowing economy.

Chairman Kobsak Pootrakool revealed that the ICI for July, which anticipates market conditions over the next three months, was 60.40, entering the bearish zone. Continued …

Inflation up in July, above forecast

Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.83% in July from a year earlier, after the previous month’s annual increase of 0.62%, the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday.

The July figure compared with a forecast increase of 0.70% in a Reuters poll, and remained below the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) target range of 1% to 3%. Continued …

Federation of Thai Industries poll paints glum picture of second half

Most executives under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) say the economy during the second half will not improve much, with GDP growth likely to be less than 2% for the whole year, despite the state’s efforts to speed up budget spending, according the latest FTI survey.

“Up to 39.3% of 143 executives interviewed believe business performance and sales will remain unchanged in the second half of 2024,” said ML Peekthong Thongyai, vice chairman of the FTI. Continued …

Thailand casts a wary eye on world

The Thai government is closely monitoring U.S. economic prospects and the potential for a global recession, while also stepping up its plans to mitigate the impact on exports.

According to Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the Commerce Ministry has been continuously monitoring economic prospects in the U.S., which are raising concerns about the risk of entering a recession, causing global market apprehension and significant downturns. Continued …

Exports expected to grow 1%-2%

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) expects the value of exports to expand by 1%-2% this year.

However, the TNSC is cautious about numerous unpredictable factors in the second half, including geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the trade war between the U.S. and China, the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. labor movement, and higher freight and surcharge costs. Continued …

Hyundai to invest $28M in Thailand for EV assembly, batteries

South Korean auto maker Hyundai Motor Co. will invest 1 billion baht (US$28 million) to set up a facility to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries in Thailand, the country’s Board of Investment (BOI) said on Wednesday.

Thailand’s booming EV sector is currently dominated by Chinese carmakers, including BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Great Wall Motors, which are using the country as a manufacturing base for exporting vehicles across Southeast Asia. Continued …

Tesla Cancels Plan for EV Factory in Thailand

Electric vehicle giant Tesla has scrapped its plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Thailand. This development comes as part of a broader strategic shift impacting their global expansion plans outside of key hubs in China, the U.S., and Germany.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had announced Tesla’s intended investment of over $5 billion to make Thailand a hub for its EV manufacturing. The announcement followed several high-level meetings between Tesla executives and Thai officials, both in Thailand and the United States. Continued …

LEO sees rail freight business prospering

Rail freight between China and Thailand offers potential for growth, driven by the increasing number of Chinese firms opening factories in Thailand, according to MAI-listed LEO Global Logistics.

“As more and more Chinese companies open a factory in Thailand, this will benefit our rail freight business,” said Kettivit Sittisoontornwong, chief executive of LEO Global Logistics. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

UPCYDE turns waste into valuable resources

Mild Karoon-ngampun graduated from INDA, the International Program in Design and Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, and has worked as a landscape architect. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mild turned to help her family business, a manufacturer for famous local and global shoes brands for more than 60 years.

As a third-generation member, Mild made a big change, transforming wastes into valuable products. She founded UPCYDE, a name that embodies science, design, and upcycling. It represents commitment to combining innovative scientific approaches with creative design thinking to upcycle waste into valuable resources. Continued …

Opportunities for Thailand in the New Chinese Tourism Market

The revival of Chinese tourism continues to be a central concern for Thailand’s tourism sector. As the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand steadily increases, the scale of this resurgence is keenly observed by Thai tourism authorities, especially after the slight recovery observed in 2023, the first year since the country’s reopening.

In 2024, Chinese outbound tourism saw positive signs of recovery, with Thailand remaining the primary destination for Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists reclaimed the top position in terms of numbers visiting Thailand. However, the recovery trend for Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand still faces risks from various factors such as China’s economy, real estate, geopolitics, and competition from other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Continued … 

Cabinet okays Bt433 million budget for tourism promotion

The cabinet has approved a budget of 433 million baht for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to promote tourism during the low season through online promotions and events.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also hopes to increase domestic tourism revenue by as much as 20% to 1.2 trillion baht this year to mitigate the risk from over-dependence on international markets. Continued …

Tourists rescued from flooded cave, guide drowned

A tour guide drowned when a flash flood swept into Nam Talu cave in Khao Sok National Park as a group of tourists was leaving it on Tuesday evening. The 22 foreign tourists and a second guide had a lucky escape from the torrent, and without serious injury.

The cave, next to the Rajjaprabha dam reservoir in Phanom district, is closed to the public from June to November each year, the wet season, because of the danger of flooding. Continued …

How Asia’s 5,000-year-old rice terraces are inspiring modern flood control

One of Kotchakorn Voraakhom’s most memorable moments growing up in Bangkok in the 1980s was playing in floodwaters in a small boat built by her father in front of her home. “I was so happy that I didn’t need to go to school because we didn’t know how to get to it,” recalls Voraakhom, a landscape architect based in the Thai capital.

But nearly 30 years later, flooding turned from a fun childhood recollection to a devastating experience. In 2011, Voraakhom and her family – along with millions of others in Bangkok – found themselves “displaced and homeless” when floods ploughed through swathes of Thailand and poured into the metropolis. Continued …

Most Asian markets revive after global selloff

Japanese equities powered higher on Tuesday, leading a global rebound as they retraced some of the losses sustained in a rout on Monday that erased billions across markets from New York to London. Continued …

Kamala Harris Is Now Democratic Presidential Nominee, Will Face off Against Donald Trump

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, a daughter of immigrants who rose through the California political and law enforcement ranks to become the first female vice president in U.S. history, formally secured the Democratic presidential nomination on Monday — becoming the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Tuesday’s news-Aug 6

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Squid and Seafood Festival/Climate change impact on Thailand/Plan to combat floods, drought/Urgent flood protection/Health warning for Thai milk tea drinkers/Kunlavut to get Bt11 million/To amend domestic violence law/Source of invasive blackchin tilapia/Economy: Chinese investors entering property market/Foreign investors to focus on ASEAN, Thailand/Southern Economic Corridor investment/Land bridge will proceed/Digital Wallet to Spark Economic ‘Whirlwinds’/Digital Wallet Project Sales Exempt/Stallholders fees being waived/To study new port plan/MR. D.I.Y. celebrates 800 stores in Thailand/Nissan to focus on hybrid cars/Tourism: ‘Overwhelming’ number of tourists/Rise In Aviation Incidents/Passengers trapped on ‘sauna’ jet/South Hotels See 100% Full Tourist Recovery/Thailand shines in ‘The White Lotus’ trailer/Brutal assault on Canadian in Pattaya/Hotels to seek damages/Nakhon Nayok resorts flooded/Thailand Experience: Tackling Bangkok’s plastic pollution/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11

The 2024 One-Sun Squid and Seafood Festival is set to take place from Aug. 9-11 at Laem Kade, on the beach front in Pak Nam Pran. This annual event returns after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival’s signature attraction is the “one-sun squid,” renowned for its unique taste. Squid from Pak Nam Pran is celebrated for being naturally sweet and tender, a result of the freshwater from the Pranburi River flowing into the sea and enriching the marine environment with plankton. Continued …

Climate change and its impact on Thailand

Thailand emits less than 1% of global greenhouse gases but ranks among the 10 countries most severely affected by climate change. This is a significant reason why Thais should be concerned about global climate issues.

(More Thailand environmental news HERE)

A 2021 study by Swiss Re Institute projects Thailand’s GDP could decline 43.6% by 2048 due to temperature increases of up to 3.2°C. Climate change is forecast to take a severe toll on Thai tourism, shifting patterns toward nighttime activities, while having a different effect according to location. Continued …

Thailand okays 500-billion baht plan to combat floods, drought

The National Water Resources Committee on Monday approved a comprehensive three-year water-resource-management plan that would require about 500 billion baht to fund floods and drought prevention measures nationwide.

Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow made the announcement to reporters after attending a meeting of the committee chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Continued …

Bangkok governor orders urgent flood protection amid La Niña threat

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on Monday ordered urgent action to prevent the capital’s slums from flooding amid forecasts of heavier rain due to the La Niña phenomenon. Chadchart told Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials to urgently survey flood-prone slums and come up with preventive measures.

The meeting came after Chadchart briefed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last week on plans to combat flooding in vulnerable communities during rainy season. Continued …

Health warning issued for Thai milk tea drinkers

The Thai Department of Health issued a health warning to avid Thai milk tea drinkers about the risk of developing kidney stones due to the high sugar, calcium content, and compounds found in tea leaves.

Kidney stones are formed when minerals in the urine crystallize, creating hard stones that can range in size from a grain of sand to a ping-pong ball. These stones can block the urinary tract, causing severe pain and, in some cases, leading to kidney failure, said a Department of Health spokesperson. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Kunlavut to get Bt11 million for Olympic badminton win

Badminton icon Kunlavut “View” Vitidsarn is to receive more than 11 million baht in rewards from sports agencies after winning Thailand’s first Olympic silver medal in badminton in the Paris 2024 Games, Badminton Association of Thailand President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said on Monday.

The world no. 8 defeated Malaysia’s Lee Jii Zia 21-14, 21-15 in the men’s singles semifinal on Sunday, which guaranteed a silver medal, before losing to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in Monday’s final round at 11-21, 11-21. Continued …

Thailand to amend domestic violence law amid rising abuse

Thailand is set to amend its anti-domestic violence law in response to rising concerns about household abuse. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is spearheading this revision, citing the increasing fragility of Thai society.

Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced that a primary focus of the ministry’s recent monthly meeting was the amendment of the Victims of Domestic Violence Protection Act, BE 2550. This move stems from alarming data collected by the Human Security Emergency Management Center (HuSEC). Continued …

Minister to reveal source of invasive blackchin tilapia in Thai waters

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow today announced his knowledge of the party responsible for the blackchin tilapia fish currently invading Thai waterways. He plans to present the findings to the Cabinet today.

Thamanat revealed that the investigation into the spread of the highly adaptive and predatory blackchin tilapia, native to Africa, had concluded. “I have all the details but would like the appropriate organization to make the announcement.” Continued …

More Chinese investors entering Thai property market

An increasing number of companies funded by Chinese investors have been buying properties for rent and sale in key economic cities, and the government’s plan to increase the leasehold period for foreigners from 50 to 99 years is expected to further boost this trend, consulting firm Property DNA said.

The proposed plan also aims to increase foreign ownership in condominiums from 49% to 75% of usable space. Continued …

Foreign investors set to increasingly focus on ASEAN, Thailand

CIMB Thai (CIMBT) anticipates increased opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand due to the global trend of relocating manufacturing bases amid heightened U.S.-China trade tensions.

According to Wut Thanittiraporn, CIMBT’s head of corporate and transactional banking, with the global shift in manufacturing, ASEAN and Thailand have emerged as prime destinations for both direct and indirect foreign investment. CIMBT, as a regional financial institution network, is actively engaging with several large corporate companies interested in investing in Thailand. Continued …

BOI eyes Southern Economic Corridor for investment opportunities

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is monitoring the progress of several investment projects and assessing the potential of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said recently.

The SEC covers the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The BOI is also exploring the land bridge project, which will connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, with planned deep sea ports on either side of the country. Continued …

OTP ‘sure’ land bridge will proceed

The southern land bridge megaproject will proceed as planned, as several companies from China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States have expressed their interest in investing in the project, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) said yesterday.

According to OTP Director-general Panya Chupanich, if all goes according to plan, construction will begin in 2026 and conclude in 2030. Once completed, the land bridge will provide an alternative route for ships heading from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea and vice versa. Continued …

Digital Wallets Poised to Spark Economic ‘Whirlwinds’, Says Thai Finance Minister

The registration for the 10,000-baht stipend under the digital wallet program officially commenced on Aug. 1. This stipend is set to be available for use in the fourth quarter of this year, with the aim of stimulating the economy. The program is expected to inject 450 billion baht into the economy, benefiting 45 million digital wallet users in Thailand.

The scheme is expected to trigger four economic “whirlwinds” that will revive the manufacturing sector and restore confidence in the Thai economy. The money disbursed under the scheme will spur spending, promote spending at small and large stores, create investment opportunities, and increase the purchasing power of the people, ultimately doubling economic activity and reviving the production sector. Continued …

Digital Wallet Project Sales Exempt from Revenue Department Access

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed today that sales figures from the Pheu Thai-initiated digital wallet project will not be accessible by the Revenue Department as initially feared.

The announcement follows widespread concerns among small- to medium-sized retailers and vendors who worried that the data could be used for income tax collection. Julapun alleviated these concerns by stating that the Ministry of Commerce will not share trading figures from the 10,000-baht digital wallet transactions with the Revenue Department. Continued …

Stallholders fees being waived in run-up to digital wallet payouts

The government will focus on reducing costs for small entrepreneurs and host flea markets before the launch of digital wallet handout scheme in the fourth quarter of this year, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Monday.

He said the ministry has waived monthly stall rental fees for over 2,000 retailers at markets under its supervision for three months in a bid to boost economic recovery. Continued …

Agency to study new port plan

The Transport Ministry ordered a feasibility study to be conducted on the relocation of Bangkok Port in Klong Toey district after a poll showed people’s positive feedback on the project.

Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri on Monday ordered the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and related sectors to revisit the relocation plan to cater to public demand and improve the port area. Continued …

MR. D.I.Y. Plants trees to celebrate 8 years and 800 stores in Thailand

D.I.Y. Thailand, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), organized a forest plantation activity as part of the One Million Trees Planting Project. Over 50 employees, including company executives, participated in this initiative, contributing to the expansion of green space at Benchakitti Forest Park, with 800 perennial and royal-bestowed tree species donated together with products from MR. D.I.Y. stores worth over 53,000 baht.

Additionally, MR. D.I.Y. donated 1,000 recycled plastic bottles to the Bangkok Magic Hands project to reduce plastic waste and protect workers by converting PET bottles into reflective safety garments. This activity was held to celebrate MR. D.I.Y.’s milestone of reaching over 800 stores in Thailand. Continued …

Nissan plans to focus Thai production on hybrid cars

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Thailand will focus more on manufacturing hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) in Thailand, following the Board of Investment’s (BoI) launch of an investment incentive package to promote HEV manufacturing.

A manufacturer eligible for the privilege, notably in the form of an excise tax cut, is required to invest at least 3 billion baht to produce HEVs domestically, according to the BoI. Continued …

Thailand in crisis as ‘overwhelming’ number of tourists put pressure on two beautiful cities

Thailand has been grappling with an overtourism crisis that has been putting pressure on two beautiful cities. The issue has become so severe that popular seaside hotspots like Maya Bay, and bustling cities such as Pattaya and Phuket, are dealing with environmental damage and infrastructure stress due to the sheer volume of tourists.

The Southeast Asian country, celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry, idyllic beaches, and bustling cities, has long been a favourite of tourists. Yet, it’s grappling with a pressing issue: overtourism. Continued …

Rise In Aviation Incidents In Thailand Since Covid

Since the end of Covid, Thailand has seen a rise in aviation incidents, coinciding with the resurgence in air travel demand following the easing of travel restrictions.

The Thailand Annual Safety Report 2023, recently published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), indicates a significant increase in the number of “serious incidents” involving aircraft. Last year, there were 11 such incidents, a substantial rise from the two reported in 2021 and six in 2022. Continued …

Passengers trapped on ‘sauna’ jet on tarmac for London to Bangkok flight

Passengers on a Heathrow to Bangkok flight endured panic attacks and struggled to breathe after their plane turned into a sweltering sauna for two hours.

The Boeing 777, operated by Thai Airways (THAI), was set to depart on Thursday, July 25 but never left the ground due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. Continued …

Thai South Hotels See 100% Full Tourist Recovery, Except Chinese

Southern Thailand’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of recovery in Q3 2024, with overall tourist numbers up 140% compared to the same period in 2023.

Suksit Suvarnditkul, president of the Southern Thailand Hotel Assn. and vice president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), revealed yesterday that the overall tourism situation in Q3 2024 is considered the green season or rainy season, resulting in a slight slowdown in tourism compared to normal situations. Continued …

Thailand shines in ‘The White Lotus’ trailer, boosting tourism hopes

Though Thailand’s K-pop princess Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal did not feature in the trailer of the long-awaited third season of “The White Lotus” television series, it did showcase Thailand’s beauty.

The six-second trailer released on Monday featured spectacular views of several islands. After all, the dark comedy series was filmed in Surat Thani’s Koh Samui and the island province of Phuket. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Brutal assault on Canadian raises serious questions about tourist safety in Pattaya

A brutal assault on a Canadian national in Pattaya’s infamous Soi 6 has cast a dark shadow over the city’s reputation as a tourist destination.

On the night of July 31, Mark Robert Westendorf, a 65-year-old former oil company manager, was viciously attacked by men dressed as bouncers. Now, he lies in critical condition in a private hospital’s ICU, while his wife pleads for justice. Continued …

Hotels to seek damages from FTI collapse

With hotels reporting over 111 million baht in losses from the collapse of the German tour company FTI Group, operators will seek assistance from the German Embassy in Thailand via coordination with the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

FTI, the third-largest tour operator in Europe, filed for insolvency in June, affecting tourists and operators in many countries, including Thailand. Continued …

Nakhon Nayok resorts flooded in the middle of the night

Tourists staying in resorts at Nakhon Nayok suddenly found their rooms flooded in the middle of the night after Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam released water from midnight onward without warning.

At 2 a.m. all Ruamkatanyu Foundation units in Nakhon Nayok were alerted by the rescue center to get their boats out in case they had to rescue residents and tourists in a few resorts, with some having already evacuated their guests, after sudden flooding. Continued …

How a monk and a hippo joined forces to tackle Bangkok’s plastic pollution

“Once upon a time this river was filled with fish; now, nothing swims in it any more,” says Wat Chak Daeng temple’s abbot Phra Mahapranom Dhammalangkaro as he looks out over Bangkok’s Chao Praya River.

As a novice monk in the 1980s, he remembers seeing children playing in the river and people scooping up handfuls of water to drink. But when he became abbot of Wat Chak Daeng more than 25 years later, those bucolic images were a thing of the past. Instead, when he arrived at the 240-year-old temple, he was saddened by the sight of the dirty river and the rubbish-strewn grounds surrounding it. Continued …

‘Google is a monopolist,’ judge rules in landmark case

Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search, a federal judge in the United States ruled Monday, a landmark decision that strikes at the power of tech giants in the modern internet era and that may fundamentally alter the way they do business. Continued …

Bangladeshi PM resigns, flees country as unrest sees protesters storm residence

Bangladesh’s prime minister resigned and fled the country Monday following weeks of protests against a government job quota system. The demonstrations turned violent and evolved into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule, with thousands storming her residence and party buildings. Continued …

Dow drops 860 points, Japanese stocks see worst crash since 1987

Nearly everything on Wall Street is tumbling Monday as fear about a slowing U.S. economy worsens and sets off another sell-off for financial markets around the world. The S&P 500 was down by 2.4% in midday trading and on track for its worst day since 2022. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
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Saturday’s news-Aug 3

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From the Editor/Feedback/Thailand Open stage in Hua Hin/Squid and Seafood Festival/Amazing Food Festival Hua Hin/Floods hit 11 provinces/Climate change August deadline/Monk wins 12 million baht lottery/New Thai-Lao bridge delayed/Expert warns against six foods/Bangkok waste disposal crisis/10 baht meals for conscripts/Economy: Potential ‘lost decade’/Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies/Detailed timeline for digital wallet/20 million register for digital handout/Online retailers set to hike fees/Foreign ad film shoots in Thailand/Network for small EV batteries/Support for ICE car sector/Norwegian Seafood Aims for Bt10 billion/Four guidelines for property developers/Tourism: Tourist Arrivals Expected to Fully Rebound/Sports and music tourism/Apple Withdraws Ad/Tourism Cares Travel Summit/Direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai/South Korean drowns/Thailand Experience: Thailand for Under $500/Best Time to Visit Bangkok?/Ultimate guide to Transportation/Thailand-China bond deepens/Links: Climate Thailand/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

From the Editor:

We would like to thank our thousands of readers for their support of the companies who sponsor Hua Hin Expat News, the ones you see daily in this newsletter. These local companies – from restaurants to book stores to insurance to real estate to home improvement – keep renewing their sponsorships of Expat News, meaning our readers are buying their products. We thank you both!

Re: Temu’s Thailand entry puts factories at risk

“Before using Temu’s services, I would strongly urge people to watch a UK Channel 4 documentary called “Dispatches: The Truth About Temu.” – BP

WTA’s Thailand Open stage to be held in Hua Hin Sept 18

The WTA on Friday announced two key changes to the 2024 calendar during the Asian swing later this season. The WTA 500 sanction previously held by the Zhengzhou Open will be transferred to the Ningbo Open starting in 2024, increasing its status from a WTA 250 event. The new WTA 500 Ningbo Open will take place during Week 42 of the calendar, commencing Oct. 14.

The vacant WTA 250 sanction will see a special one-year return to Hua Hin for the second staging of the Thailand Open this season, which will be held in Week 38 and begin Sept. 16. – wtatennis.com

Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11

The 2024 One-Sun Squid and Seafood Festival is set to take place from Aug. 9-11 at Laem Kade, on the beach front in Pak Nam Pran. This annual event returns after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival’s signature attraction is the “one-sun squid,” renowned for its unique taste. Squid from Pak Nam Pran is celebrated for being naturally sweet and tender, a result of the freshwater from the Pranburi River flowing into the sea and enriching the marine environment with plankton. Continued …

Fuel subsidies ‘only for the needy’ proposed

The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) is considering revising its price subsidy programs to focus only on groups of people who badly need help, rather than making them universal.

The agency has hired Thammasat University to evaluate its fund management since the passage of the Offo Act in 2020. The findings will be used to improve performance. Continued … 

Srettha to discuss water management plan, as floods hit 11 provinces

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called a meeting on Monday with officials of concerned agencies to discuss water-management plans after continuous downpours inundated some areas in 11 provinces, the Royal Irrigation Department said on Friday.

According to weather reports, several provinces in the north and northeast regions have been experiencing heavy rains since Tuesday this week, which are expected to continue until Sunday, department Director-general Chuchart Rakjit said. Continued …

Climate change: the August deadline

When you spend four years writing a book on climate change, you get to know most of the leading players. I have never seen them so dismayed.

“By August, if we’re still looking at record-breaking temperatures, then we really have moved into uncharted territory,” said climate scientist Gavin Schmidt in April. Well, July 22 was the hottest average global temperature ever recorded – and July 23 promptly broke that brand-new record. Here we are in August, and it is not looking promising. Continued …

Monk wins 12 million baht lottery, plans to help community

The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69-year-old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money.

Wat Si Chumphon in Ban Nong Kiao, Khon Kaen, was buzzing with excitement as locals and followers gathered to congratulate Phra Nopporn Khemako, who recently won the first prize in the lottery. The abbot purchased two winning tickets, netting him a total of 12 million baht. Continued …

Opening of new Thai-Lao bridge delayed

A new bridge over the Mekong River connecting Thailand and Laos is now expected to open in mid-2025, a delay from the earlier plan for this year.

The bridge, located between Bung Kan province and Bolikhamxay in Laos, is more than 90% complete, Highways Department Director-general Sarawut Songsivilai said on Friday. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Taiwanese expert warns against six foods for better sleep

Taiwanese nutritionist Li Wanping issued a warning about six types of foods that should be avoided before bedtime, highlighting popular Thai dinner dishes. This, she claims, is a key reason many people struggle with insomnia.

Modern life is often filled with stress, and many people remain emotionally tense well into the night. This ongoing stress can lead to daily bouts of insomnia. Li Wanping, a nutritionist, revealed on a health program that consuming certain foods before bed can significantly impact sleep quality. Continued …

Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometers

A long line of garbage trucks formed across Bangkok yesterday, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly.

A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. A social media page posted a video along with a plea for responsible agencies to resolve the problem. Continued …

Thai army introduces 10 baht meals for conscripts after criticism

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) introduced a meal plan priced at 10 baht per meal, offering high-quality dishes that include both savoury and sweet options. This initiative follows social media criticism regarding the quality of food provided to conscripts in Bangkok, where a video showed inadequate meals.

The video, which quickly gained attention online, featured two breakfast dishes: cucumber soup with egg and fried Chinese sausage. The food appeared spoiled, consisting mostly of water. The conscript who posted the video urged higher authorities to address the issue. Continued …

Economists warn of potential ‘lost decade’

SCB EIC, a research center under Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), has raised concerns that the economy might be on the verge of entering a “lost decade”. Drawing from Japan’s experience, SCB EIC warns that Thailand could face economic stagnation extending until 2050.

The term “lost decade” is used to describe Japan’s economy during the 1990s, characteried by two key features: (1) prolonged low economic growth and (2) a loss of confidence among the Japanese people that the economy would recover to its former growth levels, leading them to save more and spend less. Continued …

Vietnam, Thailand among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies

The six leading economies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.1% over the next decade.

This projection was released in a report on Aug. 1 by the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), consulting firm Bain & Company, and the Angsana Council. Continued …

Detailed timeline for digital wallet scheme to be revealed on Monday

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday that his ministry will call a special press conference on Monday to clarify the digital-wallet timeline for merchants.

Approximately 2 million shops are expected to join the digital wallet scheme, including street vendors and local government organizations. The initiative also includes retailers and “Thong Fah” stores, which aim to provide goods at fair prices to alleviate the cost of living. Continued …

20 million register for digital handout in two days

At least 20 million people registered for the digital wallet scheme during the first two days.

Spokesman Chai Watcharonke said the government is impressed with the positive feedback on its flagship policy, which saw 20.1 million people registering as of 1pm on Friday. Continued …

Online retailers set to hike sales fees

Shopee, Lazada and TikTok are expected to continue to increase sales transaction fees to grow revenue, which raise costs for local merchants. TikTok Shop announced two fee increases this year. In April, it changed from a flat 4% fee for all product categories to a range of 4%-5.35%, depending on the category.

A further increase is planned, raising commission fees by roughly 1% per category, which will take effect in September. The sales transaction fee for fashion items will rise from 4%-4.28% to 4%-5.35%, while fees for fast-moving consumer goods and lifestyle items will increase from 4.28% to 5.35%. The fee for electronics items will remain at 4.28%. Continued …

Foreign ad film shoots in Thailand generate Bt588 million in first half of 2024

Thailand earned over half a billion baht from serving as a location for advertisement shoots in the first half of 2024, according to the Thailand Film Office (TFO). Crews from 21 countries filmed 107 projects in Thailand, with Bangkok being the top filming location.

Thailand attracts an average of 400-500 foreign film productions annually, generating over 4 billion baht each year. Advertisements are among the most common types of films shot in Thailand, thanks to favorable conditions that meet the needs of international film crews, the TFO said. Continued …

Thailand launches network for standardized small EV batteries

A public-private network was recently launched to promote cooperation to develop technology for the making of standardized swappable batteries for small electric vehicles (EVs). This development matches the government’s policy of making Thailand an EV hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), unveiled its tie-up with the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Assn. (TESTA) at the International Energy Storage Forum 2024 in Bangkok on July 5. Continued …

Ford Thailand urges support for ICE car sector amid EV rise

Ford Thailand is urging the government to extend support to companies in the internal combustion engine (ICE) car segment, particularly motorcycle manufacturers, who are struggling to adapt to the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Despite the implementation of measures such as tax cuts and subsidies to promote the EV industry, ICE sector operators have yet to see government initiatives to help them manage the disruptions in the automotive industry, according to Ford Thailand Managing Director Ratthakarn Jutasen. Continued …

Norwegian Seafood Aims for Bt10 billion in Thai Market for 2024

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has launched a new campaign, “Norwegian Thai Taste: Valuable Ingredients…for Thai Food in 4 Regions”, aiming to expand its market in Thailand by partnering with local restaurants and stores nationwide.

Åshild Nakken, director of Southeast Asia for the NSC, announced the initiative, which builds on the success of the “The Story from the North” campaign in 2022. The campaign kicked off in Bangkok on Aug. 1 at Gaysorn Tower with Thai-Norwegian actress Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund, who will join to promote Norwegian seafood in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen throughout this month. Continued …

Four guidelines for property developers to create eco-friendly projects

Property developers in Thailand need to follow four guidelines in order to become eco-friendly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, property research and development company LWS Wisdom and Solutions said on Friday.

The property sector is among industries that have been urged to play a role in mitigating environmental degradation. “These guidelines aim to meet consumer trends, as well as the government’s policy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emission by 2065,” the company’s managing director, Praphansak Rakchaiwan, said. Continued …

Thailand’s Tourist Arrivals Expected to Grow in 2024 and Fully Rebound by 2025

Our 2024 forecast for Thailand’s tourist arrivals is growth of 28.3% y-o-y to 36.1 million. However, the market’s 2024 arrivals will fall short of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, meaning that the recovery will still be playing out over the year.

We forecast a further expansion in Thailand’s tourist arrivals in 2025, growing by by15.1% y-o-y to reach 41.6 million, with the year marking a full recovery. The market’s arrivals will continue to increase over the remainder of our medium-term forecast period (2024-2028), primarily driven by key source markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. Continued …

Sports and music tourism will soon represent a 53 trillion baht economy

If you have lost track of how many people in your orbit have recently posted pictures of themselves at a Formula One race or Taylor Swift concert, chances are you are not alone.

According to new research from Collinson International, which owns Priority Pass and LoungeKey airport lounges around the world, sports and music tourism are growing at unprecedented rates and are forecast to represent a USD1.5 trillion (53 trillion baht) industry by 2032. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Apple Withdraws Ad Amid Thai Backlash, Extends Apology

Apple has apologized and withdrawn the latest ad in its “Underdogs” series, following significant backlash in Thailand. The tech giant’s fifth installment, meant to highlight Thai culture positively, instead sparked controversy, prompting the company to halt its distribution.

In a statement, Apple expressed regret, acknowledging the ad failed to accurately represent contemporary Thai life. The company had collaborated with a local Thai firm, intending to feature Thailand in a flattering light. Yet, the move backfired, as the portrayal was widely criticized for not aligning with modern Thai society. Continued …

Tourism Cares’ 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit to be Held in Thailand

Tourism Cares, a leading non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the travel industry, will be holding its 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand.

The invitation-only event will bring together travel industry leaders, tour operators, travel advisers, travel associations and the media to explore meaningful and sustainable travel practices. Continued …

Cebu Pacific unveils first direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai

Cebu Pacific is introducing direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, starting Oct. 29. This new route marks the airline’s fourth destination in Thailand, adding to its existing services from Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.

Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao highlighted the significance of this new route. “Chiang Mai’s natural heritage, ancient temples, and laid-back atmosphere promise a tranquil escape,” he said. Continued …

South Korean drowns while snorkeling off Larn island

A South Korean tourist drowned yesterday afternoon, as he was snorkeling in the sea near Ta Waen Beach on Larn Island, off the coast of Pattaya City. The victim, 37-year-old Eik Yu-han, and another South Korean visited Larn Island yesterday and went snorkeling together.

After being in the water for a long time, the other South Korean reportedly told the police that he found his friend floating face down and rushed to his rescue. He pulled him ashore and called for help. Continued …

How to Have the Time of Your Life in Thailand for Under $500

Thailand is well-known as one of the most idyllic tropical places in the world, and as someone who lived there, I can certainly vouch for this.

Your dollar will also go far in Thailand, making it a super economical option as well. If you have a $500 budget, you can have the time of your life in Thailand by following a few simple steps. Continued …

When Is the Best Time to Visit Bangkok?

Whenever you go to Bangkok, the delights remain abundant, from spicy pork noodles pulled from curbside woks to serene mornings, watching the laundry flutter on the canal tributaries.

There’s incredible shopping at every price point (and incredible spa treatments at the same) as well as historic nostalgia around every turn, whether you tour the famous palaces or wander the back streets of Talat Noi, visiting petite ancestor shrines with smoldering incense. Continued …

Ultimate guide to Transportation in Thailand

Discovering the vibrant streets and serene landscapes of Thailand can indeed be an electrifying adventure. But, like any journey, it has its challenges. Experiencing the bustling traffic of urban cities or the tranquil island ferries, you will find that Thailand’s transportation system reflects the country’s vast diversity.

A mosaic of transportation options awaits in Thailand, reflecting the country’s diversity. Let’s delve into the specifics of these transport modes to aid your exploration in the vibrant Land of Smiles. Continued …

Thailand-China bond deepens over decades

As China and Thailand have benefited from cultural exchange since ancient times, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are increasingly close, showing unprecedented vitality over the past years with the all-round development of bilateral relations, said Fu Zengyou, former dean of the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University.

Recalling his first trip to Thailand in 1980, Fu said many people from the two countries barely knew each other then, partially due to poor transportation and a lack of communication. The condition did not change until 1975 when China and Thailand officially established diplomatic relations. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
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Friday’s news-Aug 2

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Electricity bills to remain unchanged/Power tariff set to fall/Khao Takiab canal encroachment/Hua Hin Food Festival starts/Hua Hin youth learn about water safety/’Share Your Pet Story’ Contest/‘Work-Life Balance’ trend disrupted/Specific law on e-cigarettes/King’s ransom in gold bars/Severe flooding threatens rice fields/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Decade of low growth/Temu entry puts factories at risk/Over 100,000 Myanmar workers arrested/16.5 million sign up for digital wallet/Legal Consequences for Exploiting Digital Wallet/Supply chain shifts/Smartphone market in Thailand/Locals back plan to relocate port/Motorcycle manufacturing decline/Thailand’s Electric Dreams/Farmers get shot in the arm/Law on packaging recycling/Over 1,600 illegal items seized/Factory fined for waste water in reservoir/House passes Cannabis Act/Tourism: Thailand well placed for aesthetic surgery/Thais ground overseas travel plans/Thailand Eases Regulations for Coastal Hotels/Chinese Tourist Killed by Falling Tree/Body of missing Dutch teen recovered/Thailand Experience: Southeast Asia weaving tradition/Muslim woman stands up for peace/A kindergarten closes in the jungle/How to win a MICHELIN Star/International news/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Electricity bills to remain unchanged at 4.18 baht per unit

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) resolved on Thursday to keep the fuel tariff (FT) for electricity unchanged at 39.72 satang for September to December, which will keep electricity capped at 4.18 baht per unit.

Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, the commission’s secretary-general, said the move to keep the FT unchanged was in line with the Cabinet’s resolution on July 23 to retain the ceiling on power bills as part of the government’s bid to help ease people’s financial burdens. Continued …

Power tariff set to fall by early 2025

The power tariff, which will be capped at 4.18 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) to maintain electricity prices until the end of this year, is likely to decrease early next year, as global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is thought to be decreasing, which would result in lower gas prices.

The demand and supply of LNG plays a key role in determining the tariff rate, which is used to calculate power bills. Gas, from domestic sources and LNG imports, makes up 60% of the fuels used to generate power in Thailand. Continued …

Khao Takiab canal encroachment, new public pier discussed

Continued …

Hua Hin Food Festival starts today

Continued …

Hua Hin youth learn about water safety

Continued …

‘Share Your Pet Story’ Contest

With the growing trend of treating pets as family members, many people now love and care for their pets as if they were their own children. Taiwan Excellence says that innovation fosters happiness and enhances the quality of life. Its mission is to integrate Taiwan Excellence Award-winning products into daily life, making it more convenient and enjoyable for everyone and to recognize the special bond between pet owners and their furry friends.

The company has launched the “Share Your Pet Story” contest for pet owners to share their pets’ cuteness and intelligence, turning them into mini-celebrities who bring joy and smiles to everyone. Continued …

‘Work-Life Balance’ trend is disrupted by ‘Work Hard To Survive’

A recent viral topic has sparked an intense online debate on whether employees should prioritize maintaining a work-life balance to achieve the best harmony between their professional and personal lives.

On the other hand, should they work hard to survive by producing exceptional results to demonstrate their value to the organization, especially in the current alarming global economic scenario? Continued …

Demands grow for specific law on e-cigarettes

Deputy Public Health Minister Thanakrit Jitareerat is calling for the introduction of a separate law to restrict the use and sales of e-cigarettes in Thailand, saying existing laws have proved to be ineffective.

At a discussion at the National Health Commission Office on Wednesday, Thanakrit said that while the Public Health Ministry has formed a task force to investigate the issue, no law specifically deals with e-cigarettes. Continued …

Unusually rich ex-Revenue Dept chief loses king’s ransom in gold bars

The Supreme Court has upheld lower courts’ rulings and ordered the seizure of gold bars worth 871.5 million baht owned by a former Revenue Department chief.

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), said on Thursday that the Supreme Court decided on July 17 to uphold the rulings of the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases and the Appeals Court against Satit Rungkasiri, a former Revenue Department director-general. Continued …

Severe flooding in Mae Hong Son threatens rice fields

Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son has caused the Mae Sa Nga River to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields. The famous Sutongpe Bridge, a well-known tourist spot, is also at risk of submersion, with landslides blocking several roads.

Mae Hong Son is currently facing a crisis due to continuous heavy rainfall, which has led to severe flooding in the area. The Mae Sa Nga River has overflowed, resulting in significant damage to agricultural lands in the Mok Cham Pae and Pang Mu subdistricts of Mueang Mae Hong Son district. Over 1,000 rai of rice fields have been submerged, adversely affecting local farmers. Continued … 

Phuket Overstay Crackdown Nets Seven Foreign Nationals

A recent crackdown by Phuket’s Immigration Office has led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals who significantly overstayed their visas. The operation, conducted over 10 days from July 23 to Aug. 1, was aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring the safety and regulation of foreign residents on the island.

Muhammad, a Pakistani national, topped the list with 1,377 days of overstay. Egyptians Mr. Hesham and Mr. Moustafa were next, exceeding their legal stays by 213 and 204 days, respectively. Continued …

  • Belgian Man Arrested for Crimes in Thailand and Malaysia – Continued …

Thailand heading for decade of low growth

The Thai economy is projected to expand by an average of 2.8% per year over the next decade, boosted by a tourism rebound, its status as a regional automotive hub, and the regionalization of large Thai conglomerates, says a DBS Bank report.

According to the “Navigating High Winds: Southeast Asia Outlook 2024-34” report, the Southeast Asian economy is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.1% on average, with Vietnam and the Philippines driving the region’s growth, with GDP expansion exceeding 6% in each of those countries. Indonesia will be close behind with 5.7% growth. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Temu’s Thailand entry puts factories at risk

Thai manufacturers may succumb to a new flood of cheap products from China if the government fails to launch measures to deal with the entry of Chinese online retailer Temu, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

With Temu planning to give discounts of up to 90% on products sold on its platform, the prospect of many more factories shutting down becomes even more likely, as their products are less competitive than those of their Chinese rival, according to the federation. Continued …

Over 100,000 Myanmar workers arrested in Thailand’s crackdown

Thailand’s Ministry of Labor reports that over 100,000 Myanmar workers were arrested during a 120-day crackdown on illegal workers. The operation, running from June 5 to July 25, included extensive factory and industry inspections nationwide.

During this period, a total of 147,726 undocumented migrant workers were apprehended. The crackdown involved inspections by the Thai Employment Department, the Department of Immigration, and the police, focusing on restaurants and industries in Bangkok. Continued …

16.5 million sign up for digital wallet on first day

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expects the number of registrants for the 10,000 baht digital wallet handout scheme to exceed 20 million people today.

According to his social media post, the premier said 16.5 million people registered for the scheme on Thursday from 8am to 2pm, which was the first day of registration. Continued …

Thais Warned of Legal Consequences for Exploiting Digital Wallet

The Thai government issued a stern warning to citizens that misusing the new digital wallet scheme for cash conversions will result in legal repercussions. This public alert comes from Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who highlighted the potential implications for those attempting to circumvent the intended use of funds.

The scheme, initiated by the Pheu Thai Party, aims to distribute 10,000 baht to Thai nationals aged 16 and over. The funds, accessible through a digital wallet, are solely intended for purchasing specific goods and services such as groceries, food, and non-alcoholic beverages within recipients’ home districts. Continued …

Supply chain shifts to drive more manufacturing to Thailand

The next decade will accelerate shifting supply chains, whereby manufacturing and production locations will diversify to multiple locations across Thailand, Southeast Asia and India. According to JLL, markets like Thailand stand to be net beneficiaries of companies diversifying manufacturing capabilities to complement existing bases in China; however, companies will need to be flexible when considering locations and funding options to take advantage of volatility in supply chains.

Over the past few years, companies have begun exploring the relocation of manufacturing outside of China. In Asia Pacific, this trend has resulted in the China+1 strategy, where companies add additional manufacturing bases outside of China to hedge against supply chain disruptions by reducing reliance on a single country. Continued …

Who is leading the smartphone market in Thailand?

Thailand is considered a leading player in the smartphone industry in the Southeast Asian region. Major brands such as Apple and Samsung have contributed significantly to the industry’s expansion in the country. Additionally, Chinese brands like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi have also established a strong presence in the Thai smartphone industry.

The number of smartphone users in Thailand has been gradually increasing since 2017 and is expected to keep growing, reaching around 59 million users by 2025. Continued …

Locals back plan to relocate Bangkok Port from Klong Toei

Most people support the government’s plans to relocate Bangkok Port from Klong Toei district and use the area for other purposes, an opinion survey has found.

The survey was carried out by the research institute of North Bangkok University (North Bangkok Poll) from July 22 to 30. The pollster said it interviewed 2,500 respondents but failed to provide more details. Continued …

Motorcycle manufacturing output decline set to persist

Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing output will continue to decelerate in the second half of this year amid the high level of household debt and the weak economy, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Under the current economic circumstances, it would be difficult for the motorcycle industry to record a significant increase in total motorcycle production, but the FTI still maintains its projection for this year’s manufacturing target, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the FTI and spokesman for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club. Continued …

Thailand’s Electric Dreams

For decades, Thailand was where the world’s top automakers made cars in Southeast Asia. As countries turn to electric vehicles, Thailand has fresh ambitions to make its mark in the EV revolution. Video …

Phatthalung farmers get welcome shot in the arm

Phatthalung has been chosen as the southern hub for an agricultural product-development project by the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand and the provincial chamber of commerce. At least eight farm products from Phatthalung have won the government’s Product Champion Award.

The province is touted as an example of how local farmers can produce more than one quality product with added value under an integrated system, and distribute their products to the rest of the country to generate higher income. Continued …

Law on packaging recycling poses a challenge for Thai exporters

As every organization aims for sustainable business development, they must expand their social and environmental responsibilities. Changing global trade regulations now require products to be eco-friendly and have traceable supply chains to build consumer confidence.

This has become a tool for European countries to block products lacking manufacturer responsibility. Thailand, as an exporting country, cannot avoid these regulations, especially regarding used packaging. Continued …

Over 1,600 illegal items seized from 11 Chinese supermarkets in Bangkok

Eleven Chinese supermarkets in Bangkok were found to be selling products that do not meet legal requirements in a joint operation led by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.

FDA representatives, together with officials from the Consumer Protection Police Division and the Health Department of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, searched 11 Chinese supermarkets in four districts of the capital, namely Samphanthawong, Lak Si, Bueng Kum, and Huay Khwang, following complaints that they might be violating safety standard and health-related laws. Continued …

Chinese-owned factory fined 1.8 billion baht for waste water in reservoir

The Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined a Chinese-owned factory 1.8 billion baht for releasing wastewater into the Jone Reservoir in the central province of Chachoengsao.

THH Moly Processing Co.’s illegal action came to light in 2019 after 2 million cubic meters of water in the Jone Reservoir was contaminated with multiple toxic substances. Locals could not use the water for consumption or agriculture. Continued …

House passes Cannabis Act, PM urged to sign

Yesterday, the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, led by spokesperson Chokwan Chopaka, submitted a letter to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urging him to promptly sign the Cannabis Act passed by the House of Representatives.

The lette emphasized that Srettha had previously outlined a strategy to regulate cannabis in Thailand through specific legislation, namely the Cannabis Act. This is instead of a controversial and highly criticized previous proposal, now shelved after numerous protests, to recriminalize cannabis instead. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thailand well placed to be world leader for aesthetic surgery

Thailand is poised to become a world leader in aesthetic surgery, driven by increasing demand both domestically and internationally, according to clinical Prof. Dr. Apirak Songsuwanitch, president of the Association of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Thailand.

In an interview, Dr Apirak highlighted a growing trend toward self-care, particularly among the younger generation. This trend, which includes skin care, supplements and exercise, has contributed to a significant rise in aesthetic procedures. Continued …

Thais ground overseas travel plans amid squeeze on spending power

Thailand’s outbound travel market is experiencing a slowdown in the second half of this year due to a decline in consumer spending power, according to Charoen Wangananont, president and board committee member of the Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA).

In an interview, Charoen explained that economic uncertainties had prompted many Thais to postpone overseas travel plans to avoid additional expenses during the downturn. As a result, the TTAA anticipates a subdued outbound market for the remainder of the year, with the typically busy fourth quarter expected to be particularly weak. Continued … 

Thailand Eases Regulations for Coastal Hotels

The government includes “illegal hotels” in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga in the legal system and expects 2,500 more legal hotel rooms. Hotels with no more than 49 rooms do not have to carry out an environmental impact assessment (IEE).

This will allow hotels near the coast to operate legally without having to demolish or alter their buildings to comply with the new regulations, as these hotels were built before the ministerial order was announced. Continued …

Chinese Tourist Killed by Falling Tree in Chiang Mai

In a tragic accident in Chiang Mai, a Chinese tourist lost her life, and another was injured when a tree fell on them while they were ziplining. The incident occurred around noon in Village 2, Thep Sadet subdistrict, Doi Saket District. The Erawan Rescue Center swiftly dispatched emergency services to the scene.

The couple, Liu Yang, 46, and Jing Chen, 44, from China, were crossing a suspension bridge after enjoying a ziplining adventure. Without warning, a large tree, likely destabilised by recent heavy rains, toppled onto the bridge. The impact caused them to plunge approximately 15 meters to the ground below. Continued …

Body of missing Dutch teen recovered from Dragon Crest Mountain in Krabi

The body of a missing Dutch teenager was discovered on Thursday, a day after he was reported missing, on “Dragon Crest Mountain,” a popular tourist attraction on Phi Phi Islands, Krabi province.

According to local rangers, the 18-year-old victim, Tim Bakker, hails from the Netherlands. A rappeling team discovered  Bakker’s body while searching the cliff area of the 360-degree viewpoint, Dragon Crest Mountain’s highest point. Continued …

Southeast Asia weaving tradition: A lesson from Thailand and Indonesia

Southeast Asia is home to many cultures, which give birth to plenty of crafts, including fabrics, which have been acknowledged as the world’s heritage and showcased around the globe.

There are also shared similarities, such as weaving as a method of producing and the women being the weaver. Beyond that, the weaving and fabric also have stories or values imprinted into it, both personal by the weaver and also as community values. Continued …

Amid the challenges, a Muslim woman stands up for peace

Despite being home to more than 7.5 million Muslims, half of them female, it’s rare to see a woman in a hijab standing up for her sisters in society. An exception is Pateemoh Pohitaedaoh, a party list MP in the Bhumjaithai Party, who refuses to stay silent about the problems and challenges facing Muslim women in today’s Thailand.

The founder of the Women for Peace Assn. (WePeace) and a mother, Pateemoh knows all about loss and the heartbreak of losing loved ones in a senseless conflict. Continued …

A kindergarten closes in the Thai jungle

I recently received a message from my former translator Suntimar, who was forced to flee Burma with his wife and children after the coup in 2021. “The Bamboo Kindergarten my kids go to is closing down because no funds.”

It was just one sentence but somehow encapsulated the sad reality of the war in Burma and the plight of more than six million people who have been forced to flee their homes in the face of the world’s longest ongoing conflict. Continued …

How Prin Polsuk and Mint Jarukittikun Won a MICHELIN Star

Inside the darkened ballroom of the Capella Hotel in Bangkok, a record number of MICHELIN Stars were awarded to Thailand’s restaurants at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Thailand Ceremony in November 2024.

With dramatic black walls, the venue is bathed in the glow of a giant screen that projects the guide’s iconic red colors and displays the names of each winner. Bright red lights cast a celebratory aura over the venue, illuminating ceiling decorations inspired by the elegant Thai sea – a display of oceanic elegance. Continued …

US and Russia complete biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history

The United States and Russia completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history on Thursday, with Moscow releasing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan in a multinational deal that set some two dozen people free. Continued … 

United Nations warns Islamic Terrorism is again on the rise

The United Nations has issued a warning regarding the rising threat of international terror groups. It comes as the Islamic State (ISIS) is again on the rise in eastern Syria. In particular, recent disturbances surrounding the Olympic Games in Paris have reminded the world that this menace still lurks. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, chiang mai, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Wednesday’s news-July 31

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Hua Hin Food Festival starts Friday/Chiva Som plants 500 trees/Hua Hin expat tax seminar/Thailand’s ‘elephant whisperer’/Thai online media usage/CP Foods Addresses black chin tilapia/Disposing of unused medications/Cambodian girl abandoned in Pattaya/Pattaya’s new monorail line/Flooding devastates Kanchanaburi fish farmers/Flooding forces closures in Khao Yai National Park/Majority of cybercrime victims/Digital literacy campaign/Insects: The hidden powerhouses/Economy: SMEs in turmoil/Thailand seeks to reverse brain drain/Thai rice exports soar/2025 budget to finance handout plan/Thailand, China boost trade alliance/Tourism: Study identifies tourism trends/Muay Thai Set for Global Push/Call for tourism war room/Hotel operators set to rack in heavy profits/AOT to lose 143 million baht/month/Annual seasonal closure of attractions/Thailand Experience: Exploring Hua Hin/Dying Art of Rattan Weaving/Wat Arun and Yi Peng Festival recognized/International news/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Hua Hin Food Festival starts Friday

The Hua Hin Food Festival 2024, scheduled for Friday-Sunday, will feature over 100 boothses, and will be held at Suan Luang Queen’s Park (19 Rai).

The festival will feature over 40 booths from hotels and restaurants in Hua Hin and more than 60 booths from community restaurants. Attendees can expect a variety of local dishes and specialties at affordable prices. Continued …

Chiva Som Hua Hin plants 500 trees on International Mangrove Conservation Day

Chiva-Som Hua Hi marked International Day of Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems with an annual reforestation initiative, planting 500 new trees.

On July 26, the Chiva-Som team, along with local youth, planted 500 mangrove trees at the Krailat Niwet Mangrove Forest Project. This annual event highlights Chiva-Som’s dedication to sustainability and the important role mangroves play in protecting ecosystems both locally and globally. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘elephant whisperer’ featured in documentary

‘Have you ever had death threats?,” asks a voice behind from the camera. The question makes Thai conservationist Lek Chailert chuckle. “Many times. All the time!”

Video 

Chailert is a tiny dynamo of a woman who has devoted her life to rescuing elephants exploited by the Thai tourist industry and illegal logging. With any luck, this documentary will find its way on to Netflix and reach a global audience, with the result that anyone planning to visit Thailand will cross an elephant ride off their bucket list. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

2024 Thai online media usage revealed

Looking at the landscape of media and entertainment in Thailand, changes continue to unfold with new platforms that offer a wide array of sources for connecting, news, entertainment, and information. All of which are competing for audience attention and advertising dollars.

A nationwide study conducted by Marketbuzzz, consisting of a 7-day diary among 700 Thais, shows how they are navigating through the evolving media environment by providing a detailed insight into Thais’ media usage across different platforms, different times of the day and compares usage across weekdays and weekends. Continued … 

CP Foods Addresses black chin tilapia situation

Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CP Foods) has identified misleading images and messages about black chin tilapia circulating in public forums, causing misunderstandings and damaging the company’s reputation. CP Foods urges the public not to believe or share this false information.

Kobboon Srichai, head of corporate affairs at CP Foods, revealed that these false claims have been widely shared, resulting in significant damage to the company. Continued …

Disposing of unused medications responsibly

Patients are usually told to read the label on the medications carefully before using them and to take them as prescribed for effective treatment.

But little or no advice is given on how to handle unused medications properly when they are no longer needed. Most people simply toss them in with the household trash or flush them down the drain. Continued … 

Police help Cambodian girl abandoned by parents in Pattaya

A 10-year-old Cambodian girl who was abandoned by her parents at Pattaya beach was helped by police after local residents and tourists saw her crying Monday night. Pattaya City police went to help the child at 10 pm after being alerted that she was sitting and crying at the beach not far from the station.

Investigation revealed that her parents had left her at this spot since noon and did not come back to pick her up. Help only came after local residents and tourists took pity on her and called police to come and investigate. Continued …

Pattaya City gets ready to erect new monorail line

Pattaya City is looking forward to welcoming a new monorail line, which, according to the results of a recent study, would be an ideal mechanism to improve the coastal city’s public transport system and contribute greatly to its economic development.

Called the Red Line, the new monorail system will comprise 10 stations and stretch 17.37 kilometers, according to a feasibility study conducted on the new monorail presented at Tuesday’s public hearing, the second such hearing on the new project. Continued …

Severe flooding devastates Kanchanaburi fish farmers

Severe flooding and flash floods have devastated over 100 fish farmers in Kanchanaburi, causing damages worth more than 235 million baht. The disaster struck several districts between July 25 and 30, leading to substantial agricultural losses.

Deputy governor of Kanchanaburi Athisan Intra reported that flash floods and overflowing rivers have inundated homes and agricultural properties in Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla Buri, Sai Yok, Mueang Kanchanaburi, Si Sawat, and Dan Makham Tia districts. The flooding has had the most significant impact on Mueang Kanchanaburi and Dan Makham Tia, where fish farmers, in particular, have suffered extensive losses. Continued … 

Heavy flooding forces closures in Khao Yai National Park

Heavy flooding has led to the closure of key sites in Khao Yai National Park, impacting popular tourist destinations and local communities. Takhro Falls and the Sai Yai River in Prachinburi were shut down yesterday, while Nang Rong Falls in Nakhon Nayok followed suit today.

Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong confirmed the closures, attributing them to the continuous downpours that have battered the region. The severe weather has particularly affected Prachinburi’s Na Di district, where flash floods originating at the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids in the Sai Yai River caused significant disruptions. Continued …

Majority of cybercrime victims in Thailand are working-age women

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) revealed that over two-thirds of cybercrime victims are women, with most being of working age. From March 1, 2022, to June 30 this year, there were 575,507 online complaints, totaling 65.715 billion baht in damages, averaging over 80 million baht per day.

RTP deputy spokesperson Sirivat Deephor highlighted that National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol is deeply concerned about the public’s vulnerability to various forms of crime, especially cybercrime. The statistics show that 64% of cybercrime victims are women, with the majority being of working age. Continued …

Thailand launches digital literacy campaign to combat online scams

Thailand launched an anti-scam digital literacy campaign on July 27 in a bid to make Thai users vigilant and equipped to tackle online deception, as well as support Thailand’s sustainable digital economy.

The #ThaisAware campaign is a collaboration between short-form video platform operator TikTok, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Bank of Thailand (BoT), the Central Investigation Bureau, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), COFACT Project and the Thailand Consumers Council. Continued …

Insects: The hidden powerhouses in our ecosystems

The sheer scale of insects on Earth is staggering. It’s estimated that at any given time, there are 10 quintillion insects alive on our planet, which translates to more than a billion insects for every human. Even more impressive is that the total insect biomass is approximately 70 times that of the human population.

In terms of biodiversity, insects reign supreme, with over half of all described animal species belonging to this class. Scientists estimate that there are more than 5 million extant insect species, showcasing their incredible diversity. Continued …

SMEs in turmoil as manufacturing faces a downturn

The manufacturing sector continues to face a downturn, with working hours reduced since the first quarter of this year in both labor-intensive and technology-driven factories. The automotive parts sector is the hardest hit, with sales down 30%, overtime cuts, and work weeks shortened to three days, reducing subcontracting and fixed costs.

The Industrial Production Index confirms this downward trend, shrinking by 2.08% in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, and clearly reflecting the continued struggles of Thailand’s industrial sector amid high household debt, elevated interest rates and rising energy costs. Continued …

Thailand seeks to reverse brain drain with tax breaks

The government will slash by about 50% the personal income tax rate of professionals who are willing to return home to work for companies, as the kingdom seeks to attract manpower for industries ranging from electronics, automobiles, robotics and aviation.

The cabinet approved the tax breaks on Tuesday to lure “the cream” of overseas Thai workers, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul told reporters. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Thai rice exports soar in June thanks to Indonesian demand boost

Thailand’s rice exports surged in June, driven by Indonesia’s increased demand to maintain food security, Thai Rice Exporters Assn. President Charoen Laothamatas said on Tuesday.

According to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Thailand exported 1.02 million tons of rice in June, up 78.7% year on year. This brought the country’s rice exports in the first half of the year to 5.08 million tons, marking a 25% year-on-year rise. Continued …

Government can use 2025 budget to finance handout plan

Budget Bureau Director Chaloempol Pensut on Tuesday confirmed for the first time that the government can spend the budget from fiscal year 2025 on its flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme.

Chaloempol was reacting to the opposition Move Forward Party’s (MFP) concerns about fiscal year 2025 figures on how the scheme would boost economic growth. Continued …

Thailand, China boost trade alliance amid investment opportunities

Thailand and China have engaged in discussions to enhance trade cooperation, focusing on expanding the market for Thai livestock products and fruits in China, while also welcoming Chinese investment in emerging industries within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin participated in the third meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade and Investment between Thailand and China. He co-chaired the meeting with Li Fei, China’s vice commerce minister. Continued …

Cuisine, culture and sustainability: Study identifies tourism trends

Krungthai Bank’s research center, Krungthai COMPASS, has revealed six new travel trends designed to attract high-potential tourists with significant spending power to Thailand. The aim is to generate economic value of over 135 billion baht.

These trends were identified in a recent insight study released during a press briefing on Tuesday, titled “Exploring Modern Travel Trends as Further Opportunities for the Thai Tourism Sector”. Continued …

Muay Thai Set for Global Push with 275 Million Baht Budget in 2024

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ proposal to allocate a budget of 275 million baht (approximately 7.6 million US dollars) for the Muay Thai Soft Power Project for the year 2024.

The project aims to elevate Muay Thai from a national self-defense martial art to a global level. This includes establishing Muay Thai curricula, training referees and coaches, setting up centers to verify standards for Muay Thai trainers, and certifying Muay Thai camps abroad. Continued …

Operators call for tourism war room to reduce risks

Tourism operators have suggested that the government establish a tourism “war room” in collaboration with the private sector in an effort to tackle crimes against tourists. They also say that more can be done to promote tourism supply development, beyond expanding airports.

They were responding to a recent survey in which Bangkok was ranked 30th among the 60 most risky cities to visit by Forbes Advisor, in connection with an article about travel insurance. Criteria used in the survey included crime risks, infrastructure security risks and digital security risks. Continued …

Thai hotel operators are set to rack in heavy profits from resurgence in tourism

The continued surge in tourism during the current low season is likely to have a positive impact on hotel operators as they ready themselves to report their second-quarter results for the year.

Domestic tourism in Thailand has been on an uptick, as the country continues to open up its visa regime to allow citizens from up to 93 countries to be able to enter Thailand for up to 60 days without requiring applying for visa. Continued …

AOT to lose 143 million baht/month from scrapping duty-free shops

Airports of Thailand (AOT) stands to lose 143.32 million baht per month in rental and other revenues from Aug. 1 after closing all duty-free shops in the arrivals areas of five Thai airports, the agency announced during its board meeting on Tuesday.

The move to close duty-free shops was approved by the Cabinet on July 2 in a bid to boost spending in domestic shops, aiming to generate up to 350 billion baht annually. The measure will take effect from Aug. 1. Continued …

Annual seasonal closure of attractions of Thailand’s national park system

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has advised tourists on the opening/closed status of Thailand’s national parks, to ensure they can best enjoy the picturesque natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna on offer around the country.

This is normal practice, as Thailand’s national park system closes several attractions every year for a certain period, depending on weather and park conditions. Dates are varied, and the closure is often due to extreme weather, especially during the rainy months, that may create unsafe conditions and allows for some ecological recovery time. Continued …

Exploring Hua Hin – An ultimate travel guide

Unfold the magic of Hua Hin, a blend of charm, convenience, and various attractions. Let’s look into what makes this seaside city worth adding to your travel Thailand itinerary.

Immerse yourself in the historic charm that Hua Hin subsists in. Known as the “Royal City of the East”, the town’s colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere fascinate Thai royalty and locals alike. Much more than ordinary, Hua Hin’s rich royal heritage enhances its authenticity, making your visit a stroll through living history. Continued …

The Dying Art of Rattan Weaving

Rattan holds a deep significance in Southeast Asian culture. Not only is it a testament to the traditions and heritage of its people but the intricately woven rattan products are used in various phases of life, symbolizing unity, abundance, and protection.

Sadly, though, the art of rattan weaving is now dying. Popular back in the 1960s and the 1970s, demand has dwindled over the last 20 years or so. Continued … 

Thailand’s Wat Arun and Yi Peng Festival recognized as “World Night View Heritage” sites

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Bangkok’s iconic temple, Wat Arun, and Chiang Mai’s magical lantern festival, Yi Peng, have been recognized as “World Night View Heritage” sites.

The certificates were presented to the representatives of Wat Arun and Chiang Mai Province at the World Heritage of Night View certification ceremony. The event was held as part of the “Japan Night View Tourism Summit 2024”, which took place last week in Bangkok. Continued …

Death toll from India landslides rises to 151

Rescue workers began looking for people trapped under debris early on Wednesday, a day after landslides caused havoc in the Wayanad district of India’s Kerala state, with at least 151 people dead and many still missing. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-July 29

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Amazing food Festival/Air Sea Land Festival/Expat tax seminar/S.Ken’s flower farm/Bill targets stable oil and LPG prices/Fight against Hepatitis/Rail tunnel in Saraburi closed/Thais enjoy reading/Giant python eats fighting cocks/Python farms offer alternative protein/Work ahead on marijuana change/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Data centers, cloud service investments/Becoming Anxious About the Rise of China/Instant coffee market/Golden year for fruit/Free trade negotiations with EAEU/Tourism: 20 million tourists/On Track To Hit 50 Million By 2028/Easier for travelers to stay longer/Historical park wins UNESCO recognition/Five cultural sites on UNESCO list/Tourists rescued/Promoting walking tourism/Special tourism train/New Apple Ad Criticized/Brakes put on electric suitcases/Thailand Experience: Tigers are disappearing from Southeast Asia/Harmony for wild elephants/Elephants to undergo ‘behavior modification’/Bangkok’s Best Along The MRT Blue Line/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Amazing food Festival set for Pone King Petch Park Aug 10-12

Continued … 

Air Sea Land Festival lineup announced

Continued …

PKK Cultural menu for ‘Best Local Foods’ project decided

Continued … 

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

 

S.Ken’s Bistro also has an edible flower and herb farm

Chef Ken at S.Ken’s Bistro in Kao Tao is known for his use of flowers in his cuisine. Now the chef is growing his own edible flowers, both for his restaurant and for other dining establishments.

His Chivit Chiva farm exclusively harvests flowers, leaves, and herbs from these gardens, where harmful chemicals are not used, with only natural compost and fertilizers.

Assorted edible flowers are now available for Bt65 per 25-gram box, Bbt95 for a 45-gram box, and Bt125 for a 55-gram box.

Please check for availability when placing your order if you have specific requirements or preferences, as some edible flowers are more seasonal, while others are available year-round.

To ensure that the edible flowers and herbs are in the best shape and quality, they are picked and packed daily based on your order. Flower picking takes place in the very early morning, before 9 AM, so please place your order by 10 PM the night before. The flowers can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer or vegetable compartment for 4 to 7 days.

And now, if you buy 10 bags, you get one bag free.

Free delivery in Hua Hin area on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Saturday. For more information or to order …

 

Energy Ministry’s new bill targets stable oil and LPG prices

The Energy Ministry’s new bill aiming to control domestic oil and cooking gas prices requires a public hearing to assess its impact on oil traders and governmentrevenue, according to an energy expert.

Currently under review by the Council of State, the bill proposes the establishment of a new commission, akin to the Energy Regulatory Commission, to regulate retail prices of oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through taxes and subsidies. Continued … 

Thailand steps up fight against silent killer Hepatitis

Responding to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious goal of eradicating hepatitis, Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat this silent health crisis. With an estimated 2-3 million people living with hepatitis B and C, the country is grappling with a significant public health challenge.

To address the stigma often associated with the disease, the Thai government is promoting a “screening by year of birth” approach. Individuals born before 1992 are encouraged to undergo one-time hepatitis screening. This strategy aims to destigmatize the process and facilitate early detection. Continued … 

Rail tunnel in Saraburi closed within hours of opening

The State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) stopped services through Phasadet tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in Thailand at 5.2km, yesterday within hours of its opening. The decision was taken after videos of dust blowing into carriages were posted online.

Repairs are expected to take two weeks and the tunnel is provisionally scheduled to reopen on Aug. 12. Images and a video posted by a foreign Facebook user showed strong wind blowing dust into the train and the post also mentioned a strong smell of diesel. Continued … 

Thais enjoy reading more than alleged, publishers say

A claim that Thais read no more than eight paragraphs of books annually has been proved false, as they actually read for at least two hours a day, experts in the publishing industry said on Sunday.

According to a survey of 1,500 readers ranging from teenagers to the elderly early this year, Thai people now read for 113 minutes a day, Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said. Continued … 

Giant python eats fighting cocks in Udon Thani coop raid

A giant python measuring 4 meters in length caused quite a stir in Udon Thani by sneaking into a chicken coop in the middle of the night and devouring three prized fighting cocks.

The incident led to a rescue team being called to capture and release the snake back into the wild. Villagers, believing the snake brings good fortune, quickly sought out lucky numbers to try their luck. Continued … 

Snakes as sustainable meat source? Python farms offer alternative protein

In a warehouse in the lush humid farmlands of central Thailand, thousands of pythons lie coiled in containers, rearing and striking at the glass as people pass by.

They are being raised for their robust, diamond-patterned skins, which are sold to high-end European fashion houses for belts, bags and handbags, but some scientists and industry insiders believe the snakes’ true value could lie in their meat. Continued … 

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

More work ahead on marijuana change

The government’s backtracking from its plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic drug is a step in the right direction. The reversal was ordered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin just days before a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board (NCB).

Cannabis advocates praised the decision, ending a 10-day protest by advocacy group Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future near Government House. While it has momentum, the advocacy group must work hard to find scientific evidence to justify its pro-cannabis stance and even harder to fight the stigma surrounding this medicinal plant. Continued … 

  • Russian Tourist Apprehended in Phuket for Exchanging Counterfeit Currency – Continued …
  • Foreign Racers’ Motorbikes Seized In Pattaya Crackdown – Continued …
  • Taiwanese Man Arrested in Thailand’s Crackdown on Call Center Scams – Continued …

 

Data centers, cloud service investments get backing

The government fully supports investments in data centers and cloud service projects in Thailand so it can become a digital economy hub, says government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin says that putting money into such projects is vital for the development of the digital economy and will help establish the country as an important investment base for the international community, he says. Continued … 

Why More Thais Are Becoming Anxious About the Rise of China

What a xenophobic, or more accurately a “sinophobic”, week for Thailand, particularly Thai netizens. First, was the loud cries of condemnation against a large billboard solely in Chinese language found in the heart of Bangkok’s Huai Kwang district offering potential Chinese customers to purchase passports and nationalities from four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vanuatu.

PM Srettha Thavisin felt compelled to visit the site in person and the billboard was quickly removed to ease the anger of Thai netizens. Two Chinese behind the ads quickly left Thailand, one slapped with a fine for 5,000 baht, and both told they are no longer welcomed in Thailand. Continued … 

Instant coffee market set for 5% growth

Thailand’s instant coffee market is expected to grow by 5% this year as Nescafé Thailand plans to allocate 620 million baht for brand communication advertising.

Jojo Dela Cruz, business executive officer of Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.’s coffee and creamer business unit, said that in this year’s first quarter the value of the country’s instant coffee market was 5.7 billion baht, up 5% when compared with the corresponding period last year, while the value of the ready-to-drink coffee market reached 3.8 billion baht, up 10% from the corresponding period last year. Continued … 

Department sees golden year for fruit

Thailand has shifted its focus to stimulating domestic consumption and the export of fruit to help farmers capitalize on new markets such as the U.S., Europe and Canada, according to the Department of Internal Trade.

Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the department, said 2024 is another golden year for Thai fruit due to stable and high prices compared to last year. Continued … 

Thailand ready to start free trade negotiations with EAEU

Thailand is ready to start negotiations on concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced this following a meeting with Arman Issetov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Thailand, at Government House.

Both sides discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and tourism. Continued … 

20 million tourists in seven months

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that from Jan. 1 to July 25, more than 20 million international visitors arrived in Thailand, reflecting a 34% increase from last year.

Tourism from Taiwan and India reached unprecedented levels, largely credited to the visa-free scheme. This initiative allows visitors from 93 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Initiated late last year, the scheme has been extended until Nov. 11 and stands as a cornerstone of the government’s tourism strategy. Continued … 

Thai Tourism On Track To Hit 50 Million By 2028 – IF Peace Prevails

Thailand’s tourism comeback forged ahead in the first half of 2024 with 17.5 million arrivals, up 35% over 12.9 million in the first half 2023. Thai tourism is on track to regain the 2019 level of 40 million this year and hit 50 million by 2028, only if global, regional and local risks and threats are alleviated/mitigated.

Thailand is becoming a true Alliance of Civilizations destination. Its broad-based diplomacy and neutral foreign policy is providing the bedrock support for the IGNITE Tourism Thailand project and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s multi-pronged marketing strategies. Continued … 

Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer

Maybe you want to escape the winter months at home, opting instead to take care of your business on a laptop from the comfort of your rented Phuket villa as you gaze over the Andaman Sea. Or perhaps you’re ready to step into the ring and embark on a new career as a Muay Thai fighter.

Either way, Thailand has you covered. The popular Southeast Asia destination recently introduced a new five-year visa targeted at remote workers and other travelers looking to stay in the kingdom for extended periods. Continued … 

Udon Thani historical park wins UNESCO recognition

Udon Thani locals in Ban Phue expressed happiness over the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park being recognized as Thailand’s latest World Heritage site by UNESCO on Saturday, saying they had waited for this moment for the past 20 years.

They also hope for an influx of tourists to the historical site, which became the province’s second World Heritage site following the Ban Chiang archaeological site in 1992. Continued … 

Five cultural sites across Thailand placed on UNESCO ‘tentative list’

A total of five cultural places across Thailand have been added to a tentative UNESCO list of potential new world heritage sites, a government spokesman said Sunday.

The latest entry, the fifth, was the historic cluster of towns and adjacent sites connected to Songkhla Lake in the southern province of Songkhla. Continued … 

Tourists rescued from Khao Yai run-off, Trat underwater

Numerous tourists were rescued from run-off at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province on Sunday, while a locality in Trat was facing its worst flooding in three decades.

Ten tourists were rescued when run-off trapped them on one bank of a stream connecting to the Sao Noi waterfall in tambon Pho Ngam of Prachantakham district in Prachin Buri. Continued … 

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Thailand now promoting walking tourism

Tourism is a service sector driven by people’s proclivity to travel and their consumption habits while traveling. Strolling through a town or city to explore the local attractions and features has become a popular activity among tourists seeking to gain in-depth knowledge about local neighbourhoods.

According to UN Tourism, walking tourism enables tourists to better engage with the local population, as well as with nature and culture. Continued … 

SRT offers special tourism train for rainy season

People were being invited to experience romantic vibes in the rainy season on a special Kiha 183 tourism train, which will make 16 trips on seven routes in August and September. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said on Sunday that Kiha 183 trips include both one-day and overnight trips during weekends.

Tickets became available from Saturday, July 27, and are limited to 202 seats per trip, the agency said, adding that the price includes fees for air-conditioned buses, admission to attractions, food and beverages, and accident insurance. Continued … 

New Apple Ad Criticized: Is It Intentionally Stereotyping Thailand?

Netizens are displeased with Apple’s new advertisement, “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work”. Despite being filmed in Thailand and featuring Thai elements such as food, clothing, and public transport, many commenters feel it’s discriminatory. The old-fashioned color tone, outdated appearance, and difficult travel depicted seem to portray Thailand as a third-world country.

This advertisement, recently filmed in Thailand, presents what Apple describes as “Join Apple at work for one heck of a business trip, as the Underdogs head to Thailand to get stuff made! See Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro come together to help them find a new packaging factory, solve last-minute design changes, create prototypes, break down language barriers and so much more.” Continued … 

Japan puts the brakes on electric suitcases amid tourism boom

The growing popularity of rideable suitcases with electric motors designed to get people quickly around airports and train stations has alarmed Japanese authorities following a rise in incidents of foreign visitors using them illegally on public roads.

Japan currently classifies electric suitcases, which are particularly popular in the rest of Asia, as motorized vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driver’s license. Continued … 

Tigers are disappearing from Southeast Asia. A forest in Thailand is offering new hope

As Global Tiger Day rolls around, there’s good news for the big cats in Thailand. The tiger population in the country’s Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) — an 18,000-square-kilometer (6,950-square-mile) area of forest encompassing 11 national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries — is estimated to have more than tripled between 2007 and 2023, from 41 to 143.

Video 

Video 

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The remarkable comeback was observed in a new collaborative study led by Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), newly published online in the scientific journal Global Ecology and Conservation. Continued … 

Thai harmony for wild elephants and locals alike

The Eastern Forest Complex is regarded as the most important low-lying forest landscape in the central region of Thailand. Covering more than 1.363 million rai in five provinces, namely Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri and Sa Kaeo, the complex is home to two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks.

It’s also home to over 600 wildlife species, including 450 wild elephants, which have an annual population growth of 8.2% – the highest in the country. Continued … 

Thai wild elephants to undergo new ‘behavior modification’ training

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has announced plans to build three elephant training centers in the eastern provinces to tame aggressive wild elephants in the region.

Police Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan has ordered the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to establish three “Wild Elephant Behavior Modification Centers”. Many wild elephants leave the forest to find food, disturbing communities and annoying residents, said Phatcharavat. Continued … 

Explore Bangkok’s Best Along The MRT Blue Line

The Bangkok MRT Blue Line, also known as the MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line, is the city’s very first metro line. Operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro, it opened to the public on July 3, 2004, initially covering a 20-km distance from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. Subsequent extensions over the years have expanded the line to a total length of 48 km.

As a fast, affordable, and convenient way to navigate Bangkok, this route also brings you closer to some of the city’s most popular attractions. We have done the research so you don’t have to! Discover (and delight at) all the things you can do when traversing Bangkok via the MRT Blue Line. Continued … 

North Korea executes 30 young students for watching TV

Credible reports from North Korea suggest that 30 students were executed by gunfire last week for watching South Korean TV shows. The news comes as the pariah state has become a key ally of Russia, China and Iran as the prospects of war have significantly risen. Continued … 

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-July 27

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Hua Hin expat tax seminar/S.Ken’s Bistro’s edible flower farm/Hua Hin solar installation/Monkey problems in Hua Hin/Lopburi captures 150 monkeys/War on PM2.5/Young Tiger at WFFT/CP Foods said source of Blackchin Tilapia/CPF clarifies its blackchin tilapia import/Best post-meal practices to aid digestion/Bomb and gunfire in Pattani/Economy: A rough economic ride/Thailand’s economy to grow 2.7%/Exports see decline/IT experts concerned about digital wallet/Hydrogen energy production in Thailand/Investment incentives for hybrid vehicles/Chinese EV-maker NETA X in Thailand/Alibaba.com partners with Thailand/Tourism: Thais prefer short trips/Dual pricing in Phang Nga/Maya Bay to be closed/Thailand Experience: Yaowarat: From past to present/Bangkok’s Gods Intersection/Unexplored Region On The Rise/Chaiyaphum national park/Efforts to protect rare marine species/Eerie banquet at Thai cemetery/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

S.Ken’s Bistro also has an edible flower and herb farm

Chef Ken at S.Ken’s Bistro in Kao Tao is known for his use of flowers in his cuisine. Now the chef is growing his own edible flowers, both for his restaurant and for other dining establishments.

His Chivit Chiva farm exclusively harvests flowers, leaves, and herbs from these gardens, where harmful chemicals are not used, with only natural compost and fertilizers.

Assorted edible flowers are now available for Bt65 per 25-gram box, Bbt95 for a 45-gram box, and Bt125 for a 55-gram box.

Please check for availability when placing your order if you have specific requirements or preferences, as some edible flowers are more seasonal, while others are available year-round.

To ensure that the edible flowers and herbs are in the best shape and quality, they are picked and packed daily based on your order. Flower picking takes place in the very early morning, before 9 AM, so please place your order by 10 PM the night before. The flowers can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer or vegetable compartment for 4 to 7 days.

And now, if you buy 10 bags, you get one bag free.

Free delivery in Hua Hin area on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Saturday. For more information or to order …

Solar installation in Hua Hin

A 11.2kw solar system was installed for a Fench expat in Cha am aimed at saving Bt5,000-6000 monthly. The installation consists of 20 pieces of Vsolar 560 watt cells panels,, a hybrid inverter, and battery. The all-inclusive cost, plus PEA application was Bt370,000. VSOLAR provides services in designing and installing solar cell systems for all types of buildings, including handling paperwork with relevant government agencies. Contact 0838266235 (tel./whatsapp), or Line id:@vsolar. More information: https://www.vsolar.asia/

Monkey problems in Khao Takiab and Hin Lek Fai addressed

Continued …

 

Lopburi Municipality captures 150 monkeys in new operation

Lopburi Municipality captured over 150 monkeys in the first two days of a new operation aimed at controlling the monkey population in the city. The goal is to capture at least 500 monkeys within 10 days, with support from 12 military personnel from the 13th Military Circle.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), in collaboration with the Lopburi Municipality, initiated the operation after completing the construction of additional cages. The operation focuses on controlling the monkey population in the old town area, which is a bustling economic zone. Continued …

War on PM2.5: Farmers burning their fields to be denied subsidies

Farmers who burn their harvest leftovers to prepare for the next cultivation may no longer receive government subsidies in a move aimed at reducing PM2.5 pollution.

Crop burning and forest fires are among the primary causes of PM2.5 – dust particles 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked with chronic diseases, including lung and heart problems. Continued …

Young Tiger Floats With Ball at WFFT

A young rescue tiger called Maruay has moved viewers on social media after a resurfaced clip of him playing in a lake with his favorite new toy went viral.

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The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), a Thai rescue center that is hosting Maruay, said it saved him along with 10 other tigers, one of which is his mom, from the Phuket Zoo, where they were used as a tourist attraction. Continued …

CP Foods said source of Blackchin Tilapia invasion

The Biothai Foundation has revealed claims regarding the rapid proliferation of the Blackchin Tilapia fish species in Thailand, asserting that the invasive spread can be linked to a single source: the Yeesarn fish farm in Samut Sakhon’s Ampawa district, operated by Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF).

Witoon Lianjamroon, the secretary-general of Biothai Foundation, underscored that CPF has been the sole private company authorized by the Fisheries Department to import Blackchin tilapia into Thailand since 2010. This exclusivity places CPF in the spotlight as the primary suspect in the current ecological disruption. Continued …

CPF clarifies its Blackchin Tilapia import, handling

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co. (CPF) has submitted a detailed report to a House committee detailing every step of its import of 2,000 Blackchin Tilapia fingerlings from Ghana in 2010.

The document, submitted on Thursday, provides every detail, from the fish’s arrival in Thailand to their subsequent destruction and delivery of their remains to the Department of Fisheries, based on its recommendations. Continued …

Doctor advises on best post-meal practices to aid digestion

Many people enjoy sitting or lying down to rest after a meal, while some have the habit of drinking tea right after eating. Is it healthy to lie down or sit post-meal?

Associate professor and head of the Department of Nutrition and Food at the Pharmacy Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Medical University, Dr. Lam Vinh Nien, explains that post-meal behaviors vary among individuals. For example, children often do homework after breakfast and dinner, most workers return to their tasks immediately, and older people typically rest by lying down or sipping tea. Continued …

Bomb and gunfire injure four officers in Pattani

Khok Pho district in Pattani was thrown into chaos yesterday as negotiations failed, leading to an assailant throwing a bomb and opening fire on officials. Initial reports indicate four officers were injured in the incident.

Negotiations with the suspect did not yield any positive results. The assailant responded by hurling an explosive device at the police and subsequently firing shots at them. This sudden escalation resulted in four officers sustaining injuries. Further details are expected to be released as the situation develops. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Prepare for a rough economic ride

As we approach the midpoint of the third quarter, the economic and financial market picture is becoming clearer. First, the U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates soon. Second, the U.S. presidential race is likely to intensify.

And third, China’s economic slowdown is decelerating, implying the need for more stimulus. But the signals from the Beijing government have been to focus more on quality growth than quantity. Continued … 

Thailand’s economy to grow 2.7% this year

Thailand’s economy is projected to grow 2.7% this year, an increase from the previous forecast of 2.4%, driven by higher foreign tourist arrivals and stronger exports, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul highlighted the positive outlook, attributing it to improving economic conditions among trading partners. He noted that growth could potentially reach 3% this year, contingent on the implementation of forthcoming policies. Continued …

Exports see decline in June as agricultural trade suffers

Exports in June shrank by 0.3%, representing the first contraction in three months, due to the end of the season for fruit products, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday, adding that it still expected exports to grow overall this year.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said Thailand’s exports in June 2024 decreased by 0.3% to US$24.7 billion while imports increased by 0.3% to $24.5 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $218 million. Continued …

IT experts concerned about tech challenges of digital wallet scheme

Two leading Thai technology experts on Friday expressed serious concern about the viability of the government’s digital wallet scheme, warning of potential pitfalls and challenges in its implementation.

Their concerns arose following the Finance Ministry’s most recent announcement about the conditions and registration process. Approximately 45 million people in 878 districts across the country are expected to receive a handout of 10,000 baht each. Continued … 

Saudi Arabia ready to invest in hydrogen energy production in Thailand

Saudi Arabia is now focusing on future energy sources and is considering investing in this sector in Thailand, particularly hydrogen energy, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on Friday following his recent visit to Riyadh. The Thai delegation held discussions with Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.

The meeting also included leading business organizations from Saudi Arabia, such as Saudi Aramco, a leading global oil company, SABIC, a major global chemical producer, ACWA Power, an electricity production business, and SEEC, the agency overseeing energy production and usage efficiency in Saudi Arabia. Continued … 

Thailand to offer investment incentives for makers of hybrid vehicles

Regional auto-making hub Thailand will introduce investment incentives for manufacturers of hybrid vehicles, its Board of Investment (BOI) said on Friday, with excise taxes for hybrids to be lowered from 2028 to 2032.

Thailand has for decades been a regional center for auto production and an export base for some of the world’s top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda. Continued …

Chinese EV-maker NETA X Has Officially Launched in Thailand

NETA Auto, a Chinese new energy vehicle, has made significant strides in the Southeast Asian market. The latest generation of its all-electric SUV, the NETA X, has been officially launched in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking an acceleration of NETA Auto’s global strategy in the region.

At the launch event, representatives from NETA Auto, local government officials, business partners, media friends, and industry representatives jointly witnessed the successful debut of the NETA X in Malaysia and Thailand. This event underscores NETA Auto’s commitment to the Southeast Asian market and signals its proactive participation in driving the green mobility revolution in the region. Continued …

Alibaba.com partners with Thailand to boost Thai SMEs’ global reach

Alibaba.com, China’s top global B2B e-commerce platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) to support Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing foreign markets.

This collaboration was unveiled on Friday along with the launch of Alibaba’s new Global Gold Supplier-Lite Package in Thailand. The event, held at the New Economy Academy, signifies a key step in helping Thai SMEs’ digital transformation and global expansion. Continued …

Survey reveals most Thais prefer short trips over long vacations

Thais are driving the country’s economic recovery with increased spending on domestic travel, according to a new American Express survey released on Thursday.

The“American Express Travel, Dining, and Luxury Trends Research for Thailand” survey highlights a strong recovery in the travel sector, which could have economic implications for both domestic and international destinations. Continued …

TAT tackles dual pricing in Phang Nga

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Phang Nga office met with provincial officers and tourism operators to address the problem of dual pricing against foreigners at the famous Panyee Island.

The issue went viral on social media earlier this week after the popular South Korean YouTubers “Cullen and Jung HateBerry” visited the resort island in the Andaman Sea and bought items from a gift shop. Continued …

Maya Bay in Krabi to be closed to tourists from August 1

Krabi’s famous Maya Bay will be closed to tourists during the rainy season from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 to allow natural resources and ecosystems to recover.

This annual closure, announced on Friday, is also intended to ensure tourist safety during the rainy season when sea conditions are rough, especially at the Loh Samah Bay pier, which is crucial for boat access to Maya Bay. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Yaowarat: From past to present

Discover Yaowarat, Bangkok’s vibrant cultural district, dating back to King Rama I’s reign, where a diverse mix of cultures thrive in trade and commerce, attracting tourists from around the world. Blackpink member Lisa recently endorsed the city’s Chinatown, showcasing its cultural heritage on a global scale. Video …

Ratchaprasong: Bangkok’s Gods Intersection

The Ratchaprasong intersection, one of Bangkok’s central business hubs, is often referred to as the “Gods Intersection,” since it is home to nine Hindu shrines, including Uma Devi at Big C Ratchadamri, Lakshmi and Chatur Lokapala at Gaysorn Village, Narayan on Anantnag at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Narayan on Garuda at the InterContinental Hotel, Ganesha and Trimurti in front of CentralWorld and the Four-faced Brahma shrine at Erawan Grand Hyatt Hotel.

It is believed that the Ratchaprasong Intersection area is a cursed land causing several shocking incidents like the latest cyanide poisoning case of the six Vietnamese, a bombing inside the Erawan Shrine in 2015, and the Thai military crackdown on red-shirt protests in 2010. Continued …

This Unexplored Region Of Thailand Is On The Rise

Oh, Thailand. What a magical place. From postcard-perfect islands to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the unexplored interior, this mega-popular Southeast Asian country is a never-ending playground for travelers.

Thailand is for all types of travelers, really. Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget, seeking the ultimate adventure, the most scenic beach vacation imaginable, epic wildlife encounters, or digital nomad communities. Continued …

In the pink at Chaiyaphum national park

Those who are undecided about where to go this weekend might be interested in visiting the Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province, which is currently in full bloom with beautiful Siam tulips (Curcuma sessilis).

Also known as dok krachiao or dok pathuma in Thai, Siam tulips bloom once a year during the rainy season, an official at the park located in Nong Bua Rawe district, said on Thursday. Continued …

Efforts intensify to protect rare marine species in Andaman Sea

Efforts to protect rare marine species along the Andaman Sea have intensified, with new aerial surveys revealing the presence of dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins, highlighting a thriving marine ecosystem.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pachara Wongsoonsawat has shown significant concern for the rare marine species in the Andaman Sea, prompting the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to conduct comprehensive surveys. Continued … 

Eerie banquet at Thai cemetery offers food to nourish ‘hungry’ infant spirits

A cemetery in Thailand has prepared a lavish banquet for the “hungry” spirits of infants, drawing widespread attention online.

On July 20, the Chag Phak Kud Temple cemetery in Rayong province, eastern Thailand, held a Chinese-style banquet with 30 tables. The meticulously arranged tables were laden with food and drink, while the chairs remained eerily empty. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-July 25

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Soi 94 closed for repairs daily/Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival/Hua Hin Food Festival/Hua Hin Food Festival on TV/Air Sea Land Festival/Foreign land ownership reviewed in Hua Hin/Heavy rainfall expected across Thailand/World breaks hottest day record/Thailand’s hopes for Olympics/Thailand’s next PM?/Bangkok Hospital operator to expand/Bangkok drug raids/To Investigate Myanmar Weapons Payments/More macaques captured/Pig farm stinks up Chon Buri canal/Cannabis Controversy/Economy: Challenges Of Doing Business In Thailand/Digital wallet details/More Categories Of Goods/Developers ask for support/Printed circuit board manufacturing/’Farm-to-face’ beauty products/Central Pattana Surges/Tourism: Thai-Chinese flights to double/Review of Thai Chinese visa waiver/Record Tourist Numbers from Taiwan, India/Thailand leads in medical tourists/Thailand’s premier attractions expo/Cruise Ship with 3,700 Tourists/Thailand Experience: Hidden Hua Hin/Endangered sarus cranes in Buri Ram/A majestic display/International news/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Soi 94 closed for repairs daily from 9-5

Continued …

Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival is underway

The Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival, running through Sunday, offers an array of delicious food, live music, and fun activities. Held at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint in Phetchaburi from 4 pm to 11 pm daily, the event aims to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.

The festival, officially titled the Cha Am-Phetchaburi Soft Power & Food Festival, features numerous booths offering a variety of foods from different vendors. Continued …

Hua Hin Food Festival set for August 2-4

The Hua Hin Food Festival 2024, scheduled for Aug. 2-4, will feature over 100 booths at Suan Luang Queen’s Park (19 Rai).

The festival will feature over 40 booths from hotels and restaurants in Hua Hin and more than 60 booths from community restaurants. Attendees can expect a variety of local dishes and specialties at affordable prices. Continued …

Hua Hin Food Festival to be on national TV

Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Air Sea Land Festival set for Aug 10-12 in PKK

Continued … 

Foreign land ownership via nominees reviewed in Hua Hin

Continued …

Heavy rainfall and high sea waves expected across Thailand

Monsoons have covered the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, leading to heavy rainfall in the north, east, and Bangkok. High sea waves are expected, and sailors are advised to exercise caution.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) weather forecast for the next 24 hours reveals a moderate southwest monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, a low-pressure area is present over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin. Continued … 

World breaks hottest day record for 2nd day in row

Monday was again the hottest day on record, according to preliminary data from a monitoring agency, inching past Sunday, which had just taken the title.

The global average surface air temperature rose to 17.15 degrees Celsius — 0.06° higher than Sunday’s marginal record, according to the European Union’s (EU) Copernicus Climate Change Service, which has been tracking such patterns since 1940. Continued …

Thailand hoping to bring home six gold medals from Paris Olympics

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has set an ambitious goal to win six gold medals in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.

As many as 51 Thai athletes will compete from July 26 to Aug. 11, 36 of them participating in the world’s largest sports competition for the first time. Nine Thai athletes will fight for the gold medal in badminton and eight in boxing. Continued …

Could Anutin Charnvirakul be Thailand’s next PM?

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has two major cases on its docket next month. The first is related to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, with a verdict scheduled for Aug. 7. The second case concerns the qualifications of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with a verdict scheduled on Aug. 14.

With these two crucial cases looming, current political activity is understandably intense both openly and behind the scenes, with considerable jockeying for positions among those vying to assume the role of PM should Srettha lose. Continued …

Bangkok Hospital operator to expand capacity

Thailand’s biggest private hospital operator expects annual revenue to grow more than 10% through 2027 as it adds new beds to meet a jump in demand from international patients.

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc (BDMS) plans to add around 600 new beds at its hospitals to raise the total to 9,300 by end of 2027, Chief Executive Officer Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth said. Continued …

Bangkok drug raids target 237 locations

Police executed the seventh phase of the Clip the Wings of Drug Dealers operation in Bangkok, targeting 237 locations, with a primary focus on the Ladprao area. This effort kicked off early this morning, aiming to tackle drug-related issues in the community.

At 5am today, Tinakorn Rangmat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside Udomchai Lohanut, director of the Bangkok Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and Attapol Anusit, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, initiated the operation. Continued …

Thai Central Bank To Investigate Myanmar Weapons Payments

Thailand’s central bank and anti-money laundering office will investigate claims that Thai commercial banks facilitated transactions linked to weapons purchases by Myanmar’s junta, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Myanmar’s military deposed the government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and launched a bloody crackdown that has plunged the country into turmoil. The United States, European Union and others have sanctioned members of Myanmar’s junta and entities of its sprawling business empire. Continued …

More macaques captured in Lop Buri

Thirty-eight long-tailed  macaques were captured yesterday in a new round of relocations, jointly launched by the Lop Buri municipal administration and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to contain the population of the monkeys and to reduce the disturbance they cause.

The current operation will last 10 days, with an aim to capture up to 500 macaques for relocation to a shelter. A big cage has been placed near the old building of the waterworks office, in which to keep the captured primates during the 10-day operation before relocation. Continued … 

Residents squeal in protest as pig farm stinks up Chon Buri canal

Hundreds of residents in Chon Buri’s Phanat Nikhom district gathered yesterday to protest against a major pig farm, accusing it of polluting a local canal and causing a persistent foul odor for several years. The demonstration saw villagers from Village 6, Village 9, and Village 10 coming together to voice their frustrations.

The protestors assembled in front of the pig farm, which occupies 20 rai and houses over 8,000 pigs. They have accused the farm of releasing wastewater into a nearby waterway, leading to significant environmental and health issues. The villagers demanded that the responsible authorities address their grievances immediately. Continued …

Cannabis Controversy: Is Thailand Ready to Recriminalize Marijuana?

A hundred years ago, cannabis was completely legal in Thailand and was widely used in food, medicine, and for making hemp fiber. Today, it is also legal, but this might change soon.

Recently, there have been signs that cannabis, known locally as ganja, might be classified as a narcotic again, like it was for most of the last century. Continued …

Top 10 Challenges Of Doing Business In Thailand

Economically, Thailand’s 71-million-plus population forms a healthy consumer base. Steady growth, strong exports, an abundance of natural resources and a skilled and cost-effective workforce help attract foreign investors and enable them to prosper and develop industry in Thailand.

Sound infrastructure and a modern business environment also increase the country’s appeal to companies seeking international expansion opportunities. This article explores the key challenges of doing business in Thailand and emphasizes the importance of having a strategic partner to help navigate legal, taxation and regulatory hurdles. Continued …

Digital wallet details announced

The Thai government will introduce its “digital wallet” scheme on Aug. 1, aiming to invigorate the economy with a 450-billion baht initiative. The scheme will offer a one-time 10,000 baht benefit to an estimated 45 million eligible citizens.

At a news conference at Government House, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined the multifaceted plan. The scheme aims to inject more money into circulation, alleviate living costs, improve citizens’ lives, and promote self-sufficient communities. Additionally, it hopes to create job opportunities and advance digital technology and innovation across Thailand. Continued …

More Categories Of Goods Provided Under Digital Wallet Project

More categories of merchandise are provided for people to buy under the Pheu Thai-initiated digital wallet project as of the start of the fourth quarter of this year, according to the Digital Government Development Agency.

The newly established DGA yesterday issued a statement to add supplementary categories to the list of goods that Thai nationals aged 16 years and over may purchase for a maximum of 10,000 baht in market price via their digital wallet in their home district under the populist handout campaign. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Developers ask for support as Q2 property sales lowest in 12 years

Property developers have called on the government to roll out measures to support the real estate industry, including easing the Bank of Thailand’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio to make it easier for Thais to obtain a housing loan.

The LTV is a risk assessment ratio that lenders examine before approving a loan. For example, the sum approved as a loan for homebuyers will depend on their income and credit history. This measure was introduced to control non-performing loans. Continued …

Printed circuit board manufacturing in Thailand poised for exponential growth

Thailand is poised to cement its position as ASEAN’s leading printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing base, with the goal of ranking in the world’s top five over the next five years, according to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

He was speaking at the inaugural Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 (THECA) on Wednesday. The event at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC), showcases Thailand’s burgeoning potential in the electronics industry. Continued …

‘Farm-to-face’ beauty products promoted

So-called “farm-to-face” beauty products are a growing trend in response to environmental sustainability, providing promising opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO, said farm-to-face cosmetic products are a cosmetic production alternative that addresses not only environmental sustainability issues, but also embraces the concept of social and economic sustainability. Continued …

Central Pattana Surges to Global Recognition

Retail and real estate developer Central Pattana Plc. has garnered international recognition, reaffirming its business expertise and pioneering “Retail-led real estate development” model.

Central Pattana topped Thai real estate companies on the 2024 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list and reported remarkable growth in 2023, with revenue reaching 46.79 billion baht, a 26% increase from 2022 and delivering the highest dividends since its founding. This reflects the company’s vision and long-term investment plan. Continued …

Thai-Chinese flights to double

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co. (Aerothai) has announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy.

The policy, which began in March, allows Chinese and Thai passport holders to enjoy visa-free holidays and transits for up to 30 days. Aerothai President Nopasit Chakpitak revealed that four major routes: Macao-Hong Kong, Hainan-eastern China, Laos-Vietnam-China, and Yunnan-western China are responsible for 60% of all flights to China and currently constitute 20% of Thailand’s international flights. Continued …

Review of Thai Chinese visa waiver sought

A government party MP on Wednesday called for the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to urgently review the situation linked to the permanent visa agreement with China. It follows a controversial Chinese billboard found in Huai Khwang on Monday. In turn, this was followed by the discovery of a second sign in eastern Prachin Buri province advertising for migrant workers in the Chinese language.

On Wednesday, Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, the House chair of its Industry panel, warned that easy access to Thailand from China is threatening Thai workers and their livelihoods. Continued …

Visa-Free Policy Draws Record Tourist Numbers from Taiwan, India

Thailand anticipates a record influx of tourists from Taiwan and India this year, thanks to its recent visa-free policy. The visa exemption, initiated in late 2023, now allows Taiwanese and Indian tourists an extended stay of 60 days in Thailand, lasting until Nov. 11.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed plans for a reciprocal annual visa-exemption program with Taiwan and India, set to launch shortly. Continued …

Thailand leads Singapore in attracting medical tourists

As medical tourism recovers post Covid-19, Thailand’s healthcare sector is logging better growth than its Singapore counterpart, said DBS Research Group in a report on Wednesday.

The research house noted that Thailand’s medical tourism grew at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% from 2019 to 2023, while that in Singapore grew only at 0.4%. Continued …

Thailand’s premier attractions expo returns to Bangkok in September

The Thailand Amusement and Attraction Parks Expo (TAAPE) is set to return to Bangkok later this year, with the event promising to act as a key meeting point as the country aims to become a developed nation by 2037.

Thailand’s national strategy was implemented in October 2018 with a vision of making the country secure, prosperous, sustainable and achieving developed country status. Among its goals, one of its focuses is to preserve the nation’s tourist attractions and increase the proportion of high-quality tourists in multiple tourism sectors. Continued …

Mega Cruise Ship with 3,700 Tourists Docks at Phuket Deep Sea Port

Yesterday, the luxury cruise ship Genting Dream, measuring 335 meters in length, docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port for the first time this year, carrying 3,700 tourists on the Singapore-Phuket route. This is expected to stimulate the tourism economy and boost confidence in Phuket Province.

Video 

Genting Dream, a Bahamas-flagged cruise ship on the Singapore-Phuket route, has a gross tonnage of 150,695 tons. It docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port for the first time in 2024 to promote goodwill and stimulate Phuket’s tourism economy. Continued …

Hidden Hua Hin: 8 reasons to travel to the resort town that are not the beach

Hua Hin, a beloved beach getaway for over a century, traces its roots back to the construction of a railroad connecting bustling Bangkok to this dreamy seaside town. By the mid-1920s, it had become the preferred holiday retreat for Thai nobility, drawn by its pristine coastline.

The resort town remains a popular destination despite the rise of other tourist hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Unlike other coastal towns, it seamlessly blends beachfront charm with a vibrant city-like ambiance, alongside historical attractions, diverse shopping options and delightful gastronomy. Here’s how you can explore some hidden gems beyond the beach. Continued …

Admiring endangered sarus cranes in Buri Ram

Just a quick 20-minute drive south of Buri Ram’s bustling town center lies the tranquil Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir — a sanctuary for Thailand’s sarus cranes.

Nestled amid picturesque marshlands and rice paddies, this spot offers visitors a rare glimpse of these endangered cranes in their natural habitat, harmoniously coexisting with local farmers. Begin your journey at the Wetland and Sarus Crane Learning Center, perched on the edge of the reservoir. Continued … 

A majestic display

In the afternoon sun, a fleet of four exquisite royal barges – Suphannahong, Narayana Song Suban King Rama IX, Anantanagaraj and Anekajatbhujonga – are moored at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard as 240 oarsmen train in preparation for the Royal Kathin (robe offering) ritual scheduled to take place in October.

Until tomorrow, visitors are welcome to observe how the oarsmen get ready for this nearly 700-year-old spectacle. This special gesture has been allowed just for the four royal barges that carry His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and other members of the royal family. It is a great opportunity for the young generation to appreciate the magnificence of Thai cultural heritage. Continued …

Tanker capsizes in Philippines, freighter sinks in Taiwan amid Typhoon Gaemi

One crew member was still missing after a tanker carrying industrial fuel capsized early this morning off the Philippines, the country’s transportation minister said, and the incident had caused an oil spill. Continued …

France conditionally confirmed 2030 Winter Games hosts, Salt Lake City 2034

France was conditionally picked as the host of the 2030 Winter Games on Wednesday and must now deliver key financial guarantees in a timeline to be set by the International Olympic Committee, the IOC said. Continued …

Apple weighs foldable iPhone, as Huawei plans tri-fold smartphone

The foldable smartphone market is set for a big boost amid reports that Apple is preparing a clamshell-style model, while Huawei Technologies may soon launch a tri-folding handset. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-July 23

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A future of heat waves/They built a home in PKK/Purchase of alien blackchin tilapia/Thailand braces for heavy rain/Chao Phraya overflows/Bridge connecting Koh Samui/Yoga significantly improves health/Foreign Passports for Sale/Chinese passport ad removed/Ex-Husband’s Rampage Leaves Five Dead/New buildings for Buddhist orphanage/Bangkok plans 130 new parks/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Thailand’s New Visa Strategies/Digital Wallet Scheme Excludes 18/Profits of 10 listed banks/Premium EV sales plunge/How Much Lower Can EV Prices Go?/Chinese EV Makers to Use Local Parts/c Shaken/Tourism: New Bangkok-Vientiane passenger train/Record Visitor Numbers for Phuket/Chinese Tourist Dies After Falling From Songthaew/Two speedboats crash off Samui/Thailand Experience: Advice for trekkers in national parks/Best Indian Restaurants In Bangkok/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Prepare for a future of heat waves

People across Asia have eagerly awaited the end of heat-wave season, which now appears to be drawing to a close. In my home country, the Philippines, the first typhoon of the year arrived in late May, lowering temperatures that had climbed to nearly 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit).

Over the previous few months, the record-breaking heat led to school closures, a spike in emergency room visits, reduced productivity, and a return to remote work. Continued …

They built a home in PKK after their US property was flooded

With his retirement fast approaching, Jim Dolan, from the U.S., felt as though his future was more or less mapped out. He and his wife Som Dolan would build a house in her native country, Thailand, and split their time between the Southeast Asian destination and the States.

But the couple ended up leaving the U.S. for good after their home in Houston was severely flooded during Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm that hit Texas in 2017. “Our finances were such that we couldn’t live what was thought to be our dream life,” Dolan, who previously worked for NASA, said. Continued …

Purchase of alien blackchin tilapia to kick off Aug 1 in PKK

The government will start buying invasive fish species blackchin tilapia at 15 baht per kilogram starting next month at 49 buying stations in 14 provinces, the Agriculture and Cooperatives ministry said on Monday.

The 49 buying stations will be located at fish markets registered with the Fisheries Department in 14 provinces where high numbers of invasive fish have been reported. They are: Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Continued …

Thailand braces for heavy rain amid monsoon and storm warnings

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents and holidaymakers to brace themselves for heavy rain over the next 10 days, highlighting periods of reduced rainfall and times when heavy downpours are expected. A strong monsoon and a tropical storm on the horizon necessitate vigilance and monitoring.

The TMD updated its daily cumulative rainfall forecast (every 24 hours: from 7am to 7am the next day) and wind levels at 925hPa (750 meters) for the next 10 days, from today, July 23 to August 1. Continued …

Riverside residents in 7 central provinces warned of Chao Phraya overflows

Riverside residents and businesses along the Chao Phraya River in Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Chainat have been advised to brace for possible flooding, as a result of an increase in the amount of water being released through the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat province.

Water runoff from northern provinces, following heavy rainfall there over the past several weeks, has increased the volume of water in the reservoir, forcing the irrigation office in Chainat to increase the discharge through the dam, from 100 cubic meters/second to 610 cubic meters/second, to ease the pressure on the dam. – Thai PBS

Bridge connecting Koh Samui with mainland to be ready by 2033

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) on Monday unveiled the blueprint of the 40-billion-baht, four-lane bridge connecting Koh Samui with the mainland.

The project’s feasibility study and environmental impact assessment is expected to be completed by 2026, with construction starting in 2029. The bridge is expected to open for operation in 2033. Continued …

Yoga significantly improves health of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Yoga can significantly improve the health of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, according to a new study from the AIIMS, New Delhi.

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It causes joint damage and pain and can affect other organ systems, as well, like the lungs, heart and brain. Traditionally, yoga has been known for its physical and mental well-being benefits. Continued …

Bangkok Billboard Offering Foreign Passports for Sale

A large billboard in Bangkok advertising foreign passports for sale has sparked concern among locals and officials. Move Forward Party list-MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn highlighted the presence of the Chinese-language advertisement located at the Din Daeng intersection.

Targeting primarily Chinese nationals who reside or conduct business in Bangkok’s Din Daeng and Huai Khwang districts, the billboard offers passports from various countries at different prices. Continued …

Giant Chinese passport ad removed

Continued …

Ex-Husband’s Rampage Leaves Five Dead Across Two Provinces

A tragic series of events unfolded in Thailand’s Sisaket Province as an ex-husband went on a deadly shooting spree, killing his former wife, her new husband, and two relatives, before taking his own life in Buriram Province.

The incident began in Nong Phai subdistrict, Mueang Sisaket District, where police found a horrific crime scene. The victims included the director of a local elementary school, her new lawyer husband, and two female relatives – her mother and aunt. A 10-year-old boy, the director’s son, escaped the carnage and sought help from neighbours. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

New buildings for Buddhist orphanage in Kanchanaburi

The revered Korean Dharma master and Buddhist activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and volunteers from the Buddhist humanitarian relief organization JTS Korea, accompanied by a delegation from the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), attended a formal ceremony to inaugurate two new buildings for a Buddhist orphanage in the western Thai province of Kanchanaburi.

The orphanage, operated under the Dhammanulak Children’s Foundation and managed by Buddhist nun Maechee Chutipa, has undergone a year-long project sponsored by JTS Korea to renovate and remodel the residential buildings for the 80 girls and boys of all ages under the orphanage’s care. Continued …

Bangkok plans 130 new parks, doubles tree goal by 2026

Bangkok is taking a bold step toward sustainability under the leadership of Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt. Moving past the Green Bangkok 2030 initiative, the governor has set his sights on an ambitious environmental agenda.

Chadchart’s vision includes creating a 15-minute city with accessible green spaces. The plan involves adding 130 parks and doubling the tree-planting goal to two million by 2026, following the success of planting one million trees in two years. Continued …

American Arrested for Stabbing Australian to Death

Continued …

 

All the Details About Thailand’s New Visa Strategies Expected to Supercharge Economic Growth

On May 28, the Thai government announced major updates to its visa policies to attract more global citizens, digital nomads, and skilled professionals alike. The new measures will be rolled out in three stages, with the aim of boosting tourism and attract skilled talent in focused industries.

The first stage, which became effective on July 15, focuses on visa-free entry and the introduction of a new visa for foreigners who will be working remotely from Thailand. Continued …

Digital Wallet Scheme Excludes 18 Products and Services

The Thai government has unveiled a new “digital wallet” scheme aimed at bolstering local economies and benefiting smaller retailers. However, 18 specific products and services have been excluded from being purchased through this initiative, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed.

The digital wallet scheme permits citizens to make transactions using government-provided benefits aimed at encouraging spending within communities. Yet, to ensure the scheme is utilized for essential, everyday needs and not for luxury or non-essential items, the government has outlined a list of excluded products. Continued … 

Profits of 10 listed banks for H1 rise 3.7%

The 10 SET-listed banks reported a combined net profit of 126.4 billion baht for the first half of this year, marking a 3.7% increase year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by large banks, while smaller banks experienced a decline in earnings.

Four out of the 10 financial institutions posted better net profits in the first half of 2024 compared to the corresponding period last year. Continued …

Thailand’s premium EV sales plunge 35%

Thailand has experienced a significant decline in the sales of premium electric vehicles (EVs), dropping 35% year-on-year in the first half of the year. Despite this downturn, BMW remains optimistic about its EV sales, banking on the appeal of its newly launched models in the Mini family in Bangkok.

Sales of premium EVs fell to 3,844 units between January and June, according to Krisda Utamote, former president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and BMW Group Thailand’s director for corporate communications. Continued …

How Much Lower Can EV Prices Go?

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have dominated Thailand’s auto market, angering customers with repeated price cuts, and threatening Japanese automakers, while the Thai government aims to establish itself as a premier EV hub.

Chinese companies are increasingly expanding their presence in emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Chinese EVs hold a competitive advantage in terms of pricing, which makes them more appealing compared to their pricier Western and Asian counterparts. Continued …

Thailand Urges Chinese EV Makers to Use Local Parts

In a decisive move to bolster its automotive supply chain, Thailand’s Industry Ministry has asked Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to integrate at least 40% locally sourced parts in their production processes.

The aim is to bring more benefit to Thai auto parts makers and ensure they can keep pace with the rapidly evolving automotive technology. Continued …

Thai Coconut Water Industry Shaken as “Vietnam” Competes for Chinese Market

The multi-billion dollar aromatic coconut water industry is facing upheaval as Vietnam enters the competition for the Chinese market. It has been revealed that some producers have been processing coconuts from outside the Ratchaburi geographical indication (GI) area for export.

Narongsak Chuensuchon, managing director of NC Coconut Co., and chairman of the Ratchaburi Provincial Industrial Council, said both whole coconuts and coconut water are currently very popular worldwide. Continued …

New Bangkok-Vientiane passenger train boosts connectivity across region

The inaugural direct international passenger train between Bangkok and Vientiane was launched on Friday and is expected to enhance connectivity between Thailand and Laos, as well as bolster ties with China and other ASEAN countries.

Departing Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station at 9:25 pm, train No 133 carried about 400 passengers, arriving in Laos’ capital Vientiane the following Saturday. The journey went smoothly, with efficient cross-border customs checks and passengers reboarding at Nong Khai station in northeastern Thailand. Continued …

Record Visitor Numbers Boost Phuket’s Tourism Industry

Phuket experienced an increase in visitor arrivals in April 2024, according to figures released this week. Leading the influx were tourists from Russia, with approximately 63,500 visitors, making them the largest group of international travelers.

Chinese tourists were the second-largest group, contributing around 46,700 visitors. Additionally, there was a significant presence of tourists from India and Australia, further emphasizing Phuket’s global appeal. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Chinese Tourist Dies After Falling From Songthaew In Pattaya

A Chinese man holidaying in Pattaya who fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early yesterday morning later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital.

Video 

The tourist, identified as Chi Fai Lam, 48, was seriously injured after falling from the songthaew on Pattaya Sai Song road at around 8.30 am, with the driver not stopping to help him. Continued …

Two speedboats crash off Samui, 1 dead

Two speedboats collided on Monday night near Koh Samui island, killing one person and injuring two others.

They crashed about one nautical mile off Bo Phut in Koh Samui district. It was reported to local police about 8.30pm, Police Lt. Sirachat Kamunee, officer on duty at Bo Phut police station, said today. Continued …

Advice for trekkers in national parks during rainy season in Thailand

Trekking and hiking in national parks around Thailand are popular activities during this green season, as it is a great time to explore the beauty of nature. In spite of the beautiful surroundings, good preparation prior to a visit is necessary to avoid any dangerous situations.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation posted a list of precautions and rules for trekkers in the national parks, which are listed below. Continued …

The Best Indian Restaurants In Bangkok

Besides the mushrooming of Instagrammable Korean-esque cafes in Thailand’s capital, we’re here to tell you that diners with a proclivity for Indian cuisine can now heave a sigh of relief — yes, the city’s culinary scene is brimming with stellar desi options.

From cosy nooks that serve up the best grub to Michelin-starred restaurants that tick all the right boxes, we list five tried and tested spots that do a neat job of tantalizing your taste buds. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
bangkok, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-July 19

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Hua Hin to get much larger/Journalist in Samui Threatened/Banks’ Involvement in Myanmar Arms Sales/Thailand and the Olympics/NBTC won’t broadcast Olympics/Thai athletes’ Olympic outfit/Economy: Direct renewable power sales/Digital wallet to aid restaurants/Thais place faith in lucky charms/Rise in new business registrations/Rayong developers reduce launches/Thai Beverage exits real estate sector/Thai oil firm branches out/ADB revises growth forecast/Chinese EV upstarts/Anutin opposes cannabis reclassification/Tourism: Unlimited entry by land/Thai AirAsia X to move to Don Mueang/Bangkok tourism still struggling/Embracing community-based tourism/New Thai-Lao Train Service/Koh Samui benefitting/Thailand Experience: Thailand’s Tasty Hideouts/5 luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui/Uncertain future for sea nomads/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Hua Hin city about to get much larger

Continued …

 

 

Hua Hin Beach now has showers

Continued …

Journalist in Samui Threatened with Violence Over Luxury Villa Report

A Channel 7 journalist in Koh Samui filed a complaint after being threatened by the owner of a luxury villa project. The incident occurred following the journalist’s report on potential irregularities in the construction permits for the villas.

Authorities from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Division 4 are currently investigating the Samui Green Cottages project, which is located on Chaweng Noi Mountain in Surat Thani province. Continued …

Thai FM Denies Banks’ Involvement in Myanmar Arms Sales

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has firmly denied allegations from a United Nations report claiming that Thai-owned banks were involved in arms sales transactions with Myanmar’s government forces.

During a House of Representatives session, Maris rebuffed claims from Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, who asserted that nearly $130 million in weapon sales had been funneled through unnamed Thai banks to Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw. The UN report, titled “The Billion Dollar Death Trade,” accused Thailand of being a key supplier of arms fueling Myanmar’s internal conflict. Continued …

Can Thailand continue its Olympic golden run in Paris?

Thailand has won 35 Olympic medals – 10 gold, 8 silver and 17 bronze – since debuting at the 1952 Helsinki Games. The first medal came 24 years later when boxer Payao Poontarat stepped onto the Olympic podium at the 1976 Montreal Games after winning bronze in the men’s light flyweight.

Boxing has become a symbol of hope for Thai people ever since. Thailand’s boxers continued to shine on the Olympic stage, with Dhawee Umponmaha winning silver at the Los Angeles edition in 1984, Phajol Moolsan punching to bronze four years later in Seoul, and Arkhom Chenglai grabbing another bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

NBTC votes not to purchase broadcasting rights for Olympics

A meeting of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Wednesday voted unanimously 7:0 not to spend 435 million baht to sponsor the purchase of broadcasting rights for the 2024 Olympic Games and 2024 Paralympic Games.

The motion proposed that the NBTC use resources from its Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest to sponsor the purchase of broadcasting rights for the two sporting events, which will be held in Paris, France from July 26 to Aug. 11, and Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, respectively. Continued …

Thai athletes’ Olympic outfit stirs debate online

The new uniform for Thai athletes attending the Olympic Games 2024 has become a hot potato after some netizens criticized the design as being outdated.

The outfit, modeled by the team’s badminton player, Sapsiree Taerattanachai, is a blue-colored shirt made from Thai indigo-dyed silk. It sparked heated conversations on social media following its premiere, with many netizens criticizing it for its “outdated design”. Continued …

Direct renewable power sales garner support

The state’s move to promote direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) is gathering momentum, with the authorities and business people to jointly conduct a study over a plan to support direct sales of renewable energy from producers to factories in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), says the EEC Office.

Peer-to-peer power trade in the renewables category has not been permitted in Thailand, but the National Energy Policy Council wants to run a direct PPA pilot project to attract foreign investors, especially those in data center and cloud service businesses, who demand a sufficient supply of clean energy for their operations. Continued …

Restaurant group sees digital wallet spurring sales

Central Restaurants Group (CRG) expects the digital wallet handout scheme to help drive its sales growth by 5% in 2024, while the total value of the country’s restaurant market is expected to reach 400 billion baht this year.

Referring to the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s plans to initiate the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme in the fourth quarter, Nath Vongphanich, president of CRG, said the company will await further clarity or guidance regarding this matter. Continued …

Thais place faith in lucky charms amid slow economic growth

Thailand has been witnessing a booming market for goods related to religious beliefs and superstitions since the Covid-19 pandemic, as the country deals with slow growth, with social media platforms prominent in marketing them.

Auramon Supthaweethum, director of the Thai Business Development Department, reported that 12 companies specializing in faith-based products registered between January and March of this year, compared with 33 registrations for the whole of last year and 24 in 2022. Continued …

Department predicts rise in new business registrations

The Department of Business Development (DBD) expects new business registrations for 2024 to reach between 90,000 and 98,000, marking a 5%-15% increase, attributed to the progress of the digital wallet handout policy, measures to attract foreign investment, namely the long-term resident visa scheme and corporate income tax exemption for foreign companies that conduct business here, as well as the use of investment budget following the disbursement of fiscal 2025 budget that began on April 26.

Moreover, the government’s plan to stimulate tourism in the second half of 2024 will drive the tourism sector and related businesses such as hotels, restaurants and logistics firms. Continued …

Rayong developers reduce launches as sales decline

Developers in Rayong are adjusting to a market slowdown by reducing the bulk of newly launched residential supply in the first quarter of 2024, in response to consecutive declines in sales.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the Rayong market, predominantly composed of low-rise houses, experienced a decline in sales in the first quarter. Continued …

Thai Beverage exits real estate sector, sells Frasers stake to TCC

Thai Beverage Pcl (ThaiBev) has notified the Singapore Exchange (SGX) that it will sell its entire stake in Frasers Property Limited (Frasers Property) to TCC Assets, a holding company affiliated with ThaiBev.

Under the share swap agreement with TCC Assets, ThaiBev will increase its holdings in Fraser & Neave (F&N), a food and beverage company in Singapore, instead. Continued …

Thai oil firm branches out into healthcare, beauty products

PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) aims to open 10 shops selling healthcare and beauty products both inside and outside petrol stations to support the company’s plan to grow its non-oil business.

“We want to make sure our customers can conveniently buy our products in many areas at any time,” said Disathat Panyarachun, chief executive of OR, adding that consumers can find such products at both PTT stations and community malls. Continued …

ADB revises growth forecast for Developing Asia upward to 5%

The Asian Development Bank has revised up its growth forecast for developing Asia in 2024 to 5.0%, citing improved tech-related exports in South Korea and Taiwan, and robust domestic demand across the region.

The growth forecast for Southeast Asia remains at 4.6% this year due to strong improvements in domestic and external demand. However, Thailand’s growth forecast of 2.6% indicates that the country’s economy is expected to expand at a moderate pace. This growth rate is lower than that of most other countries in the region, with the notable exception of Singapore. Continued …

Chinese EV upstarts to battle Japanese heavyweights for Thailand’s pickup truck market

In the Thai beach town of Pattaya, travelers disembarking at the Bali Hai pier can hail a taxi or cram into a songthaew, a modified pickup truck. On a recent weekday, a row of shiny white songthaews stood at the pier, part of a pilot launch of Toyota Motor’s new electric vehicle truck that aims to shake up Thailand’s pickup truck market.

A row of Toyota Hilux Revo-e trucks parked in Pattaya

The Hilux Revo-e, a version of the popular workhorse Hilux, is the automaker’s first EV pickup truck. Toyota, which is under pressure from Chinese electric vehicle makers in Thailand, has said it will manufacture the Hilux Revo-e in the country by the end of 2025, and also export the vehicle. Its Japanese rival, Isuzu Motors, also plans to manufacture its electric pickup truck D-Max in Thailand, and begin exports from next year. Continued …

Deputy PM Anutin opposes PM Srettha’s cannabis reclassification

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul declared his opposition to Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin‘s policy to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreed last week to reclassify cannabis, which has been permitted for health-related purposes for over two years. This new policy is expected to be implemented next year. Continued …

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Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption unleashes unlimited entry by land

Three days into Thailand’s 60-day entry visa exemption, a tourist discovered there are no restrictions on the number of entries by land in a calendar year.

A visa expert reported that the tourist did two free stamp land entries this year, left Thailand, then entered the country again, and got a new 60-day entry with no issues. “The immigration officer said entries are unlimited.” Continued …

Thai AirAsia X to move all flight operations back to Don Mueang Airport

In support of the government’s plan to establish Thailand as a regional aviation hub and to provide better and seamless connectivity to its guests, Thai AirAsia X (XJ) will be relocating all of its flight operations to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) starting Oct. 1.

The relocation follows successful coordination with, and is being facilitated by Airports of Thailand Plc. and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. Thai AirAsia X currently operates from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Continued …

Bangkok tourism still struggling: arrivals rebounding but not business

The Covid-19 emergency is now completely over, but Thai tourism is not taking off again. The authorities continue to show optimism, but the difficulties of a sector that was expected to soften the impact of the crisis are increasingly evident.

The fragility of the sector is intertwined with internal and external constraints: the flaunted numbers are strongly influenced by the parameters used (such as the distinction between tourist arrivals, arrivals in general, and the inclusion or non-inclusion of transits) and contrast with the real economic impact, which has seen the country drop to 40th place in the sector’s international rankings this year. Continued …

Embracing community-based tourism as a way to thrive and survive amid climate change

At 47, Cheunjit “Chuen” Chuaysong stands as one of the last individuals born in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand — a rainforest with biodiversity rivaling the Amazon. She is among the few women wilderness guides in the area who have championed community-based tourism and successfully engaged the next generation in this effort.

Passionate about the natural world and her home, she also highlights the challenges her community faced when Khao Sok took on its status as a national park. The story of Khao Sok is complex, and it challenges assumptions about the role of national parks in conservation and their impact on local lives. Continued …

New Thai-Lao Train Service Debuts Today

Starting today is a new Thai-Lao train service directly linking Bangkok and Vientiane, with this being a project undertaken by the governments of the two countries to better connect rail systems.

This daily rail service is an extension of the Bangkok-Nong Khai route, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) having just opened reservations and these can be made up to 180 days in advance. Continued …

Koh Samui benefitting from ‘The White Lotus’ buzz

Koh Samui, the well-known tourist island off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, is experiencing a significant rise in travel interest, with both international and domestic searches for accommodation spiking on Agoda.

On Wednesday, the digital travel platform reported a 26% increase in international searches and an 8% increase in domestic searches for Koh Samui in June compared to the same period last year. This surge coincides with the excitement surrounding the upcoming third season of the popular HBO series, “The White Lotus”, which is being filmed on the island. Continued …

Revisiting Thailand’s Tasty Hideouts

Well, here I am again, back in Bangkok, sitting on the same old wobbly plastic stool, outside the same old Chinatown food shop, eating the same old oyster omelet. But there’s nothing everyday about this particular dish.

Nai Mong Hoi Thod may look like little more than a white-tiled hole in the wall, with a few tables and a fearsome charcoal wok that sizzles and sparks and roars. But appearances can be deceiving. Michelin has designated the restaurant as Bib Gourmand, and its famous omelet — golden, gooey, and studded with sweet-salty bivalves — is a dish of frazzled majesty. Continued …

Top 5 luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui for your next holiday

Ask people to name the most beautiful places in Thailand, and you’ll often hear Phuket and Koh Samui being mentioned. Who would disagree? One is renowned for its bustling nightlife, vibrant culture, and lively beach scene, while the other is famed for its calm waters, lush greenery, and charming rural vibe.

Both are heavens for any holiday goers seeking soft sand and blue oceans for a day of fun in the sun. And what better way to enjoy these beauties than from a luxury villa? That’s why we’ve cherry-picked five luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui. Continued …

The uncertain future for Southeast Asia’s great sea nomads

For the past 4,000 years, the Moken people, a Southeast Asian seafaring group, have traveled between Thailand and Myanmar, spending most of their time on boats known as kabang, and relying on the ocean’s bounty for sustenance.

However, the Moken way of life, honed to thrive in harmony with the sea, faces an uncertain future. The present generation may be the last to benefit from the intricate knowledge of tides, constellations and marine life passed down through its oral traditions for centuries. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586