Category Archives: thai food

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 24

  • Anzac Day dawn service, Kanchanaburi, tomorrow/
  • Beach Party/Music Festival in Cha Am Saturday/
  • Old Days festival at Bluport May 5-7/
  • Scorching Hot Weather, Rising Electricity Bills lead to Public Outcry/
  • Thailand’s heatwave nears end, rainy season looms/
  • Weatherman says current hot weather in Thailand does not qualify as a heat wave/
  • Summer storms to batter 59 provinces until Wednesday/
  • Baht all safe and sound – for now/
  • Daily Covid-19 cases in Bangkok spike/
  • Wild Brawl Involving Bombs and Firearms at Popular Pattaya Market/
  • English fighter stuns Thai legend Nong-O for One Muay Thai title
  • Thailand’s economy: Thailand’s unemployment rate drops below 1% for first time in 4 years/Thailand’s industrial confidence index for March highest in a decade/Q1 Foreign Investment Soars by 25%, $960 Million, Japan Top/Events sector set to grow by 30% amid election bump/Thailand’s fruit exports to China keep on growing/How Thailand Minister Pushed Through Asia’s First Cannabis Legalization/
  • Tourism: Raja Ferry temporarily suspends Pha Ngan–Samui route/US expat: 7 things tourists should never do when they visit Bangkok/Chiang Mai tourism hit by smog/Tour Boat with 42 Foreign Tourists Gets Stuck on a Sandbank in Phang Nga/
  • Thailand Experience: 17 Best Places To Eat And Drink In Bangkok/Thai Street Food – 5 ‘must eat’ Foods in Chinatown, Bangkok/14 elephants get apologies and a fruit feast after unique ceremony in Trang/The backpacker dish so famous they named a whole region after it/
  • International: Norway surpasses Russia in energy exports/SEAL Team 6, Army special forces rescue US diplomats in Sudan/Philippines schools can call off classes due to heat/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Beach Party/Music Festival in Cha Am Saturday

The NangLay Beach Party and Music Festival will be held at the northern end of the Cha Am beach area, near the Triple Tree Resort on Saturday, April 29.

The non-stop party features many popular artists, including Bright Vachirawit and Nanon, Billkin, Palmy, Potato, Paradox, Joey Boy, Three Man Down, Tillybirds, Paper Planes And Sarah Salola, with a light and sound system throughout the night.

Ticket sales in every 7-Eleven store or HERE.

Scorching Hot Weather, Rising Electricity Bills lead to Public Outcry

Restaurants and entertainment venues in Thailand are struggling with rising power bills and the absence of outdoor customers due to the current scorching weather. Super malls, however, are getting more customers from people looking for shade and cool air, according to Thanakorn Kuptachit, an adviser to the Thai Alcohol Business Assn.

Thanakorn revealed that the sweltering weather across Thailand is negatively affecting entertainment places, hotels, and restaurants. Continued …

Thailand’s heatwave nears end, rainy season looms

Thailand’s hot season approaches its conclusion as the rainy season is set to begin in mid-May, according to the country’s Meteorological Department. The hot season peaked on April 15, when the temperature reached a record high of 44.6°C in Tak.

Deputy Director-general Thanasit Iam-ananchai has stated that throughout the weekend daily heat indices or apparent temperatures are anticipated to surge to precarious levels in specific regions, such as Bang Na district in Bangkok, Sattahip district in Chon Buri, and Phuket. Thanasit attributes this to the proximity to the sea and increased humidity levels in these coastal areas. Continued …

Weatherman says current hot weather in Thailand does not qualify as a heat wave

The hot weather, currently affecting many parts of Thailand, is being caused by persistent low pressure cell, according to Somkuan Tonjan, head of the Central Weather Forecast subdivision of the Thai Meteorological Department.

It does not qualify as a “heat wave”, which is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity. Continued … 

Summer storms to batter 59 provinces until Wednesday

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that 59 provinces in the North, Northeast, Central and East will be hit by summer storms from Sunday to Wednesday.

The summer storms are possibly being caused by the influence of a moderate high-pressure system over the South China Sea, TMD said. This high-pressure system is bringing southerly and southeasterly winds to upper Thailand, which are fast gaining strength, it added. Continued …

Baht all safe and sound – for now

While the recent banking debacle in the U.S. and Europe sparked fears about a contagion spreading worldwide, the head of Thailand’s Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) said since the agency’s establishment in 2008, Thailand has never been close to requiring action to protect deposits.

DPA President Songpol Chevapanyaroj said the agency and the Bank of Thailand cooperate to prevent failures in Thailand’s banking system. Continued …

Daily Covid-19 cases in Bangkok spike

Bangkok‘s daily number of Covid-19 cases has experienced a significant spike, nearly doubling from 400 to 700 in the wake of the city’s recent Songkran festival. This has led to growing concerns among local authorities, who fear that the true extent of the situation might not yet be fully understood.

The deputy city clerk at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Dr. Wantanee Watana, has warned that the situation may deteriorate further, with some cases potentially not having been reported to the relevant authorities, or still being in the process of being recorded. This could result in the daily number of Covid-19 cases in the Thai capital rising even further to approximately 1,000 cases per day. Continued …

Wild Brawl Involving Bombs and Firearms at Popular Pattaya Market

A teenager has sustained head injuries after being hit with a rock in a wild Pattaya market brawl that involved both gun shooting and bomb throwing.

The Pattaya City Police were notified of the incident just before dawn on Saturday morning at the popular Poethisarn Market in North Pattaya. Continued …

English fighter stuns Thai legend Nong-O for One Muay Thai title

English Muay Thai fighter Jonathan Haggerty scored a shocking TKO (technical knockout) against Thai opponent Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, aka Nong-O Hama, to capture the One bantamweight Muay Thai world title on Saturday.

One Championship (One) produced another epic evening of martial arts action at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The competition featured Muay Thai and mixed martial arts (MMA) in various categories. Continued …

Thailand’s unemployment rate drops below 1% for first time in 4 years

Thailand’s unemployment rate at the end of February dropped below 1% for the first time in four years, which is a sign that the economy is improving, the government said.

Trisulee Trisaranakul, a deputy government spokesperson, on Sunday cited the National Statistical Office (NSO)’s report showing that the rate of unemployment at the end of February stood at 0.9%, compared to 1% at the end of last year. Continued …

Thailand’s industrial confidence index for March highest in a decade

Thailand’s Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) was at its highest for a decade in March, boosted by a rebound in domestic demand, production increases and improved performance, with the exception of production costs, said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri on Sunday.

The index rose to 97.8 points in March, up from 94.1 points and 96.8 points in January and February, respectively, and was the highest since January 2013, he said, adding that he expects the index to pass 100 to 106.3 in the next three months. Continued …

Q1 Foreign Investment Soars by 25%, $960 Million, Japan Top

Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Business Development Department, in his capacity as the secretary of the Board of Investment of Foreign Business, revealed that in the first quarter of 2023 (January – March), a total of 174 foreign businesses were granted permission to invest in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act of 1999, with a total investment value of 33 billion baht (960 U.S. dollars).

Out of these, 56 businesses obtained investment licenses and 118 received a certificate of permission to operate their business. These businesses also created job opportunities for 1,932 Thai people. Continued …

Events sector set to grow by 30% amid election bump

Thailand’s event-management industry is expected to grow by 25%-30% to reach 16-17 billion baht this year, as both the government and private sectors are rolling out events, particularly related to election campaigns.

According to Upathum Nisitsukcharoen, president of the Event Management Assn., spending on organized event management is expected to exceed 9 billion baht in the first half this year, a 30% increase, up roughly two billion year-on-year. Continued …

Thailand’s fruit exports to China keep on growing

Thailand, already a dominant fruit exporter to China, witnessed a growth of 3.7% in 2022, generating more than 168-billion baht in revenue. The country’s thriving fruit industry found an avid market in China, which imported over 2.17 million tons of Thai fruit last year, according to a recent report from the Commerce Ministry.

A diverse assortment of Thai fruit, such as bananas, coconuts, durians, dragon fruit, and longans consistently ranked high in Chinese imports. These fruits were exported in various forms, including fresh, frozen, dried, and processed, catering to the diverse palates and culinary preferences in China. Continued …

How Thailand Minister Pushed Through Asia’s First Cannabis Legalization

Until last summer, Thailand had some of the world’s harshest drug laws, with possession of cannabis then punishable by up to 15 years in prison. But on June 9, marijuana was decriminalized and a resurgent cannabis culture has seen dispensaries popping up across the Southeast Asian nation of 70 million.

The move was the brainchild of Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and Health minister, whose Bhumjaithai Party is today the junior partner in a military-backed ruling coalition. Anutin’s pitch was that legalizing cannabis could reduce prison overcrowding — more than 80% of inmates in Thai prisons were incarcerated on drug-related charges — while spurring a hemp industry to alleviate rural poverty. The Thai cannabis market is now projected to reach $9.6 billion by 2030. Continued …

Raja Ferry temporarily suspends Pha Ngan–Samui route

Raja Ferry Port Co. has suspended all ferry services between Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province in southern Thailand from Sunday–Wednesday (April 23-25).

The company did not cite a reason for the suspension. Last week, a ferry on the Raja Ferry’s Koh Samui–mainland route sank at Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani province. – Thetahiger.com

US expat: 7 things tourists should never do when they visit Bangkok

I moved to Bangkok from Brooklyn in 2013 to take on a job at a branding agency. After that job finished, my wife and I decided to stay because of the people. Thailand has one of the most welcoming cultures in the world.

Bangkok was the world’s most-visited city from 2016 to 2019, according to Mastercard’s Global Destination Index, an annual report that ranks and consolidates tourism data in 200 cities. In 2019, more than 22 million tourists spent at least one night in Bangkok. Continued …

Chiang Mai tourism hit by smog

Severe haze pollution has not only posed a health hazard to residents in Chiang Mai, but also dealt a blow to its tourism.

Concerned parties have urged the government to come up with long-term measures to deal with the problem, including pushing for the passage of a “clean air” bill pending deliberation in parliament. Continued …

Tour Boat with 42 Foreign Tourists Gets Stuck on a Sandbank in Phang Nga

A tour boat with 42 tourists from Phuket became stuck on a sandbank in Phang Nga. The boat was traveling from Phuket with 42 foreign tourists. They were traveling to the Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi and Ao Phang Nga National Park. Boat crews and foreign tourists tried to push the boat off the bank for half an hour but failed. National Park staffers finally pushed the boat from the sandbank. There were no injuries from the incident. (Pattaya News)

17 Best Places To Eat And Drink In Bangkok

Thailand, otherwise known as The Land of Smiles, has so much to offer the world — not least of which is the country’s beautiful cuisine, which has seen an explosion of popularity in recent years. And what’s not to love?

Thai cuisine is adept at meeting the needs of various eaters; it’s easy to go gluten-free or vegetarian, and Thai cooking is notoriously dairy free. If you’ve become as consumed by Thai tastes as us, you probably hope to one day get right to the source and experience this amazing cuisine in its home country. Continued …

Thai Street Food – 5 ‘must eat’ Foods in Chinatown, Bangkok – Video 

 

14 elephants get apologies and a fruit feast after unique ceremony in Trang

Fourteen elephants were treated to a fruit buffet during a rare annual ceremony held in the southern province of Trang on Saturday.

The elephants, each with a mahout on the back, lined up along a 30-meter-long makeshift table strewn with sugarcanes, bananas, watermelons, and pineapples — all their favorite foods. Continued …

The backpacker dish so famous they named a whole region after it

It’s the dish so famous, they named a whole region after it. Of course, by “they” we mean Western travelers making their way around Southeast Asia, those who noticed that everywhere tourists went in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, vendors also appeared selling a dish they had come to know and love: banana pancakes.

Welcome to the Banana Pancake Trail. Welcome to the culture of banana pancakes, the wildly popular street-food snack that isn’t a pancake at all, but rather a Thai/Malaysian-style roti filled with fresh banana and topped with condensed milk. To make it, a glutinous dough is stretched gossamer-thin, fried on a hotplate before being filled, folded, flipped and served. And all this, usually, for about $1. Continued …

Norway surpasses Russia in energy exports

In a remarkable turn of events, a humble office building overlooking a fjord in Stavanger, Norway, now holds the key to European energy security. Here, the company Petoro oversees several of the continent’s largest oil and natural gas fields on Norway’s petroleum-rich continental shelf. This unassuming location has become central to Europe’s quest to keep the lights on amid rising tensions with Russia over the war in Ukraine. Continued … 

SEAL Team 6, Army special forces rescue US diplomats in Sudan

Details emerged Sunday from the dramatic evacuation of U.S. diplomats from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, while aid workers and other Americans remained imperiled amid the raging warfare pitting rival generals. Continued … 

Philippines schools can call off classes due to heat

As several parts of the Philippines try to cope with the summer heat, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Saturday that school authorities could call off in-person classes to safeguard the health of their students and staff. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-April 21

  • How to find the right language school in Thailand/
  • Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know/
  • Sales of Alcoholic Beverages During Songkran Soar by 30%/
  • Online beauty drinks, instant coffee may be laced with ecstasy, ketamine, meth/
  • Lowdown on the latest Covid variant XBB.1.16/
  • China’s Changan Auto to invest $285 million in EV facility in Thailand/
  • Thailand applies Sweden’s models to expand forest area/
  • Belgian and French Men Plunge To Their Deaths from Same Pattaya Building/
  • Amid joints and cookies, marijuana business booms in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Best budget airlines in Thailand/Tourism fears after Nok Air stops flights to Mae Hong Son/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand summer adventures for an exciting journey/Thailand’s Som Tam voted 6th best salad in the world/
  • International: EU parliament approves world’s most sweeping cryptocurrency rules/US Gun Violence Incidents and Road Rage Shooting Cases/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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How to find the right language school in Thailand

Learning Thai in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizon. With all of the options available, though, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right language school in Thailand for you. This guide will help you make an informed decision to find the perfect language school that meets your needs.

Before you start looking for a language school in Thailand, it’s essential to determine your goals. What do you want out of this experience? Are you hoping to learn the basics of Thai? Or are you looking to become fluent and converse with the locals? Continued …

Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know

What was once unthinkable is now actually happening: Netflix has rolled out a cheaper streaming plan that includes ads.

Netflix initially said that its ad-supported plan wouldn’t arrive until 2023, but the new “Basic with Ads” tier went live in the fall of 2022, much sooner than expected.

So, how much does Netflix with ads cost, and what’s included? Here’s what you need to know. Continued …

Sales of Alcoholic Beverages During Songkran Soar by 30%

Thailand saw a 30% surge in alcohol sales during the recent Songkran festival, in contrast to a declined number of drunk traffic accidents nationally during the festival year over year, according to Thanakorn Kuptachit, an adviser to the Thai Alcohol Business Assn.

Other related businesses such as restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and event organizers also benefited from the festivity. Continued …

Online beauty drinks, instant coffee may be laced with ecstasy, ketamine, meth

Two senior doctors warned the public on Thursday that many unlicensed brands of the beauty supplement collagen – as well as instant coffee – sold on social media contain illegal party drugs and could be fatal if consumed in large amounts.

The warnings about the liquid-collagen and instant-coffee brands – which have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration – were made by Dr. Manus Phothaporn, deputy director-general of the Medical Services Department, and Dr, Sarayut Boonchaipanitwatana, director of the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment. Continued …

Lowdown on the latest Covid variant XBB.1.16

Thailand recently reported 27 cases of the new Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16, prompting authorities to monitor its transmission speed and the ease with which it can escape people’s ability to handle the virus in the wake of months, if not years, of vaccines and herd immunity.

The Ministry of Public Health recommends people, especially senior citizens and those with underlying conditions, get booster shots amid growing concern about the risk of new outbreaks. Here is what you need to know about this new subvariant. Continued …

China’s Changan Auto to invest $285 million in EV facility in Thailand

Chinese automaker Changan Auto will invest $285 million in a facility in Thailand to produce 100,000 electric vehicles annually, Thailand’s Board of Investment said on Thursday.

The company aims to sell the EVs in Thailand, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Africa, said the board’s secretary-general, Narit Therdsteerasukdi. Continued …

Thailand applies Sweden’s models to expand forest area

The Thai government has emphasized the importance of tackling air pollution in the long term through measures such as afforestation and environmental protection.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on April 19 that the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other agencies are making efforts to expand Thailand’s forest area, based on the models of Sweden. Continued …

Belgian and French Men Plunge To Their Deaths from Same Pattaya Building

A 52-year-old Belgian man and an 81-year-old French man died by suicide by plunging from a condominium in Pattaya. The two separate accidents coincidentally happened at the same condo.

Pattaya Police and Sawang Boriboon rescuers rushed to a luxury condominium in Pattaya yesterday after receiving a report that a foreigner had jumped from the condo. Continued …

Amid joints and cookies, marijuana business booms in Thailand

Home delivery services, interactive maps with online products, relaxation spas and stores with brownies, cookies and joints.

The marijuana business has become a profitable activity in Thailand, where many benefit from a legal limbo in the absence of clear regulation of the businesses.

Since the country legalized the cultivation of marijuana for medical use – the first to do so in Southeast Asia – on June 9, Thailand has experienced a boom in cannabis dispensaries, framed by a confusing law that does not penalize consumption for recreational purposes. Continued …

Best budget airlines in Thailand

Are you planning a trip to the Land of Smiles without emptying your wallet? Look no further, as we introduce you to the best budget airlines in Thailand for 2023. These airlines offer exceptional services, competitive prices, and connectivity to various domestic and international destinations, making it easier for travelers to explore Thailand and beyond without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the best budget airlines in Thailand for 2023. Continued …

Tourism fears after Nok Air stops flights to Mae Hong Son

Mae Hog Sonl tourism authorities are developing plans to assist the province’s tourism sector after Nok Air stopped its direct flights there due to business losses.

Nok Air’s direct commercial flights to Mae Hong Son ended on Wednesday. Continued …

Thailand summer adventures for an exciting journey

Thailand’s summer, with its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, offers an ideal setting for a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests and preferences. The season, stretching from March to June provides ample opportunities to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and lively festivals.

Whether you’re seeking adventures on pristine beaches and islands, immersing yourself in traditional customs, or escaping into the refreshing wilderness of national parks, Thailand’s summer promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience for every traveler. Continued …

Thailand’s Som Tam voted 6th best salad in the world

Northeast Thailand’s “som tam,” aka spicy papaya salad, was voted sixth best salad in the world by online food guide TasteAtlas. Another Thai dish, phla kung, also won accolades, coming in ninth place.

Thailand’s som tam was ranked higher than Cambodia’s green papaya salad, bok l’hong, voted 30th best salad. Continued …

EU parliament approves world’s most sweeping cryptocurrency rules

The European Parliament approved the world’s first comprehensive rules to regulate the “Wild West” world of cryptocurrencies on Thursday, hoping to protect investors against abuse and manipulation. Continued …

US Gun Violence Incidents and Road Rage Shooting Cases

A U.S. website recently reported that the number of gun violence deaths in the United States far exceeds that of any other high-income country. Specific data show that the gun homicide rate in the United States is 26 times that of other high-income countries, and the gun suicide rate is nearly 12 times higher. Continued …

Air quality index map

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-April 20

2 Comments

  • Uninsured driver crackdown in Prachuap Khiri Khan/
  • Government says household electricity charges will be eased/
  • 5 provinces in Thailand suffering from blazing heat/
  • Prevent your retirement visa in Thailand from expiring/
  • Health Experts Alleviate Concerns About New Covid-19 Variant/
  • Temporary Covid-19 surge may result in 10,000 daily cases/
  • Rainfall in the north to decrease air pollution/
  • Chiang Rai chokes as battle to halt huge forest fire enters fifth day/
  • Giant panda on loan to Thailand dies unexpectedly/
  • Thai-Chinese criminal matriarch has built a safe empire and fortune/
  • Industry index keeps rising amid tourism recovery/
  • First quarter new business registrations dominated by real estate, restaurants/
  • Bomb attack in southern Thailand injures 8 police officers/
  • Today is World Cannabis Day/
  • Tourism: A guide to Thailand’s E-visa/Tourism fee to take effect in September/Tourism to Koh Kradan jumps sixfold after being named best beach on earth/American Tourist Drowns in Krabi/Nok Air makes final flight to Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand/What Do Senior Tourists Need To Know About Medical Tourism?/
  • Thailand Experience: Video: Making pad Thai on Bangkok streets/The Tao of island travel/
  • International: Global rice shortage possible in 2023, prices are expected to remain high/Stampede In Yemen’s Capital Kills At Least 78/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Uninsured driver crackdown in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have announced a crackdown on uninsured drivers following a number of accidents during the Songkran festival.

On Tuesday, officials said they recorded 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths during the seven-day road-safety campaign of Songkran, between April 11-17. Continued …

Government says household electricity charges will be eased

The government has offered an assurance that the electricity charge for households for May through August will be 4.77 baht per unit, instead of the 5.24 baht for the January-April period.

Responding to complaints from householders about the sharp increases in their electricity bills during the hot season, a spokesperson said that the Energy Regulatory Commission has set the fuel tariff (FT) at 98.27 satang/unit for household and non-household electricity, bringing the average electricity charge at 4.77 baht/unit for May through August. Continued …

5 provinces in Thailand suffering from blazing heat

Summer is here with a bang and five provinces are sizzling with the heat index or felt temperatures as high as 51.5 degrees Celsius in some places.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has put the heat down to a low-pressure system, which will also bring thunderstorms. TMD said the extreme heat is being brought by southerly winds across the lower Northeast, East and lower Central regions. Northwesterly and southwesterly winds across the Andaman Sea, South and the Gulf of Thailand will bring isolated thundershowers to the South. Continued … 

Prevent your retirement visa in Thailand from expiring

With the availability of a retirement visa in Thailand, it becomes possible for retirees to reside in the country long-term and enjoy all the perks it has to offer.

However, like all good things, a retirement visa comes with an expiration date, and understanding the implications of a retirement visa expiring is crucial for those planning to settle down in this Southeast Asian haven. In this guide, we will explore the options to avoid your retirement visa from expiring. Continued …

Health Experts Alleviate Concerns About New Covid-19 Variant

Thai health experts came out to soothe public concerns about a new strain of Covid-19, explaining that while it may be more transmissible than previous variants, it is still not a major concern.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, revealed that there may be a slight increase in COVID-19 cases following the Songkran festival in Thailand, but the rise is not expected to be significant. Continued …

Temporary Covid-19 surge may result in 10,000 daily cases

A new wave of Covid-19 infections is expected to bring daily cases to 5,000-10,000, but a swift decline in numbers is predicted thereafter, according to Dr. Nitipatana Chierakul, head of the Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division at the Faculty of Medicine in Siriraj Hospital.

Dr. Nitipatana noted a rise in infections caused by the Omicron XBB.1.16 sub-variant but highlighted the majority of cases were mild. He explained that severe reactions were likely due to pre-existing health conditions. Continued …

Rainfall in the north to decrease air pollution

Air pollution in Thailand’s northern regions is expected to decrease between Friday and Monday due to rainfall, bringing relief to an area where over 2.4 million people have experienced health problems connected to smog, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the public health permanent secretary, reported on Wednesday that the PM2.5 levels detected in the north ranged from 48 to 234 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). The most hot spots were found in Chiang Mai, with 279, followed by Chiang Rai with 215, and Nan with 115. Continued …

Chiang Rai chokes as battle to halt huge forest fire enters fifth day

Volunteer firefighters are battling a raging fire that has destroyed over 1,000 rai (1.6 square kilometers) of forest on Doi In Cee mountain in Chiang Rai.

The fire has torched the mountain and choking residents of Chiang Rai city, just 10 kilometers to the west, for the past four days. The steep mountainside is hampering efforts to put out the blaze, while strong winds are fanning the flames and accelerating its spread. Continued …

Giant panda on loan to Thailand dies unexpectedly

A giant panda on long-term loan from China died in a zoo in northern Thailand on Wednesday, six months before she was due to return home, officials from the Chiang Mai Zoo said.

The cause of Lin Hui’s death was not immediately clear, but she appeared to have become ill Tuesday morning, and her nose was seen bleeding when she lay down after a meal, said Wutthichai Muangmun, the zoo director. Continued…

Thai-Chinese criminal matriarch has built a safe empire and fortune

Amid a sharp rise in crime linked to Chinese nationals in Thailand, with almost daily reports of abductions or dramatic cases, the country’s favorite policeman, “Big Joke” or Gen. Surachate Hakparn, has warned that an end must be brought about to the movement of shady and corrupt Chinese criminal elements in Thailand who for the last two decades have been settling here as they take flight from stronger law and order measures imposed by Beijing.

The deputy national police chief also highlighted the case of a Chinese woman who arrived here 35 years ago and set up an extensive transnational criminal empire engaged in providing surrogate Thai children to Chinese nationals. He outlined how the woman has amassed a fortune of billions of baht, which Thai authorities cannot reach as she, in a move which Surachate is convinced must have been planned from the outset, made sure all the assets were tied up in bona fide business concerns owned by her three Thai children. Continued …

Industry index keeps rising amid tourism recovery

The Thailand Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) continued to rise in March to 97.8 points, the highest in 10 months, thanks to the tourism recovery and farmers’ greater purchasing power, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Improving tourism boosted demand for goods and services, while higher agricultural prices brought more revenue to farmers in many regions, said Wiwat Hemmondharop, vice chairman of the FTI. Continued …

First quarter new business registrations dominated by real estate, restaurants

Restaurants, real estate, and construction businesses saw an upswing in new registrations in the first quarter, pointing to Thailand’s steady economic recovery.

There were 26,182 new business registrations, an increase of 17% year on year, data from the Department of Business Development released by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit showed. Continued …

Bomb attack in southern Thailand injures 8 police officers

Eight police officers from Sai Buri Police Station in Pattani province, southern Thailand, were injured in a bomb attack while on patrol last night. Two police vehicles were damaged.

Before the incident, 11 officers went out on patrol in two pickup trucks in Sai Buri district. Assailants detonated a hidden bomb as the officers drove along the Ban Pa Thung–Bang Kao Road in Bang Khao subdistrict at 10:45pm. The assailants fled the scene. Continued …

Today is World Cannabis Day

In celebration of World Cannabis Day today, an event called Khaosad 420 is scheduled to take place on Khao San Road and Ram Buttri Road in Bangkok. The event intends to bring together cannabis users to smoke ganja together.

However, Thai netizens and the Bhum Jai Thai Party have expressed their opposition to the event and are urging the organizers to cancel it. According to a report on Channel 7, the Khaosan 420 event will also feature a cannabis parade along the roads. Continued …

A guide to Thailand’s E-visa

Planning your dream trip to the land of smiles and wondering how to obtain your visa effortlessly? Look no further, as the E-visa Thailand system is here to simplify the visa application process for you.

To make the visa application process more accessible and stress-free, the Thai government has introduced this user-friendly online platform that allows visitors to obtain their visas electronically. This easy-to-use system enables travelers to apply for their visas from the comfort of their homes, without the need to visit Thai embassies or consulates. Continued …

Tourism fee to take effect in September

The tourism and sports minister has confirmed that collection of the 300-baht tourism fee will not be delayed beyond September, while the ministry plans to ask provincial police to support the tourism police in its operations to clear out “zero-dollar tours” and illegal tours.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the fee will not be canceled, although the collection method of adding it to airfares was criticized by airlines as selective, claiming it violated the International Air Transport Association’s Chicago convention that prioritizes equality. Continued …

Tourism to Koh Kradan jumps sixfold after being named best beach on earth

Thailand’s Koh Kradan island in Trang province is welcoming more than 2,000 tourists per day since the island was voted “best beach on earth” by the UK website World Beach Guide last month, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“After Koh Kradan was ranked the best beach on earth, the number of tourists has jumped to 2,000 per day, a sixfold increase from the previous average of 300 visitors per day.” Continued …

American Tourist Drowns in Krabi

An American tourist drowned at the Viking Cave near Phi Phi Island in Krabi.

The Koh Phi Phi Police said they were notified of the incident on Tuesday (April 18th) when a 51-year-old American man drowned in front of the Viking Cave at a coral diving area near Phi Phi Lay in the Ao Nang sub-district, Mueang Krabi district. His name is being withheld pending embassy and family notification. Continued …

Nok Air makes final flight to Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand

Nok Air flew from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son Airport in northern Thailand for the final time yesterday, bidding farewell to the route for good. The province, home to the popular backpacker town Pai, is now only accessible by road since Nok Air was the only airline servicing the airport commercially.

Mae Hong Son Province Gov. Chettha Mosikarat, Tourism Authority of Thailand officials, and Mae Hong Son Airport staff welcomed 84 passengers and handed out souvenirs as they stepped off the plane yesterday. Continued …

What Do Senior Tourists Need To Know About Medical Tourism?

Many senior people from all around the world face problems getting medical care due to rising medical costs. As a result, more and more senior men and women are looking for affordable and safe alternatives to save a lot of money without putting their health under risk.

One of the most reasonable solutions is medical tourism, which is becoming more and more popular in countries such as the USA, Canada, and the countries in the European Union. The quality of the treatment will depend on the center and doctors you succeed to find. Continued …

Video: Making pad Thai on Bangkok streets

In the bustling neighborhood of Bangkok’s Chinatown, an unassuming street food vendor, nestled amid the vibrant chaos, employs an arsenal of fresh ingredients to craft a symphony of flavors in her large wok, creating mouth-watering pad Thai and other dishes for a mere $1.50. The visual poetry of Je Pon’s culinary prowess renders narration unnecessary in this captivating eight-minute video. Video …

The Tao of island travel

After a two-hour ferry ride from Koh Samui, we landed on Koh Tao, where a tremendous influx of foreign and Thai tourists was arriving at Mae Haad Pier in the late afternoon. A crew of hotel guides were shouting their customers’ names from a nearby pavilion, while a fleet of four-wheel-drive pickup trucks were stationed outside to transport visitors to their lodgings.

The rain clouds had dissipated and the sky was bright, sunlight mirrored on the turquoise ocean. The temperature steadily rose during this summer day. All entertainment venues and businesses have reopened their doors on Koh Tao and are receiving an estimated 40,000 visitors each month, showing that tourism on the island has recovered since the country’s borders were fully opened late last year. Continued …

Global rice shortage possible in 2023, prices are expected to remain high

In 2023, the global market for rice could face its biggest shortage in decades, according to industry analysts. Production of rice is dropping and the industry is expected to experience its largest deficit between supply and demand in 20 years, according to Fitch Solutions, a credit ratings agency recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Continued …

Stampede In Yemen’s Capital Kills At Least 78

A crowd apparently spooked by gunfire and an electrical explosion stampeded at an event to distribute financial aid during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Yemen’s capital late Wednesday, killing at least 78 people and injuring at least 73 others, according to witnesses and Houthi rebel officials. Continued …

Air quality index map

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-April 18

2 Comments

  • Thailand braces for scorching summer/
  • Huge storms wreck about 1,800 houses/
  • Culprits behind dense smog choking Thailand: Corn and wildfires/
  • Fire-fueled haze shrouds both North and South/
  • Kidnapped Chinese man locked in box in Hua Hin/
  • Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand/
  • How can I be eligible for O visa in Thailand?/
  • Long-Term Visa: Importance of Thailand’s 90-Day Reporting/
  • Report exposes a decade of corruption involving politicians in Thailand/
  • Major arrest opens Pandora’s Box of crimes/
  • Thailand Becomes Major Link in Regional EV Supply Chain/
  • Thai exporters are facing a rocky year/
  • PM Warns Public of New Narcotic Drug/
  • Former Kiwi PM commends Thailand for cannabis decriminalization/
  • Songkran: PKK officials report 44 injuries and 2 deaths on Prachuap’s roads April 11-16/44 Road Accidents in Six Days of Phuket Songkran’s Seven Days/97% of cases taken to court during Songkran involved drunk driving/
  • Covid: Myanmar Man Found Dead, Likely Infected With New Omicron Strain
  • Tourism: Thailand’s Similan Islands to close next month/Inside Thailand’s wild and secret party backpackers are desperate to find/
  • Thailand Experience: Tom Kha Gai ranked 9th in TasteAtlas’s Best Rated Soups in the World/
  • International: Bali considers tourist entry tax/Asia-Pacific state debt reaches 18-year high/200 dead, 1,800 wounded in Sudan battles/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand braces for scorching summer

Climate experts are warning that Thailand will experience hotter and drier conditions in the upcoming months as a result of El Nino weather patterns, and they caution that this is just the start of the impact of climate change.

While hot and humid weather is expected at this time of year, recent heatwaves have been more extreme than anticipated. A new high-temperature record of 45.4 degrees Celsius was measured in Tak on Saturday, breaking the previous record of 44.6 degrees Celsius in Mae Hong Son on April 28, 2016. Continued …

Huge storms wreck about 1,800 houses

Around 1,800 houses in 10 provinces were damaged after summer storms wreaked havoc across the Northeast and South over the weekend, as authorities continued the search for crew members of stricken trawlers off the coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

According to authorities, the storms battered 235 villages in Amnat Charoen, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Sakon Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Roi Et, Kalasin, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, damaging a total of 1,781 houses across the country. Continued …

Culprits behind dense smog choking Thailand: Corn and wildfires

It was almost midnight, and the full moon appeared an eerie burnt orange above the streetlights that were clouded by the smog hanging in the air.

“Our nose burns, our throats get stuck and our eyes turn teary. It has been this way since February,” said Phattanik Masa, a resident of Mae Sai, in northern Thailand, who was wearing two face masks as she stood in line with others to offer alms to monks. Continued …

Fire-fueled haze shrouds both North and South

As wildfires continue to rage in many parts of the North and a district in southern Yala province, both parts of the country are being affected by the haze the fires produce.

Many parts of Betong, the southernmost district in Yala, were shrouded in thick haze yesterday, prompting complaints of eye irritation and respiratory problems from locals. Continued …

Kidnapped Chinese man locked in box in Hua Hin

One suspect was arrested and four others are being tracked down by police after the abduction of a wealthy Chinese man in Bangkok on Friday and payment of a 3.5-million-baht ransom.

The victim was smuggled out of a Bangkok condominiun in a plastic box and taken to Hua Hin. Continued …

Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand

Known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living, people are now considering the benefit to retire in Thailand.

According to a survey by International Living, Thailand ranks as the ninth best country to retire in 2021, based on factors such as cost of living, healthcare, climate, and lifestyle. In addition, a survey by HSBC found that Thailand ranks as the seventh most popular retirement destination for expats worldwide. Let’s deep dive into the reasons why Thailand makes for a great retirement spot. Continued … 

How can I be eligible for O visa in Thailand?

Thailand is a popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a new adventure. To stay in Thailand for an extended period, a non-immigrant visa is required, with several categories to choose from.

One of these categories is the O visa, which is specifically designed for foreigners who wish to retire in Thailand. The O visa is also known as the Thai Retirement Visa and is available to applicants who are 50 years of age or older. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet several requirements that we will look into below. Continued …

Long-Term Visa: Importance of Thailand’s 90-Day Reporting

The 90-day reporting is a requirement for foreigners staying in Thailand for an extended period of time. It is a process where non-Thai nationals need to report their current residential address and other personal information to the immigration authorities every 90 days.

The 90-day reporting is mandatory for anyone who holds a long-term visa, such as a non-immigrant visa, retirement visa, marriage visa, or work permit. Failure to comply with the 90-day reporting can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Let us explore how can we seamlessly comply with Thailand’s rules and regulations and the possible consequences if we fail to do so. Continued …

Report exposes a decade of corruption involving politicians in Thailand

The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) recently published a report detailing graft cases involving politicians over the past decade. The most significant financial loss, amounting to 130 billion baht, was caused by the rice-pledging scheme.

The report studied 61 cases involving a total of 68 politicians, analyzing media coverage, investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and rulings by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions and the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases from 2012 onward. Continued …

Major arrest opens Pandora’s Box of crimes

The arrest of a 53-year-old Chinese woman with Thai citizenship and a long history of alleged criminal activities means more to police than just busting a document forgery ring.

Navaporn Phakiatsakul, who was detained on April 8 in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district, is the alleged leader of a criminal syndicate involved in fraud, surrogacy and human trafficking, according to national Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn. Continued …

Thailand Becomes Major Link in Regional EV Supply Chain

As Japanese, Chinese and South Korean electrical vehicle (EV) makers race to launch production bases in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia are becoming two prime destinations for investments in EV parts and materials.

Japanese plastics maker Kuraray recently opened its first plant in Thailand, one of a growing number of EV-related investments in the kingdom, in a joint venture with local petrochemical giant PTT Global Chemical and Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp. Continued …

Thai exporters are facing a rocky year

Prospects for Thai exports look weak this year, as a storm of economic uncertainties are expected to slow down shipping.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) lists the likelihood of a global recession, the impact of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, high inflation and currency fluctuations as risk factors behind sluggish international trade in 2023. Continued …

PM Warns Public of New Narcotic Drug

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned the Thai public of a new narcotic drug being sold on social media, while urging officials to monitor the situation closely. Anyone found guilty of sharing or posting content advertising the use of narcotics will face a prison sentence of up to two years or a 200,000 baht fine.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has reported that powdered ecstasy is being sold on social media. The substance is usually concealed inside sachets of other products such as electrolyte drinks, collagen drinks, or instant coffee. Continued …

Former Kiwi PM commends Thailand for cannabis decriminalization

Helen Clark, former New Zealand prime minister and a current member of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty, applauded Thailand for decriminalizing cannabis. However, she also urged the country to put an end to capital punishment, particularly for drug-related offenses.

During the Harm Reduction International Conference 2023 (HR23), Clark commended Thailand as one of the countries that has managed to successfully decriminalize cannabis, which she believes is a crucial step in ending unnecessary criminalization. Clark said. Continued …

PKK officials report 44 injuries and 2 deaths on Prachuap’s roads April 11-16

Officials have announced the number of accidents and fatalities that occurred on roads throughout the first six days in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province during Songkran.

Officials said that during the period from April 11-16, there were 42 accidents on the roads, resulting in 44 injuries and two fatalities. Continued …

44 Road Accidents in Six Days of Phuket Songkran’s Seven Days

Phuket has announced in total 44 road accidents in six days (April 11–16) in Songkran’s Seven Days of Danger road accidents campaign.

The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) office said details on the sixth day (April 16) of the ‘Songkran’s Seven Days of Danger’ road accidents campaign. Continued …

97% of cases taken to court during Songkran involved drunk driving

A total of 8,575 drunk-driving cases represented 96.7% percent of all motoring-related cases taken to court by the police during the seven days of Songkran celebrations, seeking to have the drivers be placed on probation, according to the Department of Probation.

The courts, however, only ordered drivers in 1,910 of the cases to be placed on probation. These include 1,870 cases of drunk driving and 40 of the 270 cases of drinking while driving. Continued …

Myanmar Man Found Dead, Likely Infected With New Omicron Strain

A Myanmar man was found dead in his room in the Sathorn area after celebrating Songkran with his friends and it is suspected that he was infected with the new Omicron subvariant XBB. 1.16, a newspaper said Monday afternoon.

Police Lt. Col. Saranyapong Thongpan, an investigator at Wat Phraya Krai police station, was notified of a Myanmar man having died at a commercial building on Chan road and went there to check with a forensic doctor from Chulalongkorn Hospital and rescuers Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Continued …

Thailand’s Similan Islands to close next month

Thailand’s Similan Islands were bustling with tourists during the Songkran holidays but will soon be much quieter when the archipelago closes for a period of environmental restoration on May 19.

The marine park will be closed off to tourists during the monsoon season and will reopen again on Oct. 15, after nature has had a chance to recover from a hectic high season. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s wild and secret party backpackers are desperate to find

The island of Koh Phangan attracts thousands of backpackers every year but there is one secluded party spot they are all desperate to find.

After a boat trip or a two-hour trek through the snake-infested Thai jungle, intrepid travelers can find themselves at the Eden Garden party. Continued …

Tom Kha Gai ranked 9th in TasteAtlas’s Best Rated Soups in the World

Food guide website TasteAtlas ranked the traditional Thai dish Tom Kha Gai, or coconut chicken soup with galangal, ninth in the 100 Best Rated Soups in the World. The well-known Tom Yum soup came in at 16th.

The list was compiled based on votes from foodies around the world and published on the TasteAtlas website on March 30. Tom Kha Gai scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5, earning it a place in the top 10. Continued …

Bali considers tourist entry tax

Indonesia is considering a tourism levy for visitors to Bali, adding another potential hurdle for holidaymakers after the island cracked down on traffic and visa breaches. Continued …

Asia-Pacific state debt reaches 18-year high

The average government debt level in Asia-Pacific is at an 18-year high, with most developing economies in the region trying to stabilize it at current levels by 2027, according to recent research. Continued …

200 dead, 1,800 wounded in Sudan battles

Fighting between the army and paramilitaries in Sudan has killed around 200 people and wounded 1,800, damaging hospitals and hampering aid after three days of urban warfare. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai food, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-April 15

1 Comment
  • Delay to 2024 confirmed for Hua Hin railway and new station construction/
  • Thailand to suffer scorching heat, summer storms this weekend/
  • Aging Thailand will see ‘social-welfare costs rise to 1 trillion baht in 2033’/
  • Sandstorms cover China, South Korea and Thailand in a yellow blanket of dust/
  • Thai villagers drilling well hit mineral water motherload/
  • Six Simultaneous Attacks In Far South/
  • Songkran ’23: How (and why) Thais anoint seniors at Songkran/Chiang Mai swings back to life after three-year break from Songkran celebrations/Over 100 lives lost, 1,000 injured in road accidents/Pathum Thani Songkran festival: Nearly 20 knives and weapons seized by officials/Police Arrest Hot-Headed Vocational Groups Fighting on Khao San Road/Sisaket Police Seize Over 200 Cars, Arrest 346 Drunk Drivers During Songkran/
  • Tourism: Tourists up nearly 12% at Thai airports in Q1/Phuket’s Carnival Magic earns spot in TIME’s Greatest Places of 2023/What is the Dark Side of Thailand as a Tourist?/
  • Thailand Experience: Khao chae: A tasty, refreshing reminder of Thailand’s rich past/The Ultimate Guide To Thai Chili Peppers/The Best Hotels in Thailand, From Wellness Resorts to City Gems/
  • International: China vows not to sell arms to any party in Ukraine war
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Delay to 2024 confirmed for Hua Hin railway and new station construction

The double track rail line between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan is set to be open by next year, a spokesperson for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has said.

In an update on the project provided to the Thai government’s public relations department, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, SRT’s public relations director, said that the majority of the civil engineering work for the project has already been finished. Continued …

Thailand to suffer scorching heat, summer storms this weekend

Most of upper Thailand will be hit with summer storms this weekend, while the rest of the country will experience hot to very hot temperatures, the Thai Meteorological Department warned.

In an announcement this morning, the department said a moderate high-pressure system moving from upper Vietnam to the northeast and the South China Sea will bring storms, gusty winds, hail and thunder to several provinces on Saturday and Sunday. Continued … 

Aging Thailand will see ‘social-welfare costs rise to 1 trillion baht in 2033’

The Fiscal Policy Office projects that social-welfare expenditures will reach 1 trillion baht in 2033, due mainly to the rising cost of caring for the elderly as Thailand’s population continues to age.

The rising number of elderly people requires an increase in government spending to care for them, while the tax revenue from the working-age population faces downward pressure. Continued …

Chiang Mai smog

Sandstorms cover China, South Korea and Thailand in a yellow blanket of dust

Sandstorms whipped up from the Gobi desert have spread from northern China to Thailand and South Korea and as far east as Japan, causing a reduction in visibility and an increase in respiratory illness. There have been four sandstorms in the space of a month in China this year. Photos …

Thai villagers drilling well hit mineral water motherload

Villagers drilling an artesian well to irrigate their fields in Sukhothai province were delighted to discover top-quality mineral water spouting from the ground.

Residents of Moo 7 in Na Choeng Khiri, Khiri Mas district, believe their discovery may match the quality of mineral water found in Kanchanaburi’s Huay Krajao district two years ago. Continued …

Six Simultaneous Attacks In Far South

An unknown group of insurgents mounted six attacks simultaneously in the three far south provinces last night but there were no injuries nor serious damage.

The attacks were launched just as Thailand marked Songkran festival and during the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Continued …

How (and why) Thais anoint seniors at Songkran

Songkran provides an annual opportunity for Thais to show respect and gratitude to their parents, often through a ceremony called “Rod Nam Dam Hua”.

This water-pouring ceremony originated in the North where the Lanna phrases “Rod Nam” and “Dam Hua” refer to bathing and washing one’s hair, respectively. Continued …

Chiang Mai swings back to life after three-year break from Songkran celebrations

As many as 90,000 travelers are set to visit Chiang Mai this week to join the Songkran festival celebration, with hotel bookings expected to reach 65%, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Chiang Mai office, Suladda Sarutilavan, said.

She said that travelers are coming in big numbers to join the Songkran celebrations in the province, from Thursday to Sunday. Continued … 

Over 100 lives lost, 1,000 injured in road accidents

According to the director general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Boontham Lertsukheekasem, 114 fatalities and 1,064 injuries were recorded due to road accidents nationwide during the Songkran holiday. Between Tuesday and Thursday, there were 1,055 traffic incidents leading to these casualties a report today revealed.

Chiang Mai, a province in the north, experienced the most accidents with 38 reported incidents. Bangkok saw the highest fatality rate with nine deaths. Chiang Mai, along with the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, had the highest count of injured individuals, with 40 each, according to Boontham. Continued …

Pathum Thani Songkran festival: Nearly 20 knives and weapons seized by officials

Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang district held a two-day Songkran festival, but it wasn’t all fun and games. In an effort to promote safety and prevent violence, officials set up checkpoints around Khlong Sam Road to check for weapons and drunk drivers.

The joint effort included representatives from Khlong Luang District Administration, Klong Luang District Police, Klong Sam Municipality, and Khlong Luang District Public Health Excise officials. Continued … 

Police Arrest Hot-Headed Vocational Groups Fighting on Khao San Road

Two hot-headed vocational groups were arrested by the police on Khao San Road during the Songkran Festival in Bangkok.

One young man was caught carrying knuckles, while two pocket knives were seized from the groups. The incident happened on April 14 at around 8:55 pm in front of Soi Khao San Road. Continued …

Sisaket Police Seize Over 200 Cars, Arrest 346 Drunk Drivers During Songkran

According to statistics released by the Sisaket Provincial Police, during the Songkran Festival a total of 1,470 people were arrested, 346 of whom were arrested for drunk driving.

The police seized 213 cars, 192 motorcycles, and 21 other vehicles in the course of 10 major arrests. These numbers underscore the importance of road safety measures and the need for continued vigilance in order to prevent accidents and keep the public safe. – Naew Na

Tourists up nearly 12% at Thai airports in Q1

Air passenger numbers rose 11.68% in the first quarter this year from the same period last year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

The first three months of 2023 saw a total of 30.63 million trips, up 3.57 million from last year. Continued …

Phuket’s Carnival Magic earns spot in TIME’s Greatest Places of 2023

The Carnival Magic in Phuket has been making waves around the globe, earning its spot as one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2023”, according to TIME Magazine, as well as being named the “Best Theme Park in Thailand” by LUXlife magazine. With nine Guinness World Record titles to its name, Carnival Magic is a one-of-a-kind destination that should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

Once inside, you’ll find an impressive range of attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. But the real magic happens during the park’s parade show in the paradium and the Kingdom of Lights illumination park, two experiences that are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Continued …

What is the Dark Side of Thailand as a Tourist?

Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals, has been a popular tourist destination for decades. However, there is a darker side to Thailand that many tourists may not be aware of.

From scams to sex tourism to animal cruelty, this article will explore the dark side of Thailand that tourists should be aware of before visiting. Continued …

Khao chae: A tasty, refreshing reminder of Thailand’s rich past

Khao chae or rice soaked in cool, fragrant water is a dish that dates back several centuries but is still popular in hot summer months.

Legend has it that the recipe first arrived in the royal court during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868). It was reportedly introduced to the palace kitchen by the king’s wife Mom Chao Manda Songklin. Continued …

The Ultimate Guide To Thai Chili Peppers

Chili peppers’ epic journey has transformed global cuisine. Hailing from South America, they quickly spread to the Caribbean, Venezuela, and the Andes, igniting a worldwide love affair. Chilies arrived in Thailand with Portuguese traders around the 15th century.

While the Portuguese may have failed in their Christian mission, they succeeded in changing the course of Thai cuisine forever. Today, Thai cuisine is widely adored, thanks in no small part to the chili pepper’s transformative power. Continued …

The Best Hotels in Thailand, From Wellness Resorts to City Gems

Home to some of the best hotels in Asia, Thailand punches well above its weight when it comes to places to stay. In Bangkok, glossy city hotels rival those found in New York and London, but the country’s landmark addresses are saved for the beaches and island — Chiva Som is regularly voted as the best destination spa in the world, while Aman, Banyan Tree, and Six Senses are dotted throughout the best islands in Thailand.

There are plenty of boutique and under-the-radar boltholes to be found, too, where friendly service and traditional cooking leave you feeling like you’ve gained a glimpse of life as a local. For a shortlist of our favorites, here we round up the best hotels in Thailand. Continued …

China vows not to sell arms to any party in Ukraine war

China won’t sell weapons to either side in the war in Ukraine, the country’s foreign minister said Friday, responding to Western concerns that Beijing could provide military assistance to Russia. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

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90-day online reporting

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Friday’s News-April 14

  • Songkran: Songkran in full swing/Songkran festival to generate 18.5 billion baht, says tourism agency/It’s called ‘Water Festival’ just because April is hot/New year revelry returns to Thai streets as tourism rebounds/Road safety tightened after Songkran travel kills 63 in 2 days/Money talks: Russians are coming to Thailand/Police stop partygoers entering crowded Khao San on first day of Songkran/Domestic, regional tourists are the stars of Songkran, tourism executives say/
  • More Thailand news: Protecting yourself from the harmful effects of haze/Thailand among most improved countries in which to do business/Beware of passport scam targeting British nationals in Thailand/No savings, huge debts: More and more Thai seniors struggling to survive/Air pollution increases in upper northeastern regions of Thailand/Forest fire in Chiang Rai prompts hospital to prepare to transfer patients/Despite all the water splashing, Thailand faces another drought/Banpu Next identifies 5 clean-energy trends to watch in 2023/Apo, the bartender in TV’s KinnPorsche: The Series? is from Hua Hin/
  • Tourism: Measures sought to rein in airfares/China-Laos railway starts cross-border passenger services/Tong Chom markets key to aiding grassroots economy/
  • Thailand Experience: Pad Thai: The history and myth behind Thailand’s most famous dish/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Songkran in full swing

Thailand is celebrating Songkran this week with gaiety and color throughout the country, particularly in foreign visitors hotspots such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. The festivities coincide with positive signs that the country’s foreign tourism industry is recovering, with good news regarding the return of valuable long-haul visitors from key western markets also in the pipeline, according to a senior Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official, despite higher airfares since 2020.

Thailand’s 2023 annual Songkran festivities are in full swing across the kingdom with Bangkok’s Silom Road again becoming the center of activity, with holidaymakers armed with water guns and buckets splashing each other, having fun and soaking up the carefree atmosphere. Continued …

Songkran festival to generate 18.5 billion baht, says tourism agency

This week’s Songkran festival is expected to generate 18.5 billion baht and attract over 300,000 foreign tourists, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Over 3.8 million Thais and about 305,000 foreign tourists are expected to travel in the country during the long holiday break, TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Thursday. Continued …

It’s called ‘Water Festival’ just because April is hot

Songkran is an elephant and everyone can be one of the blind men fumbling around for its shape. Road accidents make it a nightmare festival for related authorities or rescue workers. Old folks in rural areas count the days for the time when they can see their beloved youngsters again. Teenagers long to be extra-playful with the opposite sex. Foreigners yearn to let loose.

UNESCO has approved the inclusion of the Songkran festival in the tentative list of Intangible Cultural Heritages (ICH) for consideration in December this year. On the one hand, it can be understood why. On the other, it’s somewhat hard to pinpoint the cultural or artistic values that make Songkran deserve it more than, say, some other exotic shows in Thailand or abroad that wow foreign visitors. Continued …

New year revelry returns to Thai streets as tourism rebounds

Tens of thousands of revelers, including hordes of foreign tourists sporting floral shirts and plastic water guns, descended on the streets of Bangkok on Thursday for the biggest traditional new year gathering since the pandemic.

Festivities for Songkran, a much-loved Thai festival sometimes described as the world’s largest water fight, had been muted or barred for the past few years due mainly to COVID-19 restrictions. Continued …

Road safety tightened after Songkran travel kills 63 in 2 days

The total number of road deaths during the first two days of Songkran holiday travel rose to 63, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on Thursday.

Road accident statistics were collected from the first two days of this year’s holiday on Thursday morning, DDPM Director-general Boontham Lertsukekasem said. Continued …

Money talks: Russians are coming to Thailand

The Russian tourism market in Thailand, driven by the fallout from the Ukraine war, is very strong this year, with over 1.5 million visitors already signed up or who have visited, with 591,002 Russian holidaymakers already received up to April 5.

Many are Russian nationals taking flight from their home country fearing conscription, while the majority are holidaymakers who face complications traveling to other markets because of tough international sanctions against Moscow over the conflict. – thaiexaminer.com

Police stop partygoers entering crowded Khao San on first day of Songkran

Police stopped Songkran revelers from entering Khao San Road at 8pm on Thursday after deciding the popular party street was at risk of dangerous overcrowding.

Asmany as 40,000 Thai and foreign revelers joined the water fight on Bangkok’s backpacking hub on the first day of the Songkran festival. As the crowd built up in the evening, police manning checkpoints were ordered to close off the street and prevent more visitors from entering to reduce congestion in the area. Continued … 

Domestic, regional tourists are the stars of Songkran, tourism executives say

Domestic tourists will account for the lion’s share of tourists during Songkran, while most foreign tourists will be from countries in the region, tourism association leaders said.

Phuket Tourist Assn. President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij said most visitors to the island province during the festival will be either Thai or from countries in the region. Continued …

More Thailand news …

Protecting yourself from the harmful effects of haze

Fine air pollution particles are continuing to have adverse effects on the health of people around the country, as the air they are breathing has reached dangerous levels of pollution.

On April 7, the levels of particulate matter 2.5 or PM 2.5 in Bangkok and surrounding provinces ranged from 33 to 57 micrograms per cubic meter of air, according to the Pollution Control Department, with 18 areas classified as orange, reflecting levels at which they start to affect health. Continued …

Thailand among most improved countries in which to do business

Thailand, Vietnam and India are the Asian countries that have most improved their ranking over the past year in the list of the best countries in which to do business assessment by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The business environment report measures the attractiveness of the business environment in 82 countries on a quarterly basis, using a standard analytical framework with 91 indicators. Continued …

Beware of passport scam targeting British nationals in Thailand

The British Foreign Office issued a warning to both UK residents and expats in Thailand about a passport scam that is currently targeting British nationals in the kingdom.

Fraudsters are attempting to capitalize on the recent strikes by government workers in the UK, which have caused delays in passport renewals, by promising to bypass the three-month waiting period for a fee. Continued …

No savings, huge debts: More and more Thai seniors struggling to survive

Thailand expresses gratitude and respect for the older generation every year on April 13, National Elderly Day. Yet, every year the number of senior Thais in dire straits, struggling to survive without support or a safety net, rises.

A 2021 survey revealed that half of Thais aged 60 to 69 were still working to support themselves. Most of them were working as farmers, vendors, taxi drivers, delivery staff or doing odd jobs. Continued …

Air pollution increases in upper northeastern regions of Thailand

According to the Pollution Control Department, 23 locations, primarily in the northern region of Thailand, have been found to contain high levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter (PM2.5). The most severe levels were identified in Chiang Mai. These concentrations are considered detrimental to human health.

As of 11am yesterday, PM2.5 dust levels in the north ranged between 98 to 277 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of air over the past 24 hours. Continued …

Forest fire in Chiang Rai prompts hospital to prepare to transfer patients

Officials in Chiang Rai’s Mae Chan district are prepared to transfer patients from the district hospital to others in the northern province if a fire on Doi Jorakae Mountain becomes a health threat, officials at the provincial public health operations center said on Thursday.

“The fire ignited about 15 kilometers from Maechan Hospital,” officials said, saying they are monitoring the blaze around the clock. Continued …

Despite all the water splashing, Thailand faces another drought

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned people to prepare for a drought by saving water due to risks posed by the El Nino phenomenon since July, resulting in less rainfall than is commonly experienced at this time of year.

Speaking after meeting with representatives of water-related agencies such as the Department of Royal Irrigation, the Department of Water Resources, Thai Meteorological Department and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), ONWR Secretary-general Surasee Kittimonthon said the office has set up a plan to respond to any potential drought crisis that may occur, especially during a period of intermittent rain in August. Continued … 

Banpu Next identifies 5 clean-energy trends to watch in 2023

Battery energy storage systems are among five clean energy trends to watch this year as Thailand moves toward its net-zero goal, according to a report released by Banpu Next, the smart-energy unit of Banpu, earlier this week.

The report identifies the trends as:

  • battery energy storage systems,
  • building integrated photovoltaics,
  • offshore wind,
  • power-to-X, and
  • green hydrogen – Continued …

Apo, the bartender in TV’s KinnPorsche: The Series? Is from Hua hin

Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, better known by his adoring fans as Apo, is a Thai actor and model who became a sensation for starring in the hit series KinnPorsche: The Series, a raunchy and romantic love story between mafia boss Kinn and his newly hired bartender-slash-bodyguard Porsche, played by Apo.

Apo was born in the Hua Hin region of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province in 1994. While he’s private about his personal life and his family, he seems to share a close bond with his parents, who once surprised him with cake on his birthday at a KinnPorsche concert. Continued …

Measures sought to rein in airfares

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) is urging the government to lower the fuel tax and operational fees at airports amid concerns over a potential increase in oil prices following the announcement by OPEC+ that the group would reduce its output, saying the lower cost burden would eventually help to reduce airfares.

AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said the government could help airlines by subsidizing a scheme that would assist them with their costs, including the jet fuel tax, as well as service fees required by Airports of Thailand and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand. Continued …

China-Laos railway starts cross-border passenger services

The China-Laos Railway started cross-border passenger services on Thursday, a move that is expected to boost regional people-to-people connectivity.

The first passenger train departed from Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, at 8:08 am Beijing Time, heading for the Lao capital Vientiane. Continued …

Tong Chom markets key to aiding grassroots economy

The Commerce Ministry has vowed to ramp up Tong Chom (must-see) markets nationwide this year to stimulate the grassroots economy, with the aim of generating revenue of 1.9 billion baht this year.

According to Goranij Nonejuie, deputy director-general of the Internal Trade Department, his department is scheduled to hold year-round events nationwide to highlight local goods, music shows, folk songs, cultural performances, street art and other activities that showcase each community’s unique identity. Continued …

Pad Thai: The history and myth behind Thailand’s most famous dish

At the most renowned restaurants or in hidden corners of Bangkok’s alleyways, pad Thai became Thailand’s letter of introduction to the world. But despite its well-known fame, the iconic fried noodle dish’s concept is recent and confused with the country’s own history.

With its mixture of ingredients and textures, as well as the balance between sweetness, acidity, saltiness and spice, pad Thai conquered the hearts of foodies inside and outside the nation. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

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90-day online reporting

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

Tuesday’s News-April 11

  • Songkran festivals around Thailand/
  • Foreigner slips, breaks neck on mossy seawall steps at Cha Am beach/
  • Airline industry blames rising costs for expensive airfares. Is this true?/
  • Consumer confidence at 3-year high/
  • Killer Cop’s Accomplice Caught In Phang Nga/
  • Tourism: Pollution choking Thailand’s north hits tourism, worries public/Songkran in Bangkok: Wild, wet and wonderful!/Khao San Road expects 30,000 tourists during Songkran/Phuket expects big holiday boost/Tourists Flock to Islands in Phang Nga During Songkran Festival/Thailand prepares for 14,000+ flights this Songkran/Bangkok among 2023’s top three destinations for backpackers’Kazakhstani tourist arrested for rampage on southern Thailand beach/Nok Air scraps only route to Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Essential guide to staying healthy in Thailand’s climate/Best Thai restaurants in Bangkok for authentic Thai food/
  • International: Vietnam capital struggles with severe air pollution/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Songkran festivals around Thailand

Filled full of festivals, fun and frolics, April is one of the most celebrated months of the year in Thailand with the traditional Thai New Year of Songkran one of the most culturally important celebrations in the kingdom.

The Songkran festival is known worldwide and is celebrated to honor family values, pay respect to seniors, and participate in traditional ceremonies throughout the nation’s temples. This festival is observed as a three-day national holiday from April 13 to April 15 in Thailand. However, some locations also celebrate this festival a little later with unique local festivities. Continued …

Foreigner slips, breaks neck on mossy seawall steps at Cha Am beach

A 55-year-old foreign man slipped on some mossy steps and “broke bones in his neck” at Cha Am Beach in Phetchaburi province, his wife reported on Friday.

On Friday, a Thai woman sought justice for her foreign husband who is still being treated in hospital after an incident at Cha Am Beach on March 19. Continued …

Airline industry blames rising costs for expensive airfares. Is this true?

Expensive airfares look set to stay for the foreseeable future according to the airline industry. The industry is trotting out the usual excuses that the recent spike in expensive ticket prices is attributed to a rise in operational costs, including surging fuel prices and other factors.

Nok AirCEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool cited a surge in prices for aviation supply chain items due to the pandemic, such as spare parts and aircraft insurance. Continued …

Consumer confidence at 3-year high

Thailand’s consumer confidence rose for a 10th straight month in March, reaching a three-year high, boosted by a recovery in the crucial tourism sector and spending for the upcoming election, a survey showed today.

The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) rose to 53.8 in March from 52.6 in February. Continued …

Killer Cop’s Accomplice Caught In Phang Nga

The accomplice of a policeman who killed his father-in-law and two other relatives at their house in Surat Thani on Saturday evening, with his wife, son and brother also now dead, has been arrested in Phang Nga.

National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat said at around 11 a.m. an unemployed man only identified as Mr. Manop, who accompanied Police Senior Sgt. Maj. Attaporn Wichien, 46, in the deadly attack was arrested in Phang Nga armed with an M16 rifle. Continued … 

Pollution choking Thailand’s north hits tourism, worries public

High pollution levels in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces are keeping tourists away and alarming locals, with the government on Monday urging residents to avoid outdoor activities.

For several weeks last month, the city was at the top of air quality information platform IQAir’s global chart on poor air quality, ahead of Lahore and New Delhi. Continued …

Songkran in Bangkok: Wild, wet and wonderful!

Water, colors, mud and more are coming to the Thai capital this week. After being kept under wraps during the pandemic, the Songkran festival is making a daring comeback in Bangkok with an international fiesta, street food and parties,

To make it the best Songkran yet, Bangkok will celebrate the Songkran Festival in full force, complete with Holi from India, South Korea’s Mud Festival, Setsubun from Japan and China’s Po Shui Jie. The fiesta, which promises plenty of dirt and fun, will be taking place at Sam Yan (Chula Soi 5) – the city’s up-and-coming neighborhood – from April 13 to 15. Continued …

Khao San Road expects 30,000 tourists during Songkran

Following years of Songkran party cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Songkran is back in Thailand.

And nowhere will tourists get a better bang for their buck than on Khao San Road, the famed tourist district of Bangkok. That is the aim of Thai officials organizing safety and emergency procedures. Continued …

Phuket expects big holiday boost

Visitors to Phuket during the Songkran Festival are expected to exceed those of 2019, with numbers 30% higher than before the pandemic, while authorities say local tourism will generate 4.5 billion baht in revenue.

Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, said on Monday that over 100,000 hotel rooms in Phuket had been booked for Songkran week — about 85% of room vacancies. Continued …

Tourists Flock to Islands in Phang Nga During Songkran Festival

Lots of Thai and foreign tourists are visiting islands in Phang Nga during the Songkran festival.

The president of the Phang Nga Tourism Assn., Lertsak Pomklin, said more domestic Thai tourists are visiting islands in Phang Nga such as Similan Island and Surin Island. Most of them are from Bangkok and Phuket but some are from the northern part of Thailand who are escaping from dust pollution. Continued …

Thailand prepares for 14,000+ flights this Songkran

Thailand will facilitate 14,180 domestic and international flights over the Songkran holidays, from today until April 17, according to the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai). This represents a 66% increase in flights compared with the same period last year.

On average, there will be 2,026 flights per day, Aerothai President Nopposit Chakrapitak revealed yesterday. He said Thailand’s aviation industry is heading in a positive direction, with an average of 2,000 flights per day, which will increase to 2,026 per day during the Thai New Year holidays. Continued …

Bangkok among 2023’s top three destinations for backpackers

With approximately 44 million backpacking trips being taken each year, Cotswold Outdoor reveals the best 2023 destinations for backpackers, looking at the average likely costs, along with crime rates, mobile internet speeds and the number of couch surf hosts and free attractions available.

Yerevan, Baku and Bangkok have been revealed as the overall top three destinations for backpackers in 2023, and Hanoi and Seoul complete the top five. Continued …

Kazakhstani tourist arrested for rampage on southern Thailand beach

Police arrested a Kazakhstani tourist for attacking people and destroying property yesterday at Haad Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani province, southern Thailand.

As officers approached to try and detain the tourist, he jumped off Haad Rin Pier and sat on a rock in the middle of the sea to try and escape arrest, where he vigorously flailed his arms around and shouted in Russian. Continued …

Nok Air scraps only route to Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand

Nok Air flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son Airport in northern Thailand will be discontinued on April 19. The province, home to the popular backpacker town Pai, will only be accessible by road since Nok Air was the only airline servicing the airport commercially.

The airline said they can no longer fly the Don Mueang–Mae Hong Son route because they are scrapping their fleet of Q400 aircraft (80-seat turboprops) and swapping them for Boeing 787-800 jets (189 seaters). Continued … 

Essential guide to staying healthy in Thailand’s climate

Thailand’s climate, a defining feature of this Southeast Asian gem, is predominantly tropical, marked by hot temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year. The country’s geographical location near the equator, coupled with the influence of monsoon winds, contributes to the distinct weather patterns that characterize Thailand’s climate.

Known for its intense heat and humidity, Thailand’s climate can be dangerous for both locals and visitors who aren’t aware of the risks. The hot weather can cause many health problems, making it important to understand the challenges of living in a tropical climate. Continued …

Best Thai restaurants in Bangkok for authentic Thai food

Thai food, renowned for its exquisite balance of flavors and aromatic complexity, has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies worldwide. When it comes to enjoying authentic Thai cuisine, there is no better place to indulge than in the bustling city of Bangkok. Home to an array of exceptional dining establishments, the city offers a diverse culinary landscape just waiting to be explored.

From humble street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Bangkok caters to every palate and preference. As you embark on a gastronomic adventure in search of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok, prepare to be captivated by the delightful burst of flavors and the artful presentation that epitomize Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. Continued …

Vietnam capital struggles with severe air pollution

Hanoi experienced severe air pollution on Monday as the air quality index (AQI) in the Vietnamese capital climbed to 161, breaching the “unhealthy” level. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

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

Wednesday’s News-March 29

  • Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday/
  • Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?/
  • New electricity rates won’t be lowered/
  • PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared/
  • Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning/
  • Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze/
  • Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February/
  • Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact/
  • Thai to be taught at Harvard/
  • ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui/
  • Tourism: Songkran festivals around Thailand/Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket/How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it/Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay/Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema/Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years/
  • Thailand Experience: Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin/10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui/How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day/Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip/‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’/How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023/5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok/
  • International: Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs/China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets/Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday

Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?

The global financial markets are highly interconnected. When Thailand’s banking system suffered a collapse and the baht’s value plummeted in 1997, the contagion effect spread to other Asian countries. Similarly, one saw the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank in the United States in 2008.

Recently, U.S. regulators had to shut down two regional banks — Signature Bank (SB) and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). SB’s core business was related to cryptocurrency, while SVB largely serviced startup companies and venture capitalists. Continued …

New electricity rates won’t be lowered

A uniform electricity rate of 4.77 baht/unit for both households and businesses from May through August cannot be lowered, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Panmeechaow said on Tuesday. The new rate caused a stir as the government earlier promised to maintain the rate for household users at 4.72 baht per unit. Continued …

PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared

The Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary is visiting northern provinces to ensure people suffering physical problems from the worsening pollution can get medical help.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday that Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, is in the North to monitor people’s health in response to the worsening PM2.5 pollution. Continued …

Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning

Air quality in northern Thailand climbed to hazardous levels on Monday as a result of seasonal agricultural burning in the region.

Local media reported that 4,115 hot spots were detected in northern Thailand in the past 24 hours. Parts of Bangkok on Monday hit an air quality index (AQI) reading of 582, making it 124.9 times above a recommended limit given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Video …

Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze

The government is seeking cooperation with neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat the transboundary haze pollution choking the region.

Speaking after yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the issue must be put on ASEAN’s agenda if a solution is to be found. Continued …

Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February

As many as 869 companies with a combined capital of 2.94 billion baht ceased operations in February, though the number of newly registered businesses was far larger.

Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said on Tuesday that 869 businesses announced last month that they were wrapping up. Continued …

Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact

Children in the northeastern and southern regions of Thailand face the highest risk of climate change, according to a study released yesterday by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The study, titled “Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand”, is the first of its kind in Thailand, examining the impact of climate change specifically on children across provinces, incomes, disabilities, and ages, said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF representative for Thailand. Continued …

Thai to be taught at Harvard

Harvard university’s Department of South Asian Studies will hire three instructors to teach Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai for the academic year 2023 to 2024.

Harvard University will soon offer a course on Tagalog, the fourth most spoken language in the United States, according to a report in the student paper Harvard Crimson. Continued …

‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui

Thailand will host the most-privileged behaving at their worst, and we’re not talking about a typical night in Thonglor.

Amid swirling rumors that the next season of black comedy-drama “The White Lotus” would take place in Asia, a Hollywood industry publication reported that it will take place in Thailand. Continued …

Songkran festivals around Thailand

Filled full of festivals, fun and frolics, April is one of the most celebrated months of the year in Thailand with the traditional Thai New Year of Songkran one of the most culturally important celebrations in the kingdom.

The Songkran festival is known worldwide and is celebrated to honor family values, pay respect to seniors, and participate in traditional ceremonies throughout the nation’s temples. This festival is observed as a three-day national holiday from April 13 to April 15 in Thailand. However, some locations also celebrate this festival a little later with unique local festivities. Continued …

Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket

Global aviation has experienced a promising start to the year, as travel restrictions have been lifted, allowing people to fly with fewer barriers. Even countries with strict Covid-19 policies, such as China, lifted their restrictions earlier than expected.

The World Tourism Organization predicts Europe and the Middle East will reach pre-pandemic international tourist levels this year, forecasting an 80%-95% overall recovery, while the Pacific Asia Travel Assn. projects a growth rate of at least 71%. Continued …

How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it

Koh Larn, an island lying in the gulf off Pattaya, has been attracting thousands of local and foreign tourists for decades, but this has undeniably led to a mountain of garbage, resulting in an enormous landfill on the small island.

“In the past, about 10 tons of garbage were generated each day on Koh Larn, but because the number of tourists has been increasing, the amount of garbage has doubled,” said Manoch Nongyai, deputy governor of Pattaya City. Continued …

Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay

Maya Bay in Krabi is open and teeming with life again after four years of rehabilitation since being closed to tourists in 2018.

Made famous by “The Beach” (2000), a Hollywood blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park became the victim of its success as the tourism industry took a toll on its pristine coral reefs, aquamarine waters, and beach.

But visitors are now back, literally immersing themselves in the rebirth of the natural surroundings. Tourists are now paddling with sharks, as Maya Bay strikes a balance between wildlife and the tourism industry on which locals depend. Video …

Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema

A festival atmosphere has engulfed Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in central Bangkok, which is hosting vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema until April 5.

The “@ Phadung Krung Kasem” festival was launched on Monday by Suksan Kittisupakorn, deputy permanent-secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Continued …

Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years

An Iraqi man who overstayed in Thailand for more than eight years fainted when Chonburi Immigration and Pattaya police showed up at his house to arrest him yesterday.

Police Col. Prinya Klinkasorn, head of Chonburi Immigration police, said the Iraqi man, identified as Khalid Majeed Ali, 52, had hidden in Pattaya’s Mabyailia community for a long time. He did not have a job nor did he socialize with anyone and it was feared he might turn to crime. Continued …

Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin

Picture yourself lounging on a pristine beach, sipping a cool drink as the warm sun bathes your skin. The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore lulls you into a state of complete relaxation.

In the distance, palm trees sway in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. This is the scene that awaits you in Hua Hin, Thailand’s premier destination for luxury vacationing.

Hua Hin is a haven for those seeking a truly indulgent holiday experience. From its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to its world-class dining and exceptional hospitality, Hua Hin has everything you need to make your next vacation unforgettable. Continued …

10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui

Looking to splash out on a lavish Songkran escape? Then Koh Samui, the ultimate destination for luxury and relaxation, is the perfect place to go. With its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty, Koh Samui is a paradise for travelers seeking a touch of indulgence. And with so many amazing luxury hotels and resorts to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

The Ritz Carlton- Koh Samui

The Ritz Carlton-Koh Samui is a seaside resort that offers unique experiences that inspire memorable moments. The resort is nestled in the midst of a private, sun-kissed bay. At this resort, you will have the opportunity to heal your mind, body, and soul through health programs, cultural immersions, and gastronomic adventures. Continued …

How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day

When traveling to Thailand, one of the most fascinating things to do is explore the ancient temples. There’s hundreds of temples Bangkok, the capital city, alone. If you are short on time, it may seem impossible to see them all. But my husband and I came across a little-known solution.

We were Southeast Asian on vacation and an unexpected layover landed us in Bangkok. Although we only had a few hours, the temple grounds were calling us and we wanted to see as many religious artifacts as possible. To make this happen, we took a taxi about 45 minutes outside of the capital to a place called Muang Boran, or Ancient City. Continued and video …

Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city of Thailand and is the main northern city of the Southeast Asian country. Thailand is a country famous for its tropical and idyllic beaches of Phuket in the south, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok with its temples and adult attractions in the middle, and Chiang Mai, with its mountains in the north.

Chiang Mai is one of the ancient Thai cities. Unlike European cities, most of the historic buildings of the city have been lost. However, the city preserves the ancient city plan with the city moats, parts of the old city walls, and many of the old temples. Continued …

Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn using caviar from a Thai sturgeon farm to create a dish at his Nusara restaurant in Bangkok

‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’

Thailand reigned supreme at the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, with nine restaurants from the capital, Bangkok, ranked – a total matched by Singapore.

The crown of Asia’s Best Restaurant was awarded to Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn’s modern Thai kitchen Le Du. One of his newer venues, Nusara, which pays tribute to his grandmother’s cooking, was in third place.

Also in the top 10 was Gaggan Anand, the latest incarnation of the eponymously named Bangkok restaurant of chef Gaggan Anand that previously topped the list a record four times, and Sorn, the traditional Southern Thai restaurant headed by chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri. Continued …

How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023

For the first time in 10 years, an eatery honoring Thai cuisine tops the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna: Bangkok’s Le Du, created by chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn. As Bangkok takes back the gastronomic crown, Tassanakajohn reflects on what the award means to him and his country.

Restaurant Le Du in Bangkok was named No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 to the joyous cheers of the chefs, media and industry VIPs gathered at a glamorous awards ceremony at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, where the Asian gastronomic community was reunited again in-person for the first time since 2019. Continued …

5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok

As medical cannabis gains recognition worldwide, Bangkok is becoming a hub for top-notch clinics catering to those seeking alternative forms of treatment. With the legalization of cannabis in Thailand, medical cannabis clinics have become more prevalent, and we have rounded up the top five in Bangkok for your consideration.

Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, these cannabis clinics offer a range of products and services to help you achieve your health goals.

BNH Hospital

BNH Hospital is a medical institution that has been serving the community for over 124 years. And it continues to offer world-class medical services. Today, it’s also popular for its top-notch medical cannabis clinic, known as BLOOM UP by BNH. The medical cannabis clinic is managed by a team of doctors and pharmacists who have certifications and training to use medicinal cannabis extracts. Continued …

Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs

Alibaba Group Holding is planning to split its business into six main units covering e-commerce, media and the cloud, the company said on Tuesday, adding that each of the units will explore fundraising or initial public offerings. Continued …

China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force now has its first female pilots who can operate heavy-duty fighter jets, according to the Air Force. The Air Force said the five female flight students, who are currently in the middle of training for heavy-duty combat aircraft, recently carried out their first solo flights in the J-11 fighter jet. Continued …

Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life

Humans using sugar in cockroach traps has inadvertently led to female roaches being turned off by the sugary “gifts” males use to entice them into mating. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-March 27

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

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Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings

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

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

Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday

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

Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting ultra-fine dust

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

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

Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt

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

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

Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess

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

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

Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home

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

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

Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand

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

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

Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1

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

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

44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric

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

Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge

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

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

Tempting visitors to find their chi

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

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

Traders eye Thai curry drawing card

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

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

Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6

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

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

Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket

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

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

7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay

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

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

Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

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

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

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

The hidden pluses of Thai food

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

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

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

Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food

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

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

The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears

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

Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus

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

Afghan girls go online to study

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-March 23

  • Hua Hin Marathon postponed to June 11/
  • Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16/
  • Siege in Phetchaburi: Police shoot man dead after he kills 3, injures four/
  • Massive Indian Scam Syndicate bilked 365 American retirees/
  • Study finds most Thai youth not developing job skills/
  • Thai industry group: Emphasize climate-linked areas/
  • Recovered Caesium-137 cannister ‘not a threat to local Thai produce’/
  • Van Gogh works to come alive at Bangkok gallery/
  • Tourism: Over 5.5 million tourists have already visited Thailand this year/Chinese tourists rush to board ‘fashion time machine’ in Chiang Mai/Thailand welcomes Really Cool Airlines/Thailand’s ‘Really Cool Airlines’ may not be a joke, but difficult to take seriously/Bangkok Airways expects profit for 2023/Safari park in Thailand responds to bungee cord incident/
  • Thailand Experience: A land of giants/Where to find the best food in Phuket/From ancient to modern: The cannabis tale of Thailand/
  • International: Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid banking turmoil/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Marathon postponed to June 11

The Hua Hin Marathon has been postponed to June 11, race organizers have announced.

The marathon, which is one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated races, has been postponed from its original date of May 14.

May 14 is now the date Thailand will hold the general election. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16

One of the region’s most eye-catching running events will be held in Prachuap Khiri Khan in July, the provincial administration has announced.

The Tipco Prachuap Khiri Run 2023, which will take place on July 16, will take participants along the stunning Prachuap Bay and the Wing 5 military base.

Runners will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, with the route boasting some breathtaking views along the bay and across the runway at the military base. Continued … 

Siege in Phetchaburi: Police shoot man dead after he kills 3, injures four

A gunman who killed three people execution-style ahead of his pending court case was shot dead by police after a 15-hour standoff in Phetchaburi province on Thursday morning.

Anuwat Waenthong, 29, launched the attack at 1.30pm in Soi 4 of Krungphet Villa housing estate in the Ton Mamuang neighbourhood, 170 kilometers southwest of Bangkok.

Police said the gunman fired multiple bullets in the area, killing three people, including a motorcycle delivery driver, and injuring four more before taking shelter in a house. Continued …

Massive Indian Scam Syndicate bilked 365 American retirees

Five Indian phone scammers and 15 Thai accomplices were arrested following a major scam bust yesterday across Thailand. The suspects swindled 365 American retirees out of over three billion baht, according to police.

The raids carried out by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), police commandos, and officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office struck 36 premises in Chonburi, Rayong, Roi Et, and Surat Thani, and resulted in the arrest of over 20 phone scam suspects.

Police Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, deputy national police chief, told a press briefing that the suspects mainly targeted elderly American citizens and had tricked 365 people into transferring them three billion baht. Continued …

Study finds most Thai youth not developing job skills

The rising share of youth who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in Thailand represents a concerning social and economic phenomenon.

While nearly 1.4 million (or 15 %) youth aged 15-24 years in Thailand are NEET, a new Unicef-led study released today finds most of them (68 %) lack the motivation to develop skills or work due to a perceived lack of opportunities.

The new study – In-depth Research on Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training in Thailand – is the first in-depth study that provides a comprehensive picture of youth NEET in Thailand. Continued …

Thai industry group: Emphasize climate-linked areas

Despite the country’s dependence on tourism to boost its revenue, Thailand needs to further drive its economy through electric vehicles (EVs) and bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic development amid a rapidly changing world, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The world is increasingly disrupted by high-level digital technology and is adopting more clean energy in an effort to combat climate change.

A new government must be aware of these factors and design policies that match the changing technological, environmental and economic conditions, said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. Continued … 

Recovered Caesium-137 cannister ‘not a threat to local Thai produce’

Thai officials say the recently recovered Caesium-137 canister is not a threat to local produce, despite it being smelted. The concerns over the effects of the tube’s radioactive properties were raised as contaminated furnace dust was discovered at a steel plant in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district this week.

Out of fear, customers canceled purchase orders of fruit from the province, despite authorities insisting that no contamination had been detected within a 5-kilometer radius of the factory.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said checks for radioactive substances in such products found that radiation levels did not exceed safety limits. Continued …

Van Gogh works to come alive at Bangkok gallery

Can’t afford a weekend getaway to the Musee D’Orsay? An upcoming exhibition will be a must see for Van Goghites — or at least fans of “Loving Vincent,” or that one episode of Doctor Who.

At the Van Gogh Alive display, patrons will be greeted by moving, otherworldly portrayals of Vincent Van Gogh’s works on the walls, floors, and ceilings, accompanied by a dynamic soundtrack. The exhibition is also interactive, allowing visitors to engage with the works.

Apart from the famed Starry Night, other highlights include Sunflower Room, which is designed to make visitors feel as though they’re standing in a field of Van Gogh’s most challenging subjects. Continued …

Over 5.5 million tourists have already visited Thailand this year

About 5.57 million foreign tourists visited Thailand from Jan. 1 to March 18, generating 215.05 billion baht in revenue, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Taisaranakul said on Wednesday, citing data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Although both the domestic and foreign tourism markets are improving, the influx of foreign visitors has caused congestion at many areas in airports, such as check-in counters and the Immigration Bureau’s passport checkpoints, Traisulee said.

The price of flight tickets has also risen sharply, she added. Continued …

Chinese tourists rush to board ‘fashion time machine’ in Chiang Mai

The surreal sight of Chinese tourists wandering around in Thai traditional outfits is becoming commonplace in Chiang Mai.

Visitors from China have returned after three years of Covid-19 with a thirst for memorable and “authentic” Thai experiences as they tour historical temples and other attractions in the northern province.

Surrounded by crowds of Thais in jeans and T-shirts, Chinese tourists stand out in finery that was fashionable several centuries ago in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand welcomes Really Cool Airlines

A new airline has come to town, in the form of Thailand-based Really Cool Airlines.

The new airline will announce aircraft types, destinations and its route network in the coming months, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2023. Details on the approaches and services will also be revealed soon.

Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Really Cool Airlines and look forward to providing travelers with an exceptional flying experience. Our team of experts has worked tirelessly to create a new standard for the aviation industry, and we’re excited to unveil in the coming months what we have in store.” Continued …

Thailand’s ‘Really Cool Airlines’ may not be a joke, but difficult to take seriously

Get ready to fly the “really cool” skies, maybe, after the former head of Nok Air announced that he is launching a new airline that hopefully flies better than its name.

Five years after he left Nok, Patee Sarasin’s announcement “Really Cool Airlines” was so chockablock with scam-adjacent, threadbare buzzwords such as gamification, blockchain, and NFTs that it might be mistaken as satire to anyone who has paid attention to the past two years.

Announced as the world’s first “GameFi airline” (customers will play blockchain games!), Patee said Really Cool would be managed by “crypto-native citizens from our Really Cool Air GameFi.” Continued … 

Bangkok Airways expects profit for 2023

Bangkok Airways expects its passenger rate to hit 70%-80% of the pre-pandemic level this year, roughly 4.4 million people from more than 40,000 flights, and will possibly post an annual profit for the first time since 2019.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said long-haul demand has grown better than expected since the final quarter of last year, which will help to hit the target of 15 billion baht in revenue for 2023.

Puttipong said European passengers currently accounted for 60% of the total, followed by Asia-Pacific and Thai passengers. Continued … 

Safari park in Thailand responds to bungee cord incident

Staff from Chang Thai Thappraya Safari Park in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand, have commented on the broken bungee cord incident that nearly killed a tourist from Hong Kong last month.

The bungee jump operator, 41-year-old Natthaphon Yokcharoen, took reporters to see the scene of the incident, a platform about 30 meters high above a lake.

Nattaphon said that all bungee jumpers are required to sign a document before jumping and staff demonstrate how it’s done before tourists take the leap. Continued …

A land of giants

(Editor: This park allows the riding of elephants. Expat News encourages readers to avoid elephant rides, which are damaging to their spines.)

As our car wound through the Khotcha-anajak project, also known as the Elephant Kingdom, one of my friends gestured enthusiastically out the window and her eyes twinkled with delight like a child when she spotted elephants ambling about seeking food in a green meadow.

“Have you never seen an elephant before?” was a question I couldn’t help but ask her. She emphasized how unique this scene was compared to what was seen in a zoo. We appeared to be on a safari, exploring a woodland with a field of open grazing animals.

In response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s commitment to conserve Thai elephants, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand established the project in 2009 to repatriate pachyderms that once roamed large-city streets to the northeastern town of Surin. Continued …

Where to find the best food in Phuket

Sheltering from an impetuous morning shower in Phuket Town, I’m wishing I was a camel. Or a llama. Really, anything with a second (or third) stomach. Ignoring my own oft-repeated mantra when joining a street food tour – pace yourself – I’m already in danger of peaking too early at a Burmese breakfast restaurant.

Our guide for the morning is Pema, an effervescent Thai local who seems to know all the vendors at Phuket Town’s Central Market. It’s aunty this and cousin that as our group is steered past mini-mountains of fragrant curry paste and carefully stacked pyramids of tropical fruit.

At the nearby Mingalar tea shop, we’re soon slurping on cardamom-laced tea, feasting on lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad), and dimpled Burmese flatbreads are emerging from a simple wood-fired oven that’s been glowing since well before dawn. Continued …

From ancient to modern: The cannabis tale of Thailand

In June 2022, Thailand made history by becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis nationwide. The decision has put the spotlight on the country’s relationship with the plant, and it’s a fascinating tale that stretches back centuries.

Let’s dive into the long and winding history between Thailand and marijuana – a journey full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and of course, a lot of weed.

Video 

It’s hard to imagine a time when cannabis wasn’t the subject of such a bad rap in the mainstream. But believe it or not, cannabis was completely legal in Thailand for centuries. Continued …

Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid banking turmoil

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point but indicated it was on the verge of pausing further increases in borrowing costs amid recent turmoil in financial markets spurred by the collapse of two U.S. banks. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

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