Category Archives: thai environment

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Thursday’s News-March 30

  • Hua Hin wants ‘cultural traditions’ observed during Songkran/
  • 600-passenger cruise ship might dock in Hua Hin in May/
  • Beach polo event scheduled Saturday/
  • Forest fire rages on mountains in central Thailand – helicopters to assist today/
  • Only four allowed in back of pickups during Songkran/
  • Take your eyes off your mobile phone, says inventor, 50 years on/
  • Swedish man sentenced to prison for running child porn network in Thailand/
  • Thailand releases pad kaprow flavored condoms/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Higher sugar prices pose new threat to food inflation/CEOs want the next government to cut power costs, stimulate economy/ESG: Poison or Panacea for Thai Business?/Economy faces export clogs with rules in China and ‘green imperialism’ from the European Union/Western slowdown to weigh on Thai production/AIS to invest up to 30 billion baht on infrastructure this year/No more commuting? Thailand enshrines work-from-home culture in law/AOT given green light for ‘airport city’ next to Suvarnabhumi/Heineken sets out sustainable strategy/Thailand’s Long and Bumpy Road to Nuclear Energy Adoption/
  • Tourism: TAT Songkran festival targets four key regions, but not PKK/Who didn’t see this coming? Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians stranded in Thailand/Chiang Mai tour operators concerned over pollution, bookings down 50%/Phuket braces for 10% Songkran spike/Foreign ‘tour guides’ taking jobs that are reserved for Thais/Q1 tourism target exceeded, but what about 45-day visa exemption?/Revival of the “Zero-dollar Tour” Would Cost Thailand THB 3 Trillion/Foreigner deported from China for using cannabis in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Nan Province: A melting pot/Explore Amphawa Floating Market near Bangkok for an authentic Thai experience/
  • International: UK closer to joining Pacific trade pact/Indonesia stripped of hosting rights by FIFA/50 years since US combat troops pulled out of South Vietnam/China’s ‘art factory’ painters turn from fakes to originals/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin wants ‘cultural traditions’ observed during Songkran

Hua Hin has released guidelines for 2023 Songkran activities, with the aim to focus on cultural values and traditions under the concept of “continuing the Thai way of Songkran, joining the heart to the world”.

Appropriate traditional activities include cleaning houses, temples and public places, making merit, offering alms to monks, practicing Dharma, listening to sermons, pouring water on Buddha images and offering blessings to the elderly.

The public also is requested to wear traditional Thai dress during participation in activities to create an awareness of the Thai identity to foreigners.

600-passenger cruise ship might dock in Hua Hin in May

The MV Europa, a Maltese-registered luxury cruise liner, has recently requested permission to dock near Hua Hin and allow its 600 passengers to disembark.

The request has sparked discussions among officials at the municipality and the provincial administration who are working to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to make the disembarkation process safe and seamless.

At a meeting held at the Hua Hin municipality on Wednesday, officials discussed the proposed plan for the MV Europa’s arrival. The discussions focused on a range of important issues, including providing immigration services, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and promoting boat tourism in accordance with government policy. Continued …

Beach polo event scheduled Saturday

The Princess Pa’s Cup beach polo tournament is taking place on Saturday.

This event is set to attract a large audience of polo enthusiasts, socialites, and philanthropists and is being held at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort from 12:30pm to 9pm. Continued … 

Forest fire rages on mountains in central Thailand – helicopters to assist today

Video from the “This is Nakhon Nayok” site showed an out-of-control fire that had been raging for 24 hours last night.

The fire started on Wednesday in the area of Khao Chaphlu and Khao Laem in Khao Phra and Phromanee subdistricts of the central Thailand province. Continued and video …

Only four allowed in back of pickups during Songkran

The chief of the Royal Thai Police, Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat, yesterday commented regarding the election and the Songkran holidays.

It will be the chief’s first Songkran in charge next month and he has addressed a perennial concern – the public riding dangerously in the back of pickups. Continued …

Take your eyes off your mobile phone, says inventor, 50 years on

The problem with mobile phones is that people look at them too much. At least, that’s according to the man who invented them 50 years ago.

Martin Cooper, an American engineer dubbed the “Father of the cell phone,” says the neat little device we all have in our pockets has almost boundless potential and could one day even help conquer disease. But right now, we can be a little obsessed. Continued …

Swedish man sentenced to prison for running child porn network in Thailand

A 23-year-old Swedish man who controlled a network of underage girls in Thailand into sending pornographic pictures and videos of themselves from his parent’s home in Stockholm has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison. The material was sold to thousands of people via social media.

Most of the thousands of victims were 13 to 17 years old. They told the authorities they were contacted by men offering money for explicit content. The girls sent the content but never received the money, they told the Thai police. Continued …

Thailand releases pad kaprow flavored condoms

Holy basil lovers, condom brand myONE Thailand has released a special edition “chicken kaprow”-flavored condom.

With April 1 just around the corner, it’s not easy to trust that myONE Thailand is serious about their pad kaprow-flavored contraceptive. But it looks like the holy basil chicken condom is not a hoax. Continued …

Higher sugar prices pose new threat to food inflation

Sugar, consumed in everything from chocolate to fizzy drinks and baked products, is becoming ever more expensive, raising costs for the industry and keeping up pressure on global food inflation.

Prices of refined sugar surged to the highest in more than a decade this week, while the raw variety is near to the costliest in over six years. Global supply is tightening, mainly because India, one of the top shippers, has cut exports after rains hurt the sugar cane crop and as more sweetener is diverted to biofuel. Continued …

CEOs want the next government to cut power costs, stimulate economy

CEOs want the next government to cut energy prices, prevent disruptions in supply chains, and stimulate the economy, a survey of 427 CEOs by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) found.

The cost of energy was the top concern in the survey, which found that 77.8% of CEOs want the next government to lower oil and electricity prices, and about 70% want it to cut the fuel tariff on electricity from September to December. Continued …

ESG: Poison or Panacea for Thai Business?

Considering the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework has been increasingly important in Thailand in recent years. Thai businesses are still learning to fully comprehend the need to integrate ESG factors into their operations in order to safeguard their long-term viability, comply with international standards, and reduce exposure to potential and market threats.

The ESG framework represents a company’s actions and impact on the environment, society, and corporate governance. In fact, the three factors are seen as key indicators of long-term sustainability and financial performance for all firms. However, adopting an ESG framework and integrating ESG considerations into business operations can be challenging for various companies. Continued …

Economy faces export clogs with rules in China and ‘green imperialism’ from the European Union

The Thai central bank raised interest rates on Wednesday even with inflation coming in at only 3.8% for February. The country’s economic ministries, in the meantime, have prioritized the promotion of Thai exports against a backdrop of a more risk-averse world banking system, higher borrowing rates and reduced demand.

Thai exports are also facing challenges in China and Europe due to local regulations and what a legal expert has described as the ‘regulatory imperialism’ of the European Union.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Fiscal Policy Office has been tasked with closely monitoring trends and potential impediments in the export sector, as the ministry acknowledged that economic growth in 2023 was now dependent on foreign tourism and an uptick in domestic spending. Continued …

Western slowdown to weigh on Thai production

Thai exports are likely to be indirectly affected by banking problems in the U.S. and Europe, slowing an already sluggish sector and causing a drop in the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI), according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The index dipped 0.45% to 98.9 points in February on a monthly basis, with the March MPI unlikely to improve, as foreign demand for Thai products remains weak amid a sluggish economy in the U.S. and European countries, said Warawan Chitaroon, director-general of the OIE. Continued …

AIS to invest up to 30 billion baht on infrastructure this year

Mobile operator Advanced Info Service is investing 27 billion to 30 billion baht this year to upgrade its telecom infrastructure to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and the internet of things, its CEO told a press conference on Wednesday.

AIS CEO Somchai Lertsutiwong said its goal is to strengthen its infrastructure so that any person or company can use services to improve their quality of life or increasing business efficiency. Continued …

No more commuting? Thailand enshrines work-from-home culture in law

Thailand has become the latest country to enshrine rights for working from home, offering protection to a growing number of people who are keen to work from home but unsure about the law and guidelines.

The move comes as more employees find the line between their personal life and work is becoming blurred, with bosses expecting them to be available at all hours. Continued …

AOT given green light for ‘airport city’ next to Suvarnabhumi

Airports of Thailand will proceed with its plan to transform 723 rai of land adjacent Suvarnabhumi International Airport into “airport city” now that the Interior Ministry has amended the zoning code in Samut Prakan to allow the project to proceed, its president said.

The Interior Ministry recently published an announcement in the Royal Gazette saying it had given approval for farmland around Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan to be used for infrastructure and buildings, AOT President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said. Continued …

Heineken sets out sustainable strategy

Dutch beer brand Heineken is committed to pursuing sustainable brewing and clean energy as part of its business priorities over the long term.

Solar panels are installed at TAP’s brewery in Nonthaburi, covering an area of four acres, equivalent to two football fields. When fully operational, the solar farm can generate 30% of the electricity required for the brewhouse.

“Heineken recognizes that business growth and sustainability are interconnected, The company’s ‘Brew a Better World’ vision promotes water stewardship, reducing CO2 emissions, sourcing sustainably, advocating responsible consumption, promoting health and safety, and growing with communities,” said Thum Chee Yuen, managing director of Thai Asia-Pacific Brewery (TAP), the brewer and distributor of Heineken in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s Long and Bumpy Road to Nuclear Energy Adoption

In many respects, Thailand is an extremely fortunate nation. It is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, with no threat of food shortages, no major state or non-state enemies, and no severe risks of natural disasters (this point, though, is debatable as Thailand is said to be one of the top 10 countries in the world most impacted by climate change). But when it comes to energy security, Thais should be concerned.

Thailand is, after all, a net importer of oil and natural gas, and its existing reserves – most notably the one in the Gulf of Thailand – are running low. To satisfy its people’s skyrocketing demand, the Thai government does not have much of a choice but to keep relying on imported energy sources (and grudgingly accepting rising prices in the process). Continued … 

TAT Songkran festival targets four key regions, but not PKK

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will run a series of events dubbed “Water Festival 2023” in four regions between April 13-16, in conjunction with Thai Beverage Public Co. (ThaiBev) and other partners.

Suraphon Svetasreni, chairman of the organizing committee, said on Wednesday that the events are also being supported by the Culture Ministry, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), private and government networks, as well local communities. Continued …

Who didn’t see this coming? Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians stranded in Thailand

While many Russians have been investing in villas and homes in Thailand, there are also thousands of Russians and Ukrainians who are stranded in the country due to the ongoing war following the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine.

Around 7,000 Russians and Ukrainians are currently stranded in Thailand, with many of them currently in Phuket. The island used to attract 8–9 million overseas visitors in the years up to 2019, but the pandemic has caused a significant drop in tourism. Continued …

Chiang Mai tour operators concerned over pollution, bookings down 50%

Tour operators in Chiang Mai raised concerns after the latest tourism figures revealed bookings were down 50% after the popular tourist destination was ranked the world’s most polluted city. But that’s not all, respiratory diseases in the province continue to rise.

The air quality index produced by Swiss company IQAir revealed that Chiang Mai had a reading of 216 at noon yesterday, which is considered “very unhealthy.” Anything above 51 is a cause for concern. In comparison, Bangkok had a reading of 80, while Birmingham and London had readings of 25 and 8, respectively. Continued …

Phuket braces for 10% Songkran spike

Phuket expects to see a 10% increase in hotel bookings during the Songkran festival next month.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said on Wednesday the government’s We Travel Together tourism stimulus campaign has attracted more visitors to Phuket to celebrate the Thai New Year on April 13-15. Continued …

Foreign ‘tour guides’ taking jobs that are reserved for Thais

The caretaker Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has ordered strict legal action against foreigners who are working as tour guides, which is a profession exclusively reserved for Thai nationals.

This announcement came after several complaints were filed, citing violation of the executive decree of 2017. According to government deputy spokeswoman Traisuree Taisarakul, the law clearly states that foreigners cannot work without a permit or fill jobs reserved for Thai citizens, including tour guide positions. Continued …

Q1 tourism target exceeded, but what about 45-day visa exemption?

Thailand has exceeded its target for tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, with a total of 6.15 million visitors from January to March 27. The government had initially aimed for 6 million arrivals during this period.

The numbers coincide with the government’s extension of the usual 30-day visa waiver (for 64 countries) to 45 days. The extension was valid between the start of October, 2022, and March 31, 2023. No announcements have since been made to extend the 45-day visa waiver beyond the end of March, although both the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministers and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand have expressed their interest in proposing an extension. Continued … 

Revival of the “Zero-dollar Tour” Would Cost Thailand THB 3 Trillion

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) has met urgently to prevent the resurgence of the zero-dollar tour, fearing that it will sabotage the country’s upcoming tourism revenue.

Arrun Boonchai, permanent secretary of MOTS, said that following the opening of the Chinese border to international travel without restrictions on Feb. 6, the ministry has discovered several travel agencies from China advertising travel packages that are significantly below the cost of operation, a tactic known as the “zero-dollar tour”. Continued …

Foreigner deported from China for using cannabis in Thailand

A foreigner of unknown nationality was allegedly deported from Shanghai, China, for testing positive for cannabis upon returning from Thailand, where marijuana is legal.

Getting high is normal in Thailand since cannabis was decriminalized almost a year ago. But China doesn’t share Thailand’s liberal stance on the psychoactive plant. Continued …

Nan Province: A melting pot

Late in the morning, my caffeine-dependent friends and I made a pit stop at the newly opened Pua Tobacco Barn Café & Eatery to refuel before leaving the popular town of Pua, close to the Xienghone-Hongsa special economic zone between Nan and Laos.

Sitting there and observing the surroundings reminded me of the good old days when Pua district served as one of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand’s primary suppliers in the northern region, with more than 1,000 rai of tobacco plants spanning the whole neighborhood. Continued …

Explore Amphawa Floating Market near Bangkok for an authentic Thai experience

Dense evergreen forests criss-crossed with a series of rivers and rivulets have always been a key feature of southeast Asia’s natural vegetation. Over the years, this unique vegetation has led to the development of an amazing water transport system, along with a unique water-based lifestyle, revolving around floating markets.

For centuries, the floating markets have played an integral role in shaping the lives of the citizens of Southeast Asian countries like Thailand. In recent years, the Thai lifestyle has changed and water transport has largely been replaced by road transport running along the network of highways stretching all across Thailand.

The floating markets have lost much of their significance. But Thailand authorities have come up with a unique plan of revamping the floating markets and turning them into tourist hot spots. Continued …

UK closer to joining Pacific trade pact

Members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership are expected to agree this month on allowing Britain to join the free trade pact, Japanese government sources said on Wednesday. Continued …

Indonesia stripped of hosting rights by FIFA

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has stripped Indonesia of the right to stage this year’s Under-20 World Cup, over what an Indonesian official said was a failure to honur its commitments to the tournament. Continued …

50 years since US combat troops pulled out of South Vietnam

Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of combat troops departing South Vietnam, the beginning of the end of the United States’ direct military involvement in the unpopular war. Continued …

China’s ‘art factory’ painters turn from fakes to originals

Painters in a Chinese village once known for churning out replicas of Western masterpieces are now making original art worth thousands of dollars, selling their own works in a booming domestic art market. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

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Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

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Monday’s News-March 27

  • Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings/
  • Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday/
  • Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand/
  • Excessive PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces on Sunday/
  • Fighting ultra-fine dust/
  • Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt/
  • Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess/
  • Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home/
  • Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand/
  • Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1/
  • 44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric/
  • Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces/
  • Andaman Sea to close on April 1 for three months of spawning season/
  • Tourism: Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge/Tempting visitors to find their chi/Traders eye Thai curry drawing card/Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6/Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket/7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay/
  • Thailand Experience: Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand/The hidden pluses of Thai food/Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food/The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus/China’s Mekong dams turn Thai fishing villages into ‘ghost towns’/
  • International: Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears/Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus/Afghan girls go online to study/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings

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

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

Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday

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

Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting ultra-fine dust

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

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

Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt

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

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

Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess

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

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

Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home

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

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

Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand

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

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

Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1

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

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

44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric

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

Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge

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

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

Tempting visitors to find their chi

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

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

Traders eye Thai curry drawing card

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

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

Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6

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

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

Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket

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

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

7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay

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

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

Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

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

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

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

The hidden pluses of Thai food

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

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

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

Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food

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

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

The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears

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

Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus

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

Afghan girls go online to study

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-March 22

  • Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job/
  • General Election Scheduled For May 14/
  • Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes/
  • Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais/
  • Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models/
  • Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht/
  • Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show/
  • Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero/
  • Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing/
  • Tourism: Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage/Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day/Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya/Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal/Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay /New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife/Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday/
  • Thailand Experience: Elephants and elegance in Thailand/World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th/Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food/10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023/Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting/
  • International: Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed/Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’/Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have launched a new campaign to reduce accidents at crosswalks or zebra crossings.

On Tuesday, Sathien Charoenruen, governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, as director of the Road Safety Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, chaired the opening ceremony of the road safety campaign.

The campaign seeks to improve pedestrian safety by repainting the markings of zebra crossings in numerous schools across the province. Continued …

General Election Scheduled For May 14

The Election Commission yesterday scheduled a general election for May 14, confirmed the polling agency’s Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee.

The May 14 election date has been set by the election commissioners after caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives or only three days before its four-year term would otherwise have ended by schedule on the upcoming Friday.

The nationwide race to parliament will see a total of 500 partisan candidates elected as MPs, including 400 in constituency-based mode and 100 in party-listed mode. Continued …

Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes

The collapse of U.S. banks is expected to have only a minor impact on Thai companies and the overall Thai economy, according to the latest business survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Based on a sample group of 600 Thai business owners nationwide, including those in the agricultural, industrial, service, and commercial sectors, the majority of business owners (73.5%) say the impact of the U.S. banking fallout on their businesses and the overall Thai economy will be marginal.

However, a majority of them (80%) still say there is a chance that Thailand’s international trade will feel an impact. Continued …

Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais

The majority of people globally, including Thailand, are worried about economic recession, rising product prices and unemployment, global market research company Ipsos said on Tuesday.

The company cited its research “Ipsos Global Trend 2023″ conducted among more than 48,000 people in 50 countries. About 1,000 of the respondents were Thais.

“Recurring misfortune is the theme everyone faces this year because we have faced many crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and inflation,” Ipsos said. Continued … 

Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models

To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, a number of extraordinary women from a wide range of fields who have inspired change in their communities through the pursuit of excellence have been named the Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year.

A series of in-depth profiles of these women, which began on March 8, will conclude today. The profiles can also be viewed on a specially designed microsite, which provides further background on their achievements and insights into their rise.

This week, we honor Nattamon Pisankitvanich, managing director of BNN Restaurant Group; Danupha “Milli” Kanateerakul, a rapper; Srikanya Yathip, secretary-general of the Government Pension Fund; Watanya Amatanon, chief product officer of Forth Vending Co.; and Patchara Pirapak, a chef. Continued …

Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht

An Indian man and his Thai wife have been taken into custody by Pattaya Police for allegedly scamming multiple American victims of over three billion baht.

Deputy National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol, accompanied by a commando unit and officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), conducted a raid on a house in Pattaya’s Banglamung district yesterday. The raid was prompted by a notification from the United States Embassy, which stated that the dwelling was being used as a hideout by scammers.

After searching the house, Torsak said he has arrested an unidentified Indian national aged between 50-60 years old and his Thai wife aged around 40-50 years old. The two have been accused of duping numerous American citizens of over three billion baht in total damages and had fled to Pattaya, according to the U.S. Embassy. Continued …

Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show

Electric vehicle manufacturers from around the world are targeting Thailand as the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023 kicks off today at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Dozens of manufacturers will unveil new models at the 44th motor show, which runs until April 2. Automaking giants like Nissan and Toyota will also be using the fair to gauge Thai demand amid their plans to open EV manufacturing plants in Thailand.

Demand could also be driven up by the fuel crisis and higher prices at the pump. EV purchases at the Thailand International Motor Expo in December accounted for 15% of total bookings. Continued …

Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero

As the planet struggles with warming temperatures and climate change, the concept of sustainability is fast becoming a keyword in most industries.

“We can never stop, sustainability is a marathon with no finish line,” said Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Schneider Electric.

She was speaking at the “Sustainability Talk” jointly hosted on Monday by Bangkok Biz News and Schneider Electric. Continued …

Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing

Akara Resources’ Chatree gold mine resumed operations on Tuesday, six years after being shut down, in a new 10-year concession.

The mine was shut down in January 2017 by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, then head of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Prayut invoked his absolute powers under Section 44 of the Constitution to halt operations, citing pollution and environmental damage caused by the mine. Continued …

Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage

The canine unit at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday added smuggled duck to the menu of illicit meats it has sniffed out in the luggage of passengers from China.

The Department of Livestock Development’s (DLD) Quarantine and Inspection canine unit detected seven bags of fresh duck meat hidden in luggage at the airport’s arrivals terminal.

The bags weighed one kilogram each and carried an estimated 2,100 baht worth of meat. Continued …

Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day

The cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen moderately by 4%, making it the 24th most expensive destination in Asia, while Singapore ranks second after Hong Kong this year, says ECA International (ECA).

According to the daily rates report by ECA, the typical daily cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen to US$278 a day. The marginal uptick was caused by a slower post-coronavirus-pandemic recovery in popular Thai cities.

Lee Quane, regional director, said cities such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai all witnessed small rates of growth in local currency terms in 2022, ranging from 1%-3%. Meanwhile, hotel rates have been suppressed by low demand compared to pre-pandemic levels. Continued …

Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya

The bungee cord of a tourist leaping from a 10-story-high platform in Thailand snapped in midair, sending him plunging into a lake in Pattaya.

The man from Hong Kong, known only as Mike, momentarily blacked out in the water, but regained consciousness and swam out of the lake with the help of the attraction’s employees. He was then taken to hospital.

The incident reportedly happened in February in the Changthai Thappraya Safari and Adventure Park located in the popular Thai tourist destination of Pattaya. Continued …

Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal

Nightlife venues in Phuket’s popular Patong Beach area say a recent bar raid in which police allegedly found children employed as sex workers has hit them hard. According to a report, businesses have lost around 100 million baht since the raid on a foreign-operated bar.

The raid was carried out last Wednesday by a special task force unit from the Department of Provincial Administration. It’s understood two suspects were arrested at the bar on Bangla Road, where police discovered minors were being employed as sex workers.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn has since confirmed the venue was operated by a foreign national, named only as Ronny, who has reportedly fled to Laos. It’s understood he also operated nightlife venues in Bangkok and neighboring provinces in central Thailand. Continued …

Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay

A 34-year-old Russian man was arrested on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani for 993 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.

Immigration officers said recently they have arrested a Russian national, 34. He was arrested at a resort on the island.

He is now at 993 days of overstaying his legal visa, according to police. Continued …

New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife

An award-winning documentary launched in Australia – “The Last Tourist” – spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, and delivers a candid exploration filmed across 16 countries featuring UN messenger of peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Overtourism describes destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area, or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably.

Video trailer 

“The Last Tourist” addresses the real impact of mass tourism as it traverses 16 different countries, magnifying its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities. With borders reopening around the world and post-pandemic travel resuming at a fast pace, it’s an apt time to reflect on what the pause in mass tourism taught us, and to reassess how travel can return in a more responsible and conscious way. Continued …

Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday

Nine months after weed was decriminalized, popular tourist destination Phuket will light up this weekend with a cannabis event where the best buds will win.

The Phuket Cannabis Cup will go down Saturday at a hotel on Kata Beach. Hosted by the Phuket Cannabis Assn., the event will feature a joint-rolling race, showcase of buds throughout Thailand, panel discussions, and more.

There will be a competition to identify the best weed strains in four categories: indoor hybrid, indoor sativa, indoor indica, and greenhouse strains. They will be judged by eight weed veterans and long-time advocates. Continued …

Elephants and elegance in Thailand

Norpeo happily allows me to slather her with handful after handful of silky-smooth river mud. And she doesn’t mind it when I follow her into the crystal-clear waters of the River Kwai to splash and scrub the mud off with a big kitchen broom.

Maybe she’s such a trusting friend because earlier I hand-fed her watermelons and bananas as she winked at me and caressed my arm with her nimble trunk.

As you may have deduced by now, Norpeo is an elephant. Not just any elephant, but a pregnant pachyderm rescued from a life of having to give tourists rides on her back as her handler kept her in line with a hook. Continued …

World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th

The annual UN-sponsored happiness index for the happiest countries in the world was unveiled on Monday. For the sixth year running, Finland was named the world’s happiest country.

Thailand was ranked 60th.

With thousands of lakes and near endless forests, the Nordic country is known for its extensive welfare system, high trust in authorities and low levels of inequality among its 5.5 million inhabitants. Continued …

Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food

Behind me lies a lake of lotus – an emerald field of lily pads that begrudgingly part for a small wooden boat captained by a young boy. One of its great pink floating flowers has made its way from the water onto the table in front of me, in the most beautiful meal I’ve ever beheld. Two ample plates hold a veritable rainbow of fresh, crisp, culinary mysteries in colors that seem far from natural.

Yet, the majority of it has been grown and picked here at The Nature cafe’s garden on the Thai island of Koh Samui. The cafe’s signature miang-bua sharing platter holds a whole lotus, whose magenta petals are plucked off and wrapped around a mix of roasted coconut, cashew, shrimp, shallots, ginger, lime, palate-pounding chilli, taling bling fruit and sweet nam miang sauce. Every mouthful zings with bright, brilliant flavor.

To its side is khao-yum, a dish full of flowers, betel leaves, beans, nam bu du fish sauce and vibrant blue butterfly pea rice that has everyone under the age of 40 itching to Instagram it. The most impressive part is that, for once, the food actually tastes as good as it looks. Continued …

10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023

As the summer season and the Songkran Festival approach Thailand next month, here are 10 top destinations to visit in April to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a great water fight. The list includes a wide range of interesting places from waterfalls, seas, mountains, and spectacular natural scenery.

With Songkran Festival set to be held from April 13 to 15, all the visitors can also participate in water fights and various Songkran celebrations to celebrate the Thai New Year and the annual long holiday.

These destinations are easy to travel to, close to Bangkok, and convenient whether you’re planning for a one-day trip or a longer vacation. Continued …

Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting

While many travelers only pass through Bangkok when in transit, the city itself is well worth a proper visit.

Bangkok is a whirlwind for the senses and a far cry from the relaxing islands and beaches that so many tourists seek out in Thailand.

But visitors who embrace the hustle and bustle of the city will be rewarded with a beautiful experience. With incredible food, welcoming people, and vibrant culture, Bangkok is just waiting to be explored. Continued …

Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed

The United States banking sector is “stabilizing” after the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank rattled the industry, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a lenders’ conference Tuesday, as leaders seek to calm global worries. Continued …

Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’

After two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin has pledged even closer ties with Russia’s most powerful backer and hailed Beijing’s proposals for ending his war in Ukraine. Continued …

Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report

Billions of people experience water-related issues on a daily basis – from contaminated drinking water, to droughts and floods – with a UN report warning Tuesday that the risk of a global crisis is “imminent.” Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-March 21

  • Hua Hin Bikini Run this Saturday/
  • Bully on the Beach at Bluport Saturday/
  • Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26/
  • Fire problems in Hin Lek Fai area/
  • Latest video of the Hua Hin railway construction/
  • Thailand’s top classical guitarists hit high note in Hua Hin/
  • Scientists combing Prachinburi for radioactivity after stolen cesium melted in furnace/
  • Hua Lamphong lights up to celebrate 126th birthday of railway in Thailand/
  • Thailand to build 7 new airports/
  • New power plan will support renewables/
  • Dane supports abandoned children in Khon Kaen/
  • Man finds 23kg python in his toilet/
  • Bees attack temple over loud music/
  • Police raids bust 319 drug rings in South/
  • Thai media continue to attack marijuana use, blaming it for violence/addiction/
  • Tourism: Will the 45-day visa waiver continue after March 31?/Why Is It (Still) Difficult for Airlines To Add New Flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport?/China’s Spring Airlines sees recovery in flights/
  • International: Gold skyrockets as banks still wobble/’Dear friends’ Xi and Putin meet in Moscow as Ukraine war rages/EU agrees 2-billion-euro ammunition plan for Ukraine/French government narrowly survives no-confidence vote/DHL forecasts growth in international trade to stall/World on ‘thin ice’ as UN climate report gives stark warning/US prepares for unprecedented likely arrest of ex-president/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Bikini Run this Saturday

Bully on the Beach at Bluport Saturday

Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26

The first-ever Racer Marina Hua Hin Boat Show will take place in Pak Nam Pran from March 24 to 26.

The show will showcase a selection of boats, as well as a variety of marine accessories and equipment. Visitors can speak to industry experts, view boats and purchase the latest equipment from some of Thailand’s leading suppliers and brokers.

Several of Thailand’s biggest yachting companies are taking part in the event, including Simpson Marine, Asiamarine and Motorfield, while Suzuki and Tohatsu will also be at the show.

For more information; tel: 032 632 206.

Fire problems in Hin Lek Fai area

Officials from multiple agencies launched a joint operation on Monday to extinguish forest fires burning on Hin Lek Fai in Hua Hin.

Officials said the fires had been burning for three consecutive days and had spread to other hills, threatening nearby villages and houses.

Polkrit Phuangvalaisin, Hua Hin district chief, along with Nopporn Wutthikul, the mayor of Hua Hin City, led a group of officers from the Hua Hin Border Patrol Police Station 3, village chiefs, and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation to urgently bring equipment to extinguish the forest fires. Continued …

 

Latest video of the Hua Hin railway construction

Mike’s Tropical Tech https://www.youtube.com/@MikesTropicalTech YouTube channel has released the latest drone video in its series that documents the construction progress of the new dual track train line in Hua Hin.

The video provides a unique perspective of the construction site and offers an insight into the progress being made on this infrastructure project.

Video 

The dual-track train line is set to revolutionize the transportation system in Hua Hin and will significantly reduce journey time between Hua Hin, southern Thailand and Bangkok. Continued …

Thailand’s top classical guitarists hit high note in Hua Hin

Some 80 young musicians from across Thailand gathered at Hua Hin’s Bluport shopping mall to participate in a two-day classical guitar competition that kicked off on Friday.

The “Bluport Guitar Festival and Competition 2023” was organized in collaboration with the Legend Arena and Hua Hin guitar club. The contest was split into three categories – under 12, under 18, and all ages. Winners in each category won a scholarship and a trophy.

The event also included a guitar-making workshop. Continued …

Scientists combing Prachinburi for radioactivity after stolen cesium melted in furnace

Science Ministry officials are combing Prachinburi for signs of radioactivity after a stolen cylinder of cesium-137 was melted in the furnace of a recycling plant in the province’s Kabin Buri district.

Anek Laothamatas, minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said medical colleges were also checking local residents for signs of health impacts from radiation.

The ministry has set up an emergency center in the province and would employ the highest safety protocol to deal with the situation, he added. Continued …

Hua Lamphong lights up to celebrate 126th birthday of railway in Thailand

A spectacular light show is transforming Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station to celebrate the 126th birthday of the railway in Thailand.

The week-long light show kicked off on Saturday as part of an event called “Unfolding Bangkok”, initiated by the Creative Economy Agency to promote tourism at attractions across the capital until September.

Hua Lamphong Station is being splashed with color to celebrate its 106-year history as the national rail hub, which ended in January when 52 long-distance trains were moved to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bang Sue district. Continued …

Thailand to build 7 new airports

The Department of Airports (DOA) plans to spend 50 billion baht on the development of seven new regional airports in Thailand, in Nakhon Pathom, Bueng Khan, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Phayao, Phatthalung and Satun provinces.

The department wants to boost connectivity and provide more travel options for Thais and foreign tourists.

New airports around Thailand’s lesser-known locations have been in the pipeline for years but faced delays due to the pandemic. Now, the department is making good progress. Continued …

New power plan will support renewables

Energy authorities expect to launch a new national power development plan (PDP) in an effort to better promote and support greater use of renewable energy.

The new PDP is meant to span 2023 to 2037, replacing the current one that took effect in 2018 and went through many revisions to align with changes in energy policy.

Efforts to introduce the new PDP were earlier delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a surge in global energy prices and Thailand’s new commitment to cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Continued …

Dane supports abandoned children in Khon Kaen

Six years has it been since Danish Steen Pausbæk and his family first got involved with the Baan Luuk Rak Children Home in Khon Kaen.

The home for abandoned children was founded in 1997 by Suriya Somjai and his wife, who died of breast cancer eight years ago.

Her sudden death left her husband and their now 24-year-old daughter alone to provide for the 46 children that resides at the orphanage, the youngest being only seven months, while the oldest is 18 years old. Continued …

Man finds 23kg python in his toilet

We’ve all experienced the feeling of dread when you flush a toilet and the water doesn’t go down, and it’s even worse when something comes up instead. But it’s much, much worse when what comes up in the toilet is the head of a giant python.

Snakes are common enough in Thailand that it’s not too unexpected to spot one in nature or even in a home garden. But the shock is definitely much bigger when a giant python crawls out of your toilet, as a homeowner in Thailand recently discovered. Continued …

Bees attack temple over loud music

Most people get annoyed when their neighbors blast loud music, but have you ever become so angry that you wanted to stab them with your butt? No? Then you mustn’t be a bee!

A swarm of bees did just that at a temple in the Nakhon Ratchasima province.

A temple in Phimai District was holding an ordination ceremony on Friday with traditional music playing just a tad too loud. The noise caused a frenzy in a hive in front of the temple and a swarm of agitated bees attacked the crowd, resulting in dozens of stings and several injuries. Continued …

Police raids bust 319 drug rings in South

Police conducted drug and firearm raids in over 600 locations in Thailand’s southern provinces on Monday, arresting more than 200 suspects and confiscating property worth 17.4 million baht.

Police Lt. Gen. Sompong Chingduang, the assistant police chief and deputy director of the narcotics prevention and suppression center, held a press briefing at Hat Yai Police Station in Songkhla to reveal the raid’s results.

Police raided 609 locations targeting 319 drug rings in Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Phatthalung, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Continued … 

Thai media continue to attack marijuana use, blaming it for violence/addiction

Several Thai media outlets continued their attack on the use of marijuana in the kingdom. They have claimed it is responsible for acts of violence after users go berserk when they can’t get a “fix”.

They claim that weed is addictive.

There are shades of the so called “Reefer Madness” that references a film that led to decades of disinformation about the drug. Continued …

Will the 45-day visa waiver continue after March 31?

Last October, the Thai cabinet decided to increase the length of the visa waiver for tourists from 64 countries from 30 days. The extension was going to last until March 31, 2023.

Here we are, 10 days out, and there’s been nothing, not even a whisper, of an announcement to keep the 45-day waiver continuing beyond the end of March.

While the Tourism and Sports minister, as well as the TAT governor, are talking up an extension of the program beyond March 31, there has been no announcements, or even discussion, in the media about the situation. Continued …

Why Is It (Still) Difficult for Airlines To Add New Flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

With many countries opening their borders and returning to international flights, the question remains why many airlines still find it difficult to accommodate more arrivals and departures from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

According to Prachachat Business, the problems mainly affect flights from China, where, according to earlier reports, more than 20 airlines have applied for Suvarnabhumi airport, with 50 to 60 flights a day, since China opened its border.

The above figure indicates that the majority of applications have not yet been approved. It is important to note that the above figure is well below the record of around 200 flights per day in 2019. Continued …

China’s Spring Airlines sees recovery in flights

Flights between Thailand and China on Spring Airlines have recovered to 50% of pre-pandemic levels and are expected to resume normal frequencies this year, aided by high demand and a forecast of 5% Chinese GDP growth.

Zhang Wuan, vice president of the Chinese carrier, said flights between Thailand and China have emerged as one of the top international routes because Thailand remains a popular destination for Chinese travelers. Continued … 

Gold skyrockets as banks still wobble

Gold prices passed US$2,000 for the first time in more than a year on Monday as UBS’s recent takeover of its Swiss rival Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion failed to assure investors about ongoing bank woes. Continued …

‘Dear friends’ Xi and Putin meet in Moscow as Ukraine war rages

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday that he had looked at China’s proposals for a resolution of the Ukraine conflict and that he viewed them with respect. Continued …

EU agrees 2-billion-euro ammunition plan for Ukraine

European Union ministers agreed Monday on a two-billion-euro plan to raid their own arsenals and jointly purchase desperately needed ammunition for Ukraine. Continued …

French government narrowly survives no-confidence vote

French President Emmanuel Macron’s government narrowly survived a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Monday, after bypassing the lower house to push through a deeply unpopular change to the pension system. Continued …

DHL forecasts growth in international trade to stall

International trade growth is forecast to stagnate this year, as countries have raised interest rates to combat surging inflation, leading to a worldwide economic slowdown, says global logistics company DHL. Continued …

World on ‘thin ice’ as UN climate report gives stark warning

Humanity still has a chance, close to the last, to prevent the worst of climate change ‘s future harms, a top United Nations panel of scientists said Monday. Continued …

US prepares for unprecedented likely arrest of ex-president

America readied itself Monday ahead of the possible historic indictment of Donald Trump over a hush-money case, with the former president calling for mass demonstrations if he is charged. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-March 18

  • Phetchaburi immigration office moves to Cha Am district/
  • Cha Am Bikini Beach Run tomorrow/
  • Thailand’s economic outlook upgraded to 3.9% in 2023/
  • Asia-Pacific banks said safe from US contagion/
  • Thailand ready to dissolve Parliament, as PM submits decree to King/
  • 2023 election: number of voters in each generation/
  • Commentary: Wildlife wars must end/
  • Elephant filmed stopping trucks for food/
  • Thailand to celebrate 241st anniversary of Bangkok as its capital/
  • SRT on right track to lead Thailand’s green recovery/
  • AmChams Thailand Holds Asia Pacific Business Summit/
  • Gold prices up Bt500 to Bt31,750/
  • Diesel to dip to 33.5 baht a liter next week/
  • Draft bill sets in motion protection, legalization of sex work/
  • Thai man ‘nearly dies’ after replacing water with kratom tea/
  • Tourism: Pattaya island Koh Larn draws in 130,000 tourists this month/Bangkok’s Khao San Road hopes for Songkran boom/Is Chiang Mai Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know/Russians flee for Thailand to avoid Ukraine war call-up as they ‘take over’ top resorts/Why Amsterdam wants tourists to ‘stay away’/
  • Thailand Experience: Isan, Thailand: Unique culinary capital/
  • International: Arrest warrant issued against Putin over alleged war crimes/Credit Suisse at a crossroads as stocks slide again/Mountain forests disappearing at alarming rate/UN: Environmental threat looms as bottled water consumption grows exponentially/Golf’s ruling bodies clash with pros over plans to reduce golf ball distance/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Phetchaburi immigration office moves to Cha Am district

Cha Am Bikini Beach Run tomorrow

Thailand’s economic outlook upgraded to 3.9% in 2023

SCB EIC revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast to 3.9% (previously 3.4%) in 2023, thanks to an upbeat rebound from the tourism and service sectors.

Foreign tourist arrivals will likely hit 30 million in 2023 before resuming the pre-pandemic pace by late 2024.

With China lifting its zero-Covid restrictions, Chinese visitors should bounce back to around 4.8 million this year, alongside improving tourist arrivals from other countries. Continued …

Asia-Pacific banks safe from US contagion

Asia-Pacific banks are resilient to risks related to the failures of their U.S. peers, says Fitch Ratings, noting that regional banks have limited direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank.

“The direct exposures among Fitch-rated banks in Asia-Pacific to SVB and Signature that we are aware of are not material to their credit profiles,” the global rating agency said in a statement on Friday.

Few Fitch-rated banks in the region have depositor concentration profiles similar to SVB, which left it vulnerable to a run. Continued …

Thailand ready to dissolve Parliament, as PM submits decree to King

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday that he has prepared a decree to dissolve the Parliament and that it is awaiting royal endorsement.

Once approved, the decree will go into effect after being published in the Royal Gazette. As per the Constitution, the election should be held 45 to 60 days after Parliament is dissolved.

Prayut was speaking to the press while visiting the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday as part of his election campaign. Continued …

2023 election: number of voters in each generation

The number of eligible voters in each age group will help determine which generation will have the greatest influence in the upcoming election.

According to the Bureau of Registration Administration, Thailand’s population as of December 2022 stood at 66,090,475, split into 32,270,615 men and 33,819,860 women.

However, the total number of qualified voters for the upcoming election is 52,322,824, which can be categorized as follows: Continued …

Wildlife wars must end

As Thailand celebrates National Elephant Day this week, the country is facing a paradoxical experience, with a surge in human-elephant conflicts that sometimes prove fatal.

March 13 was designated national elephant day in 1998. On the one hand, the elephant is glorified as a national symbol. In bygone days, the national flag even carried the image of an elephant.

On the other hand, human-elephant conflicts, as a result of shrinking habitats due to human expansion, are intensified. Food and sometimes water shortages drive wild elephants to raid farms and plantations, as well as villages. Continued …

Elephant filmed stopping trucks for food

A video of an elephant stopping trucks on a road in Thailand has been misleadingly shared in Facebook and Twitter posts about Cambodia. The clip actually was filmed in Chachoengsao province, east of Bangkok. A road sign seen in the video and the fact the vehicles are driving on the left side of the road also show the encounter took place in Thailand.

“Elephants in Cambodia have learned to exploit their right of way and stop passing sugar cane trucks to steal a snack. 0.5% road tax being collected by these intelligent beings,” reads the misleading claim shared on Twitter on March 6.

Regardless where it occurred, it’s fun to watch. Video …

Thailand to celebrate 241st anniversary of Bangkok as its capital

Thailand will celebrate the 241st anniversary of Bangkok serving as its capital around Rattanakosin Island. The Ministry of Culture and more than 30 other agencies are teaming up to hold the event between April 21-25, just a week after the Thai New Year of Songkran.

Organizers are hoping to promote tourism and create awareness of the history of Krung Rattanakosin. Religious ceremonies, a “Night Museum”, multimedia light and sound shows, a photo contest, and outdoor film screenings are being planned for the event. Continued … 

SRT on right track to lead Thailand’s green recovery

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is on the right track after announcing plans to build a hospital and develop land around Thon Buri Railway Station into an environmentally friendly zone, to lead the way in Thailand’s green recovery.

The transit-oriented development (TOD) project is the first of its kind in the country, designed to bring people, human activities, residential buildings and public space within walking distance of public transport.

The company will call bids for the project, which is set to be divided into several phases over about 20 years. The winning bidder for the 14-rai development project could put up a condo or apartments with no more than 13 storys, as stipulated by city ordinance. Continued … 

AmChams Thailand Holds Asia Pacific Business Summit

The AmChams of Asia Pacific Business Summit 2023, hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand), in partnership with Trade Winds ASEAN and the U.S. Commercial Services, recently took place over three days.

This event was the largest U.S. government trade mission, with over 100 American businesses participating, offering numerous opportunities for networking, business development, and one-on-one meetings with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Services Department to gain insights on investing in the region.

“The AmChams of Asia Pacific Business Summit 2023 brought together key players in the American and Asian business communities for a three-day event that provided valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges in the region, said AMCHAM Executive Director Heidi Gallant. Continued …

Gold prices up Bt500 to Bt31,750

The Gold Traders Assn. today announced the buying prices at 31,078 baht per baht-weight for gold ornament and 31,650 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

The selling prices were set at 32,250 baht per baht-weight for gold ornaments, and 31,750 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

The prices rose 500 baht from Friday’s close, the highest since March 1. Continued …

Diesel to dip to 33.5 baht a liter next week

Motorists will see another dip in diesel prices to around 33.5 baht a liter next week, down from 33.94 baht, partly attributed to falling global crude oil prices, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO).

The new price, scheduled to take effect on March 24, is the third in a series of deductions made since early February when the retail price of diesel was 34.94 baht a liter.

Diesel under Platts reference prices plunged to US$103 a barrel on average in February, down from $133 in January, and declined to $102 yesterday, said Wisak Watanasap, director of the OFFO. Continued …

Draft bill sets in motion protection, legalization of sex work

A bill to protect sex workers is being drafted to legalize sex work in a bid to prevent them from exploitation.

Narong Jaihan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, on Friday said the bill, drafted by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), will legalize sex work and limit the minimum age to provide or buy the service.

Sex workers under 20 will not be guilty, but legal action will instead be taken against business operators that employ them underage, as well as their parents, Narong said. Continued …

Thai man ‘nearly dies’ after replacing water with kratom tea

A Thai man says he “nearly died” after replacing drinking water with kratom tea. Now, he’s warning others against abusing the formally-illegal plant.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree are known for their opioid and stimulant-like effects.

Leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries in Thailand, in traditional medicine as well as by farmers who chew kratom leaves to sustain their energy levels while working in the fields. Continued …

Pattaya island Koh Larn draws in 130,000 tourists this month

Pattaya‘s picturesque island of Koh Larn is proving to be a hit with tourists this month, with over 130,000 tourists flocking to the island. Officials expect this number to rise as Chinese tourists start to return to the area.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai said on Wednesday that Koh Larn saw an average of 10,000 visitors per day in the first two weeks of March. Manote noted that 70% of these tourists were Thai, with the two largest foreign groups being Russians and Indians. Continued …

Bangkok’s Khao San Road hopes for Songkran boom

The Songkran festival is likely to return to Khao San Road this year, as tourism operators are discussing possible events to lure visitors after the authorities prohibited water splashing last year.

Splashing occurred on the first day of Songkran last year on Khao San Road as tourists were unaware of the prohibition, with authorities enforcing the ban for the remainder of the festival. Continued … 

Is Chiang Mai Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Out of all the cities I’ve visited worldwide, there is only a handful where I experienced “love at first sight.” Chiang Mai, the peaceful mountain city in northern Thailand, was one.

Although technically a city, its small size, laid-back atmosphere, and breathtaking mountainous scenery don’t make it feel like one. For these reasons and more, this northern Thai city is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and digital nomads.

If you’ve heard incredible things about Chiang Mai and are considering a trip here, you may wonder, “Is Chiang Mai safe?” Continued …

Russians flee for Thailand to avoid Ukraine war call-up as they ‘take over’ top resorts

Tens of thousands of Russians have fled to Thailand to escape a Ukraine war call-up. Top tourist resorts, such as Phuket, have been swamped with draft dodgers.

Some have taken over neighborhoods and have no intention of returning home.

Figures show at least 233,000 Russians have arrived on the isle of Phuket alone since November. The flood has led to a home price boom, as wealthy middle- class arrivals rent or buy to stay indefinitely on residential visas.

In Pattaya, would-be conscript Nikolai, 25, said he had traveled between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to escape a call-up. Continued …

Why Amsterdam wants tourists to ‘stay away’

Amsterdam is taking a step closer to saying good riddance to wild bachelor parties and rowdy tourists.

The popular destination is launching a new campaign this spring aimed at curbing tourism-induced “nuisance and overcrowding” and building a more responsible visitor economy by 2035, according to the city’s tourism plan. The campaign’s new rules will impact some of the top tourist attractions: the Red Light District, river cruises, pub crawls and coffee shops.

City officials say they are tired of businesses who “abuse the city’s image to promote it as a place of ‘unlimited opportunity,’ ” according to the Vision on Tourism in Amsterdam 2035. The city has long attracted tourists from around the world wanting to experience its liberal laws around prostitution and tolerance of soft drugs. Continued …

Isan, Thailand: Unique culinary capital

Chances are you’ve already tried food from Isan, and you might not even know it. The largest region in Thailand, which hugs the border with Laos and Cambodia in the country’s northeast, has given us such classic dishes as som tum (green papaya salad) and larb (ground meat salad), and its diaspora is spreading this sour, spicy, herbaceous cooking style far and wide.

The cuisine is becoming so ubiquitous abroad, in fact, that an Isan restaurant in tiny Randolph, Vermont, called Saap, earned last year’s James Beard Award for best chef in the Northeast.

Those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks and Khmer temple ruins that rival Angkor Wat, and now: Michelin-recommended restaurants. This year, the company expanded its Thailand guide to include Isan, doling out 33 Bib Gourmand designations across the region to spots like Kai Yang Saeng Thai, which has been serving its herb-marinated rotisserie chicken since 1967, and Lab Nua, known for its fiery salads and rice field snail soup. Continued and video …

Arrest warrant issued against Putin over alleged war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Friday against Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of being responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that its forces have committed atrocities during its one-year-old invasion of its neighbor. Continued …

Credit Suisse at a crossroads as stocks slide again

Credit Suisse shares fell again Friday despite being bolstered by the Swiss central bank, as investors worry about which road the embattled lender will take to try and restore confidence. Continued … 

Mountain forests disappearing at alarming rate

Logging, wildfires and farming are causing mountain forests, habitat to 85% of the world’s birds, mammals and amphibians, to vanish at an alarming rate, according to a study published on Friday. Continued …

UN: Environmental threat looms as bottled water consumption grows exponentially

More than 1 million bottles of drinking water are sold globally every minute, which comes at a significant environmental, climate, and social cost, a new United Nations report said. Continued …

Golf’s ruling bodies clash with pros over plans to reduce golf ball distance

Some of the world’s top professional golfers slammed plans by golf’s ruling bodies to impose restrictions on the distance that golf balls can travel during elite tournaments. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

cha am, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-March 15

  • Cha Am festival features coffees, craft beers this weekend/
  • Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin teaches children to swim/
  • Hua Hin student wins top prize in national English-speaking competition/
  • Diesel tax cut extended to July 20/
  • Why Thailand is becoming ASEAN economic superstar/
  • Most oppose liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, gambling/
  • Cannabis industry in the balance as parties battle it out ahead of polls/
  • Committee on Public Health Suggests E-cig Regulation and to End Vaping Ban/
  • Radioactive material missing from power plant in Thailand/
  • Isaan locals hope to win big in tomorrow’s lottery – thanks to this!/
  • Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a dead singer’s shrine/
  • House to be dissolved next Monday/
  • Baskin-Robbins in Thailand shutters all stores/
  • Tourism: Is Thailand Safe?/Chiang Mai holding its breath over smog’s effects on tourism/Phuket tourism still needs 17,000 workers/Chinese tourists are traveling again — but not the way they used to/
  • Thailand Experience: Power of Thai amulets lures foreign tourists to Phitsanulok/Cooking with Chiang Mai chef Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong/
  • International: Collapse of 3 US banks creates shock waves/US bank fears hit Asia stocks/How Indonesia’s new capital is driving indigenous people out of their land/Facebook Parent Meta Slashes Another 10,000 Jobs/Subway ‘surfing’ leaves a grisly, lethal toll in New York City/City of blight: Paris visitors alarmed at trash strike/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cha Am festival features coffees, craft beers this weekend

If you’re a fan of both coffee and craft beer, there’s an event happening in Cha Am March 17-19 that you won’t want to miss – the Sun Coffee and Moon Craft festival.

This unique event combines two of the world’s most popular beverages in a single festival, with coffee featured during the day and craft beers taking center stage at night.

The Sun Coffee and Moon Craft festival takes place over the weekend and offers visitors a chance to sample a wide range of high-quality coffee and other craft products. Continued …

Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin teaches kids to swim

The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has launched a new project aimed at preventing drowning accidents involving children.

On Monday, 55 students from Ban Bo Fai School took part in a pilot course at the Greenway Hua Hin Resort resort swimming pool, where they learned how to swim and how to be safe when in water.

Also in attendance were Phil Lawrence, project chairman, Alan Cooper, charter president, and project assistant Kamolthip Sangsripet, as well as members of the club. Continued …

Hua Hin student wins top prize in national English-speaking competition

A student from Hua Hin recently talked her way to victory in a national English speaking competition.

Emily Pairin Hart, 12, finished ahead of students from across Thailand to win the top prize in the “impromptu speech” category at the 70th Student Arts & Crafts Competition, which was held in Ratchaburi in late January.

The Student Arts & Crafts competition is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Education to encourage the development of both teachers and students in the arts and creativity. Continued …

Diesel tax cut extended to July 20

The cabinet on Tuesday agreed to extend an excise tax cut on diesel for another two months to July 20 to help reduce the costs of living, a government official said on Tuesday.

The tax cut of 5 baht (US$0.14) per liter will lead to a loss in revenue of 20 billion baht ($579.20 million), or about 10 billion baht ($289.60 million) in lost revenue per month, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri told a news conference. Continued …

Why Thailand is becoming ASEAN economic superstar

Nobody needs to be reminded that businesses are in a challenging environment; some sectors are still managing the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, and many are dealing with the impacts of the global economic crisis.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Although the global IPO (initial public offering) market is currently in a dip, there are glimmers of positivity, particularly across ASEAN.

Insights from BDO show strong overall momentum for IPOs across the ASEAN markets, with high customer activity levels despite some sectors still feeling the effects of the pandemic. In Malaysia, for example, total IPOs in terms of number and market capitalization for 2022 will be at record levels from the last few years. Continued …

Most oppose liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, gambling

A network of 12 children’s and family’s rights groups, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis research institutes have disclosed results of their opinion poll, which shows that the majority of respondents disagree with political parties’ policies for liberalization of alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis and gambling.

Professor Sawitri Assanangkornchai, director of the Center of Alcohol Statistics, said yesterday a survey of people aged over 18 across the country shows that 56.1% of the respondents oppose the decriminalization of cannabis, while over half disagree with the household use of cannabis and the growing of cannabis in the backyard.

In the survey, 55.5% of the respondents also disagree with the removal of the restriction on the sale of alcohol during specific hours and more than half of alcohol drinkers oppose the proposal to liberalize alchol production. Continued …

Cannabis industry in the balance as parties battle it out ahead of polls

The fate of Thailand’s cannabis industry may hang on who wins the upcoming general election. Several parties are keen to undo the herb’s decriminalization that went into full effect in mid-2022.

Among them are the Pheu Thai, Democrat and Move Forward parties, all of whom have announced their stance clearly ahead of the election, which is tentatively set for May 7.

Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, Sutin Klungsang, said his party plans to restrict the use of marijuana to medical and research purposes. Continued …

Committee on Public Health Suggests E-cigarette Regulation and to End Ban on Vaping

A subcommittee report on the Study of Impacts on Health and Monitoring the Enforcement of Public Health Related Laws under the Committee on Public Health points out that the current e-cigarette ban in Thailand is ineffective; instead, it has led to issues in terms of the clarity of the law, which has caused unaligned interpretations of the law for relevant agencies, unfair treatment toward e-cigarette users and problems of corruption, while being unable to reduce the smoking rate or prevent the sale of products to children and young people.

The report suggests that the government lift the ban on e-cigarettes and apply harm reduction measures along with current tobacco control policies.

Dr. Ekkapob Pianpises, former MP of Chiang Rai province and spokesman of the Committee on Public Health, House of Representatives, told the press about the publication from the Public Health subcommittee on tobacco and e-cigarette control, stating: Continued …

Radioactive material missing from power plant in Thailand

Officials from Thailand’s Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and Prachin Buri provincial administration are trying to recover an unspecified amount of Cesium-137 radioactive material, which went missing from a steam power plant in Prachin Buri Province on Feb. 23.

The dangerous material is contained in a steel tube, about five inches in diameter and 12 inches long, and anyone who encounters it is advised to stay away and immediately alert the authorities.

Prachin Buri Gov. Ronnarong Nakornjinda and OAP Secretary-General Permsuk Sutchaphiwat went to the power plant to investigate. The governor expressed concern that the dangerous material might have been stolen or improperly disposed of, which will be harmful to people who come into close contact with it. Continued …

Isaan locals hope to win big in tomorrow’s lottery – thanks to this!

Locals in the northeast of Thailand are hoping to win big in the latest lottery draw tomorrow – thanks to a mysterious stone.

It appeared in the cassava field of a lady called Wipha who claimed to have had several lottery wins off the back of it.

Now all the locals in the Non Din Daeng subdistrict of Buriram have been arming themselves with joss-sticks and fizzy drink – essential equipment in divining the numbers – along with the all important praying. – Siam Rath

Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a dead singer’s shrine

Yesterday, more than 2,000 people gathered at the shrine of famous Morlam singer Honey Sri-isan in Kalasin province, northeast Thailand, for a lottery number selection event hosted by a 16-year-old singer who is believed by fans to carry the reborn spirit of Honey Sri-Isan, who died in a car accident in 1992.

Newcomer to the Morlam scene, Ung-ing Petchbanpaeng performed at Mae Honey’s shrine (“Mother Honey“) and drew number predictions (6, 2, 5) for the upcoming national lottery draw on March 16.

Yesterday was the third time Ung-ing performed at the shrine of Mother Honey, attracting a 4-kilometer queue of cars. Fans say Ung-ing, also born in Kalasin province, correctly predicted the lottery numbers for the latest two draws. Continued …

House to be dissolved next Monday

The House of Representatives will be dissolved on March 20, PM’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday as he was heading for the weekly Cabinet meeting.

He also said that this was the last Cabinet meeting before the caretaker Cabinet takes over.

“This is likely to be the last Cabinet meeting (under the full authority of the government) as reported by the media,” Thanakorn replied when asked to confirm if this was indeed the last meeting. Continued …

Baskin-Robbins in Thailand shutters all stores

US-based ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins has announced it is shutting down its business in Thailand after suffering losses over the past 10 years.

Baskin-Robbins entered the Thai market in 1996 under Golden Scoop, a subsidiary of retail operator and master franchisee Mud & Hound.

Mud & Hound owns Thai and international brands including Au Bon Pain, Dunkin’ Donuts and Greyhound Café. Continued …

Our regular menu is also available

Is Thailand Safe?

With its striking, turquoise waters and picture-perfect climate, it’s no wonder Thailand is among the most popular tourist destinations in all of Southeast Asia.

The good news for would-be travelers is that Thailand is considered safe. The country is considered a Level 1 destination by the U.S. Department of State, which signals that travelers need to practice normal precautions.

That means all tourists should exercise caution and stay aware of potential criminal activity during their visit to the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Chiang Mai holding its breath over smog’s effects on tourism

Chiang Mai tourism operators are anxious, hoping the province’s unsafe levels of PM2.5 air particle pollution subsides later this month as the Songkran holiday draws near.

Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said the polluted environment is affecting tourism sentiment this month, as fewer bookings have been made.

The average occupancy in March is forecast to reach 50%-60%, largely driven by guests who booked reservations before learning about the unhealthy levels of air pollution in the province, according to the association. Continued …

Phuket tourism still needs 17,000 workers

Phuket tourism has rapidly recovered, but 17,000 staffers are still needed, as more foreign tourists are coming.

The president of the Thai Hotel Assn., Southern Chapter, Sueksit Suwandissakun, said, “Phuket tourism has rapidly recovered since the middle of last year. Eighty-eight percent of hotel rooms have been sold from January to this month, which is about the same number as before Covid-19.

“Chinese tourists are coming back and a new and growing tourist market are Kazakhstani tourists,” Sueksit noted. Continued …

Chinese tourists are traveling again — but not the way they used to

Chinese tourists are raring to travel again. But this time, the usual suspects — Venice, Paris and Madrid, for example — aren’t their top picks.

As China’s reopening gains momentum after three years of Covid-19 restrictions, the country’s travel-hungry citizens are emerging much changed, according to the Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute, an independent consulting company based in Germany.

“The Chinese tourists we will welcome this year and in the coming years are very different from those who came before,” Wolfgang Georg Arlt, founder and chief executive of COTRI, said at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair. Continued …

Power of Thai amulets lures foreign tourists to Phitsanulok

Thai amulets have proved a big hit among Chinese and Taiwanese tourists visiting a historic temple in Phitsanulok province.

Around two dozen Chinese and Taiwanese tourists attended a religious ceremony at the Sukhothai-era Wat Ratchaburana in Muang district on Tuesday along with local devotees.

The ceremony was led by revered Buddhist monks from several temples in the province, who recited prayers over 100 amulets of Brahma and Buddha. Continued …

Cooking with Chiang Mai chef Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong

Yaowadee “Yao” Chookong is a leading figure in Chiang Mai’s culinary world.

She is chef and co-founder of Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen, a Michelin-recognized restaurant that specializes in sustainable seafood sourced directly from fishermen in southern Thailand. She is also leader of Slow Food Community: Food for Change – Chiang Mai, an organization that aims to promote a back-to-basics, community-oriented way of eating to promote sustainability and localized food systems.

Yao also runs small-group Thai cooking classes rooted in healthy, local and natural ingredients. Outside of these roles, she has authored one cookbook, “The Yao of Cooking”, and is now writing a second: “Bring Me Curry When I’m Gone”. Video …

Collapse of 3 US banks creates shock waves

The collapse of three U.S. banks in less than a week has sent shock waves through the financial industry, with global stocks plunging and public confidence shaken. Continued …

US bank fears hit Asia stocks

The Thai stock exchange fell more than 3%, almost 50 points, on Tuesday in tandem with most Asian stock markets due to fears of contagion effects from the collapse of U.S. banks. Continued …

How Indonesia’s new capital is driving indigenous people out of their land

As plans by Indonesia’s president to build a $32-billion new capital city on Borneo island slowly start to take shape, villagers who belong to the indigenous Balik tribe have seen a rapid transformation in their once sleepy forest backwater. Continued …

Facebook Parent Meta Slashes Another 10,000 Jobs

Facebook parent Meta is slashing another 10,000 jobs and will not fill 5,000 open positions as the social media pioneer cuts costs. The company announced 11,000 job cuts in November, about 13% of its workforce at the time. Continued …

Subway ‘surfing’ leaves a grisly, lethal toll in New York City

One-time subway “surfer” Isa Islam has a straightforward message for thrill-seeking youngsters sparking a surge in riders traveling on the roofs of New York City trains: don’t do it. Continued …

City of blight: Paris visitors alarmed at trash strike

Portuguese tourist Fabio Figueirado wanted to admire beautiful buildings on a romantic getaway in Paris, but instead he and his girlfriend have found themselves navigating pavements piled high with garbage. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-March 13

  • Hua Hin to Phuket flights discussed/
  • Local residents solve problem of wastewater flowing onto Hua Hin beach/
  • PM orders another crackdown on haze sources as hotspots rage across North/
  • Medical professionals offer advice over dangerously poor air quality/
  • PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai hit hazardous levels/
  • Will Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa work for you?
  • Hailstorm in Nan as Thailand hit by summer storms/
  • China’s triads and corrupt Thai cops undermined national security/
  • Chinese buyers ready to scoop up ‘better value’ Thailand property for investment, retirement/
  • 80-million baht of vaping gear and e-cigarettes seized around Bangkok/
  • Zoo offers reward for arrest of ‘Free gorilla’ activists/
  • Cattle introduction leads to increase of tigers in Kanchanaburi sanctuary/
  • Tourism: “What is quality tourism?’ topic discussed at Hua Hin seminar/Thailand Listed No. 4 Among Most Affordable Destinations/Russians putting down roots in kingdom/Wellness tourism helps boost Thai economy/Thailand Internet and Wi-fi: What You Need To Know/French Consul supports proposed red/yellow card system for law-breaking tourists/Opinion: What Phuket tourists need to know/Tourists flock to Nong Khai as sacred stupa emerges from Mekong River/Chinese Tourists’ School Uniform Fad Reaches Phuket/Thailand eyes food trucks as new tourist attraction/Hazy days ahead: The future of cannabis tourism in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: From Bangkok to Khao Lak: A wellness guide to Thailand/Thais cashing in on superstition/Bangkok’s Oldest Paved Road Is Bustling With Great Places to Eat/
  • International: Saudi Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion/‘Everything Everywhere’ wins best picture at the Oscars/Gender equality in the workplace still falls short/N. Korea launches missiles as US, S. Korea kick off major drills/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin to Phuket flights discussed

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan office is pushing for flights to Phuket from Hua Hin Airport.

Khun Achawan Kongkanan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap office, said Friday that TAT will be meeting with airlines in the coming weeks about a possible flight between Hua Hin and Phuket.

Currently, the airport serves Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai with three weekly flights, which will be increased to four in April.

TAT’s meeting with airlines is scheduled for later this month.

Local residents solve problem of wastewater flowing onto Hua Hin beach

For more than two decades, a section of Hua Hin beach had been marred by a recurring problem.

Whenever heavy rains occurred, wastewater from nearby communities would flow into the sea, causing environmental pollution and health hazards.

The problem affected part of Hua Hin beach close to Soi 77, an area that is particularly popular with foreign tourists who go there to eat, drink, sunbathe and relax. Continued …

PM orders another crackdown on haze sources as hotspots rage across North

The prime minister has ordered yet another crackdown on sources of air pollution after satellite images showed more than 1,000 hotspot fires burning in Thailand on Saturday.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) said the Suomi NPP satellite detected 1,061 hotspots across the country.

However, the region’s worst offender was neighboring Myanmar with 4,363 hotspots, followed by Laos with 2,868. Vietnam and Malaysia had just 647 and 32 hotspots, respectively. Continued …

Medical professionals offer advice over dangerously poor air quality

The Royal College of Physicians of Thailand and five other medical professional associations have issued a six-point guideline to help the public to protect themselves from the threat posed by high levels of PM2.5 dust pollution.

They point out that children, pregnant women, elderly people and those afflicted with chronic heart, lung, kidney or brain diseases are most at risk from fine PM2.5 dust, which may cause respiratory conditions, stroke or kidney disease.

The public should check the air quality reports from state or private information centers on a regular basis when planning their daily activities, in order to limit their exposure to excessive PM2.5 dust. Continued …

PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai hit hazardous levels

Air pollution in Chiang Mai hit critical levels on Sunday morning with PM2.5 readings going well beyond 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) in many areas.

All air-quality measurement stations in the province reported red alert on Sunday morning, with the highest PM2.5 pollution detected in Chiang Dao district’s Tambon Muang Na with a reading of 145µg/m³.

PM2.5 stands for particles of fine dust that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter (more than 100 times thinner than human hair) that remain suspended in the air for long periods. These particles are particularly dangerous for people with chronic respiratory and heart disease. Continued …

Will Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa work for you?

At the March meeting of the Royal Coast Riviera Club, Luca Bernardinetti, CEO of Mahanakorn Partners Group, a company that specializes in visas for Thailand, presented a detailed description of the advantages, requirements and process related to Thailand’s recently introduced long-term resident (LTR) visa.

Almost 3,000 wealthy and/or skilled foreigners have applied for the LTR in the first four months, says government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul. Traisulee said 2,920 foreigners had applied for LTR visas from the Board of Investment (BOI) between Nov.1 and Feb. 28 this year.

The program authorizes foreigners to remain in the country for up to 10 years, and a total of four dependents may be granted a visa, as well, including a spouse and children under the age of 20. Continued … 

Hailstorm in Nan as Thailand hit by summer storms

Villagers in Nan province found themselves in a winter wonderland on Sunday evening as a hailstorm turned their streets and houses white.

Locals of Ban Daan and Ban Piangsor in Chaloem Phra Kiat district said the storm lasted for 10 minutes and brought down hail as big as an adult’s thumb. The hailstorm left a surreal alpine scene, with locals commenting that it felt like they had been transported to a foreign country.

There were no reports of damage by hail stones. More hail and high winds are forecast in upper Thailand, including Bangkok, until Tuesday. Continued …

China’s triads and corrupt Thai cops undermined national security

For decades, an unknown number of Chinese nationals have been involved in illegal or “gray” businesses in Thailand but managed to stay clear of trouble with the law thanks mainly to the help of corrupt state officials, particularly those in the police force.

These shady “businesspeople” have been left free to operate criminal activities that range from narcotics and arms trading to human trafficking, gambling, and money laundering.

Before the presence of these Chinese triads was exposed last year, Thai society was largely unaware of the problem, not to mention the extent of their gray businesses in Thailand. People, in general, did not know that networks of overseas Chinese – some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system. Continued …

Chinese buyers ready to scoop up ‘better value’ Thailand property for investment, retirement

As flights resume between China and Thailand, Shanghai resident Eri Chen is planning on visiting Bangkok and Chiang Mai in mid-March to look for homes to invest in and maybe even retire to.

Rising home prices and cost of living in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub, have prompted him to think about retiring in Thailand. Instead of spending at least 4 million yuan (US$574,000) just to live on the outskirts of Shanghai, or double that amount for an average unit in the city’s urban areas, Chen finds a home in downtown Bangkok for around 600,000 yuan a lot more appealing.

Moreover, investment in a property in Thailand might yield attractive results. “The interest offered on deposits in China is low. I want to make an investment that gets me a higher yield, so that I have more money to spend when I retire,” he says. Chen did not reveal his age, but said he is close to retiring. Continued …

80-million baht of vaping gear and e-cigarettes seized around Bangkok

On Saturday, police in Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom, to the west of the city, confiscated vaping devices and accessories valued at over 80 million baht during a series of raids. According to Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Deputy Commissioner Pairoj Sukruaythanachote, three locations, including a warehouse, were searched in Nakhon Pathom’s main city district.

Two people were arrested, with about 50 million baht worth of vaping devices and accessories being confiscated.

In Bangkok, police searched a condominium in Ratchathewi district and confiscated vaping devices and accessories valued around 50 million baht. A suspect was also arrested during the raid. Those arrested were charged with importing prohibited items, violating the Consumer Protection Act and the Export-Import Act. Continued … 

Zoo offers reward for arrest of ‘Free gorilla’ activists

Pata Zoo is offering a reward of 100,000 baht for information leading to the arrest of five animal-rights activists it accuses of defacing private property by painting slogans on the exterior wall of Pata Pinklao department store last week, calling on the store to release the gorilla from the zoo inside.

“Free Bua Noi”, the slogan reads in English and Thai, referring to the 33-year-old female gorilla “Little Lotus” in the department store’s zoo. She is described by the zoo as the last gorilla in a zoo in Southeast Asia.

The message was painted repeatedly over a 20-meter section on the exterior of the department store’s front wall in the early hours of March 6. Continued …

Cattle introduction leads to increase of tigers in Kanchanaburi sanctuary

Khao Namphu Nature and Wildlife Education Center chief Seree Makboon reckons the release of cattle in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary has led to a significant increase in the Indochinese tiger population.

This is the first time in over 30 years that the sanctuary has seen a notable rise in tiger numbers in the sanctuary, located in Kanchanaburi in western Thailand.

Seree, who is involved in the management of the sanctuary, attributes this increase to the release of bantengs within the sanctuary. Continued …

“What is quality tourism?’ topic discussed at Hua Hin seminar

Thailand is joining a bevy of countries around the world that says quality is the way to go for their tourism future. But what is quality tourism, who are quality tourists and what is a quality destination?

The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, says “the term quality tourists for me is not decided by the amount of money they have in their pockets, but it means tourists who spend a lot of money and stay for a long time or come to travel frequently and are tourists who have good intentions.

They respect rules, culture, lifestyle and don’t destroy our country’s environment. These are the qualities, the important characteristics of quality tourists that I want to attract more to visit our home. Continued …

Thailand Listed No. 4 Among Most Affordable Destinations

Kiplinger, an American publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, recently released its list of “10 Cheapest Countries to Visit”, placing Thailand as its number 4 destination.

Kiplinger reported that average daily expenses during a visit to Thailand totaled US$52, with accommodations costing $21 per night, on average, and a day’s worth of meals costing about $14.

The publisher added that while flights to Thailand can be expensive this time of year, savings on other expenses more than made up the difference. It also said Thailand is known for tropical beaches, jungle temples, Buddhist statues and delicious food offerings at restaurants and street markets. Additionally, it said these attractions have consistently made the kingdom the most visited country in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Russians putting down roots in kingdom

Russian tourists have been flocking to Thailand since pandemic travel restrictions were eased (and particularly after their country invade Ukraine), with many choosing to invest in the kingdom’s real estate sector after an extended holiday in the country.

Since January, over 370,000 Russian tourists have visited the country, according to Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nutchanart, deputy commander of the Immigration Bureau — a sharp increase compared to last year, which only saw about 435,000 Russians visit the country in the entire year.

Despite the influx, there has been no indication that Russian criminal figures have snuck into the country through illegal channels, he said, noting most legal issues involving Russian citizens in Thailand were minor offenses, such as traffic violations. Continued …

Wellness tourism helps boost Thai economy

Thailand has long been regarded as a top travel destination with its tropical islands, cuisine, historical and cultural treasures, and bustling markets. It has also become known for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Thailand welcomed 3.42 million international arrivals to the country for medical treatment and health care, generating 140 billion THB (3.99 billion USD) in revenue. The rapid recovery of tourism after the pandemic has contributed to the growth of wellness tourism.

According to the Central Bank of Thailand (BoT) and the Ministry of Health, the country earned 11.9 billion THB from health tourism in 2021, an increase of 47% compared to 2020. Continued …

Thailand Internet and Wi-fi: What You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to stay connected? If so, then you’ll need to consider how you will access the internet while in Thailand.

Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the country, but there are some things that travelers should know before they go.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what you need to know about using Wi-Fi and the Internet in Thailand so that your travels can be as stress-free as possible. Continued …

French Consul supports red/yellow card system for law-breaking tourists

The bizarre, and probably unworkable, “Yellow-Red” card scheme, cooked up by Phuket police officials two weeks ago, immediately vanished from the news – mostly accompanied by foreign doubters and critics on social media.

The card system, if implemented, would have recognized unlawful acts by foreigners with a yellow card and kicked them out of the country. More than one offense, presumably a red card, and they wouldn’t be able to return. For those not aware of the English Football penalty system, the Phuket police appear inspired by the umpires using yellow and red cards as warnings for errant players.

In the original proposal, there was no explanation of how the penalties would be dispensed and if alleged law breakers could take the matters to court. Continued …

What Phuket tourists need to know

With the confirmation earlier this week that the Phuket Immigration system of “red” and “yellow” cards to warn and deport foreigners repeatedly caught flouting the law has been approved by the national Immigration Bureau chief, it has become clear that tourism officials now need to step up and make an effort to warn tourists what consequences they may face for their behavior while on holiday on the island. Continued …

Tourists flock to Nong Khai as sacred stupa emerges from Mekong River

The rare sight of an ancient Buddhist stupa emerging from the Mekong River has sent tourists flocking to the northern province of Nong Khai.

Phra That Klang Nam is believed to have been constructed around 700 years ago on what was then the banks of the river. However, it toppled into the Mekong in 1847 and was submerged completely as the river changed course over the years.

On Sunday, crowds of tourists arrived to get a rare glimpse of the stupa, which was exposed to view after the river level receded sharply in recent days. Continued …

Chinese Tourists’ School Uniform Fad Reaches Phuket

with Phuket now bustling as a large number of both Thai and foreign tourists flock in, it is Chinese tourists who are making waves with their fad to take photos clad in Thai school uniforms at key downtown spots.

This trend among the Chinese tourists to wear Thai school uniforms while holidaying here had started a few years ago in Chiang Mai and its neighboring provinces after the smash hit of the Chinese comedy film “Lost in Thailand”.

They particularly like taking photos so dressed at Chiang Mai University, with the administrators having to set measures and provide facilities for these tourists and this continues to this day. Continued …

Thailand eyes food trucks as new tourist attraction

Food trucks can be viewed as “destinations” that promote the economy and increase awareness of Thai cuisine, according to Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of DBD.

“Food trucks may entice people to travel to Thailand merely to sample food or drinks that are unique to this country,” he said.

The food truck culture, he continued, will help foster better relationships between foreigners and Thais and open doors for collaboration. Continued …

Hazy days ahead: The future of cannabis tourism in Thailand

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you might want to put Thailand on your travel bucket list. Since June 2022, the Land of Smiles has become one of the few countries in Asia to legalize the medical and recreational use of cannabis.

This landmark decision has sparked a lot of interest among locals and foreigners alike, as well as entrepreneurs and investors who see the potential of a new industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the growing trend of cannabis tourism in Thailand and what it means for the country’s economy, society, and culture.

With the legalization of cannabis, Thailand is positioning itself to become a major player in the global cannabis market, which Insight Partners predicts will reach a staggering $147 billion by 2027, with a booming CAGR value of 29.1%. Continued …

From Bangkok to Khao Lak: A wellness guide to Thailand

It’s official: 2023 is the year of the emotional detox retreat. “I’ve seen many clients post-pandemic who are on edge,” says Wellbeing Escapes founder Stella Photi. “People are realizing our ‘keep calm and carry on’ culture is harmful and it’s not good to bury your emotions.”

I can relate. Facing a return to work after a month-long burnout, I was offered the chance to spend a week sampling the finer things in life in Thailand. It had been a horrible time, so I was understandably into this idea. If a combo city break-cum-beach holiday in Bangkok and Khao Lak can’t help me regain my mojo, I reasoned, nothing can. After all, isn’t this where every recent grad heads to find themselves?

As it turns out, far from its reputation as a hotspot for boozy backpackers, Thailand holds many delights for those looking to nourish their body over putting it through an alcohol-induced ringer. Here’s how I got on. Continued …

Thais cashing in on superstition

In an uncertain world, people become anxious or worried for various reasons, including emerging diseases and epidemics, high living costs, war and job instability.

Adjusting personal behavior or business strategy seems an inadequate response for some people, leading to superstition playing a prominent role in the lives of Thai Buddhists.

In the wake of the pandemic, many people turned to good luck charms, superstitious objects and occult rites, known as mutelu, by visiting revered places or relying on talismans. Continued …

Bangkok’s Oldest Paved Road Is Bustling With Great Places to Eat

Bangkok was born of the river. It began in the 15th century, a tiny jungle trading post set at the water’s edge. Centuries passed, the outpost grew, and by the early 1800s Bangkok had taken its modern form.

Today, with over 20 million tourists annually, it’s one of the most visited cities on Earth. Over the past several years, the waterfront district known as Bang Rak has boomed — including one street in particular. Charoen Krung, Bangkok’s oldest paved road, completed in 1864, is now a fantastic stretch of inventive cocktail bars and jet lag–worthy restaurants, where Michelin has been very busy sprinkling stars. Here, the top destinations to add to your itinerary.

Yu Ting Yuan at Four Seasons

There’s no bad seat in this culinary theater of modern Cantonese cuisine, opened in 2020 and awarded Thailand’s only Michelin star for Cantonese, in 2021 (which it kept for 2022). Executive chef Qiu Xiaogui has developed a delicate, colorful dim sum experience coursed or à la carte — from yellow chrysanthemum tea leaves steeping in clear pots to crispy, golden duck carved in the glass-front kitchen. Continued …

Saudi Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion

Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported a record annual net profit of $161.1 billion for 2022, up 46% from the previous year on higher energy prices, increased volumes sold and improved margins for refined products. Continued …

‘Everything Everywhere’ wins best picture at the Oscars

In the end, its victory was utterly predictable and yet still totally implausible. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — a wacky sci-fi featuring hot dog fingers, sex toys, bagels and talking rocks — on Sunday became surely the most absurd film ever to win the Oscar for best picture. Continued …

Gender equality in the workplace still falls short

Despite years of promoting gender equality in the workplace and female empowerment among leaders and organizations worldwide, significant progress is lacking, according to recent studies. Continued …

N. Korea launches missiles as US, S. Korea kick off major drills

North Korea said today it had test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine, as South Korea and the United States kicked off their largest joint military exercises in five years. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-March 11

  • 89 National Parks Closed To Curb Wildfires, Reduce Dust/
  • Air pollution triggers respiratory diseases/
  • Coup window not closed/
  • Thailand OK, but bleak economic view for Asia/
  • Oxford Dictionary gives pad Thai special treatment/
  • 3,000 apply for Thailand’s new long-term visa in first 4 months/
  • Illegal Myanmar immigrants arrested in Prachuap with ‘ice’ and ‘yaba’/
  • Cobra Gold 2023 draws to a close with live fire drills/
  • Report finds Thai prisons well below international standards/
  • Health Check: Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early/Mobile clinic delivers dental care to villages in the mountainous North/Bumrungrad launches its world-class Heart Institute to treat all heart conditions/
  • Tourism: Hotel scheme generates Bt1.25 billion/Secluded Trang beach touted as the next Maya Bay/
  • Thailand Experience: Trendiest café chains in Thailand to try/International masks to be among attractions at colorful Loei cultural fest/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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89 National Parks Closed To Curb Wildfires, Reduce Dust

The Center of Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM), Pollution Control Department, reports exceeding the PM2.5 (dust with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less) standard in many provinces of Thailand, especially in the north of the country.

(Editor: We are aware that our readers want air pollution information pertaining to Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, but there just hasn’t been any local coverage to share. Given how sensitive local officials – and many foreigners – are to anything negative being reported about Hua Hin, and how local media is more interested in promoting than reporting, we do not expect any local PM2.5 news any time soon.)

In northern Thailand, 72–145 micrograms per cubic meter of dust are reported to exceed the standard value in 32 areas in 17 provinces. In addition, a total of 20 areas are classified as the red zone, meaning that the air quality is “very unhealthy”.

Many provinces reportedly are now covered with heavy smoke and have persistent air pollution. The Chiang Mai Health Department said it had not received any report of patients whose health had been threatened by the air pollution. However, there have been several posts on social media from locals, including the story of a family whose 9-year-old daughter had a heavy nose bleed. Locals have tried to do their best by using air purifiers or avoiding being outdoors. Continued …

Air pollution triggers respiratory diseases

More than 31,000 people in Bangkok and 1.4 million nationwide have developed respiratory diseases due to haze pollution since Jan. 1, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Pathomporn Siraprapasiri, inspector-general at the Public Health Ministry, on Friday said the ministry has teamed up with the Health Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to endorse the Department of Disease Control’s air pollution control measures.

Data from public hospitals and the BMA’s Medical Service Department showed there are 31,695 patients in Bangkok, and 1,449,716 patients nationwide, who have developed symptoms caused by air pollution. Continued …

Coup window not closed

Academics agree it will be difficult for coups to take place in the country from now on but they have not ruled them out, especially under extreme conditions such as political violence.

They discussed the prospects of another one occurring if Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is seen to represent the conservative group, fails to return to power after the next election and the Pheu Thai Party succeeds in forming a government.

Prayut previously vowed there would be no more coups, saying the 2014 putsch would never be repeated, in an attempt to allay fears heading closer to the general election. Continued …

Thailand OK, but bleak economic view for Asia

Thailand and China are among the lone bright spots in Asia, projected to have higher real GDP growth this year even as the rest of the region is battered by unfavorable global economic conditions and geopolitical tensions, according to global trade insurer Atradius.

The insurer’s recent “Regional Economic Outlook Asia” report indicated the regional economic recovery was “clearly losing momentum” because of tighter financial conditions, inflation, a weak global economic environment and geopolitical tensions.

While China and Thailand are expected to post higher year-on-year growth in 2023, economies in the rest of the region are estimated to take a step back as they try to shake off tight financial conditions and weak external demand, Atradius noted. Continued …

Oxford Dictionary gives pad Thai special treatment

The tasty Thai noodle dish “pad Thai” enjoyed all around the world has now been listed in the Oxford dictionary website as a category C2 international word, which puts it on par with words like pizza from Italy.

A search at https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/ yields the following definition for pad Thai:

“A dish from Thailand made with a type of noodles made from rice, spices, egg, vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood.” Continued … 

3,000 apply for Thailand’s new long-term visa in first 4 months

Almost 3,000 wealthy and/or skilled foreigners have applied for Thailand’s new long-term resident (LTR) visa in the first four months, government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul said on Friday.

The 10-year, multi-entry visa was introduced on Nov. 1 last year to attract foreign talent and multinational firms to Thailand.

Traisulee said 2,920 foreigners had applied for LTR visas from the Board of Investment (BOI) between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28 this year. Continued …

Illegal Myanmar immigrants arrested in Prachuap with ‘ice’ and ‘yaba’

A special task force of military, protection agency and police received a tip of a movement of Myanmar nationals crossing illegally into Thailand yesterday.

In Moo 5, Ao Noi, Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan, the task force arrested 18 illegal Myanmar workers who were on their way to work in Malaysia; there were 11 men and 7 women.

In addition, three Myanmar facilitators were also arrested. Continued …

Cobra Gold 2023 draws to a close with live fire drills

The Cobra Gold military exercises, which this year saw 30 countries taking part, drew to a close on Friday.

The exercises are held annually and were co-hosted in Thailand by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

This year’s closing ceremony at the Artillery Center in Lop Buri’s Phatthana Nikhom district was presided over by Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, chief of defense forces, and Major Gen. Stephen Smith, commander of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division. Continued …

Report finds Thai prisons well below international standards

An annual report has found that Thai prisons in 2022 were well below international standards. The no-governmental organization, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the Union for Civil Liberty released the report yesterday.

The report findings show that the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak led to authorities making little progress in implementing lessons learned from the pandemic to improve prison conditions and the well-being of inmates.

According to FIDH Secretary-General Adilur Rahman Khan, “Former prisoners described inhuman and degrading treatment to which no inmate should be subjected. While authorities have taken some positive steps to address some blatantly abusive situations, the overall picture of prison conditions remains bleak. The Thai government must increase its efforts to make prison conditions consistent with international standards and the country’s human rights obligations.” Continued …

Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early

Cervical cancer is a major public health burden with significant social and economic impact on health systems, national economies, and affected women and their families.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Nearly all women and people with a cervix are at risk. The main cause of cervical cancer is well-known: infection with human papilloma virus (HPV).

When women are ill, society is impacted. Women are major contributors to economies directly and indirectly and central to familial and community structures. Continued …

Mobile clinic delivers dental care to villages in the mountainous North

Communications channels and roads seem to reach every village in Thailand, except many in mountainous areas of the North that ethnic hill tribes call home. As a result, many still lack health centers offering the most rudimentary medical services.

The terrain restricts access to these remote villages. Instead of roads, there are only narrow, winding pathways leading to them.

Still, the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Chiang Mai University – Assistant Professor Dr. Narumanas Korwanich – continues to send mobile dental units to these villages to bring their residents the healthcare most Thais can easily access. Continued …

Bumrungrad launches its world-class Heart Institute to treat all heart conditions

As people around the world live longer, the need for comprehensive and innovative cardiac care is ever increasing. According to Artirat Charukitpipat, CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, “The World Health Organization estimates heart conditions take about 18 million lives each year.

The data reveals this trend is likely to continue and become more complex in the near future due to the elderly’s risk of facing heart health conditions.”

“Bumrungrad International Hospital recognizes the importance of improving the level of care and prevention, which includes promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as screening and early detection programs for risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol in response to the increasing number of heart disease cases and their associated complications”, she stated. Continued …

Hotel scheme generates Bt1.25 billion

Domestic tourists spent more than 1.25 billion baht on hotel bookings during the fifth phase of the “We Travel Together” scheme, snapping up 560,000 room nights within four days.

Chon Buri was the most popular destination, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Total expenditure on the scheme, which includes a 40% subsidy from the government, was recorded at 2 billion baht, generated for 3,583 hotel partners. Continued …

Secluded Trang beach touted as the next Maya Bay

A secluded beach on the Andaman coast is being touted as the next Maya Bay, the sandy paradise made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Beach”.

Hat Yao beach has all the ingredients to become a major attraction for international travelers in the South, according the Tourism Council of Trang (TCT).

It cited the towering limestone karts of Ao Po Bay, Hat Yong Ling beach, the caverns of Tham Chao Khun and chances to spot dugongs and turtles. Continued …

Trendiest café chains in Thailand to try

Thailand’s café culture is thriving, with an array of options to choose from. You can find everything from charming cafés to pet-friendly ones. And café chains are on the rise, as well.

So, whether you’re in need of a quick caffeine fix, a spot to catch up with friends, or a cosy workspace, café chains are an easy go-to as they have multiple locations scattered throughout the country.

Although most serve some really delicious menus, not all serve them in an equally nice atmosphere, so if you’re thinking of going for a coffee journey in Thailand, here are our recommendations of popular café chains in Thailand! Continued …

International masks to be among attractions at colorful Loei cultural fest

With a funfair and plenty of festive vibes, the Mask Festival 2023 is all set to rev up the hot season in Thailand’s northeast this month. Taking place in Loei province from March 17-19, the international festival will not only bring together Loei’s three famous mask processions – including the iconic Phi Ta Khon – but will also feature spectacular mask parades from around Asia.

The festival is being held at the Kud Pong public square in downtown Loei and promises festival-goers a series of mask parades, cultural shows and lots of tasty local food.

Located along the Thai-Lao border, Loei is about 520 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The province is famous for the Phi Ta Khon Festival. Inspired by Buddhist legend, this festive event celebrates the return of King Vessandorn (the incarnation of the Lord Buddha) to his throne after a long period of living as a hermit monk in the forest. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

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

Thursday’s News-March 9

  • Holiday weekend brings Bt548M to province/
  • Officials launch anti-smoking and jellyfish awareness campaign on Khao Takiab/
  • Bully on the Beach at Bluport March 25/
  • Arkhom cools concern over inflation, economy overheating/
  • Over 1.3 Million Air Pollution Cases So Far This Year/
  • Chiang Mai to hand out face masks as dust from fires hits hazardous levels/
  • Burning rubbish set for big fines as Nakhon Phanom smog unbearable/
  • Fighting Thailand’s wildfires from the sky/
  • New climate study raises alarm for Asian megacities/
  • Illegal Chinese investment suspected in 6 Chiang Mai property projects/
  • New Chao Phraya bridge to open in 2024
  • Bangkok to Chiang Mai high-speed rail project gears up/
  • CoorsTek Selects Solar System at Rayong Manufacturing Facility/
  • Five hunters sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for killing tiger and its cub/
  • HelloFresh Drops Thai Coconut Milk After PETA’s Monkey Labor Drive/
  • Opinion: Weed bounty may go to pot/
  • Tourism: 25-30 million foreign arrivals expected – tourism minister/TAT anticipates 6m European visitors this year/Chinese tourists, infatuated with Thai school uniforms, given warning/
  • Thailand Experience: Women make their mark in Thai gastronomy/Hok Peng Festival in northern province of Nan reveres ancient relics/
  • Covid: Covid-19 drug now free of charge/
  • International: Women march as rights under threat across the globe/’Rapid’ and ‘unprecedented’ rise in ocean plastic reported since 2005/Russian military too deficient to make major gains, US spy chief says/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Holiday weekend brings Bt548M to province

The recent long weekend in Prachuap Khiri Khan province brought bustling tourism and generated revenue of over 548 million baht, according to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Atchawun Kongkapan, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan office, said during the recent long holiday weekend, the tourism atmosphere in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province was lively and that hotel occupancy rate during the long weekend was around 70%-80% on average.

Most Thai tourists were families, groups of friends and young couples, while foreign tourists mainly came from Germany, England, France, China, Korea, and Japan. Continued …

Officials launch anti-smoking and jellyfish awareness campaign on Khao Takiab

Officials visited Hua Don beach in Khao Takiab on Tuesday to launch a new anti-smoking and jellyfish awareness campaign.

The campaign aimed to educate tourists about the harmful effects of smoking on the environment, as well as raise awareness about the dangers of jellyfish in the sea.

The Smoke-free Beach project, initiated by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Region 3 (DMCR 3), seeks to reduce cigarette litter on beaches and promote designated smoking areas. Continued …

 

Arkhom cools concern over inflation, economy overheating

The economy is not overheating and authorities can control inflation rates, says Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

He said the pace of Thailand’s economic growth was accelerating, unlike in other countries, and he hopes the rebound in the tourism sector will propel the growth momentum.

Arkhom said inflationary pressure was not caused by the demand side, but rather by rising energy prices. Continued …

Over 1.3 Million Air Pollution Cases So Far This Year

There were as many as 1,325,838 air pollution related cases in Thailand during Jan. 1-March 5 this year, with the public warned that airborne particles known as PM2.5 could lead to cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, while 31,081 people died from exposure to toxic airborne dust in 2019, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said of 1,325,838 air pollution cases recorded during this period 196,311 showed up this week, up from 161,839 last week.

This week has also seen a jump in respiratory cases to 583,238, up from 85,910 last week; skin infections soaring to 267,161 cases, up from 35,878 last week; eye infections climbing to 242,805 cases, up from 36,537 last week; and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases leaping to 208,880 cases, up from 33,413 last week. Continued …

Chiang Mai to hand out face masks as dust from fires hits hazardous levels

The Chiang Mai authorities in northern Thailand will hand out face masks to the public, as the province struggles with dangerously high levels of air pollution caused by persistent forest fires.

The fires are an annual problem between the months of December and April, when farmers set light to their fields to clear the land ready for the next crop cycle.

The government has temporarily closed several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in north and western regions because of the fires, and it is expected that cloud-seeding will be used from Saturday in some areas,. Continued …

Burning rubbish set for big fines as Nakhon Phanom smog unbearable

The northeast city on the banks of the Mekong suffocates under thick haze that landed on Tuesday, Nakhon Phanom is toughening up on residents who burn trash and greenery outdoors.

According to the city’s Office of Natural Resource and Environment, PM2.5 concentrations on Wednesday increased to 167 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg) in four districts that border Laos: Muang, Bang Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom.

Any level beyond 50 mcg is dangerous, and chronic ailments including lung and heart difficulties have been related to long-term exposure. Continued …

Fighting Thailand’s wildfires from the sky

A joint agency mission is underway to fight the wildfire situation in the area of the Thung Salang Luang National Park of Phitsanulok Province.

Wildfires have been continuing since March 3, burning and spreading to the east and north along the highlands. With ground forces unable to travel to extinguish, the wildfire has the potential to burn thousands of acres.

Support was requested for KA-32 helicopters from the Department of Defense and armed forces, with the helicopters flying to draw water from the nearby Kang Wa-Kanghai basin, and dumping water over the forest fire to reduce the intensity of the fires. Continued …

New climate study raises alarm for Asian megacities

A new study that takes into account the effects of both climate change and normal oceanic variations predicts that by 2100 some of Asia’s major cities may be submerged.

Sea levels have already been rising as a result of rising ocean temperatures and record-breaking glacier melting brought on by climate change.

Yet, a study that was released in the journal Nature Climate Change provides new information, as well as dire warnings about the potential consequences for millions of people. Continued …

Illegal Chinese investment suspected in 6 Chiang Mai property projects

Police have begun cracking down on Chinese investment groups using Thai nominees to buy real estate in Chiang Mai.

Initial investigations uncovered six plots of land in the northern province suspected of being bought illegally by Chinese investors to build complexes, Deputy National Police Chief Surachet Hakparn told reporters on Wednesday.

Surachet spoke after meeting with officials from the provincial land office, immigration police, and local administration organizations following allegations that Chiang Mai land and real estate is being bought by Chinese companies using Thai nominees to avoid taxation under the Foreign Business Act of 1999. Continued …

New Chao Phraya bridge to open in 2024

Construction of the country’s widest river bridge, over the Chao Phraya in Bangkok, is expected to be completed next year.

The eight-lane bridge is being built parallel to Rama IX Bridge. It is a 2-kilometer-long cable-stayed structure, part of the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Ring Road expressway project. It was designed to withstand a tornado-gust wind speed of 270km/h.

According to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), this 6.6-billion-baht bridge project will relieve traffic congestion on the adjacent cable-stayed Rama IX Bridge, which is 35 years old and in need of repair. Continued …

Bangkok to Chiang Mai high-speed rail project gears up

Thailand and Japan are preparing to begin the first-phase construction of a high-speed rail project linking Bangkok with the northern province of Chiang Mai.

A feasibility study focusing on the economy and finance was reviewed at a recent technical meeting attended by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, Public Health Management Office, Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Continued …

CoorsTek Selects Solar System at Rayong Manufacturing Facility

CoorsTek, a leading global manufacturer of technical ceramics, has signed a long-term agreement with TotalEnergies ENEOS for a 1.5 megawatt-peak (MWp) rooftop and carport solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Rayong.

Expected to generate approximately 2,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually, the system will realize significant cost savings for CoorsTek and reduce the company’s carbon footprint by about 840 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

CoorsTek broke ground on its Rayong, manufacturing facility in January of 2021 and began operations in January of 2022. The facility provides a critical production hub for the continued supply of CoorsTek high-quality engineered ceramics in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Five hunters sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for killing tiger and its cub

Five poachers were each sentenced to a total of four years and nine months in prison and fined 5,500 baht, after they were found guilty of killing a tiger and its cub in March last year in the Thong Pha Phum National Park, in the western province of Kanchanaburi.

The five convicts were also ordered by the court to pay 750,000 baht in compensation to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The men were caught in the process of preparing two tiger hides in Huai Pilok forest, within the territory of the national park, by a team of park rangers on a routine patrol. Continued …

HelloFresh Drops Thai Coconut Milk After PETA’s Monkey Labor Drive

Meal kit provider HelloFresh, which is based in Berlin, Germany, said it will no longer sell coconut milk sourced from Thailand, as it does not support any form of animal cruelty across its supply chain, the company announced.

The move is in line with many brands in the West that have stopped selling some Thai coconut products over recent years after campaigning by PETA, which said that it had investigated Thai coconut farms and found chained monkeys that were forced to spend long hours climbing trees and picking coconut. Abuse of primates was “rampant”, the group has said.

It also called on Thai government officials to investigate the abuse of the monkeys at these coconut plantations. Continued …

Opinion: Weed bounty may go to pot

Chuvit Kamolvisit’s latest controversial revelations that cast a further shadow over the government’s cannabis liberalization policy engineered by the Bhumjaithai Party should serve as a warning over the monitoring of such dispensaries, which have mushroomed in number after the government removed cannabis from the Category 5 list of narcotics in the Royal Gazette on June 9 last year.

The scene when health officials from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine raided the “Chuweed Shop” – a cannabis dispensary that was surprisingly located in Chuvit’s Davis Bangkok Hotel, raised the question of double standards.

Would health officials have insisted on a closer look if Chuvit – who claims he just rents the space to the operator – had not attacked Bhumjaithai Party and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul over alleged social problems arising from legalizing marijuana? Continued …

25-30 million foreign arrivals expected – tourism minister

Thailand is expecting to receive between 25 million and 30 million foreign visitors this year as its crucial travel sector rebounds, its Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Thursday.

The number compares to the record of nearly 40 million in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic emerged.

The country had 4.2 million foreign visitors in the January-February period of this year, according to a presentation by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports at a business seminar on Thursday. Continued …

TAT anticipates 6 million European visitors this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 6 million tourists from Europe this year, roughly 80% of the pre-pandemic total, generating more than 420 billion baht as part of total revenue of 1.5 trillion baht by year-end.

“I am confident Thailand remains the top destination in Asia for European markets,” said TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn, while attending ITB Berlin 2023, one of the biggest travel fairs in Europe. Continued …

Chinese tourists, infatuated with Thai school uniforms, given warning

Chinese tourists wearing Thai student uniforms have been warned that they may violate the law if the names embroidered on their shirts match actual school names.

The image of a group of four Chinese tourists in Thai student uniforms, with their names embroidered on the shirts, has recently gone viral on social media. The four came from Hangzhou City and they bought the uniforms from a store in Bangkok’s Bang Lamphu market.

Rachapon Sirisakorn, a lawyer, said uesterday that, according to the Student Uniform Act B.E. 2551 (2008AD), if an individual, who is not a student, wears a student uniform to mislead other people into believing that he or she is a student may violate the law and may face a fine of up to 1,000 baht on conviction. Continued …

Women make their mark in Thai gastronomy

Yesterday was International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate it than to honor the women in an industry that was once a man’s domain. Guru By Bangkok Post speaks to women who not only make a toque look good but have turned up the heat in hotel kitchens.

Having earned a culinary degree at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia, Front Room’s Sarocha “Bua” Rajatanawin has worked her way up the career ladder from sous chef to chef de cuisine in the five years she’s been at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

“Cooking was the equivalent of play to me as a girl and what I’ve enjoyed doing most of all since — it’s now my career without feeling like ‘work’”, she says. “After university, I completed the School of the Oriental Hotel Apprenticeship Program, then the Advanced Diploma of Professional Culinary Management at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute, in Australia. Continued …

Hok Peng Festival in northern province of Nan reveres ancient relics

In the northern town of Nan last week, in 35°C midday heat, a colorful procession of villagers wearing distinctive ethnic attire made its way to Wat Phra That Chae Haeng down a lengthy staircase, aside which a pair of naga sculptures stood like guardians.

A number of classic wood litters carried replicas of a gold, bell-shaped pagoda, as well as various Buddhist offerings such as Lanna-style flags and khan dok trees, all to mark the return of the annual seven-day Hok Peng Festival.

As legend has it, Phaya Kan Muang built a 55.5-meter-high pagoda in 1353 to house Buddha relics, including hair and a left wrist that were obtained from Sukhothai. Every year, the Hok Peng ritual is performed to worship the relics ahead of the Full Moon of the sixth northern Thai lunar month, which this year fell last Monday. Continued …

Covid-19 drug now free of charge

The anti-viral drug molnupiravir has been included in the list of essential medications covered by the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) Plus scheme, according to deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

The drug’s inclusion means Covid-19 patients can now get molnupiravir pills for free. Prior to its inclusion, which was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday, patients had to pay 15 baht for a 200-milligram dose of the anti-viral medication. Continued …

Women march as rights under threat across the globe

Women hit the streets from Kabul to Mexico City on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day and stand up for rights that are coming under increasing attack. Continued … 

‘Rapid’ and ‘unprecedented’ rise in ocean plastic reported since 2005

The world’s oceans are choked with as many as 170 trillion particles of plastic, new research released Wednesday shows, and that number could nearly triple over the next few decades if nothing is done to stop the flow of pollution. Continued …

Russian military too deficient to make major gains, US spy chief says

The Russian military has too many deficiencies – including heavy casualties and an inability to replenish weapons and ammunition – to make “major territorial gains” in Ukraine this year, the top U.S. intelligence official told a Senate committee Wednesday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News – March 8

  • Why International Women’s Day matters/
  • Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up/
  • Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25/
  • Mask use urged as haze fastens grip/
  • Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks/
  • Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests/
  • Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand/
  • Foreigners picked to buoy property market/
  • Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year/
  • PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf/
  • Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation/
  • Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea/
  • WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge/
  • Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?/
  • Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint/
  • Tourism: Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome/People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms/German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island/
  • Thailand Experience: How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?/Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit/Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Why International Women’s Day matters

Today is International Women’s Day.

It has been observed by the United Nations since 1975 and celebrated by many countries before then. Yet, if one looks on social media, many still argue that International Women’s Day should not be celebrated for different reasons. (“Why is this a thing? Why is there an international women’s day but not an international men’s day?”)

But the most compelling reason that even feminists may side with is: why should International Women’s Day be celebrated, when women’s rights should be advocated for every day, not just on March 8 of each year? To this I say, yes, women’s rights should be advocated for every day, but that does not mean that we should not dedicate a special day to commemorate it. Continued …

Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up

Thailand’s average headline inflation in February was at 3.79%, the lowest in 13 months, following a drop in fuel prices, the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Tuesday.

The average headline inflation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which in February dropped from the previous month by 0.12% to 108.05.

The office also expected electricity bills and the price of cooking gas to go up in March due to continued economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector. Continued …

Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25

The upcoming Anzac Day memorial service to be held on Tuesday, April 25, starts with a dawn service at 5:30am, while the public will be welcome to enter the complex from 3am onward. The service will be followed by the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, with refreshments and snacks donated by Australian-Kiwi communities here in Thailand.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass is the only official memorial service in Thailand, and is jointly hosted by both the Australian and New Zealand embassies.

Located in Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center is a memorial site established and maintained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australian government. It is dedicated to those who were forced to work and build the railway connecting Burma and Thailand during the Second World War. Over 60,000 Allied prisoners worked on the railway, with approximately 12,500 lost lives, including British, Australian, Dutch, American and tens of thousands of Asian laborers (Romusha).

For decades, this place has become a significant commemoration site for Anzac Day – a memorial service that honors and acknowledges all Australians and New Zealanders who served and sacrificed their lives in war.

Mask use urged as haze fastens grip

A pulmonologist from Siriraj Hospital has suggested people wear masks to protect themselves from dust pollution, as the number of patients with respiratory diseases continues to rise, especially among children.

Meanwhile, 48 provinces were found to have ultra-fine dust particles (PM2.5) levels above the safe threshold on Tuesday.

Dr. Nitipatana Chierakul, head of the Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, said hospitals nationwide have seen a spike in cases that began in December. Continued …

Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks

Areas of three national parks in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand were declared off limits due to the risk of fire. They are the Sai Yok, Khao Laem and Lam Klong Ngu parks.

Helicopters did 38 sorties carrying 19,000 liters of water to douse flames.

People rearing buffaloes, in particular, were ordered to stay away from affected areas. – Thai Rath

Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests

The Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department is expected to be cloud-seeding from this Saturday until next Monday to help contain fires in Thailand’s western forests, which appear to be out of control.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said yesterday that may hot spots have been detected in the forests north of the Srinagarind Dam in Kanchanaburi.

He said that fires have now spread to dry evergreen woodland, which is only accessible after several hours of trekking through the forests. Continued …

Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand

It is not just forest land that has been affected by fires in Bo Rai district of Trat in eastern Thailand.

Wild elephants were also fleeing the impact of the fires that had burned over 2,500 rai in the Nonsri and Dan Chumphon areas.

Pictures of almost 20 elephants show them were trumpeting their displeasure at having to leave their regular stomping grounds in two areas. – Siam Rath

Foreigners picked to buoy property market

Despite the economic recovery, the property market this year may depend heavily on foreign demand, as negative factors still affect domestic buyers, according to economists and property analysts.

Piyasak Manason, senior vice president of the wealth research department of InnovestX Securities, said property market growth this year would likely slow because of various financial policies.

“When inflation is high, the Bank of Thailand will raise interest rates to cope with it,” he said. “With the termination of the lending-curb easing, which affects lower-end home demand, we do not expect to see a strong real estate market in the near future.” Continued …

Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year

A weaker baht and improvement in many countries’ production index will boost the Thai export market, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) says.

TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said on Tuesday that Thai export value in February should hit US$22 billion (760.34 billion baht), especially since the baht has weakened to about 34-35 to the dollar.

Thailand’s exports in January were 4.5% less at $20.24 billion (705.45 billion baht) due to an 11% contraction in the Chinese market and a delay in orders for electronic goods. Continued …

PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf

PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) was awarded exploration and production licenses at two of three new petroleum blocks in the Gulf of Thailand, a move that should pave the way for more domestic oil and gas supply to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The company was awarded the rights for blocks G1/65 and G3/65, while U.S.-based Chevron Offshore (Thailand) was awarded a license for block G2/65, according to the Department of Mineral Fuels. Continued …

Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation

A Thai seller of a rubber ducky calendar has been found guilty of royal defamation. The 26-year-old man, “Tonmai,” was arrested on Dec. 31, 2020, and charged with royal defamation. Now, he will serve two years in prison after being found guilty.

The Taling Chan Criminal Court ruled that the depiction of the rubber duck was a mockery of Thailand’s head of state. According to Prachatai English, the rubber ducks first arrived at pro-democracy demonstrations back in 2020. Continued …

Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea

An American language teacher, 45, was charged with negligent homicide on Tuesday after an eight-year-old boy drowned in the sea of Chumphon province, despite the boy’s parents not wanting to see him charged.

The American teacher was an employee of a local church in Pathio District, Chumphon province. His family, consisting of his wife, son and four children friends of his son, were on a holiday in Thung Zang Bay.

While everyone was relaxing on the beach, his son and Wiwat, 8, were playing in the water. The two boys were holding onto a fish-shaped rubber bouy, meters from the shore when they lost control. The teacher’s son was rescued by a Myanmar worker in time while Wiwat drowned. Continued …

WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge

SET-listed WHA Utilities & Power Plc (WHAUP), which provides utilities under WHA Corp., Thailand’s biggest industrial land developer and operator, expects its rooftop solar panel installation service to grow by 24% to 300 megawatts this year, thanks to greater adoption of clean energy in the industrial sector.

Last year, solar panels installed by WHAUP under private power purchase agreements stood at 133MW.

Rooftop solar panels with an electricity generation capacity of 1MW can lead to a reduction of 700 tons of carbon dioxide a year, so with a combined capacity of 300MW, up to 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be cut annually, said Somkiat Masunthasuwun, chief executive of WHAUP. Continued …

Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?

Authorities have blamed the latest monkey smuggling case in Thailand on demand from traditional Chinese medicine – but evidence indicates traffickers supplying U.S. laboratories are the real culprits.

In the latest smuggling case, 47 long-tailed macaques were found caged in a truck stopped by police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Non Sung district on Monday. Police said the two suspects had confessed, claiming they did know that long-tailed macaques are protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The suspects had agreed to smuggle the monkeys from Khao Ta Khrong National Park in Ratchaburi to Laos via Nong Khai in exchange for 17,000 baht, investigators said.

Peersasak Paksasuay, director of conservation for Nakhon Ratchasima, said national parks were working with police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Buri Ram to stop wildlife smuggling. He added that the macaques were destined for China for probable use in Chinese traditional medicine. Continued …

Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint

The highlight of the second day of the Six Red World Snooker Championships 2023 in Pathum Thani was the evening appearance of Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time.

A packed TV arena at the Thammasat Convention Center gave Englishman O’Sullivan a rousing reception, then watched in awe as he stormed into a 4-0 lead against compatriot Jimmy Robertson inside 25 minutes.

But Robertson, 36, was not there to make up the numbers against his 47-year-old opponent. He made the score 4-3 before O’Sullivan closed out the match. Continued …

Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome

Thailand gave a special welcome back to the first direct flight from China to Koh Samui since the pandemic.

Surat Thani Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan and local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Kanokkitika Kritwuthikorn were on hand with many other officials to welcome a full load of 130 tourists aboard Chengdu Airlines EU 2807.

The auspicious flight – the first direct flight from China to the holiday island in the south of Thailand since February 2020 – was met with much pomp and ceremony. Continued …

People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms

People rushed to book hotels during the first day of the latest phase of the hotel subsidy program, with 112,876 room nights reserved out of 560,000 available under the scheme within six hours.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the value of transactions during the first six hours of availability on Tuesday reached 443 million baht from 112,876 room nights.

Of the total amount, 60% or 273 million baht was paid by the purchaser and 170 million baht (40%) came from the government subsidy. Continued …

German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island

A German tourist drowned near a beach on Samui Island.

Bo Phut Police said they were notified that a male foreign tourist drowned at Chaweng Beach on Monday. Emergency responders and police arrived at the beach.

The man was identified by police as a 58-year-old German man. His body had already been pulled from the water. Continued …

How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?

The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is renowned for its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline.

Starting in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, one can visit the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that has been the home of Thai kings for over 150 years. The palace is surrounded by temples, shrines, and halls, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colorful mosaics. Visitors can also see a statue of the Emerald Buddha made from a single jade block and considered one of Thailand’s most important religious artifacts.

For a unique shopping experience, one can visit the largest open-air marketplace in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to food and antiques, it’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and taste some local street food. Continued …

Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit

A firm favorite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife.

But while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further.

“We are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear. Continued … 

Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation

The islands of Tarutao National Park are not the most touristy beaches in beautiful Southern Thailand. These 51 islands have jaw-dropping scenery, yes, but lack the raving full moon parties of Koh PhaNgan, the impossible-to-escape reputation of The Beach filming location on Koh Phi Phi Le, and the 2.3 million vacationers who flocked to Phuket last year in just nine months alone.

With only 238,000 visitors throughout the entire year, Tarutao beckons to adventurous, nature-loving wanderers looking for more than just a party scene studded with bucket-sized cocktails.

Across these archipelagos, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, so many pristine shorelines, trails leading to vistas for sunsets and sunrises, as well as a thought-provoking tribute to the biggest island’s sobering past. Park-goers can explore a self-guided jungle trail to learn about how the government transformed a now-defunct prison into an outdoor museum memorializing all those who struggled and lost their lives onsite, a dark moment in human history that’s been returned to — and reclaimed by — nature. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

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