Category Archives: thai environment

bangkok, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, wildlife tourism

Friday’s news-Jan 17

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Dusit’s new Hua Hin condo project/Hua Hin Blues Fest/Black Mountain Championship honored/Centara Grand wins HolidayCheck honor/Sansara’s luxury villa development/Power tariff faces trim of 17 satang/Growth of health spending in Thailand/China fight of cross-border crimes/Absent in global boobs size rankings/Flood warning issued/Forest fires continue/South Thailand unrest/Some of the world’s fattest kids/Man shoots cat with harpoon/Shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: The Rise of Southeast Asia/Entertainment complex plus online gambling?/Hidden motives behind online gambling/Investment likely to keep flowing/Working to protect auto industry/Thailand to sign free trade agreement/Bt10-billion factory expansion/TOURISM: Brawls in Pattaya/4 million travelers over Chinese New Year/Regional hub for cruise tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rice fields turned into art/Chefs to Serve Thai Favorites/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok For Sustainably/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Dusit invests in multigeneration Hua Hin condo project

Dusit International is expanding to real estate with an investment in a new multigeneration condo project in Hua Hin, while targeting at least 15 new contracts for hotel management, including in Europe.

Siradej Donavanik, vice president of development at Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said to capture the senior residence trend, the company plans to launch Dusit Ajara, a luxury condo under its property development arm Dusit Estate, this year. Continued …

Hua Hin Blues Fest tomorrow behind Tamarind market

Continued …

Black Mountain Championship named Asia Tournament of the Year

Continued …

 

Centara Grand Hua Hin wins HolidayCheck honor

Continued …

 

Sansara announces luxury villa development at Black Mountain

Continued …

 

Power tariff faces trim of 17 satang at expense of renewable energy

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects to reduce the power tariff by 0.17 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), leading to cheaper electricity bills, if the government agrees to reduce its spending on a policy to promote investment in renewable energy.

Part of the power tariff, which is now 4.15 baht a unit, is spent to support the renewable energy policy, a key factor keeping power bills high for households and businesses, according to the regulator. Continued …

Growth of health spending in Thailand from 2017 to 2024

China urges ASEAN (Thailand) to fight cross-border crimes

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Southeast Asian countries yesterday to take strong measures to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, urging the “relevant” nations to shoulder their responsibilities.

A series of cases of online gambling and telecom fraud incidents along the Thai-Myanmar border has threatened and harmed citizens of China and other countries, Wang was quoted as saying in a Foreign Ministry statement. Continued …

Thailand absent in global boobs size rankings

In a study by the World Population Review, Thailand is noticeably absent in the rankings of countries with the largest average boobs. The Scandinavian country of Norway has the biggest boobs, the survey reported.

This comprehensive report scrutinized 108 nations, unearthing intriguing correlations between body mass index (BMI) and breast size, while affirming that individual factors like genetics, diet, and age play significant roles in determining bust size. Continued …

Flood warning issued for southern Thailand

The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the south and the Andaman Sea will strengthen over the weekend, bringing isolated heavy downpours to the lower south, the Thai Meteorological Department warned today.

People in affected areas should beware of heavy rains and rain accumulations that may cause flash flooding and overflows, especially along the foothills, near waterways and low-lying land, it said, adding residents along the shores should beware of inshore surges. Continued …

Forest fires continue in Suphan Buri and Chon Buri

Massive forest fires, allegedly started by poachers four days ago, continue to rage in Suphan Buri, with approximately 1,000 rai of forest already damaged, officials have reported.

Volunteers, park rangers, and officials from relevant agencies joined forces yesterday morning to contain the fires, which have been spreading across forests on the mountain range in Tambon Plap Plachai and Tambon Ban Khong in Suphan Buri’s U Thong district for four consecutive days. Continued …

South Thailand unrest: Defense chief demands strategy overhaul

Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a bold rethink of Thailand’s southern border strategy following a recent motorcycle bomb attack in Pattani that left defense volunteers and civilians injured.

In a scathing critique of current measures, Phumtham urged the National Security Council (NSC) to replace the ineffective cycle of lifting and reinstating emergency decrees with a more cohesive approach. Continued …

Thailand weighs in with some of the world’s fattest kids

Thailand is home to some of the fattest kids in the worl a new study has revealed. The kingdom finds itself grappling with a burgeoning child obesity crisis, ranking as the third worst in the ASEAN region, according to a recent study.

A staggering 84.1% of Thai children aged six to 14 are regularly munching on salty snacks, prompting urgent calls for action. Continued …

Thai man shoots cat with harpoon, allegedly to eat it

Police are searching for a Thai man who shot a cat with a harpoon in the Isaan province of Buriram, allegedly intending to eat the animal. The cat’s right eye was left blind following the severe attack.

The 68-year-old Thai man brought the injured cat, Kuay Tiew (meaning noodles), in a cage to a shelter at the Wang Krood Rescue Foundation in the Satuek district of Buriram province yesterday. Narong explained that he could not afford the treatment costs for Kuay Tiew and hoped rescuers could assist. Continued …

British explorer uncovers shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo

A British explorer got more than he bargained for during a visit to Thailand’s abandoned Phuket Zoo, uncovering a hidden and haunting secret that left him and his viewers stunned.

British content creator Sean King, known for exploring deserted attractions on his YouTube channel @SeanKing5150, ventured into the defunct zoo. What he found was both extraordinary and deeply troubling. “I thought the animals had been rescued.” Continued …

  • Australian man’s flight crash threat lands him in jail – Continued …
  • Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam – Continued …

The Rise of Southeast Asia: A New Era in Global Manufacturing?

The Southeast Asia (SEA) region is rapidly positioning itself as one of the leading manufacturing hubs in the world, capturing the attention of global investors, manufacturers, and supply chain experts.

This growth is driven by competitive labor costs, strategic geographic location, and increasing government support for industrial development. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are emerging as key players, attracting multinational corporations seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependency on traditional manufacturing giants. Continued …

Entertainment complex plus online gambling?

The legalization of casinos in Thailand under the “Entertainment Complex” policy is progressing alongside efforts to legalize online gambling.

This aligns with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s comments in various forums about the significant underground economy fueled by gambling. Continued …

Former senator questions hidden motives behind online gambling legalization

Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has expressed doubts about the cabinet’s decision to legalize online gambling, warning that it could backfire on the government.

The decision was not included in the cabinet’s official resolution this week, but was revealed by Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Tuesday. Continued …

Bangkok Bank: Investment likely to keep flowing into Thailand

Bangkok Bank (BBL) expects sustained growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand over the next few years, presenting significant opportunities for the Thai economy despite global uncertainties.

Speaking at the 2025 ASEAN Business Forum hosted by the bank yesterday, BBL President Chartsiri Sophonpanich said Thailand’s total investment applications through the Board of Investment surged by 35% in 2024 to reach a 10-year high of 1.14 trillion baht, driven by foreign investments in various sectors, including companies relocating operations to diversify their supply chains. Continued …

Leading organizations working to protect Thailand’s auto industry

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is working with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to develop strategies that will safeguard the nation’s automotive industry, particularly amidst the rise of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).

BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi acknowledged the potential impact of Chinese EVs on Thailand’s existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle industry. Continued …

Thailand to sign historic free trade agreement with EFTA

Thailand is poised to sign a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Assn. (EFTA) next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the signing ceremony would take place on Jan. 23, after which it would be placed before the Thai Parliament for ratification, a process expected to take approximately one year. Continued …

Haier mulling Bt10-billion factory expansion

Haier, a Chinese consumer electronics and home appliance company, is considering expanding its factory operations in Thailand with an investment of more than 10 billion baht this year. The company has held talks with the Thai government concerning its plan.

While Dong Jianping, president of Haier Electrical Appliances (Thailand), did not reveal the location, he said the new facility would produce washing machines, large refrigerators and commercial air conditioners. The plant would also feature advanced automation systems, reducing reliance on human labor. Continued …

Drunk tourists fuel brawls in Pattaya

Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fueled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation.

Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after dark, in the bustling beach areas. Heated arguments, physical fights, and aggressive behaviors frequently disrupt the peace, posing safety risks to visitors and residents. Continued …

Thai airports brace for 4 million travelers over Chinese New Year

The Transport Ministry forecasts Thailand will be visited by over 4 million foreign tourists during the Chinese New Year festival, marking a 10.4% increase from last year.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said foreign arrivals are expected to top 4 million in the week from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2, including around 770,000 from China – a 22.6% increase from the previous year. Continued …

Thailand positions itself as regional hub for cruise tourism

Cruise tourism, which combines luxury transport with a floating resort experience, is set for significant growth, the latest Cruise Tourism Global Market Report 2024 said. The sector is expected to grow from US$6.96 billion (240.81 billion baht) to $7.62 billion in 2025, reflecting a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%.

Industry analysts predict the market with hit $10.85 billion by 2029, maintaining a steady CAGR of 9.2%. This expansion is driven primarily by the growing demand for luxury travel experiences, particularly among younger travelers. Continued …

Rice fields turned into art in northern Thailand

A two-acre paddy field in northern Thailand has been transformed into an artwork depicting a dragon and a cat, symbols of hope and resilience as the community recovers from floods.

The farm owner, Tanyapong Jaikham, said the cat represents the residents of his hometown Chiang Rai who faced devastating floods during last year’s monsoon season. The dragon, last year’s zodiac symbol, is shown protectively holding the cat. Continued …

Thai Chefs to Serve Bevy of Favorites at World Economic Forum

Thai culinary expertise will take center stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, as Chefcare’s Project Company partners with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present “Thailand Reception” under the theme “Nourishing The Future For All” on Jan. 22. The event will cater to approximately 500-600 global leaders and top executives.

The showcase will feature 12 buffet items, including traditional Thai favorites such as sticky rice with longan, crispy rubies dessert (Tab Tim Grob), Cho Muang (flower-shaped dumpling filled with minced chicken), Pad Thai, papaya salad, Thai-style grilled chicken, northern-style chili dip (Nam Prik Ong) with sticky rice and vegetables, basil stir-fry, green curry chicken, massaman lamb curry, and tom yum kung. Continued …

A Responsible Guide To Bangkok For Sustainably Minded Travelers

When it comes to places that have it all, few cities can compete with Bangkok. Thailand’s vibrant capital offers a sensory overload of bright colors, pungent odors, eye-popping structures and streets teeming with cars, tuk-tuks and food vendors.

Yet, for all its superlatives, buzzy Bangkok is not often associated with sustainability. Traffic congestion, air, water and noise pollution, excessive plastic usage, flooding, and unsatisfactory refuse collection processes are just some of the problems the Thai capital has to contend with. Continued …

Oligarchs already own much of US – can they buy democracy?

They increasingly own everything from access to space to how we get news on Earth and now outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden warns America’s new breed of Donald Trump-allied oligarchs could gobble up U.S. democracy itself. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand beaches, thailand islands, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-Jan 16

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Expats warned on overseas income/Sam Roi Yat water pumping station/Doctor slams 5 breakfast favorites/Thailand weather chills/Radical cure for public healthcare/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Experts urge reform/Investors eyeing casino projects/Agency preps 700 export projects/Israel offers 13,000 more jobs/British Skincare Brand to Close/TOURISM: How Thailand’s Tourism is Evolving/TAT Scrambles to Restore Thailand’s Image/Chinese Tourists Think Twice/Thai Lion Air sees dip in Chinese market/Phuket grapples with garbage crisis/Most popular destination for Chinese New Year/Tourist numbers jumped Chon Buri-Pattaya/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Pattaya’s Success as a Global Hub/Surat Thani’s other island/CLIMATE THAILAND: 256 tons of electronic waste seized/Why Thailand’s EV Revolution Matters/BYD, Grab partner/Alpla to open plastic recycling plant/Green jet fuel production/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Expats warned of new rules on overseas income

A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers.

Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Continued …

Sam Roi Yat water pumping station evaluated

Continued …

Doctor slams 5 breakfast favorites

A top gastroenterologist has named and shamed five breakfast favorites, urging people to rethink their morning routines. Despite breakfast being labeled the “most important meal of the day,” some choices could be causing more harm than good, warns Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who has 476,000 followers on TikTok.

Although some people regularly skip breakfast, one in four, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dr. Sethi insists that it’s not just about when you eat but what you eat. Here are the offenders he’s flagged: Continued …

Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Yesterday, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread to the upper northeastern region of Thailand tonight. This will result in a temperature drop of 1-2°C in the northeast, with strong winds. Continued …

The radical cure for Thailand’s critical public healthcare crisis

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to significantly boost the annual budget of the universal healthcare coverage scheme, which currently covers 47.5 million Thais, amid growing concerns over its sustainability and calls for reform.

Launched 22 years ago, the scheme is cherished by Thai voters, which explains its survival despite complaints from critics and those responsible for its implementation – mainly state hospitals. Continued …

  • French Restaurant Owners in Phuket Arrested for Assault – Continued …
  • Japanese scam gang boss collared at airport – Continued …
  • Polish man arrested for spanking Thai woman’s bottom – Continued …
  • British Man Arrested at Airport for Allegedly Defrauding Thai Wife – Continued …
  • Illegal foreign hairdressers arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Experts urge reform as Thailand’s growth slows to 2.7% in 2025

Thailand’s economy is at a pivotal moment as it contends with sluggish growth and structural issues that are expected to cap GDP growth at 2.7% in 2025. Despite strengthening tourism and agriculture sectors, challenges like a vast informal economy, declining exports and global headwinds remain threats to progress.

Supavud Saicheua, chair of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and adviser at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said that while inflation remains low, the economy’s growth languishes at below 3%, creating difficulties in maintaining stability within acceptable parameters. Continued …

7 major investors eyeing Thai casino projects

International investors have expressed interest in the casino-entertainment complexes that Thailand hopes to open starting in 2029, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister.

He said that as many as seven major global players appear keen to invest in complexes in locations that include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Continued …

Agency preps 700 projects in bid to boost exports

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) plans to organize more than 700 projects this year, with a goal of increasing export growth by 2%-3%.

These efforts include enhancing the Thai Select program to elevate Thai cuisine on the global stage, and inviting Princess Ubolratana to be the global ambassador for this initiative. Continued …

Israel offers 13,000 more jobs to Thais

An additional 13,000 jobs in Israel’s agriculture sector will be available to Thai workers this year, says Avi Dichter, the Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister.

Senior Thai officials, including Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Department of Employment (DoE) Director-general Somchai Morakotsriwan, recently sat down for talks with Dichter in Jerusalem. Continued …

British Skincare Brand ‘The Body Shop’ to Close All Thai Stores

The Body Shop, a popular British skincare brand, has announced it will be closing its stores across Thailand, with the final day of trading set forJan. 31.

In an onlkine post, The Body Shop Thailand expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for all the love – See you again soon.” They reassured customers that this is not a permanent farewell but a temporary pause with the message, “Hold on a little longer and see you again soon!” Continued …

From Beaches to Smart Tech: How Thailand’s Tourism is Evolving

As Thailand heads into 2025, its tourism sector is on track to become a driving force in the nation’s economic future. According to a recent report from Deloitte Thailand, the country’s “Land of Smiles” is preparing to confront both new and longstanding challenges with innovation, creativity, and resilience.

With tourism contributing significantly to Thailand’s GDP, expected to generate USD $67 billion in 2025, the industry is primed for continued growth. However, Thailand’s tourism scene is evolving beyond its traditional image of beaches and temples to meet the demands of a changing global landscape. Continued …

TAT Scrambles to Restore Thailand’s Image After Chinese Actor’s Scam Center Ordeal

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is swiftly taking action to restore Thailand’s image among Chinese tourists following the harrowing experience of Chinese actor Xingxing.

He was reportedly coerced into a scam center in Myawaddy, Myanmar, just across the border from Thailand’s Mae Sot. The incident has led to a notable drop in tourist numbers and the cancellation of some events, according to reports. Continued …

Chinese Celebrities and Tourists Think Twice About Thailand

Chartered flights have been canceled. Performances have been called off or postponed. Tour agencies have fielded requests from travelers who want to change their plans.

Chinese travelers have been scrapping trips to Thailand, frightened by the story of a Chinese actor who was abducted there, taken to Myanmar and forced to work in an online scam compound. The incident is a blow to Thailand’s tourism sector ahead of the peak Lunar New Year holiday at the end of this month, when many Chinese had been expected to visit. Continued …

Thai Lion Air sees dip in Chinese market

Thai Lion Air estimates the Chinese market will remain stagnant this year based on declining safety confidence in Thailand over the short term and a stagnant mainland economy throughout 2025, prompting the airline to pivot to India and domestic demand.

Aswin Yangkirativorn, chief executive of Thai Lion Air, said safety concerns during the upcoming Lunar New Year would cause the Chinese market to plunge 20%, though the impact is expected to be temporary. Continued … 

Phuket grapples with growing garbage crisis

Plastic bottles and empty beer cans roll on the sea floor in the waters around Phuket in southern Thailand, while ever more garbage piles up on the island itself, a tourist hotspot better known for its pristine beaches and stunning sunsets.

In one corner of the island, trucks and tractors trundle back and forth moving piles of trash around a sprawling landfill, the final destination for much of the more than 1,000 tons of waste collected on Phuket every day. Continued …

Bangkok most popular destination for Chinese New Year

Bangkok is the most popular destination among Thai and foreign tourists planning to spend Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to digital travel platform Agoda.

The company reported yesterday that accommodation search data on the Agoda platform since December revealed that Bangkok is the top domestic destination that Thai tourists planned to visit during Chinese New Year, which starts on Jan. 29. Continued …

Local, foreign tourist numbers jumped last year in Chon Buri-Pattaya

Substantially more foreign and domestic tourists went to Pattaya and other places in Chon Buri province last year than did so in 2023. Chaiwat Tamthai, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Pattaya, released the latest figures yesterday.

He said 24 million foreign tourists visited the eastern province, including the resort city, from January to November last year, an 18% rise from the same period in 2023. Continued …

Pattaya’s Success as a Global Hub

Pattaya’s status as a diversified city without significant barriers has played a key role in its success as a major tourism and business hub in Thailand. Its ability to embrace diversity in all forms — cultural, economic, and social — has created a unique environment that benefits residents, visitors, and investors alike.

Pattaya’s multicultural atmosphere allows for a rich exchange of ideas, customs, and traditions. The city has attracted people from all corners of the world, including expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees, which adds to its global appeal. This blend of cultures fosters a more inclusive society where people from different backgrounds can interact, learn from each other, and celebrate their differences. Continued …

Koh Nok Phao: Surat Thani’s other island

Mesmerizing natural landscapes are just parts of Thailand’s magnets. What have fascinated tourists, Thai and foreign alike, are also cultural diversity and distinctive ways of life. While Surat Thani’s other islands, such as Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao are more famous, Kok Nok Phao has its unique charm.

Koh Nok Phao is located in Surat Thani’s Don Sak district. Legends have it that the island’s first two residents were “Grandpa Nin and Grandma Jaem”. The Chinese-ethnic couple rowed their boat from Samui Island to Koh Nok Phao to settle down as pioneers in 1932. Their efforts paid off. Continued …

256 tons of electronic waste seized from Laem Chabang Port

The Customs Department has seized over 256 tons of electronic waste smuggled from Japan and Hong Kong via Laem Chabang Port, department spokesperson Panthong Loykulnanta told a press conference.

Panthong said that the Customs Department has been vigilant in monitoring illegal imports of electronic waste. Customs Director-general Theeraj Athanavanich has directed officers to remain alert and intensify efforts to intercept and suppress the illegal import and transit of such waste into the kingdom. Continued …

Why Thailand’s EV Revolution Matters

Thailand is charging full speed ahead into the electric vehicle (“EV”) era, emerging as Southeast Asia’s leader in sustainable mobility. Backed by ambitious policies, strategic investments and a rapidly expanding infrastructure, the country is embracing electrification as a cornerstone of its energy transition and sustainability strategy.

At the heart of this shift lies a compelling interplay between EV adoption and renewable energy integration, creating not only a cleaner future but also exciting opportunities for businesses and investors. Continued …

BYD, Grab partner to expand EV fleets in Southeast Asia

BYD has entered into an electric vehicle (EV) supply partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing company, following a similar partnership with Uber Technologies last July.

Grab and BYD announced a regional partnership that will give Grab driver partners across Southeast Asia access to up to 50,000 BYD EVs, the Singapore-based ride-hailing company said. Continued …

Alpla to open plastic recycling plant in Thailand

Austrian packaging manufacturer Alpla posted positive financial results in 2024, increasing its turnover to €4.9 billion, up 4% from €4.7 billion the previous year. The company said its commitment to the circular economy is ‘paying off’ as it announced a goal to double its current plastic recycling capacity to 700,000 tons/year by 2030.

As virgin and recycled plastic production shifts eastward, Alpla announced it will open a new plant in Thailand in 2025, without offering more details. The company said the markets in the Asia-Pacific region offer “huge potential”. Labor and energy costs are also cheaper in the region than in Europe. Continued …

Green jet fuel production starts in Thailand

PTT Global Chemical says it has started producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Thailand for the first time, with planned annual output of 6 million liters for the first phase.

The petrochemical arm of the national oil and gas conglomerate PTT is using used cooking oil as the main raw material. It plans to expand production to 24 million liters per year in the future, it said yesterday. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-Jan 15

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PKK to control air pollution/Where Expats Break Bread in Hua Hin/Cold spell to last/Is obesity a disease?/Bangkok chokes on toxic air/Why Does Bangkok Struggle With Air Pollution/To tackle scam city menace/Schools to shift lessons online/Fight Against Haircut Rules/Narathiwat Bomb Attack/ECONOMY: Thai Casinos: Haven or Hazard/Casinos will be 10% of complexHospitality industry on entertainment complex/MICE sector’s role in economic recovery/High tech to spur GDP/Semiconductor plant set to open/Chinese buyers boost condo sales/Income tax cut to 10% in SEZs/US rules would bar nearly all Chinese vehicles/Stimulus measures boost consumer confidence/Handout phase 2/Social media marketing tools/TOURISM: Thailand Eases Long-Term Visa Conditions/Chinese Tourist Dies in Jet Ski Collision/Phuket tourists smash wheel lock/Phuket driver and foreigner fight/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai waters in peril/What is ‘waste colonialism’?/Thailand’s nuclear power plan delayed/World Bank lauds Thailand’s climate initiatives/INTERNATIONAL: DOJ Releases Findings In Trump Probe/Ukraine hits Russian army factories/Hamas Accepts Draft Agreement/China’s Spring Festival/Australia’s big experiment/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

PKK outlines measures to control air pollution

Continued …

Morning Cup by Pang Farm: Where Expats Break Bread in Hua Hin

Nestled against the scenic backdrop of Khao Tao mountain range, Morning Cup by Pang Farm has become a cherished breakfast destination where East meets West in the heart of Hua Hin. This unpretentious café has mastered the art of bringing together local charm and international flavor, creating a unique community space that draws both expatriates and visitors alike.

The story behind this beloved establishment begins with a serendipitous partnership – a retired hotel chef and his wife Wannee Petchyu, who now manages the café. Their secret weapon? Fresh, house-made breads crafted daily by the chef himself. Among their offerings, the sourdough has earned a special place in the hearts of their health-conscious international clientele. Continued …  

Cold spell ‘to last until mid-February’, summer not so hot

Cold weather in Thailand will last until mid-February as a result of the La Nina phenomenon, and this summer will not be as hot as previous years, experts say.

Thailand entered the La Nina phase last month, as confirmed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for areas in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean, said Jessada Denduangboripant, an environmental expert at Chulalongkorn University. Continued …

Is obesity a disease? Sometimes but not always, experts decide

Do people with obesity have an illness? A panel of global health experts looking at this controversial question announced Wednesday that the definition of obesity should be split into two categories – and diagnosed using more accurate measurements.

The recommendations hoped to move past the blame and discrimination that often revolve around obesity, which is estimated to affect more than a billion people worldwide. Continued …

Bangkok chokes on toxic air as PM2.5 levels hit danger zone

Bangkok’s air quality plummeted to hazardous levels, with PM2.5 dust particles soaring to the orange health-threatening category across all 50 districts, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported today.

The average PM2.5 concentration in the city reached 47.6 µg/m³ this morning, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 37.5 µg/m³. The five worst-affected districts are Nong Khaem (56.7 µg/m³), Khlong Sam Wa (56.4 µg/m³), Thon Buri (55.3 µg/m³), Nong Chok (55.2 µg/m³), and Min Buri (55.2 µg/m³). Continued …

Why Does Bangkok Struggle With Air Pollution Year-Round?

Bangkok’s air quality has become a major concern To begin with, Thailand ranked 36th as one of the most polluted countries in the world on Jan. 8. Then, Bangkok was ranked the 8th most polluted city globally. The dust pollution levels are over five times higher than safe limits and this is the smog that people will have to breathe in their daily lives.

What causes this pollution though? The pollution is a result of both internal and external factors affecting the city. Continued …

Government under pressure to tackle scam city menace

The government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is being urged by politicians at home to place the issue of a scam city in neighboring Myanmar on the national agenda following the controversial case of a Chinese celebrity, Wang Xing.

Pressure is also mounting on the government from other countries to take a proactive role in dealing with this crisis, as thousands of people from 21 countries are being held hostage in Myanmar. Continued …

Thai schools to shift lessons online amid severe air pollution threat

Schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok.

Siripong Angkasakulkiat from the Education Ministry stated yesterday that Minister Permpoon Chidchob urged the creation of appropriate plans to organize classes in schools impacted by fine dust and cold weather. Continued …

A Reflection on the Fight Against Haircut Rules in Thai Schools

For decades, Thai schools enforced rigid haircut rules: boys were required to maintain short, military-style cuts, and girls had to wear their hair cropped above their ears. These regulations, relics of authoritarian educational policies, symbolized a larger system that prioritized conformity over individuality and human dignity.

Today, these rules have finally been abolished — or at least suspended — marking a significant victory in the fight for student freedom. However, this quiet triumph comes after years of noisy struggles led by students and activists who challenged the status quo. Continued …

2 Border Patrol Police Officers Killed in Narathiwat Bomb Attack

An ambush in Narathiwat claimed the lives of a father and son yesterday, both serving as Border Patrol Police officers and educators. The incident occurred on the Si Sakhon-Chanae road near Ban Air Gia Nae in Sri Banphot ubdistrict, Si Sakhon District, Narathiwat Province.

Si Sakhon Police Station received reports of an explosion targeting a white pickup truck traveling along the road. It was later confirmed that the attack was followed by gunfire, causing the deaths of two individuals: Continued …

Thai Casinos: Haven or Hazard for ‘Gray’ Chinese Money?

Thailand sits at a crossroads as debates swirl around the potential opening of entertainment complexes and casinos, with looming concerns over their possible misuse as venues for money laundering by “gray” Chinese businesses.

People’s MP Rangsiman Rome voiced these concerns yesterday, raising the specter of illicit activities seeping into Thailand’s gaming industry. At the heart of the matter is the possibility that these establishments could act as conduits for laundering money from illicit activities such as call-center scams, online gambling, and cross-border drug operations. Continued …

Casinos will be 10% of proposed entertainment complex

Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap reiterated yesterday that casinos will represent just 10% of the activities in the proposed integrated entertainment complex project and that most of the activities in the complex will be unrelated to gambling, such as a concert arena, an amusement park, a waterpark, as well as convention and exhibition halls.

He dismissed reports that the Council of State has rejected the draft bill for the project, claiming that they simply made observations about how it should be amended. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Hospitality industry comments on entertainment complex issue

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), views the development of entertainment complexes as a positive step to boost domestic investment and the economy.

However, he emphasized that the government must clearly define its objectives, whether to address online-gambling issues or to increase tourism revenue and investment. If the aim is to combat online gambling, stricter law enforcement could suffice, he says. Continued …

MICE sector’s role in Thailand’s economic recovery

Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector is experiencing robust growth, growing by over 40% in 2024 compared to the previous year, a top executive at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said.

Nooch Homrossukhon, director of the TCEB’s Corporate Image and Communications Department, told a press conference yesterday that though the sector is demonstrating strong resilience, it is still 9% below the pre-pandemic peak of 2019. Continued …

Ministry looks to high tech to spur GDP

The Industry Ministry wants the manufacturing sector to help increase GDP growth by 1% every year through the promotion of new industries that use high technology.

Innovative products based on high-tech manufacturing will be a “new bullet” for the economy that is dealing with the impact of technological disruptions, geopolitical conflicts and climate change, said Industry Minister Akanat Promphan. Continued …

Infineon semiconductor plant set to open in 2026

German semiconductor maker Infineon Technologies is developing its first factory in Thailand to serve growing demand in the electric vehicle and data center industries, as well as businesses that use additional equipment for clean energy management.

The plant is scheduled to commence operations in 2026, said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BoI). Continued …

Chinese buyers boost Thai condo sales to 51 billion baht

Foreigners have purchased Thai condos worth 51 billion baht in just nine months. China is the leading buyer, while India has made the most expensive purchases.

In addition, Bangkok led the way with 38.7% of the total units transferred, followed closely by Chonburi Province at 36%. Together, these two provinces accounted for a significant 74.7% of the total number of units and the total value of condominium ownership transfers by foreigners nationwide. Continued …

Corporate income tax cut to 10% in SEZs

The Revenue Department has reduced the corporate income tax rate for businesses in special economic zones (SEZs) to 10% for 10 years to promote investment in the zones.

According to Pinsai Suraswadi, director-general of the department, the tax reduction was approved by the cabinet on Jan. 13 and the department issued a royal decree to implement the tax reduction in SEZs. Under the new measure, the corporate income tax rate is reduced to 10% of net profit, down from the standard rate of 20%. Continued …

New US rules would bar nearly all Chinese vehicles

President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration is finalizing rules that will effectively bar nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China.

Washington’s latest move against Chinese vehicles comes after the Commerce Department said this month it was considering a similar crackdown on Chinese-made drones, in the wake of last year’s steep tariff hikes on imports of its electric vehicles. Continued …

Stimulus measures boost consumer confidence for 3rd month

Thai consumer confidence rose for a third consecutive month in December, as sentiment was bolstered by government stimulus measures and tourism, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, said the consumer confidence index for December 2024 was 57.9, up from 56.9 in November. Continued …

Handout phase 2 starts on Jan 27

The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout will begin on Jan 27, two days earlier than planned, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday. The new phase will involve between 3.5 million to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above receiving the cash via the government’s PromptPay app.

Those who registered through the government’s Thang Rath app but have not yet received funds will be included in the third phase, in which the handout is expected to be in the form of digital money, expected in April. Continued …

Best social media marketing tools to boost your online presence

Social media … so important for yourbusiness, yet so endlessly demanding. You’re creating content, scheduling posts, analyzing metrics, and maybe even juggling multiple social platforms. But sometimes, despite all that effort, your posts barely get any reach, no engagement, and worst of all, no sales.

The good news is that just as social media has evolved, so have the tools designed to make your life easier. Below, we’ve rounded up the best social media marketing tools that can help you work smarter, not harder, to boost your online presence (and ultimately translate that into sales). Continued … 

Thailand Eases Long-Term Visa Conditions to Draw Wealthy Foreigners and Digital Nomads

Thailand has relaxed the conditions for its long-term resident visas (LTR visas), targeting affluent foreigners and digital nomads as part of a drive to boost the nation’s economy. The Cabinet yesterday sanctioned these changes, aiming to attract a more diverse group of foreign residents.

The Cabinet decision follows a proposal from the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI), which also recommended scrapping overlapping Smart visa categories in favor of the more versatile LTR visas. Tailored to appeal to high-income earners and remote workers, this move represents a significant shift in Thailand’s immigration policy. Continued …

Chinese Tourist Dies in Jet Ski Collision on Patong Beach

A 33-year-old Chinese tourist lost his life after a jet ski collision in Patong Bay yesterday. The incident occurred near the dolphin park area of Patong Beach, Kathu District.

Lifeguards stationed at Patong Beach quickly rescued the injured man from the sea and brought him ashore. Emergency medical responders from Patong municipality and the Kusoldharm Foundation attempted to revive him at the scene before transferring him to Patong Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Continued …

Phuket tourists smash wheel lock with rock

Foreign tourists in Phuket sparked a social media firestorm after blatantly disregarding Thai law by smashing a police wheel lock with a rock in broad daylight. The brazen act occurred outside a shopping mall in Patong yesterday.

A 23-second video of the incident was shared by the Phuket Newshawk Facebook page, captioned: “A friend smashed the chain. #Don’t do it #Patong.” The clip shows a tourist using a rock to break the chain securing their motorcycle wheel, which police had locked for illegal parking. Continued …

Baht bus brawl: Phuket driver and foreign man row over fare

A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare.

The Phuket Times shared a video of the altercation yesterday. However, the page did not specify when or where the incident occurred. The accompanying post read… “Fighting! The foreign tourist refused to pay the transport fare of 400 baht as agreed before the trip and paid only 200 baht upon arriving at his hotel.” Continued …

Thai waters in peril

Thailand’s waterways and seas both face ecological crises that could devastate ecosystems, food security, and millions of livelihoods if left unchecked. Two protests this week reflect the urgency of these issues.

Small-scale fishermen and environmentalists have gathered at the Senate to oppose an amendment to the Fisheries Act allowing trawlers to sweep clean the sea. Meanwhile, fishermen and aquaculture farmers from 19 provinces have rallied at Government House, demanding the government address the spread of the invasive blackchin tilapia, or pla mor khang dam in Thai, a fish wreaking havoc in river ecosystems across the country. Continued … 

What is ‘waste colonialism’ and why has Thailand banned imports of plastic?

Thailand has become the latest country to take on the global plastic waste crisis by banning imports of plastic waste. For years, the country had served as a key destination for plastic waste from developed nations like the United States and Japan.

Here’s what you need to know about the ban, global plastic waste imports, and their impact on the environment and health. Continued … 

Thailand’s nuclear power plan delayed amid policy uncertainties

Thailand is preparing for the integration of nuclear power technology but the implementation of the new power development plan (PDP) for small modular reactors (SMRs) is experiencing delays.

The PDP, effective from 2024 to 2037, has yet to be enforced, involving collaboration between the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Office of Atoms for Peace on nuclear power and electricity management. Continued …

World Bank lauds Thailand’s climate initiatives

Thai authorities and the World Bank have held strategic discussions on developing low-carbon cities, enhancing water security and combating coastal erosion, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s climate action efforts.

The talks took place on Monday at Government House, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantararuangthong met with Melinda Good, the World Bank’s country director for Thailand and Myanmar. Continued …

DOJ Releases Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Findings In Trump Jan. 6 Coup Attempt

The U.S. Justice Department delivered part of special counsel Jack Smith’s report to Congress yesterday, explaining his charging decisions related to the probe into now-president-elect Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election leading up to and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Continued … 

Ukraine hits Russian army factories, energy hubs

Ukraine fired missiles and drones at factories and energy facilities across Russia early yesterday, sparking fires hundreds of kilometers from the frontline, a source in Ukraine’s SBU security services said. The Russian military accused Kyiv of using U.S.- and British-supplied missiles and promised the strikes would “not go unanswered”. Continued …

Hamas Accepts Draft Agreement For Gaza Ceasefire And Release Of Some Hostages

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said yesterday. Mediators from the United States and Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the closest point yet to sealing a deal to bring them a step closer to ending 15 months of war. Continued …

China’s Spring Festival travel rush begins with record 9 billion trips expected

As Spring Festival draws near, Chinese travelers packed into cars, trains and planes yesterday, kicking off the landmark Chunyun, the world’s largest annual human migration. Continued …

Australia’s big experiment for social media

Late last year, Australia’s parliament, reacting to concerns about the effect of social media on children’s mental health, amended the Online Safety Act to require users to be at least 16 years old to open an account on social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and X. The amendment is expected to come into effect by the end of 2025. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-Jan 14

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German Football Legends at Centara Grand/PKK to assist drought-stricken areas/Data Breach Concerns for Oppo, Realme/‘Fineasy’ halts services/NBTC suspends OPPO and realme sales/Southeast Asia’s soaring medical costs/Cold to very cold/Thailand’s ‘Cyanide Serial Killer’/Belgian man allegedly scammed/Bomb Explodes in Pattani/ECONOMY: Cabinet Greenlights Casino Bill/Bt120-240 billion tourism revenue from casinos/Caution urged on casinos/Businesses laud casino plan/Thailand attracts record investment/Chamber forecasts moderate growth/Poultry exports hit record high/TOURISM: Tourists saved from sinking boat/Chinese cancel Thai trips/Reassuring Chinese Tourists/Lunar New Year a bright spot/Diver’s Mysterious Demise on Death Island/CLIMATE THAILAND: New plan for nuclear power/UAVs to protect endangered dugongs/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

German Football Legends Relax at Centara Grand Hua Hin

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin hosted two leading figures in German football, Reiner Calmund and Erwin Staudt. Known for their management of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, respectively, these legends were welcomed to the resort by Jan Weisheit, general manager of the resort.

According to Weisheit, “It is a privilege to welcome Reiner Calmund and Erwin Staudt to Centara Grand Hua Hin. Their leadership and contributions to football history are inspirational, and we are delighted to offer them a tranquil escape where they can unwind and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.” Continued … 

PKK to assist drought-stricken areas

Continued …

Data Breach Concerns for Oppo and Realme Phone Users

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) will summon two Chinese mobile phone brands – Oppo and realme – amid concerns over an informal loan app that comes bundled with their phones.

Fineasy is a pre-installed app on Oppo and realme phones that cannot be removed, has access to personal information, and can send notifications, users report. Continued … 

Money lending app ‘Fineasy’ halts services after backlash

The money-lending application Fineasy has halted all of its services from yesterday due to a “business adjustment”, the company said in a statement. Users can close the app by pressing on the app icon, selecting “app information”, then selecting “close application”, the statement said.

Fineasy promised that it would update the application to a version that can be removed from users’ devices as soon as possible. Continued …

NBTC suspends OPPO and realme sales over data privacy breach

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Office of the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) have ordered the suspension of mobile phone sales by OPPO and realme due to the installation of loan applications without user consent. Both companies have until Jan. 16 to explain, failing which they face fines of up to 3 million baht.

Yesterday, the NBTC summoned the Possefy Group, the distributor for OPPO, and Prota Co., the distributor for realme, to address concerns about pre-installed applications like Fineasy on their smartphones. Users reported that these apps were installed without consent, and they could not control or delete them from their devices. Continued …

Southeast Asia grapples with soaring medical costs

Medical costs in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia are expected to skyrocket this year amid the growing incidence of illnesses and increasing dependence on health services, according to a medical trends report.

In a survey of health insurers, global advisory firm WTW found that key markets in Southeast Asia will be raising healthcare costs by double digits. However, medical inflation appears to be more pronounced in Indonesia and the Philippines, where the rates of increase are nearing 20%, well above the average in Asia Pacific of 12.3%. Continued …

Cold to very cold in Thailand

Cold to very cold weather is forecast for the upper part of Thailand, as a strong high-pressure system from China extends to cover upper Thailand and the South China Sea, the Thai Meteorological Department said today.

Cold to very cold weather with morning light fog is forecast in the north and the northeast, with possible frost on the mountaintops, while cool to cold weather is likely in the rest of Thailand, it said. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘Cyanide Serial Killer’. How She Was finally Caught

Known as “Ms. Cyanide,” Am allegedly used poison to take the lives of multiple victims over several years, targeting individuals close to her. She is believed to have lured victims with promises of financial opportunities, only to betray their trust with a deadly dose of cyanide. Video …

Belgian man allegedly scammed of 8 million baht by female Thai soldier

A Belgian man lost 2 million baht and his condominium room in Pattaya, worth 6 million baht, to a female Thai soldier who posed as a real estate agent. The suspect’s relative claimed the Belgian man and the soldier were previously in a relationship.

The 55-year-old Belgian policeman and his Thai wife sought assistance from the non-profit organization Saimai Survive after the financial loss. Ronald’s wife explained that her husband owned a condominium in Pattaya and was looking to rent it out. Continued …

Motorbike Bomb Explodes in Pattani, Injuring 10

A motorbike bomb was detonated in a busy area near TK Park in central Pattani yesterday morning, injuring 10 people, including six paramilitary volunteers (Or Sor) and three police officers.

A passing Malaysian visitor was also injured. The attack, which occurred just 20 meters from Pattani’s main police station, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Continued …

Thai Cabinet Greenlights Draft Casino Complex Bill

Thailand’s plans to legalize gambling took a significant step forward as the Cabinet provisionally approved the draft Entertainment Complex Act. If given the green light, this move aims to boost the economy while addressing societal concerns.

The Council of State, a key legal advisory body, will now scrutinize the details and establish guidelines for managing such complexes, including the creation of a policy and executive committee to oversee operations. Continued …

Bt120-240 billion tourism revenue expected from legalizing casinos

Legalizing casinos in Thailand could generate as much as 120 to 240 billion baht per year in tourism revenue from an additional 5%-10% foreign arrivals, the Finance Ministry said yesterday.

The Cabinet approved the principle of the draft “Entertainment Complex Business Act”, as proposed by the ministry. The draft law aims to legalize the kingdom’s vast underground gambling industry, allowing the establishment of entertainment complexes and casinos to generate tax revenue. Continued …

Caution urged on casino-based entertainment complexes

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has urged the government to proceed cautiously with the establishment of entertainment complexes, emphasizing the need to prioritize non-casino activities.

While acknowledging the potential for economic growth, investment, and job creation, the council stressed that the primary focus should be on developing recreational tourism for families. Continued …

Businesses laud government casino plan

The private sector has hailed the government’s comprehensive entertainment complex development plan, which crucially includes casinos, highlighting its potential to significantly boost domestic tourism and the economy once it becomes operational.

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, urged the government and relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive study and facilitate wider public consultations. He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, given that the primary goal of such casino-based entertainment complexes is to boost tourism. Continued …

Thailand attracts record investment in 2024

The Board of Investment (BOI) has announced record investment figures for 2024, with applications exceeding 1.13 trillion baht, the highest in the past decade.

BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi revealed that 2024 witnessed a significant increase in both the number and value of investment applications, reaching 3,137 projects – a 40% year-on-year increase, the highest since the BOI’s establishment. Investment value soared by 35% to 1.138 trillion baht, marking the highest figure in a decade. Continued …

Chamber of Commerce forecasts moderate growth

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has forecast economic growth for 2025 to range between 2.4% and 2.9%, citing ongoing global challenges and the potential impact of U.S. trade policies.

While acknowledging strong export growth expected in the first half of the year, driven by pre-tariff import surges, the TCC expressed concerns about the second half, anticipating a slowdown in tourism and exports due to the implementation of U.S. tariffs and a potential global economic downturn. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Thailand’s poultry exports hit record high

The third quarter of 2024 brought record highs for poultry exports from Thailand, noted the Rabobank Global Poultry Quarterly 2025 report. According to the report, poultry export volumes reached a record 320,000 metric tons during the third quarter, an increase of 11% when compared to the third quarter of the previous year.

The report noted that processed poultry exports performed particularly well during the first three quarters at 505,000 metric tons, a year-over-year improvement of 14%. The improvement is largely attributed to a strong demand from European markets and from Singapore. Continued …

33 Chinese tourists saved from sinking boat off Phuket

Thirty-three Chinese tourists were safely rescued from a sinking catamaran off Phuket yesterday afternoon. The Phuket office of the Marine Department was informed that the catamaran sank about 1.6 nautical miles north of Koh Racha Yai, to the south of Phuket.

According to the catamaran manager, the boat was leaving Koh Racha Yai for Koh Hey with 33 Chinese tourists on board when a glass window on its right side became detached and water flowed in. Continued …

Chinese cancel Thai trips amid safety fears

Hotels and airlines have started to see mass cancellations from Chinese tour groups during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, while new bookings from independent tourists are also slower due to concerns over safety in Thailand.

Last week, Eason Chan, a singer and actor from Hong Kong, canceled his planned concert in Thailand, citing safety concerns over Chinese fans visiting the country, while Hong Kong’s Security Bureau sent a task force to Thailand this week to follow the case of their citizens being lured to job scams in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Thailand Boosts Efforts to Reassure Chinese Tourists Amid Concerns

In a bid to restore confidence among Chinese tourists after a concerning incident, Thailand’s government has unveiled a new tourism campaign and heightened security measures. The move follows the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, also known as Xingxing, who was lured to a lawless area in Myanmar after arriving in Thailand.

This proactive response was announced to develop initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust among Chinese visitors. Furthermore, the prime minister has directed the police chief to ensure sufficient tourist police presence in high-risk areas, with a specific focus on combating influential criminal gangs. Continued …

Lunar New Year a bright spot for restaurant sector

Despite ongoing safety concerns in the tourism sector, including the recent kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing, it is anticipated that the restaurant sector will be boosted by a surge of tourists during the upcoming Chinese New Year, says the Thai Restaurant Assn.

Thaniwan Kulmongkol, the association’s president, expressed optimism regarding the restaurant industry during this year’s festival period. The extended cold weather has positively influenced tourism sentiment, prompting increased domestic travel among Thais. Continued …

Fresh Details Emerge in Irish Diver’s Mysterious Demise on Death Island

Fresh details have emerged about the untimely death of Irish diver Robert “Robby” Kinlan, who was discovered lifeless in his room at the Baan Tao Bungalo Resort on Thailand’s Koh Tao Island, also known for its chilling moniker, Death Island.

Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found on Thursday, Jan. 9, is believed to have succumbed to acute heart failure. The 21-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered by a friend, in the presence of his mobile phone, which was still connected to a wall socket. Continued …

New plan prepares for nuclear power

Authorities are working on a plan to prepare Thailand for nuclear power technology, though the enforcement of the new power-development plan (PDP), which approves the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), is facing delays.

An SMR is a form of nuclear power technology with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts per unit, about one-third of the generating capacity of larger, traditional nuclear power reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Continued …

Thailand launches UAVs to protect endangered dugongs

Conservationists have started using unmanned aerial vehicles to help protect endangered dugongs. Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said conservation efforts will include fixed-wing UAVs for a more precise population survey.

Footage shows a sea cow looking for food underwater in Phuket province, taken by divers from the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. On Jan. 5, they conducted one of the first flights to assess the health of the dugong population. The UAV was able to capture clear images of the animals from the air. Video …

Chinese trade surplus soars to $1 trillion

China’s trade surplus soared to a record last year, driven by strong exports that boosted the economy but may soon be threatened by the incoming Trump administration. Continued …

China, India refiners scour the world for oil after new US sanctions on Russia

Chinese and Indian refiners are scouring the globe for supplies of crude as fresh U.S. sanctions on Russian producers and tankers curb shipments to Moscow’s top customers, traders said. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Monday’s news-Jan 13

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Belgian tourist dies kite surfing/Hua Hin beach warnings/Hua Hin land titles/Transwoman robbed in Hua Hin/Thailand braces for cold snap/Huge waves. floods in Surat Thani/Unsafe air in 16 provinces/Sugarcane subsidy to reduce air pollution/Hong Kong sends task force to Thailand/Watermeal a Thai superfood?/Increasing obesity in children/American Man Saves Pattaya Woman/Bomb injures 6 rangers/Crackdown on Call Center Scammers/ECONOMY: 10 Policies to Stimulate Economic Growth/Bangkok 34th most attractive city/Safeguards for legal gambling/Thailand’s online gambling push/Southeast Asia’s Luxury Real Estate Market/Beauty with a Thai touch/TOURISM: Chinese Tourists Cancel Thai Vacations/Thailand Tops Asia Golf Tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Events and festivals in 2025/Four Thai dishes ranked among worst in world/Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple/`Land of Three Mists’/Lampang’s Burmese legacy15 Best Thailand Beaches/CLIMATE THAILAND: Wine in paper bottles/Clean Air Act making strides/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Belgian tourist dies kite surfing in Pranburi

A Belgian man lost his life yesterday while kitesurfing off Pranburi’s coastline. The victim, identified as Mr. Brendan, 55, was swept onto rocks by powerful waves at Khao Kalok, located within the Thaokosa Forest Park in Pak Nam Pran, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Local police were alerted to the incident in the evening after the kitesurfer failed to return to shore. Emergency services, including rescue volunteers and forest park officials, responded swiftly, but the challenging weather conditions, including high tides and strong waves, made the rescue operation extremely hazardous. Efforts were hampered further by the inability to locate the victim immediately. Continued …

Strong winds prompt Hua Hin beach warnings

Continued …

Hua Hin land titles explained

Continued …

 

Transwoman robbed by teenager in Hua Hin

An 18-year-old man befriended and later robbed a transwoman, leaving her with nothing. The incident began when the transwoman met a young man named Ball online on Jan. 4, after he posted in an online Hua Hin community group seeking companions.

The transwoman, named Ice Cream, and her friends invited Ball to join them, learning he was alone in Hua Hin and staying at a hotel. The group spent time by the sea, with Ball generously buying snacks and showing kindness, earning their trust. Continued …

Thailand braces for cold snap with Bangkok at 16 degrees

The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) today issued a weather forecast indicating a further drop in temperatures across Thailand, with Bangkok experiencing lows of 16 degrees Celsius and strong winds. The upper northern and northeastern regions are expected to see cold to very cold weather.

The department advises residents in these regions to take health precautions due to the drop in temperature and to be wary of potential fire hazards due to dry and windy conditions. The decrease in temperature is attributed to a high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the country. Continued …

Huge waves, floods batter Surat Thani, including Koh Phangan

Strong waves and flooding due to higher sea levels wreaked havoc in coastal communities in seven districts of Surat Thani province yesterday. The affected districts were Tha Chana, Chaiya, Tha Chang, Kanchanadit, Don Sak, Muang and Koh Phangan, the popular holiday island.

Strong gusts of winds and three to four meter-high waves battered the coast at Moo 1 village in tambon Chonlakram of Don Sak district in the early morning, causing flooding and forcing 200 families to move their belongings to higher ground with the help of emergency rescuers. Continued …

Unsafe air detected in only 16 Thai provinces

Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust were detected in 16 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces, mostly in the north and the northeast, while good air was recorded in many southern provinces, as well as Bangkok and Samut Prakan.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported at 10am yesterday that the unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) in the 16 provinces were at the orange level (starting to affect health). Continued …

Industry Ministry to propose 7-billion-baht sugarcane subsidy to reduce air pollution

The Industry Ministry is set to propose a subsidy program aimed at encouraging the purchase of all parts of sugarcane from farmers in an effort to reduce the burning of harvest leftovers, a key contributor to PM2.5 air pollution.

With a budget of 7 billion baht, the proposed scheme is designed to incentivize farmers to harvest and sell 100% of their sugarcane, eliminating the need to burn stumps and leaves before the next planting cycle, said Industry Minister Akanat Promphan on Friday. Continued …

Hong Kong sends task force to Thailand to look into cases of human trafficking

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has sent a task force to Thailand to follow up on cases involving residents being lured and trapped in Southeast Asian countries to engage in illegal work.

The incident of mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was recently held captive in Myanmar after traveling to Thailand, raised alarm among Hong Kong residents. Continued …

Why watermeal could soon emerge as a Thai superfood

Dubbed as green caviar, watermeal is expected to become an alternative source of protein in the future, thanks to Thai local wisdom.

Rich in nutritional benefits and easy to cultivate, this species of aquatic plant is commonly found in swamps in the north and northeast of Thailand, where locals include them in Kaeng Om and Kaeng Kua curries, as well as fried and steamed eggs. Continued …

Increasing obesity in children ‘poses a threat to Thailand’s population

The number of children suffering from obesity, especially those under 14 years old, is a major health concern for Thailand, recent data shows. According to the World Obesity Federation, Thailand currently ranks third among ASEAN countries with the highest number of obese children, behind Malaysia and Brunei.

Thai Department of Health Director-general Dr. Amporn Benjapolpitak emphasized that children were the cornerstone of national development. The department continues to prioritize children, especially those in early childhood, as this is the most critical stage for brain development and learning, he said. Continued … 

American Man Saves Pattaya Woman in Bridge Rescue

A tense scene unfolded in Pattaya on the Saturday evening as a young woman attempted to jump from a pedestrian bridge, only to be rescued by an American bystander.

At approximately 5:30 pm rescue services and police in Pattaya responded to reports of a distressed individual attempting to leap from the pedestrian bridge near Sukhumvit Soi 53. Upon arrival, they discovered a 23-year-old woman crying uncontrollably and standing precariously outside the bridge railings. Continued …

Bomb near police station injures 6 rangers

Six paramilitary rangers were injured when a bomb exploded near Muang Pattani police station in Muang district on Monday morning. The bomb was detonated in an alley behind the TK Park Pattani learning center at 8.07am.

Some of the rangers were hit by shrapnel and others suffered chest pains from the concussion. Rescue workers took them to Pattani Hospital. Continued …

Crackdown on Call Center Scammers Won’t be Easy for Thailand

Phone and online scammers, the so-called “call center gangs” operating from two neighboring countries, are getting out of control and severely affecting Thais. The problem suggests at least three things:

First, the Thai government is failing (or unwilling) to crack down on them. Second, the public remains vulnerable despite repeated scams being reported by the press, suggesting a deeper educational inadequacies. Third, the impact now spreading to foreigners, particularly Chinese, is affecting tourism. Continued …

Commerce Ministry Introduces 10 Policies to Stimulate Economic Growth

The Commerce Ministry has introduced a comprehensive set of 10 policies aimed at invigorating the national economy, addressing emerging challenges, and propeling sustainable growth. These initiatives focus on enhancing trade opportunities, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation across various sectors.

Key policies include streamlining export procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate smoother business operations, and expanding access to international markets. The ministry is committed to ensuring that domestic businesses are equipped to compete globally, ultimately boosting national GDP. Continued …

Bangkok ranks 34th most attractive city for investment

Bangkok was ranked the world’s 34th most attractive city for investment in 2024, up 11 spots from 45th in 2023, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said yesterday.

BMA spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala said Bangkok’s leap in the Global Cities Index (GCI) by global business consulting firm Kearney, was all thanks to advancements in the capital’s business activities, cultural experience and information exchanges. Continued …

Safeguards needed for legal gambling

The government’s dream of developing an integrated entertainment complex complete with a casino in Bangkok or on the eastern seaboard is facing hurdles after the Council of State last week raised an objection on the ground that such a megaproject is not relevant to the government’s policy to promote a new form of tourism industry.

The Council of State also ruled that drafting a bill pertaining to the integrated entertainment complex is unnecessary, as it would duplicate laws on hotels, restaurants and gambling. Moreover, the public’s idea of an entertainment complex does not include a casino. Continued …

‘More harm than good’ in Thailand’s online gambling push

Critics have urged the government to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of a proposal to legalize and regulate online gambling, warning it could cause more harm than good to the country. Last Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced the government would initiate discussions on the push to legalize online gambling.

As multiple legal amendments would be required to make online gambling legal, he called on officials from the ministries involved to coordinate their discussions and efforts. Continued …

Southeast Asia’s Luxury Real Estate Market in 2025

Minor Residences, Minor International’s ultra-luxurious real estate portfolio, has released its annual trend report.

Analyzing the sales figures and viewing inquiries received in 2024, the report finds that Southeast Asia’s luxury real estate market is set for continued growth in 2025 despite rising inflation and interest rates. Continued …

Beauty with a Thai touch

In Thailand’s competitive beauty market, consumers have easy access to skincare products and cosmetics from Japan, South Korea and Western countries at local beauty retail shops. The popularity of these international brands highlights beauty trends that resonate with many Thais, reflecting the standards set by these nations. Thai cosmetics producers and government agencies, however, are increasingly recognizing the potential for Thailand to emerge as a trendsetter in the global beauty arena. Continued …

Chinese Tourists Cancel Thai Vacations Amid Safety Concerns

The disappearance and rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand has sparked safety concerns among Chinese travelers planning to visit Thailand for the Lunar New Year.

The incident has led to widespread discussions on social media, with many netizens urging travelers to exercise caution and stay vigilant while abroad. Meanwhile, Thai authorities have assured the public that they are taking measures to ensure the safety of foreign visitors, especially during the busy holiday season. Continued …

Thailand Tops Asia Golf Tourism Leaderboard

With golf remaining an integral component of its tourism strategy, Thailand has emerged as a leader in Asia’s booming tourism sector, outpacing competitors such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.

One of Thailand’s standout tourism sectors is golf tourism, which continues to grow steadily, driven by the country’s world-class courses, favourable climate, and luxurious accommodations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has embraced golf as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy, drawing an estimated 700,000 golf tourists annually. Continued …

Events and festivals planned for 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined activities, events and festivals under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” project to stimulate tourism this year.

The authority has collaborated with public and private partners on hosting a wide range of festivities to attract Thai and foreign tourists and stimulate spending. Here’s a glimpse of activities, events and festivals planned for this year: Continued … 

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Four Thai dishes ranked among 100 worst in the world

Four Thai dishes were named among the 100 worst in the world by the TasteAtlas website recently. Of them, kaeng tai pla (fish-entrails sour curry), a thick and aromatic fish curry originating in southern Thailand, was ranked 10th-worst with a score of 2.2 points.

Kaeng tai pla (fish-entrails sour curry)

The dish gained its name from fermented fish entrails and a spicy curry paste, consisting of chilli peppers, galangal, shrimp paste, turmeric, shallots and lemongrass. “Because of its intensity and strong, pungent aromas, kaeng tai pla is best served with steamed rice on the side,” TasteAtlas said. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple and Wua Lai Walking Street

Chiang Mai’s charm never fails to enchant travelers, and this high season, the buzz is centered on Wat Sri Suphan, a cultural and architectural marvel that houses the world’s first silver ordination hall (“ubosot” in Thai).

Complementing this experience is the vibrant Wua Lai Walking Street, a bustling cultural marketplace that has become a favourite weekend destination for locals and tourists alike. Continued …

Explore the enchanting `Land of Three Mists’

Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Mae Hong Son, affectionately known as the “Land of Three Mists”, is becoming a must-visit destination for travelers.

With more than 1.4 million visitors in 2024, generating more than 8 billion baht in revenue, this scenic province is ready to take its tourism game to the next level in 2025. Continued …

Explore Lampang’s Burmese legacy

A bypass province enroute to Chiang Mai, Lampang was once known for its bourgeoning ceramics industry in the 1990s, the quartz semi-precious stone craze back in the 1960s, and for having the first and once longest train tunnel in Thailand, completed and opened in 1918.

However, little is known about how the province used to be one of the largest hubs for the timber industry in the northern part of Thailand, with its apex during the interwar period. Continued …

15 Best Thailand Beaches: Local Secrets and Hidden Gems

Paradise seekers flock to Thailand’s coastline each year, yet some of the best Thailand beaches remain hidden from the tourist crowds. Whether you’re dreaming of pristine white sands or seeking secret coves, Thailand’s 3,219 kilometers of coastline holds unexpected treasures.

From the famous shores of Phuket to the untouched bays of Koh Kood, each beach tells its own unique story. While Maya Bay dazzles with its Hollywood fame, lesser-known gems like Bottle Beach and Bang Bao Beach offer peaceful escapes without the crowds. Continued …

In march toward sustainability, get ready for wine in paper bottles

When global warming impacts everyone on the planet, it is no longer a distant issue. In fact, it is closer to home than we think, as rising prices of goods become a reality.

Unpredictable weather conditions are affecting agricultural yields, including wine grapes. Late last year, winemakers warned that by 2025 global warming would significantly impact the wine industry. Continued …

Clean Air Act making strides, expected to be passed in April

For the past few years, Thailand has been plagued by air pollution and increasing health hazards from many key causes. The menace of dust particles from burned sugar cane and corn fields, industrial gas emissions and even transportation has made it critical for Thailand to come up with regulations that would help ease air pollution.

The government has been working on the Clean Air Act for the past year and it is expected to be implemented by April. According to the timeline, the final draft of the act is expected to be ready by mid-February. It will then be forwarded to Parliament for further review, to secure approval by April. Continued …

Record number of Japan ramen eateries went bankrupt in 2024

A record number of ramen noodle eatery operators in Japan went out of business in 2024, according to a research firm, as the food’s reputation for affordability limits room to raise prices amid soaring ingredient and utility costs. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-Jan 11

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Emergency plan as smog chokes Thailand/Clean air, not hot air/Wildfires in Khao Yai National Park/Upper Thailand gets colder/Thailand’s forgotten youth/Myanmar’s human trafficking networks/Paying to avoid conscription/King Power family sues over accident/ECONOMY: Economy faces an uncertain 2025/To Prioritize Five Key Sectors/Wage hike unlikely to spur inflation/Forget American exceptionalism/Tougher rules for Chinese imports/Thai music industry in 2025/Action Against Illegal Foreign Workers/Japanese restaurants flourish/TOURISM: Plans to make Phuket a premium tourist destination/Pattaya Left Behind/Tourism stocks tumble/Chinese tourists recoil from Thai holidays/Thai soldiers save Chinese tourists/Visa waiver scheme questioned/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 9 Surprising Places in Thailand/Thai Herbs Offer Relief/Most popular Thai dishes/Thai cities with terrible traffic congestion/CLIMATE THAILAND: Travel sustainably in southern Thailand/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Minister launches emergency plan as deadly dust chokes Thailand

Thailand Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin issued an urgent response to soaring PM 2.5 air pollution levels, which have breached safety thresholds in 14 provinces, threatening public health.

Chairing an emergency meeting yesterday, Somsak revealed a series of measures to combat the crisis, which has affected 53 provinces since October last year and is expected to persist until Jan. 15. Continued …

Give us clean air, not hot air

The PM2.5 situation in the nation has become serious enough to warrant PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding a press conference earlier this week to clarify the government’s action plans for goals on the issue.

She told the assembled media she had demanded that this year’s pollution level must be lower than in 2024. She has also instructed the responsible ministries to prevent open burning on mass plantations and sugar farms. Continued …

Wildfires raging in Khao Yai National Park

Wildfires have been raging for about a week through the forests of the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range and adjoining Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, and they are still not under control.

Multiple teams of firefighters have been trying to control the fires, but they are struggling against strong winds and difficult terrain. Continued …

Upper Thailand gets colder, more rain forecast in the south

Cool to cold weather has been forecast for today as a strong high-pressure system from China extends over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, the Thai Meteorological Department said.

Temperatures will drop by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the northeast, while the north, the central, including Bangkok metropolitan, the east and the upper south will see temperatures drop by 2-4 °C, the department said. Continued …

Thailand’s forgotten youth and why we should care

As Thailand celebrates National Children’s Day today, an occasion that promises joy and hope for many young hearts, a sobering reality lurks in the shadows.

Hundreds of thousands of children remain out of school and out of reach, left behind by a system that struggles to adapt to their needs. These children’s hardships reveal systemic cracks that demand urgent attention. Continued …

6,000+ reportedly held captive in Myanmar’s human trafficking networks

A report from the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking, released on Tuesday, revealed that more than 6,000 people from 21 countries are being held captive in Myanmar. The victims, including 3,900 Chinese nationals, are reportedly subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, with their families facing exorbitant ransom demands.

The report identifies Mae Sot in Tak province as a key transit hub for human trafficking. Chinese transnational criminal syndicates reportedly exploit this area with support from local armed groups, including Myanmar’s Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), previously known as the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). Continued … 

Military proposal on paying to avoid conscription sparks debate

The Thai military’s recent suggestion that citizens could be allowed to pay in order to avoid conscription has stirred a public debate.

Lt. Gen. Taweepool Rimsakorn, head of the Territorial Defense Command, proposed on Wednesday that those wishing to skip conscription could pay a fee, and the funds would be used to support voluntary recruits. Continued …

King Power family to launch biggest fatal accident action in English legal history

The family of former Thai tycoon Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is ready to launch what will be the biggest fatal accident lawsuit in English legal history. Details of the £2.15 billion action have just emerged ahead of an inquest on Monday. Those legal proceedings will attempt to determine the cause of death of the chairman and owner of the Leicester City Football Club in 2018.

The Italian aerospace group Leonardo is facing the lawsuit over a 2018 helicopter crash. The crash claimed the life of Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the former owner of the Leicester City Football Club, who was leaving the club on match day along with four others. After that, tragedy struck. Continued …

Economy faces an uncertain 2025 with all eggs placed in the foreign tourism industry basket

The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and a top securities house on Thursday warned of tighter lending conditions in Thailand due to an uneven economic recovery. While both reported somewhere between 2.6%–2.8% GDP growth for the year, they highlighted concerns about the kingdom’s over-reliance on foreign tourism to power the economy.

Maybank Securities predicted a higher non-performing loan rate and dampened profits in the banking sector. At the same time, Sanan Angubolkul of the Chamber expressed concern about the disastrous impact of persistent dumping from China on small Thai manufacturers. Continued …

Government to Prioritize Five Key Sectors in 2025 to Enhance GDP Growth

In a move to bolster the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, the government has spotlighted five key sectors to spearhead economic growth. These sectors have been chosen based on their potential for rapid expansion, job creation, and export potential. By prioritizing these areas, the government aims to diversify the economy and enhance its resilience against global economic uncertainties, ensuring sustained economic progress.

The first sector on this agenda is technology and innovation, which is anticipated to drive productivity and efficiency across various industries. This is closely followed by renewable energy, aligned with global shifts toward sustainable development. Continued …

Wage hike unlikely to spur inflation

The recent minimum wage hike should have a mild impact on inflation, according to the Commerce Ministry. Citing analysis of the impact of the minimum wage increase on headline inflation, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the recent hike would raise inflation by 0.15% to 0.30%, keeping the rate within a range of 0.3-1.3% for 2025.

The study classified goods and services influenced by the minimum wage change into six groups. The first group consists of goods and services regulated by the government, representing 22% of the weight in the inflation basket. Continued …

Forget American exceptionalism, it’s a tri polar world

In 2024, the watchword in financial markets was “American exceptionalism”, as the U.S. economy and markets left the rest of the world in the dust. But as the calendar turns, it may now be time to remove these geographic blinders to consider the larger regional competition likely to reshape the global economy in the coming years.

We may be in the midst of a long-term global growth cycle driven by intensifying competition in the critical areas of artificial intelligence, green technology, and security between the world’s three dominant regions: the Americas, Asia and Europe. (It’s what I refer to as the Tri Polar World.) Continued …

5 Reasons to Install Solar in Your Hua Hin Home Now

  1. Save on Energy Bills: Reduce your electricity costs with clean, renewable solar energy – it pays for itself over time!
  2. Perfect for Hua Hin’s Climate – With abundant sunshine year-round, Hua Hin is ideal for maximising solar power efficiency.
  3. Boost Your Property Value – Homes with solar panels are more attractive to buyers, making it a smart investment for the future.
  4. Environmentally Friendly – Make a positive impact by reducing your carbon footprint and embracing sustainable living.
  5. Government Incentives: – Take advantage of local schemes and savings by switching to solar today.

Call for tougher rules to address Chinese imports

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is calling on the government to enforce legal measures against the influx of low-cost Chinese products into the Thai market, which is expected to intensify this year.

“The current measures are not strong enough to protect local manufacturers, as they still face a flood of these imports,” said Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, a member of the JSCCIB. Continued …

Thai music industry expects to grow by 7%-8% in 2025

The Thai music industry, valued 15 billion baht, is expected to expand by 7%-8% year on year in 2025 on consumer preference on streaming platforms.

Phawit Chitrakorn, CEO of Thai record label GMM Music, expects the music industry to grow further, especially on the digital channel, which grew by an average of 10% over the past three years. Continued …

Locals in Pai Demand Action Against Illegal Foreign Workers

A group of businessmen and residents of Pai district in Mae Hong Son province have had enough and have sent a formal letter to the superintendent of Pai Police Station and Mae Hong Son Tourist Police demanding action after discovering that some foreign tourists living and traveling in Pai have violated various laws.

A representative of the business community and residents of Pai district in Mae Hong Son province handed over the petition for justice to the superintendent of Pai Police Station, and to Mae Hong Son Tourist Police. The petition called for investigations and enforcement action against foreign nationals working illegally in Pai district without a permit. Continued …

Japanese restaurants flourish in Thailand, nearing 6,000 nationwide

The popularity of Japanese food in Thailand continues to soar, with the number of Japanese restaurants approaching 6,000 nationwide in 2024, according to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The study revealed that the number of Japanese restaurants increased by 2.9% from 2023, reaching 5,916 establishments. Growth was particularly high in tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai (+23 restaurants) and Phuket (+11 restaurants). Continued … 

Plans to make Phuket a premium tourist destination outlined

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled comprehensive plans to transform Phuket into a world-class premium tourism destination, emphasizing the need for significant infrastructure improvements and enhanced tourist experiences.

During a high-level meeting at Phuket International Airport, the prime minister chaired discussions with key officials, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Natthriya Thaweevong, and Phuket Gov. Sophon Suwannarat, to address crucial development challenges facing the province. Continued …

Pattaya Left Behind in Thailand’s ‘Premium’ Tourism Upgrade Strategy

In a move causing a stir among the tourism community, Thailand’s prime minister recently unveiled plans to elevate Phuket to “premium” tourist status, seemingly leaving Pattaya in the shadows. This decision positions Phuket as a primary international hub, celebrated for hosting significant tourist events and benefiting from substantial private sector investment.

This strategic push is aimed at capitalizing on the thousands of tourists flocking directly to Phuket and bolstering its appeal through projects tackling urban challenges like traffic congestion, waste management, and organized crime, according to one source. Continued …

Tourism stocks tumble amid Chinese tourist fears

Thai tourism stocks took a hit as concerns mounted over a potential decline in Chinese tourist arrivals during the Chinese New Year. The drop follows revelations about a Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was found in Myanmar and is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking. This incident has cast a shadow over Thailand’s safety reputation.

Leading the decline was Minor International, which fell by 4.07%. Bangkok Airways dropped by 1.89%, while Asia Aviation and S Hotels and Resorts experienced declines of 1.63% and 1.89%, respectively. Continued …

Chinese tourists recoil from Thai holidays after actor’s disappearance

Chinese travelers planning to visit Thailand for the upcoming Lunar New Year are expressing growing concerns over safety, following the recent disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, whose case has gone viral on social media.

According to the South China Morning Post, many prospective tourists have turned to online forums to ask blunt questions such as, “Is Chiang Mai safe?” and “How can I convince my travel agency to refund my expenses if I cancel my trip to Thailand?” Continued …

Thai soldiers save Chinese tourists from possible abduction in Tak

Members of the Naresuan Force thwarted a possible abduction of two Chinese tourists on Friday at the Thailand-Myanmar border in Tak’s Phop Phra district. The two were spotted by patroling officers of the regiment’s 421st Ratchamanu Task Force near the border in the early hours of Friday morning.

The tourists told officials they were waiting for someone to take them to Chiang Mai, but the individual had not shown up. Continued … 

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Visa waiver questioned with another China Crisis for foreign tourism driven by security fears

Thailand’s visa waiver scheme faces mounting scrutiny, as a series of crimes involving Chinese nationals, including abductions and scams, spark a crisis of confidence among tourists.

On Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters that she ordered the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to monitor media reports on Thailand circulating within the Chinese social media sphere. At length, the country is facing a crisis of confidence in the Chinese market. The situation is placing Thailand’s visa waiver scheme, initiated by the Pheu Thai-led government in early 2024, under the microscope. Continued …

9 Surprising Places in Thailand You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

When people think of Thailand, they often imagine the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the iconic beaches of Phuket, or the temples of Chiang Mai. But, this popular Asian destination has so much more to offer beyond the tourist traps.

Tucked away in less-visited corners of the country are hidden gems that showcase breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, here are nine surprising places in Thailand you’ve probably never heard of. Continued …

Traditional Thai Herbs Offer Relief from Winter Ailments

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, many individuals experience increased susceptibility to illnesses such as respiratory infections. Traditional Thai medicine offers a range of natural remedies to bolster health and alleviate common winter ailments.

Respiratory conditions like influenza and sore throats, as well as symptoms arising from air allergies, can often be alleviated through herbal remedies. Andrographis paniculata, for example, is known to effectively relieve cold symptoms, sore throats, and fevers. Continued …

Most popular Thai dishes of 2024

Six Thai dishes were included in the 100 Best Dishes in the World for 2024 list by TasteAtlas, a globally renowned food website. The rankings are based on 367,847 valid ratings for 11,258 dishes in the website’s extensive database.

The featured dishes are likely the Thai cuisine most favored by international audiences. However, it is noteworthy that some iconic Thai dishes, highly appreciated worldwide, did not make the list. These include Tom Yum Kung, which has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and Pad Thai, a globally celebrated favorite. Continued …

Hat Yai tops 5 Thai cities with terrible traffic congestion in 2024

Tomtom (TOM2), the location technology specialist based in The Netherlands, released an annual report on global traffic trends and of five Thai cities ranked in The TomTom Traffic Index 2024 Hat Yai is highest up on the list, and while Bangkok placed fourth, it is the second most congested city in the world.

This year’s edition features 500 cities across 62 countries on six continents, making it the most robust and complete analysis ever made available. The index uses unified metrics to rank these cities based on their average travel time, as well as congestion level. It gives city-by-city information that can help urban planners and policymakers tackle traffic-related challenges and make informed decisions. Continued …

How to travel sustainably in southern Thailand

With its stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and rich cultural heritage, southern Thailand has become a favorite destination for tourists. However, the growing number of visitors can harm the environment and local communities.

To combat this, Thailand is enhancing its efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The country is offering experiences that benefit both the environment and rural communities. There has been a rise in sustainable tour operators, eco-friendly initiatives, and responsible accommodation options. This encourages tourists to make more sustainable choices. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Friday’s news-Jan 10

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Poor air quality hits Hua Hin/Bangkok PM2.5 to worsen/Racer Marina Jazz Festival/Legend Fighting Championships/How HealthTech drives industry/Thailand’s ‘dual prime minister’ model/Bangkok temps near 40-year low/Chinese nationals missing/Moei River ‘scam city’/Bitcoin mine shut down/Wild elephant population surges/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Economic Stimulus Set for March/Exports face headwinds/Macau casino operator opens Thai office/Myanmar No.2 for Thai condo sales/Warned over tax compliance/TOURISM: Thailand’s Premium Tourist Hub/Travel Advisory for Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai Cities With The Cleanest Air/China Driving Thailand’s EV Industry/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Poor air quality hits Hua Hin

Continued …

The link below is available daily on this site in the left sidebar area and at the end of the news content.

Bangkok PM2.5 tipped to worsen until Monday

Many parts of Bangkok have been blanketed in PM2.5 haze this week due to poor air circulation and an increase in hotspots in the provinces and neighboring countries, said Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt.

The poor air quality was reported not only in the capital but also in the central and northeastern provinces, and the dust pollution stemmed from stagnant air, burning of crops and weeds, and the wind blowing from the east, he said. Continued …

Racer Marina Jazz Festival tomorrow

Continued …

Grand finale of Legend Fighting Championships Sunday

Continued …

How HealthTech drives healthcare industry

Health technologies are expected to drive a change in the healthcare industry worldwide this year, according to the Thansettakij report yesterday.

A change in the Thai healthcare industry was driven by Covid-19 pandemic and aged society, as well as technology advancement, which helped boost treatment efficiency. Here’s some health technologies which could shift the industry. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘dual prime minister’ model is a delicate tight-rope walk

The era of dual prime ministers is becoming increasingly evident in Thailand – Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter, the official PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

This is a political dream for Thaksin. Looking back, Thaksin had previously learned his lessons after giving the reins to a “prime minister outside the Shinawatra family”, particularly the case of Samak Sundaravej, who became prime minister after the People Power Party won the 2007 general election. Continued …

Bangkok temperatures approaching 40-year low

Bangkok is expected to experience its coolest weather in almost 40 years on Sunday and Monday, with low temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius, while lows in the north and the northeast will be 12°C, forecasters said yesterday.

“Anyone wanting to experience the coolest temperatures this year (with strong winds) should prepare your body and mind for Jan. 12 and 13,” said Seree Supharathit, director of the Center for Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University. Continued …

2 more Chinese nationals missing near Thai-Myanmar border

Thai police were launching a fact-finding investigation into the disappearance of two more Chinese nationals – a male model and a woman -after their relatives sought help.

Police Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO), said foreign media had reported the disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi, who went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border. Continued …

Cry for help from Moei River ‘scam city’

“Do you think I can get out of here?” the question induced sudden dead air as no one could answer it. But for people familiar with the stories of a city of scammers located in a border town in Myanmar, it is not difficult to feel the gravity of terror inflicted on the woman who raised such a question.

Late last year, I had a private conversation with a Lao woman – given the pseudonym Buakam – who was forced to work as a scammer in Shwekokko in Myawaddy. As a journalist, I have followed the scammers and call centers in Myawaddy, a border town that is just a stone’s throw from Thailand’s Mae Sot district. I have also interviewed some of the victims of these call centers online. Continued …

Bitcoin mine in Chonburi shut down for massive electricity theft

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) joined forces with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) yesterday to shut down a Bitcoin mining operation in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chonburi after discovering it had tampered with its power meter to use electricity for mining purposes, largely free of charge.

CSD officers and PEA officials seized 996 Bitcoin mining machines and other related devices from the premises. PEA officials estimated that the operation had stolen electricity worth hundreds of millions of baht, although the exact figure has yet to be determined. Continued …

Thailand’s wild elephant population surges

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) released a report estimating Thailand’s wild elephant population to be between 4,013 and 4,422. These elephants are dispersed across 91 forests.

The report highlights increasing conflicts between wild elephants and communities, particularly severe in the eastern forests, with an annual population growth rate of 8.2%, affecting 257 villages across six provinces. Continued …

  • Chinese ‘Tour Guides’ Arrested in Bangkok SMS Scam – Continued …
  • British drug dealer arrested after his suspicious behavior in Phuket – Continued …
  • Chinese Fraudsters Rob Fellow Citizens of 13M Baht in Bangkok Crypto Scam – Continued …
  • Tourists Detained After Vaping Mid-Air on Nok Air Flight – Continued …

Launch of the Final Phase of 2024 Economic Stimulus Set for March

The Thai government has rolled out the final phase timeline of its 2024 economic stimulus program, featuring a 10,000-baht digital wallet fund.

This initiative aims to boost economic growth, provide financial aid to millions, and address inequality. Implemented in stages, the program targets various demographic groups. The second phase, focusing on seniors, aligns with Chinese New Year 2025, while the anticipated final phase, aimed at those under 60, launches in March. Continued …

Thai exports face headwinds

Thai exports are projected to achieve a modest growth of 2%-3% in 2025, but analysts warn of challenging headwinds, particularly from the potential impact of “Trump 2.0” policies.

Experts are concerned over possible U.S. tariff hikes and intensifying competition from Chinese products in global markets, though Thailand’s recent entry into the BRICS grouping may help mitigate some risks. Continued …

Macau casino operator opens Thai office

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, an operator of casinos in Macau, plans to invest in integrated resorts and hotels in Thailand, banking on the country’s robust tourism industry and culture — and approval of legalized gambling.

Thailand is a top tourism country with great hospitality and a unique culture, said Lawrence Ho, chairman and chief executive of Melco. Continued …

Myanmar No.2 for Thai condo sales

Thai condo transfers to Myanmar buyers ranked second after Chinese purchasers for the first nine months of 2024, overtaking Russian buyers as the neighbouing government’s crackdown on Thai condo purchases subsided.

Surachet Kongcheep, head of research and consultancy at property firm Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, said Thai condo sales to Myanmar buyers resumed after a brief pause following the Myanmar government’s crackdown last April. Continued …

Online vendors, influencers warned over tax compliance

The Revenue Department issued a warning to independent business owners, particularly online vendors and influencers, to file their taxes correctly, insisting the department can leverage IT systems to monitor their tax compliance.

According to Director-general Pinsai Suraswadi, with the first three months of the year allotted for filing personal income tax returns, income earners are urged to file returns, especially those with non-salary income or independent business owners, such as traders and online sellers. Continued …

Phuket Becoming Thailand’s Premium Tourist Hub

In a decisive move to elevate Phuket’s status, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced strategic plans to develop the island province into a premier tourist destination. During a recent visit to the southern paradise, key discussions centered around combating ongoing challenges such as traffic congestion, flood management, and infrastructure enhancement.

Phuket, attracting almost a quarter of Thailand’s international visitors, often serves as their primary entry into the country, bypassing Bangkok altogether. Recognizing this, Paetongtarn emphasized the government’s commitment to refining Phuket’s allure and encouraging higher tourist expenditure by transforming it into a luxury destination. Continued …

Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Thailand

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Thailand, indicating a high degree of caution be exercised by anyone planning a visit to the country. Travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala is to be avoided entirely, the advisory said.

A warning was also issued for the areas near the Myanmar-Thai border in the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Tak, citing “occasional violence, banditry and clashes between government forces and drug traffickers.” Continued …

Explore These Thai Cities With The Cleanest Air

Bangkok’s air quality has recently deteriorated, with frequent haze and smog impacting the city and posing health concerns. The average air quality index (AQI) in early January 2025 reached 115, indicating poor air quality. With high levels of particulate matter, visiting Bangkok might not be ideal now.

While conditions will likely remain similar until February, improvements are anticipated soon. For tourists planning to visit Thailand and locals seeking a less polluted environment, consider these alternative cities with lower AQI. Continued …

China Driving Thailand’s EV Industry

In April 2024, Thai government officials traveled to the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong with a single-point agenda – convincing the leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery makers to invest in their country. Two months later, the global leader in the EV battery industry, China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), announced an initial investment of over $100 million to set up an assembly plant in collaboration with a local Thai state-owned company.

The pledge was the outcome of Thailand’s aggressive push to build domestic capacity to become a regional hub for both midstream and downstream sectors of the EV supply chains in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, healthcare, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Thursday’s news-Jan 9

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Expats warned of scams/Unsafe air in 58 provinces/Air pollution soars in Bangkok/Upper Thailand to get colder/Medical facilities receive accreditation/17 indicted in iCon fraud/Monkey invasion in Krabi/ECONOMY: 2.4%–2.9% GDP growth predicted/Household debt climbs/Foreign investors into Thai condominiums/Thai residential index/Amazon Web opens/TOURISM: Tourism faces formidable challenges/Chinese New Year Tourist Drop Feared/Big boost in air travel/Sustainable travel trend/Mahout charged for elephant goring/British Tourist Found Dead/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Should you participate in elephant tourism?/CLIMATE THAILAND: Ban on Plastic Imports/Champion of Green Cuisine/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Expats in Thailand warned of scams targeting bank accounts

A chief of police issued a warning to retirees in Thailand after two British expats in Pattaya were targetted by scammers attempting to drain their bank accounts. Police Lt. Col. Saksit Choobunrueang yesterday, announced that the elderly are being targetted by scam gangs because of their limited knowledge of technology.

The retirees, both residents of Thailand, received separate phone calls from the fraudsters claiming they might not need to register for a TIN (tax identification number), provided some routine checks confirmed their exemption. Continued …

Unsafe air in 58 Thai provinces

Air pollution hazardous or moderately dangerous to health was detected in 58 out of 77 provinces across Thailand this morning.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported on its website at 9am that ultrafine dust reached red (hazardous) levels in 20 provinces and orange (starting to affect health) levels in 38 provinces. Continued …

The link below is available daily on this site in the left sidebar area and at the end of the news content.

Air pollution soars in Thai capital again, surpassing safety standards

Bangkok was ranked ninth among countries with the poorest air quality worldwide today. The capital’s air quality index surged to 163 as of 9am, higher than the safe standard of 0-50, according to the IQAir website.

Meanwhile, air quality in 64 areas of Bangkok was again below the safety standard this morning, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Air Quality Information Center said. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Upper Thailand to get colder, heavy rain forecast for south

Another strong high-pressure system from China will extend to Thailand and the South China Sea from Friday to Monday, causing a decrease in temperature and strong winds in the area, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning today.

A decrease of 5-7 °C is likely in the north and the northeast regions, and temperatures will drop by 3-5 °C in the central region, including Bangkok metropolitan area, the east and the upper south during the same period, the department said. Continued …

Two Bangkok medical facilities receive international JCI accreditation

Vichaiyut Hospital and Vichaiyut Medical Center have received certification from the Joint Commission International (JCI) from the United States, which is awarded to healthcare facilities that meet international standards in patient safety and comprehensive care. This certification reaffirms the hospital’s commitment to medical service quality, establishing it as a trusted private hospital with over 55 years of service.

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a non-profit, independent organization from the United States that has been certifying the quality and safety of healthcare facilities worldwide for over 27 years. The accreditation process involves thorough evaluations to ensure that healthcare institutions meet JCI’s stringent requirements, with a focus on providing high-quality, safe medical care equivalent to international standards. – NNT

Prosecutors indict 17 in iCon fraud case

Prosecutors have indicted 17 suspects in The iCon Group fraud case, including CEO and founder Waranthaphon “Boss Paul” Wratyaworrakul, and dropped charges against actor Yuranunt Pamornmontri and actress Pechaya Wattanamontree.

The 17 defendants face charges of public fraud, fraudulent borrowing and illegally running a direct sales business, and other related offenses. Continued …

Monkeys invading communities in Krabi

Villagers living in Nua Khlong district of Krabi province have called on officials to deal with long-tailed macaques, which have left their habitat in the mangrove forest to forage for food in their communities and along the beaches.

They complain that the monkeys are causing a nuisance by ransacking garbage bins looking for food, destroying vegetable patches, invading food shops and breaking roof tiles. Continued …

Private sector panel expects 2.4%–2.9% GDP growth this year

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) yesterday forecast that Thailand’s economic growth for this year would be between 2.4% and 2.9%, with export growth projected at 1.5% to 2.5%.

The committee, comprising representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and the Thai Bankers’ Assn. (TBA), held a press conference to announce its projections for key economic indicators. Continued …

Thai household debt climbs to 104% of GDP

Thailand’s household debt, including informal loans, has reached 104% of gross domestic product (GDP), which is expected to pressure economic growth, according to a report released by a private sector panel.

The study carried out by Chulalongkorn University, commissioned by the Joint Standing Committee for Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), indicates the household debt-to-GDP ratio reached 104% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Continued …

Foreign investors continue to pour money into Thai condominiums

Thailand’s real estate market continues to attract foreign investors, with a notable increase in condominium unit transfers during the third quarter of 2024, according to a report released by the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) yesterday.

The report revealed a 11.6% year-on-year (YoY) surge in the number of condominium units transferred to foreigners, reaching 3,756 units. The total value of these transactions also climbed by 8.9% YoY to 18.571 billion baht. Continued …

Thai residential index the lowest in 12 quarters

The overall residential market index in Thailand in the third quarter of 2024 dropped to its lowest level in 12 quarters, dating back to the third quarter of 2021, driven by declining housing transfers and a slowdown in supply.

The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported the index was 76.8 for the third quarter, down from 84.8 in the second quarter of 2024 and 79.3 in the third quarter of 2023, as market activity decreased. Continued …

Amazon Web opens its new cloud infrastructure region in Thailand

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has officially launched its Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region yesterday marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across Southeast Asia, the company said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The new infrastructure aims to drive Thailand’s digital economy and support local businesses in adopting innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). The scale of AWS’s commitment to Thailand is substantial, with plans to invest more than US$5 billion over the next 15 years. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism faces formidable challenges

In a recent report by the Deloitte Thailand team, Thailand is set to shine in 2025, as its tourism industry prepares to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy. Tourism, a key pillar of Thailand’s GDP, is estimated to generate $67 billion in 2025, with 36 to 39 million visitors expected for the year, up from around 35 million in 2024.

However, the industry faces pressing issues, such as climate change. Rising temperatures threaten popular outdoor attractions. Creative solutions, such as shaded outdoor spaces, innovative indoor cultural hubs, and climate-resilient infrastructure have been recommended to ensure Thailand remains a top destination. Continued … 

Chinese New Year Tourist Drop Feared Amid Human Trafficking Alarm

Concerns are mounting over a potential slump in Chinese tourist numbers during the forthcoming Lunar New Year, as a recent human trafficking incident involving a Chinese celebrity is projected to dent visitor confidence. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) warns of a possible 10%-20% decline in arrivals.

The narrative unfolded after a Chinese actor was entangled in a human trafficking ring that allegedly exploited Thailand as a transit hub. The incident has sparked widespread media coverage in China, prompting fears of ripples through the tourism sector. Continued …

Big boost in air travel over the New Year holiday

New Year holiday passenger numbers were up almost 20% on last year at Thailand’s six main airports, and airlines increased the number of flights accordingly. There were 19.7% more travelers and 16.4% more flights year-on-year, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said yesterday.

The figures apply to Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports, which are under the supervision of Airports of Thailand (AoT). Continued …

Tourism sector banks on sustainable travel trend

The tourism sector needs to capture rising sustainable travel demand to make Thailand a top destination by utilizing more green practices and wellness programs, while luring tourists to newer local destinations, according to the tourism soft power subcommittee.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the tourism subcommittee of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, said the tourism supply chain and government face market pressure to quickly adopt sustainable standards and policies to stay competitive. Continued …

Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand

Police have charged the mahout responsible for the elephant that gored a Spanish woman to death last week in Koh Yao. The deadly incident has since ramped up intense scrutiny of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry.

The 38-year-old mahout faces charges of negligence causing death after a tragic accident involving the 22-year-old Spanish tourist in southern Thailand. Continued …

British Tourist Found Dead and Naked off Phuket Beach

The heartbroken family of a British man is seeking the truth after his body washed ashore a Phuket beach. The body of Regan Kelly was discovered on Saturday floating in the sea off a Thai beach.

The 28-year-old South London man’s body was discovered naked and face down merely hours after he was seen dashing out of a bar after a meeting with an unknown man turned heated. Continued …

Should you participate in elephant tourism? Here’s what experts say

An elephant handler in Thailand is under investigation after a Spanish tourist was killed during a bathing activity at a venue advertised as an ethical sanctuary, an officer at the Tourism and Sports Office in Phang Nga province said yesterday. The grim incident has again spotlighted the question of how tourists can ethically – and safely – interact with elephants while traveling.

Humans have been interacting with elephants for centuries, said Hannah Mumby, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Area of Ecology and Biodiversity who has studied human-wildlife interactions and Asian elephants. But regardless of how innocuous a tourism experience appears, she said, “an elephant is always still a wild animal”. Continued …

Thailand’s Ban on Plastic Imports Comes into Force

A ban on plastic waste imports has come into force in Thailand, two years after it was announced in a bid to control pollution and protect people’s health.

Lawmakers had been discussing the ban since 2020 as they sought to stop the flood of plastic from Western nations that has contributed to hazardous levels of air and water pollution in the country. Continued …

This Chiang Mai Hotel is a Champion of Elevated Green Cuisine

Perched on the 21st floor of Melia Chiang Mai, Mai Restaurant stands out for its unique high-rise panoramas across Thailand’s northern capital. With most buildings in this historic city subject to height restrictions, it provides a rare bird’s-eye view of the city.

Dining at Mai, guests can enjoy a different, but equally distinct, showcase of Chiang Mai: traditional Lanna cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavors and ingredients — a hallmark of the Melia brand — made from ingredients sourced from local farmers, which were fertilized using the hotel’s composted food waste. It’s the circle of life in Melia’s 360º Cuisine program. Continued …

Facebook axes fact checking

It was no accident that Meta Platforms chose Donald Trump’s favourite TV news show, Fox and Friends, to discuss its decision to ditch outside fact-checking. The move, which will impact content served to hundreds of millions of U.S. users on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, was in effect aimed at an audience of one. It was the latest calculation in a months-long effort by founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg to reposition the social media giant as a more Trump-friendly organization after years of conflict and tensions. Continued …

‘Make Greenland great again’? No, thank you, Greenlanders say

Christian Ulloriaq Jeppesen remembers how this all started. In 2019, during Donald Trump’s first term as United States president, Trump floated the idea of the United States buying the island of Greenland. At the time, most people in Greenland (and Denmark, the European country that controls it) thought his suggestion was a joke. Continued …

Mexican president trolls Trump, suggests US be renamed ‘Mexican America’

Mexico’s president took a swipe at Donald Trump yesterday, saying that the United States should be called “Mexican America,” after Trump’s vow to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Continued …

Indonesia keeps iPhone 16 ban despite Apple’s $1bn investment

Indonesia will continue to ban local sales of the iPhone 16, saying that Apple’s $1-billion investment plan that includes building an AirTag factory is insufficient to meet local content requirements. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-Jan 8

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8 fatalities in PKK/Red-level air pollution/Bangkok Air Pollution/Colder weather moving in/Cheaper electricity costs/To Bear Costs of Phone Scam Damages/Students to Receive Learning Tablets/Chinese actor’s real-life drama/ECONOMY: Thai household costs surge/Cabinet approves Bt3.8-trillion budget/10,000-baht handouts to elderly/Exports helped by strong December/Thai minister heading to US/TOURISM: New Year countdown exceeds expectations/Chinese New year spending/Travel Trends Revealed/Provincial airports to ease travel/Chinese Tourist Drowns/CLIMATE THAILAND: Microplastics Widespread in Seafood/Climate crisis costly/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

8 fatalities in PKK over holiday period

Continued …

Red-level air pollution blankets most of Thailand

Only seven out of 77 provinces in Thailand had safe air to breathe and most provinces including the capital were blanketed with red levels of hazardous ultrafine dust this morning.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 8am that 39 provinces were shrouded with “red” hazardous-to-health levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5). Continued … 

The link below is available daily on this site in the left sidebar area.

Bangkok Air Pollution Reaches Hazardous Levels

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped up the battle against Thailand’s air pollution crisis, with PM2.5 fine particulate matter levels reaching hazardous levels. Following a cabinet meeting, she has prolonged the directive to engage various ministries to anchor efforts in achieving lower pollution levels than last year.

After the meeting, Paetongtarn highlighted the concerning rise in dust levels across provinces, as evidenced by satellite images revealing more heat spots. The priority, she said, was clear-cut measures implemented by both relevant governmental bodies and sugarcane farmers, who are often responsible for agricultural burning. Continued …

Colder weather moving in from Friday

Temperatures are forecast to fall sharply in most regions of the country from this Friday due to the arrival of a high pressure system from China.

Sukanyanee Yawinchan, director-general of the meteorological department, said today that from Friday this week to Monday next week temperatures would drop by 5-7°C in the north and northeast, and 2-5°C in the Central Plains and Bangkok, east and upper south. Continued …

Cheaper electricity costs targeted

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has hinted at the possibility of bringing household electricity costs down after her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said that the price could be reduced to 3.70 baht per unit this year, from 4.15 baht now. Paetongtarn said this was one of the government’s priorities to ease the rising cost of living.

“Collaboration from all sides will benefit the country. Bringing household electricity costs down to 3.70 baht per unit is the target the government wants to achieve. It is one of the government’s priorities,” the prime minister said. Continued …

Thai Banks and Mobile Operators to Bear Costs of Phone Scam Damages

In a significant move to tackle the rising issue of phone scams, Thailand’s government is preparing new regulations that will hold banks and mobile operators accountable for losses incurred by victims. The initiative comes as these scams have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, causing considerable financial distress among the public.

The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, announced plans to issue an executive decree within the month that would mandate financial institutions and telecom companies to reimburse consumers who fall victim to such fraudulent activities. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

600,000 Thai Students to Receive Learning Tablets by June

In a drive to bridge the educational gap, the Ministry of Education is poised to distribute learning tablets to 600,000 high school students by June 2025. This initiative aims to empower students with the capability to access learning resources anytime, anywhere, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

The effort is viewed as a pivotal step in reducing educational inequality and enhancing digital learning opportunities across the nation. Currently, the ministry is meticulously preparing the terms of reference (ToR) for the procurement of these tablets. Continued … 

Chinese actor’s real-life drama ends on Thai-Myanmar border

Missing Chinese actor Wang Xing was dramatically rescued by Thai police yesterday after being abducted by a human trafficking gang while on the Thai-Myanmar border.

Wang Xing, known to fans as Xingxing, vanished on Jan. 3 after departing Shanghai Pudong Airport for Thailand in what he believed was an acting gig along the border. Last seen in Mae Sot, the plot thickened as his sudden disappearance spookily mirrored the storyline of No More Bets, a Chinese blockbuster movie where characters are ensnared by a scam center in Thailand. Continued …

Thai household costs surge: survey reveals rising living expenses

A recent survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Ministry of Commerce has revealed a significant increase in Thai households’ living expenses. The survey found that average monthly household expenditure in December reached 18,207 baht.

TPSO Director Poonpong Nayanapakorn highlighted a 1.23% rise in headline inflation in December 2024, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 108.28 compared with 106.96 in December 2023. Core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, increased by 0.79%, slightly lower than the 0.80% recorded in November 2024. Continued …

Cabinet approves Bt3.8-trillion budget for 2026

The cabinet has approved a budget of 3.78 trillion baht for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as soft loans to help small businesses, officials said yesterday.

The proposed budget will have a deficit of 860 billion baht and aims to stimulate the economy, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters. Continued …

10,000-baht handouts to elderly by Jan 29

The Thai government has officially confirmed that elderly citizens will receive their long-awaited 10,000 baht stimulus payments before Jan. 29, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat at the Ministry of Finance yesterday.

“We assure you, the 10,000-baht payments will hit accounts before the deadline. The exact transfer date hinges on a final appointment with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.” Continued …

Thai exports helped by strong December

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) upgraded its Thai export growth forecast for 2024 to 5% following a robust performance in December.

Chaichan Charoensuk, chairman of the TNSC, said Thai exports last month were estimated to rise by more than 4.5%, surpassing expectations. This improvement was attributed to collaborations among relevant sectors. Continued …

Thai minister heading to US to fight proposed tariffs

The Thai commerce minister plans to visit the U.S. early next month for negotiations focused on preventing potential tariff hikes on Thai exports, following a recent meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (Amcham).

During his U.S. visit, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan plans to meet with the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. Continued …

Thailand’s New Year countdown exceeds tourism expectations

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a successful New Year’s Eve countdown campaign, with visitor numbers and revenue surpassing expectations.

In Bangkok, the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at Nakarapirom Park attracted 23,502 people – 19,740 Thais and 3,762 international visitors – over four days from Dec. 28-31. The event generated cash flows of around 55.4 million baht. Continued …

Chinese New year spending boom expected

Thailand’s economy is set to light up like a firecracker this Chinese New Year, with spending forecast to rise by over 3%, according to the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Buoyed by a recovering economy, government cash injections, and a surge of Chinese tourists, the festival promises to spark a celebratory spending spree, said Thanawat Phonwichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Continued …

Thailand’s Travel Trends Revealed

As travel enthusiasts seek fresh and unique experiences, 12Go, a leading travel agency, has identified key trends set to shape tourism in Thailand in 2025. Among these trends is the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable travel options, as more travelers prioritize environmental consciousness in their journeys.

Additionally, the rise of digital nomadism is expected to influence the tourism landscape, with Thailand positioning itself as a top destination for remote workers seeking both productivity and leisure. Continued …

Provincial airports to ease travel for passengers

The Transport Ministry has ordered the Department of Airports (DoA) to increase measures to support travelers after the number of passengers increased by more than 14% during the holidays.

Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri said on Tuesday the DoA has reported the number of passengers between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2 amounted to 319,275 people, or up 14.1% from the same period last year. Continued …

Chinese Tourist Drowns After Being Swept Away by Strong Currents in Rayong

A Chinese tourist drowned yesterday after being swept away by strong underwater currents while swimming in the sea off Rayong’s Khao Laem Ya National Park.

Police were informed by park officials that the body of a female tourist was found floating near Koh Kudee, approximately 2 kilometers from the original location where the incident occurred. Continued …

Microplastics Are Widespread in Popular Types of Seafood, Study Shows

Microplastics shed from plastic products like clothing and packaging are ending up in the fish we eat, according to researchers from Portland State University (PSU). The findings of the study highlight a need for strategies and technologies to reduce the microfiber pollution that makes its way into the environment.

Scientists from the Applied Coastal Ecology Lab at PSU built on earlier research that explored the pervasiveness of microplastics in bivalves such as Pacific razor clams and oysters. The team focused on commonly eaten crustaceans and finfish. Continued …

Climate crisis is also a costly one

Global inflation in recent years has pushed the prices of food, energy, and basic goods to unprecedented levels. As a result, the rising cost of living has dominated political discussion around the world, but especially in G20 countries.

High inflation risks overshadowing another urgent crisis: global warming. But rising prices and climate change are closely linked. Extreme weather damages crops, spoils harvests, and drives up food prices, and its impact is growing more pronounced as heatwaves, droughts, and floods become more frequent and intense. These events also disrupt supply chains and energy production, pushing up the price of other essential goods. Continued …

Tibet quake toll reaches 126

Thousands of rescuers were searching for survivors in freezing conditions Wednesday after a devastating earthquake in China’s remote Tibet region killed at least 126 people. Continued …

Trump says NATO members should raise defense spending to 5% of GDP

Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed NATO members to boost their defense spending to 5% of GDP, underlining his long-standing claims that they are underpaying for U.S. protection. Continued …

Trump threatens military action to reclaim Panama

Donald Trump threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal and economic force against neighboring Canada, in a meandering press conference Tuesday a day after Congress certified his election victory. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-Jan 7

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Swedish consulate suspends operations/Prachaup Khiri Khan campaign launched/Legend Fighting Championships Sunday/Teen Cuts Off Stepfather’s Arm/Holiday death toll hits 436/Your Heart’s Early Warning System/Cook pork properly/Thailand Post to Hike Fees/Air pollution to worsen/Bangkok’s PM2.5 Battle/Bangkok Climbs in Global Cities Index/A nest egg with ostriches/Foreigner films dishwashing in Thai canal/Food shop affirms good hygiene/ECONOMY: Inflation rises slightly/Plan for Economic and Investment Expansion/Wage hike impact on hotels/Thailand’s Energy Sector in 2025/Rice exports seen dropping/TOURISM: Warning signs emerge/British Tourist Dies in Motorbike Crash/Chinese family survives Pattaya yacht capsize/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Street Food in Phuket/12 best restaurants in Bangkok/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s sustainable future/How Thailand’s Farmers Can Thrive/ACE opens five solar farms/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin Swedish consulate suspends operations after death

The Swedish Consulate in Hua Hin will become vacant starting Jan. 15, following the passing of Honorary Consul Vajaravudh Sukseree. Consequently, the consulate cannot provide consular services until a new honorary consul takes office.

In response to this situation, the Embassy of Sweden advises Swedish citizens in need of consular support to contact them in Bangkok during this interim period. The embassy offers the following clarifications: Continued …

Amazing Coast Town: Prachaup Khiri Khan campaign launched

Continued …

Grand finale of Legend Fighting Championships Sunday

Continued …

Teen Cuts Off Stepfather’s Arm in Attack in Prachuap Khiri Khan

An 18-year- old boy has been arrested after attacking his mother’s ex-husband yesterday with a machete, severing his arm in a fit of rage. The incident, captured on video, occurred in the Prachuap Siri area of Prachuap Khiri Khan municipality, leaving the 54-year-old victim critically injured.

The violent altercation reportedly began as an argument outside a grocery store, where the teenager confronted the man for insulting his biological father. Witnesses described seeing the young man wielding a machete, striking the victim’s left arm with such force that it was severed and fell onto the road. Despite his injury, the victim attempted to fight back with one arm before collapsing in front of the shop. Continued …

Holiday death toll hits 436 in 10 ‘dangerous’ days on Thai roads

A total of 436 people died and a further 2,376 were injured in 2,467 traffic accidents across Thailand from Dec. 27 to Jan. 5, the 10-day period the government considered the high-risk New Year holiday travel period.

Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri said that the number of traffic accidents and injured people was lower than in the same period last year, but fatalities rose. Continued …

Calcium Score Test: Your Heart’s Early Warning System

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing measures calcium deposits in the coronary artery walls using a CT scanner. It helps assess the risk of coronary artery disease, with higher calcium levels indicating an increased likelihood of arteriosclerosis, which may lead to coronary stenosis, ischemic heart disease, or myocardial infarction.

Calcium buildup in arteries results from chronic vascular inflammation and degeneration, often influenced by risk factors like age, diet, and chronic conditions. The test quantifies plaque accumulation using advanced CT imaging, revealing deposits of fats, cholesterol, and calcium that gradually narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack. Continued …

Cook pork properly, doctor warns

People are strongly advised to avoid eating raw and undercooked pork to protect themselves from being infected with streptococcus suis, commonly known as hearing loss fever, which can be fatal. The warning follows reports of an increase in cases over the long holiday in some provinces.

Dr. Taweechai Visanuyothin, director of the Department of Disease Control’s rRegional Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima, said more people were found to have contracted the disease after eating raw and undercooked pork. Continued …

Thailand Post to Hike Fees Again as Costs Rise

Thailand Post, the nation’s leading postal service provider, has announced its decision to implement a second increase in postage fees in less than two years. This change, which comes amid rising operational costs, is set to affect a wide array of postal services.

Last year, for the first time in nearly two decades, Thailand Post raised its service charges. Now, facing continued financial pressures, the organization finds itself raising fees once more. These adjustments will impact a variety of services, including envelope letters, packaged letters, registered envelope letters, printed goods, postcards, and parcels. Continued …

Air pollution to worsen in the north over the rest of this week

Air pollution in and around Bangkok and in the north is predicted to worsen until Friday, due to poor air circulation caused by a cold air system over the northeast, according to the Air Pollution Communication Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GITSDA) reported 490 hotspots (burning) yesterday, including 171 in rice fields, 110 in forests, 44 in sugarcane plantations, 20 in corn fields, 73 in general farming areas and 72 elsewhere. Continued …

Bangkok’s Bold New Operation for PM2.5 Battle

The air pollution battle in Thailand’s capital has taken to the skies in an unprecedented operation, as aircraft release -70°C dry ice to punch through Bangkok’s pollution-trapping atmospheric layer.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt received a significant donation of dry ice from Bangkok Industrial Gas Co. yesterday, marking a new phase in the city’s battle against PM2.5 air pollution. The donation will support the Royal Rainmaking Department’s atmospheric ventilation operations across Bangkok. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Bangkok Climbs in Global Cities Index Ranking

Bangkok has climbed the 2024 Global Cities Index (GCI), moving up 11 places to secure 34th spot, marking the largest leap among the top 50 global cities. This leap forward is attributed to enhancements in Bangkok’s business activity, cultural scene, and information-exchange capabilities, according to consulting firm Kearney.

Chanchai Tanatkatrakul, the head of Kearney Thailand, highlighted that Bangkok’s business activity notably benefited from its improved sea freight ranking. “In an era when many cities faced shipping challenges, Bangkok’s strategic position bolstered its resilience in this sector,” he commented. Continued …

Retired nurse rakes in a nest egg with ostriches

A retired nurse from Trang’s Mueang district has traded scrubs for feathers, earning a tidy nest egg by raising ostriches and selling their eggs and chicks. Prachuap Singkerk has transformed a two-rai plot of land next to her home into an ostrich haven, where she cares for nine of the towering birds: four males and five females.

These industrious ostriches start laying eggs at around 18 months old, producing roughly 15 eggs per month, or more than 100 annually. Non-fertile eggs are sold at 200 baht each, while fertile ones fetch 300 baht. Continued …

Hygiene concerns after foreigner films dishwashing in Thai canal

Restaurants at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the central province of Ratchaburi have come under criticism after a foreigner filmed staff washing dishes in a canal filled with murky, greyish water.

In the video, a Thai woman wearing a dark blue shirt can be seen washing kitchen utensils on a set of stairs leading into the canal. Two wooden boats are parked nearby. A bucket containing dishwashing liquid and a sponge is placed beside her. The foreign woman can be heard saying that the “The food was delicious.” Continued …

Damnoen Saduak food shop affirms good hygiene after video

The owner of a popular food shop at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi insists the shop cleans its cooking utensils and dishes properly, not just washing them in a canal as seen on a Facebook video clip.

On Sunday, Chaiya Limpapanon, owner of Jeh Now food shop at the market, said the foreign tourist who took the video and raised a question about hygiene at the shop misunderstood the situation and the shop had explained it to her. Continued …

Inflation rises slightly in December, driven by food and fuel

Thailand’s headline inflation rate increased by 1.23 percentage points in December, marking the ninth consecutive month of positive inflation, according to a recent study from the Commerce Ministry released on Monday.

The report noted that average inflation for the entire year of 2024 was 0.40%, falling within the government’s target range of 0.2-0.8%. The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) confirmed that the Consumer Price Index reached 108.28, while core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, increased by 0.79%. Continued …

Thailand Reveals Plan for Economic and Investment Expansion

The Thai government has announced a bold vision for 2025, aiming for economic expansion and increased foreign investment. By focusing on sectors like future industries, AI data centers, electric vehicles, precision agriculture, and food technology, public investments are projected to exceed 700 billion baht.

Enhanced incentives and streamlined regulations are designed to attract investors and enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. Key projects include the establishment of two hyperscale AI data centers, worth 60 billion baht, and a 6.15 billion baht investment in the semiconductor supply chain in Chachoengsao. Continued …

Minimum wage hike starts to have impact on hotels

The minimum wage hike amid a labor shortage is prompting hotels in Chiang Mai to increase staff responsibility instead of hiring more permanent workers, while small hotels in Chon Buri with cheaper rooms could be affected the most by rising costs, according to hotel associations.

The cabinet approved a nationwide daily minimum wage hike from Jan. 1, ranging from 337 to 400 baht. Several tourism destinations were assigned the highest rate of 400 baht, including Chon Buri and Phuket, while the rate in Chiang Mai’s Muang district is set at 380 baht. Continued …

Significant Advancements Expected in Thailand’s Energy Sector in 2025

Thailand’s energy sector is gearing up for major developments in 2025, particularly in petroleum exploration and electricity management. The Ministry of Energy has announced plans for new petroleum exploration bids in the Andaman Sea in early 2025, leveraging technological advancements to make deep-water projects more feasible.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is tackling issues related to coal procurement for the Mae Moh mine after Italian-Thai Development Public Co. (ITD) appealed, temporarily halting activities. EGAT aims to resolve the investigation within 30 days to restart operations before the coal contract’s expiration in February. Continued …

Thai rice exports seen dropping 25% in 2025

Thailand’s rice exports will likely drop by 25% in 2025 from last year, an industry group said yesterday, partly due to more shipments from India.

The kingdom expects to export about 7.5 million tons of rice in 2025, down from 10 million tons in 2024, Chookiat Ophaswongse of the Thai Rice Exporters Assn. said. Continued …

Warning signs emerge as Thai visitor arrivals fail to hit 2019 ‘normalcy’ level

Preliminary visitor arrivals stats for 2024 show that Thailand ended the year below expectations. In fact, they are fraught with early-warning danger signs about the future growth prospects of Thai tourism in a rapidly changing and highly unstable operating environment, locally, regionally and globally.

The preliminary stats show that Thailand ended 2024 with 35,545,714 arrivals. Although that is being spun as a positive result, being up 26.3% over the 28,150,016 arrivals in 2023, a closer look shows that it is still 10.7% lower than arrivals in 2019, the pre-Covid year seen as a benchmark for “normalcy.” Continued …

British Tourist Dies in Motorbike Crash in Phuket

A 28-year-old British holidaymaker has died in a motorbike crash while on holiday in Thailand. Corey Beavis, from Barry, South Wales, was killed in Phuket on Saturday.

Corey’s twin brother, Liam, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as his “best friend” and “number one partner in crime”. The family is now trying to raise £35,000 to repatriate Corey’s body to the UK, with over £10,000 donated by well-wishers in less than 24 hours. Continued …

Chinese family survives Pattaya yacht capsize, seeks compensation

A Chinese family of nine is seeking justice after a travel agency denied responsibility for a yacht capsize at Na Jomtien Bay in Pattaya on Jan. 3. They claim the operator violated a red flag, leading to their near-death experience and a loss of nearly 200,000 baht.

The 42-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Geng, and his eight family members urged Thai news agencies to help them seek justice after the travel agency that operated the trip denied responsibility. Continued …

Street Food in Phuket

There’s no shortage of delicious and unique street food in Phuket, and today we went exploring the Phuket Night Market in Thailand to try some interesting street foods, including eating goong ten live dancing shrimp salad. Video …

The 12 best restaurants in Bangkok

Thai cuisine is one of the tastiest and most versatile in Asia, offering a huge variety of salads, soups, curries, fried meats, seafood and delectable desserts, infused with an incredible range of spices.

The capital Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise and it offers the best in Thai dining, while food from virtually every other country in the world is never too far away. Continued …

Responsible growth to shape Thailand’s sustainable future

Thailand’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis is evident through its evolving environmental policies, including plans to become Southeast Asia’s second country, after Singapore, to introduce a carbon tax in 2025.

These efforts are crucial as the country continues to face the impacts of climate change. Earlier this year, the heat index hit a dangerous 52 degrees Celsius, and hazardous PM2.5 levels continue to affect millions of people with pollution-related health issues. These realities underscore the urgent need for climate action. Continued …

How Thailand’s Farmers Can Thrive Amid Climate Change

As world leaders gather at COP29 to discuss climate-adaptation financing, Thailand stands at a pivotal crossroads. Thailand gained global recognition for our climate commitments, such as unveiling a roadmap for net-zero emissions by 2065. But here’s the real question: are we doing enough to prepare our farmers for the harsh realities of climate change?

Agriculture contributes over 8% of Thailand’s GDP and employs nearly one-third of the population. However, the sector faces mounting challenges — not only from intensifying natural disasters like droughts and floods, but also from an aging farming population (average age over 58), which poses hurdles for labor and innovation. Continued …

Absolute Clean Energy opens five solar farms

Absolute Clean Energy (ACE), a local biomass power developer and operator, continues to increase its renewable power generation capacity after opening five new solar farms.

Using solar power technology is part of the company’s efforts to increase its supply of clean electricity while offering a net-zero solution to companies seeking ways to achieve similar targets, referring to a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption. Continued …

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced yesterday he intends to resign from his post but will stay until a new leader of the country’s Liberal Party is in place, effectively ending nine years of power. Continued …

China facing increase in viral pneumonia cases

China is currently facing a surge in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections, a respiratory virus that spreads more rapidly during winter. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hMPV. Travelers to China during winter are advised to take precautions to protect their health. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590