Category Archives: thai wildlife

climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-April 28

  • Thailand temps too hot to handle, more on the way/
  • Thailand remains second-largest exporter of of air cons as sales grow 9%/
  • ‘Endless record heat’ in Asia as highest April temperatures recorded/
  • Fears for Asia’s summer after recent ‘monster’ heatwave/
  • Thailand’s sustainability leaders offer insights on transformative trends/
  • Thai executives closely attuned to sustainability, survey finds/
  • Police building a ‘strong case’ against woman accused of serial killings by poisoning/
  • PM sounds alarm on Covid’s resurgence/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Finance minister expects Thai exports, domestic spending to rise in Q2/Government revenue exceeds target in first six months of fiscal 2023/Survey finds household debt rising/Thailand EV registrations soar in March as buyers grab generous incentives/Marijuana Emerges as Key Issue in Thai Election/
  • Tourism: Few expats will escape the new Thai tourism tax/Tighter visa rules stymie Chinese groups/Trang governor unveils Kradan development plans for ‘world’s best beach’/Thailand to seek World Heritage status for Si Thep, Phu Phra Bat, and Andaman Sea areas/First Look at Thailand’s New $157 million Zoo on Royal Land/
  • Thailand Experience: May 2023’s festivals and events in Thailand/Phuket: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting/
  • International: Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700/At least 11 dead after Indonesia ferry capsizes/Asia must quit coal faster to stem worst climate woes/Australia’s oldest coal-fired power plant closed amid shift toward renewable energy/
  • 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

    Subscribe to Blog via Email

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thailand temps too hot to handle, more on the way

Thailand is currently in the grip of some extreme weather, with temperatures set to reach heights beyond what the human body can comfortably withstand.

The Asian country is dealing with extreme heat right now and experts have predicted that the run could continue until the end of the summer, sparking concerns for people’s welfare. Continued …

Thailand remains second-largest exporter of air cons as sales grow 9%

Thailand’s exported air conditioners worth US$7.044 billion (240 billion baht) last year, up 9% over 2022, a senior government official said on Thursday.

Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), said the export value of air conditioners grew 9% when compared to 2021. Thailand has maintained its rank as the second-biggest exporter of air conditioners behind China, she added. Continued …

‘Endless record heat’ in Asia as highest April temperatures recorded

Asia is experiencing weeks of “endless record heat”, with sweltering temperatures causing school closures and surges in energy use.

Record April temperatures have been recorded at monitoring stations across Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, as well as in China and South Asia. Continued …

Fears for Asia’s summer after recent ‘monster’ heatwave

A “monster” Asian heatwave, which shattered temperature records in more than a dozen countries, is an early warning sign of “what may come if action is not taken”, scientific experts said.

Extremely high temperatures have swept across large parts of South and Southeast Asia in recent weeks, including India, China, Thailand and Laos. Ultimately, one-third of the global population suffered under crippling heat that is being driven by the climate crisis. Continued …

Thailand’s sustainability leaders offer insights on transformative trends

Thailand’s largest sustainability network, the United Nations Global Compact Network Thailand, has published its “SDGs Mega Trends 2023” report, highlighting five major trends among the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that businesses could focus on to unlock global pathways to resilience, growth and sustainability in the post Covid-19 era.

Suphachai Chearavanont, the network’s chairperson, said: “As a local network of UN Global Compact, Thailand’s chapter has prepared “SDGs Mega Trends” for four consecutive years to serve as a knowledge center and framework for sustainable development practices for business operators.” Continued …

Thai executives closely attuned to sustainability, survey finds

Thailand is one of the top three of 16 markets in terms of executives’ attentiveness to sustainable development, according to a recent survey by Google Cloud.

The survey interviewed 1,476 executives in 16 markets worldwide, including four in Asia: Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, a report on the survey said. Continued …

Police building a ‘strong case’ against woman accused of serial killings by poisoning

Police are considering additional charges against a woman suspected of poisoning to death at least 11 people with cyanide over the past decade.

Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, is likely to face three more charges in connection with the suspicious deaths linked to her, Crime Suppression Division Deputy Commander Anek Taosuparp said on Thursday. Continued …

PM sounds alarm on Covid’s resurgence

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed health authorities in major tourism destinations to closely monitor the number of Covid-19 cases in their area, as the number of new infections continues to surge after the holidays.

The order was issued after Prayut received an update on caseloads between April 16-22 from the Department of Disease Control, which showed the number of new Covid-19 infections was on the rise, said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri. Continued … 

Finance minister expects Thai exports, domestic spending to rise in Q2

Exports should show positive growth in the second quarter of this year despite global headwinds, while domestic consumption is expected to increase as consumer spending rises, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Wednesday.

Thai exports have been sluggish since the fourth quarter of 2021, and have declined for six consecutive months, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry yesterday. Weak global demand and delays in orders for electronic devices and electrical appliances – two major Thai exports – have contributed to the export decline. Rising global demand for Thai agricultural products has partially offset declines in other sectors, Arkhom said. Continued …

Government revenue exceeds target in first six months of fiscal 2023

Government revenue collection in the first six months of fiscal 2023 (October to March) surpassed the target by 8.9%, the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) said on Thursday.

FPO Director-general Pornchai Thiraveja said revenue collection in the first six months amounted to 1.163 trillion baht, which was 6.9% higher than the same period last year. Continued …

Survey finds household debt rising

Average household debt for workers has hit the highest level in 14 years, attributed to durable goods purchases, investment to create income and daily expenses.

However, there are signs the proportion of consumers’ unorganized loans, or borrowing from loan sharks, is beginning to decrease, according to the latest survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Continued …

Thailand EV registrations soar in March as buyers grab generous incentives

The total number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Thailand surged to 61,594 in March, driven by subsidies and incentives, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Thursday.

EV registrations in March rose to 8,522, almost double January’s figure of 4,543, according to Land Transport Department data. Most EVs registered in March were cars with no more than seven seats (6,205), followed by motorcycles (2,263). Continued …

Marijuana Emerges as Key Issue in Thai Election

Thailand’s political party known for getting cannabis partially legalized in the kingdom, the Bhumjaithai Party, has accused rivals of playing politics with its flagship policy ahead of a May 14 election, warning that marijuana reform is non-negotiable if it is to join any government coalition.

In June of 2022, Thailand decriminalized cannabis to be cultivated and sold by licensed businesses for medicinal use only. Continued …

Few expats will escape the new Thai tourism tax

The latest notice from the Thai tourism ministry lists the exceptions to the rule that all foreigners must pay on arrival 300 baht at airports and 150 baht by land or sea. The fortunate ones are diplomats, infants under 2 years, those with work permits, single day and transit passengers, and that famous expression: foreign residents in Thailand.

The latter phrase is optimistically being interpreted by some expats to include themselves, as they see themselves as “residents” by virtue of their annual, renewable extensions of stay based on retirement or marriage or because they are learning Thai. But the contextual meaning of “resident” here is “permanent resident”, or that category of foreigner who holds a red police residency book and has no visa expiry date in his or her passport. Continued …

Tighter visa rules stymie Chinese groups

Inbound tourism operators for the Chinese market are calling for clarification of new rules for visa applications via tour groups, warning that Thailand may lose a lucrative segment, including large business travel groups to competitors.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said operators want clear answers on the new visa procedures because they could hamper travel activities for tour groups and large meetings and incentive groups that consist of hundreds or thousands of applicants. Continued …

Trang governor unveils Kradan development plans for ‘world’s best beach’

Koh Kradan in Trang has been swamped by tourists this month after being named No. 1 in the Top 100 Beaches on Earth by the UK’s World Beach Guide.

In response, the governor on Wednesday announced development plans aimed at turning the tiny island into a major tourism destination. He was speaking after government agencies, local businesses and investors met to discuss ways to develop sustainable tourism with minimal impacts on Kradan’s pristine environment. Continued …

Thailand to seek World Heritage status for Si Thep, Phu Phra Bat, Andaman Sea areas

The National Committee on the Protection of World Heritage meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan agreed to propose the Andaman Sea conservation area for selection as a World Heritage site. The meeting also reviewed the progress report on the nomination of the historical park of Si Thep ancient city, and Phu Phra Bat.

The selection of the Andaman Sea (covering areas of Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket provinces), as a World Heritage site will boost tourism and the local economy in the future. Continued …

First Look at Thailand’s New $157 million Zoo on Royal Land

The project developer has unveiled the 3-dimensional image of Thailand’s new zoo, which will cost more than 5 billion baht and be built on 300 rai (120 acres) of royal land.

Ditto (Thailand), Siam TC Technology and Team Consulting Engineering and Management signed a construction contract with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand on April 24 as an RSDT joint venture to build the first phase of a new zoo that will cost up to 5.354 billion baht (USD157 million). Continued …

May 2023’s festivals and events in Thailand

The month of May boasts an exciting lineup of festivals and events in Thailand, including local cultural celebrations, extravagant light-and-sound shows in all five regions nationwide, music festivals, a street art showcase, Muay Thai world championship fighting, triathlons, and a sailing regatta.

It’s also the time for the exhilarating and action-packed annual Bun Bung Fai or rocket festival, which is held in various Northeast provinces, the biggest and most famous of these being in Yasothon and Kalasin. Normally held mid-month just ahead of crop planting to ask the gods for plentiful rain and a good crop, this famous event sees the launching of home-made rockets containing anywhere from 1 kg to 120 kg of gunpowder high into the sky and is a breathtaking and very noisy spectacle that’s not-to-be-missed. Continued …

Phuket: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting

Phuket is Thailand’s golden child. The idyllic island is the nation’s most popular tourist destination, known for its breathtaking beaches, incredible food, natural beauty, and welcoming culture.

But before setting off to Phuket, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Phuket, including: Continued …

Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700

Despite their iconic status and long association with humans, Asian elephants are one of the most endangered large mammals. Believed to number between 45,000 and 50,000 individuals worldwide, they are at risk throughout Asia due to human activities such as deforestation, mining, dam building and road construction, which have damaged numerous ecosystems. Continued …

At least 11 dead after Indonesia ferry capsizes

At least 11 people died and one was missing when a ferry capsized off the eastern coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, the national search and rescue agency said on Friday. Continued …

Spring ocean temperatures are shockingly hot around the globe

Global sea surface temperatures rose sharply in March and continued to rise during much of April and oceanographers and climate scientists are watching with trepidation. Continued …

Asia must quit coal faster to stem worst climate woes

Asia must rapidly cut fossil fuel subsidies and plow more money into a clean energy transition to avoid catastrophic climate change that puts its own development at risk, according to a new report Thursday from the Asian Development Bank. Continued …

Australia’s oldest coal-fired power plant closed amid shift toward renewable energy

Australia’s most senior coal-fired power plant is set to close today, marking a significant step toward the nation’s transition to renewable energy sources. Previously notorious for its climate inaction, Australia is now preparing for a remarkable transformation in its energy sector. 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, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-April 27

  • Hua Hin fishing pier market reopens/
  • Summer storm warnings for most of Thailand today/
  • 12 dead from Thailand’s alleged ‘Cyanide’ serial killer/
  • Lucky fisherman finds whale puke worth 3 million baht on Rayong beach/
  • Lessons learned in post-pandemic digital marketing/
  • Makro “Goes Green” with its launch of EV delivery fleet/
  • Schneider Electric makes case of energy-efficient technologies for sustainability/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops the list of destinations for Chinese May Day travelers/Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi Rider Returns 13,000 Baht to American Tourist/Phuket police open inquest into the hanging death of Australian tourist/Suvarnabhumi offering 11 days of free parking from midnight Friday/3 words banned at Thailand’s airports/Thai net celebrity parades around BKK airport finding creative ways to say ‘bomb’/Actress Halle Bailey, Disney accused of promoting wildlife exploitation in Thailand/
  • International: US To Send Nuclear Ballistic Submarines To Korean Peninsula For First Time In 40 Years/BP faces angry shareholders over climate plans/
  • 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

    Subscribe to Blog via Email

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Hua Hin fishing pier market reopens

The Hua Hin Saphan Pla fishing pier market returns this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The market on Hua Hin’s main fishing pier provides visitors with cool ocean breezes, and a selection of street food.

Summer storm warnings for most of Thailand today

People living in Bangkok and the rest of the country, with the exception of the south, are advised to brace for thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and possible lightning strikes today, as a result of summer storms, according to the Meteorological Department.

Places to be avoided are open fields, under big trees or unstable bill boards, said the department, as it advised people in these areas not to wear metallic ornaments or use their cell phones during thunderstorms. Farmers are also advised to take extra care of their animals and to take measures to protect their crops. Continued …

12 dead from Thailand’s alleged ‘Cyanide’ serial killer

The Criminal Court on Wednesday approved a request by police investigators to further detain Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, who is accused of killing a woman by putting cyanide in her food.

The former wife of a senior police officer, she is suspected of involvement in the deaths of a dozen people she had been in contact with and who died in similar circumstances. Continued …

Lucky fisherman finds whale puke worth 3 million baht on Rayong beach

A lucky fisherman stumbled across three kilograms of rare whale puke – or ambergris – while taking a stroll on the beach in Rayong, eastern Thailand, on Sunday. If genuine, he can sell the “floating gold” for three million baht (US$87,931).

Ambergris (“gray amber” in French) is a rare and valuable material produced in the digestive system of some species of whales, including sperm whales. It is a solid waxy substance that is either regurgitated by or passes through the whale. Continued …

Lessons learned in post-pandemic digital marketing

In the recent post-pandemic aftermath, many businesses look back at the lessons they learned about the value of digital marketing. A lot of the lessons learned come from brands that relied on brick-and-mortar stores to sell their products and services before the pandemic.

These enterprises always looked at their websites as little more than digital signboards advertising their limited-time special deals and new products. They were adjuncts to the brand’s operations instead of being as integrated as they should have been. Continued …

Makro “Goes Green” with its launch of EV delivery fleet

To cope with air pollution issues, Makro has unveiled its plan to use a clean energy delivery fleet by deploying more than 300 EV trucks through a partnership with CP Foton.

This initiative is expected to reduce over 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2025, which demonstrates the company’s dedication to sustainability and emphasizes the importance of carbon footprint reduction in all dimensions, as well as to achieve carbon neutral by 2030. Continued …

Schneider Electric makes case of energy-efficient technologies for sustainability

Multinational French corporation Schneider Electric is focusing on affordable and energy-efficient technologies on the demand side, as the world moves away from fossil fuels, said Chris Leong, the company’s chief marketing officer.

She observed that the current global green energy movement was focusing heavily on the supply side. She pointed out that the shift toward renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and some biomass is only one side of the coin. More awareness is needed on the demand side, too. Continued …

Thailand tops the list of destinations for Chinese May Day travelers

A global travel distribution company has announced the return of Chinese tourists during the May Day holidays. With Chinese travel restrictions easing and vaccinations becoming more widely available, Chinese travelers are eager to explore the world once again.

According to recent data, Chinese travelers’ international hotel bookings for the upcoming May Day holiday, for which many people in China take five days off from April 29 until May 3, have increased 30-fold YOY, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 volumes by 18%. Continued …

Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi Rider Returns 13,000 Baht to American Tourist

An honest Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider, Nonglak Prakobsap, 46, returned a forgotten wallet with cash worth 13,700 baht and 16 U.S. dollars to an American tourist yesterday.

Nonglak, who operates a taxi service in Soi Six, gave the black wallet to Pattaya Police after discovering it on the ground of an alley nearby. Continued …

Phuket police open inquest into the hanging death of Australian tourist

Phuket’s provincial police chief has promised a full investigation into the death of an Australian tourist in detention in Phuket whose body was found hanging from bars in his cell by the duty sergeant at Patong Police Station on the island on Monday afternoon.

Matthew Winder, 31, was arrested at an entertainment venue and taken to the station where he was held in the holding cells situated on the second floor of the facility. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi offering 11 days of free parking from midnight Friday

Suvarnabhumi Airport is offering free parking for 11 days to accommodate the expected rise in passenger volume over the Labor Day and Coronation Day long weekends.

The airport will waive parking fees for Zone C (long-term) parking, which has room for 718 vehicles. The free parking period runs from midnight on Friday (April 28) to midnight on May 8. Continued …

3 words banned at Thailand’s airports

Unless you want to land yourself a prison sentence and a hefty fine, there are three words you should avoid saying in Thai airports and during flights, warns Airports of Thailand (AOT).

AOT yesterday reminded passengers of their policy of what is unacceptable to say and do in an airport following the controversy caused by a Thai model on social media yesterday, who filmed herself intentionally repeating the word “bomb” (raberd) at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Continued …

Thai net celebrity parades around BKK airport finding creative ways to say ‘bomb’

A Thai model drew fire today for intentionally repeating the word “bomb” at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Nisamanee “Nutt” Lertvorapong was criticized for being inappropriately provocative on a matter of public safety after jokingly repeating the word for explode and bomb (rabert) – which is forbidden by airport policy – in a video for social media. Continued … 

Actress Halle Bailey, Disney accused of promoting wildlife exploitation in Thailand

The American actress who will make a splash as Ariel in next month’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is in hot water with animal welfare advocates for posing with wildlife at a controversial Bangkok zoo.

Halle Bailey and Disney have been accused of promoting animal exploitation and cruelty in two recent incidents involving Safari World, a zoo long accused of mistreating wildlife that two decades ago was implicated in trafficking more than 100 great apes. Continued …

US To Send Nuclear Ballistic Submarines To Korean Peninsula For First Time In 40 Years

Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday signed an agreement that includes plans to have U.S. nuclear-armed submarines dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years, a conspicuous show of support to Seoul amid growing concern about nuclear threats by North Korea, according to senior Biden administration officials. Continued …

BP faces angry shareholders over climate plans

Energy giant BP today faces a shareholder revolt over its decision to slow its energy transition, with activist investors promising to block the re-election of the head of the board of directors. 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, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-April 25

  • Hua Hin army camp to host 21 Run July 30/
  • SCB CIO warns of rising concern on economic recession/
  • Cost of electricity to fall by 2 satang per unit from Monday/
  • Preventing mosquito-borne diseases in Thailand: Tips and guidelines/
  • Festival turns fatal: Covid surges post-Songkran/
  • Six langurs killed, two hunters arrested in Kaeng Prachan National Park/
  • 150 Thais extracted from Sudan conflict zone/
  • US aircraft carrier Nimitz arrives in Thailand/
  • Is working from anywhere here to stay?/
  • Car production, exports rose in March/
  • Thailand is the biggest exporter of condoms in the world/
  • Tourism: Tourism growth slows amid visas, airfares and attacks on Chinese nationals/Sound familiar? Russians , Ukrainians flock to Bali to avoid Military Call-up/Jet ski accident in Pattaya results in two fatalities, including a 7-year-old boy/Australian tourist found dead in police station cell/
  • Thailand Experience: Exploring the Exquisite Flavors of Thai Cuisine/A Thailand Wedding Rooted in Great Food and Meaningful Traditions/
  • International: European nations scramble to evacuate citizens from Sudan/Indonesia hit by magnitude 7.3 earthquakeWorld military spending up to an all-time high/Over $68 billion withdrawn from Credit Suisse ahead of UBS takeover/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Today’s Guest Sponsor – Flavours Restaurant

Hua Hin army camp to host 21 Run July 30

The Thanarat Army Camp outside Hua Hin will host the 21 Run July 30.

The event will have runners competing over distances of 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers.

There are early bird registration rates for April 24 – May 8: 21 km: 690 THB; 10 km: 590 THB; Fun run 5 km: 390 THB. More info and registration.

SCB CIO warns of rising concern on economic recession

Kampon Adireksombat, first senior vice president and team head of the SCB Chief Investment Office at Siam Commercial Bank revealed that banks in the United States and Europe are tightening their already stringent lending standards in response to the current financial sector stress, which will likely have a chilling effect on the forthcoming economic and commercial rebound.

The International Monetary Fund has recently estimated that the decreasing lending trend, coupled with the strong impact of interest rates, is expected to hurt the economic growth of both regions, resulting in a decline in GDP of about 0.4% per country. Meanwhile, the SCB CIO anticipates an increase in concerns regarding a potential recession, particularly in the U.S., throughout the remainder of 2023. Continued …

Cost of electricity to fall by 2 satang per unit from Monday

The cost of electricity from May to August will drop by 2 satang per unit after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) met on Monday and decided to leave the fuel tariff (Ft) unchanged.

The commission approved the fuel tariff adjustment subcommittee’s proposal to reduce electricity costs from 4.72 baht per unit to 4.70 baht per unit from May. The proposal does not require a public hearing as the Ft was not changed, said ERC Secretary-general Komkrit Tantravanich. Continued …

Preventing mosquito-borne diseases in Thailand: Tips and guidelines

Picture this: You’ve finally arrived in Thailand and you’re eager to explore the vibrant street markets, indulge in scrumptious Thai cuisine, and unwind on stunning beaches. But amidst the excitement, one pesky problem lurks: mosquitoes.

These tiny creatures may be small, but they can pack a punch in the form of mosquito-borne diseases, which is common in Thailand. Thailand has its fair share of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue and malaria. Continued …

Festival turns fatal: Covid surges post-Songkran

A sharp increase in Covid inpatients and related fatalities was reported in the week following the Songkran festival, with numbers soaring by 150% compared to the previous week, according to the Department of Disease Control.

Between April 16 and 22, the number of Covid inpatients surged to 1,088, a stark increase from the 435 patients in the preceding week of April 9 to 15. Additionally, Covid related deaths rose from two to five during the same period. Continued …

Six langurs killed, two hunters arrested in Kaeng Prachan National Park

Six Phayre’s langurs were found dead and two illegal hunters were injured in a clash with forest rangers in the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand’s Phetchaburi province on Monday.

According to the park chief, Somjet Chanthana, park rangers heard gunshots as they were on a routine patrol of the national park in Huay Mae Phraing subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan district, and they immediately went to investigate. Continued …

150 Thais extracted from Sudan conflict zone

Most Thai nationals living in Sudan have been successfully evacuated to Saudi Arabia on Monday and are expected to return to Thailand this week.

The decision to conduct the repatriation was made during talks led by National Security Council Secretary-general Supoj Malaniyom on Saturday, followed by the approval of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as defense minister. Continued …

US aircraft carrier Nimitz arrives in Thailand

The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group arrived in Thailand Monday on a week-long visit after crossing the South China Sea.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement that the visit of the aircraft carrier, which docks at Laem Chabang Port during April 24-29, is part of U.S. Navy port visits that serve as an opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Thai security partnership and advance people-to-people ties. Continued …

Is working from anywhere here to stay?

If anything positive came out of the pandemic, it was that it changed the way people work. When Covid broke out, employees were suddenly forced to work remotely in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Along the way, it has gradually underlined the importance of a work-life balance to which the new generation can increasingly look forward.

Even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, more and more employees have been embracing flexible work and enjoying the freedom that enables them to have a healthy work-life balance. They want more of it – not less, and they certainly don’t want to go back to the office full time. Continued …

Car production, exports rose in March

Car production in Thailand rose 4.16% in March from a year earlier, to 179,848 units, as a shortage of microchips eased, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said today.

Exports of cars increased 4.84% in March from a year earlier, after February’s 11.42% rise, Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for FTI’s automotive industry division, said. Continued …

Thailand is the biggest exporter of condoms in the world

Condoms are among five products that Thailand exports more than any other country in the world, according to data from the global trade insights website kidka.com,.

Today, the Ministry of Commerce’s director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Poonping Naiyanapakorn, revealed that Thailand was the champion exporter of five outstanding Thai products in 2022. Continued …

Tourism growth slows amid visas, airfares and attacks on Chinese nationals

Thailand is struggling to achieve the foreign tourism numbers targeted by the government and economic planners this year according to the latest arrival numbers up to mid-April. The figures, although on course for a three-year high in April 2023 for Chinese visitors and showing a marked recovery in foreign tourism, appear to indicate that growth is slowing from the key market with tourist industry leaders blaming higher airfares and a complicated visa process for the lower-than-expected growth in numbers.

There is also a nagging concern about an ongoing social media campaign in China and reports spreading in that country about the potential danger posed to Chinese tourists in Thailand. Continued … 

Sound familiar? Russians , Ukrainians flock to Bali to avoid Military Call-up

Many Russians and Ukrainians are traveling to Bali to avoid being mobilized amid their country’s invasion of Ukraine.

A string of illegal stays and illicit employment involving Russian nationals prompted protests from locals that led the Bali provincial government to ask the central government — led by President Joko Widodo — to partially suspend the issuance of visas to Russians. Continued …

Jet ski accident in Pattaya results in two fatalities, including a 7-year-old boy

A tragic jet ski collision occurred on Pattaya Beach in Chonburi Province. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasat Rescue Radio Center received the report and promptly alerted Pattaya City Police Station officers and tourist police who were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, authorities found panicked onlookers, as staff and good Samaritans helped recover a severely injured 7-year-old boy who had a broken chin and jaw, and had fallen into the water. Continued …

Australian tourist found dead in police station cell

An Australian tourist was found dead in a solitary cell at Patong Police Station, Phuket, after allegedly being intoxicated and causing a disturbance. The mysterious death, captured on CCTV, prompted a swift police investigation.

Yesterday, authorities at the Patong Police Station reported the man’s hanging in a detention room. The 29-year-old was discovered hanging from a rope, with no signs of assault. A thorough autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death. Continued …

Exploring the Exquisite Flavors of Thai Cuisine

Few cuisines are more enticing and tantalizing than the flavors of Thailand. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand boasts a gastronomic heritage that is as complex as it is delicious. With its unique blend of spicy, sour, sweet, and savory flavors, Thai cuisine is a culinary experience that must be tasted to be fully appreciated.

From fragrant curries to crispy fried noodles, from succulent grilled meats to refreshing salads, Thai cuisine is a journey of flavors and textures, designed to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses. Continued …

A Thailand Wedding Rooted in Great Food and Meaningful Traditions

As the chef and restaurateur of one of New York’s most acclaimed Thai restaurants, Fish Cheeks, Jenn Saesue knew what she wanted for her wedding, but was a bit nervous to acknowledge it. “It was always in the back of my mind — that I would love for it to be in Thailand. But it’s a big ask for everyone,” says Jenn, who spent her childhood in Bangkok.

The decision required her and her now-husband Jesse Morav, a music-label executive, to reframe the concept of a wedding entirely. “It felt like we could create a unique adventure for all our guests and family,” Jesse says. “What better opportunity does my family have to go see Southeast Asia and visit Thailand than to go to my wedding?” Continued …

European nations scramble to evacuate citizens from Sudan

Following this weekend’s dramatic evacuation of U.S. diplomats from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, European nations and other countries raced Monday to extract their citizens amid an apparent lull in fighting the past two days between the army and a paramilitary force. Continued … 

Indonesia hit by magnitude 7.3 earthquake

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck west of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island on Tuesday, Indonesia’s geophysics agency (BMKG) said, triggering a tsunami warning for around two hours. Continued …

World military spending up to an all-time high

Global military spending grew for the eighth consecutive year in 2022 to an all-time high of $2.24 trillion, with a sharp rise in Europe, chiefly due to Russian and Ukrainian expenditure, a Swedish think tank said Monday. Continued …

Over $68 billion withdrawn from Credit Suisse ahead of UBS takeover

Tens of billions were withdrawn from Credit Suisse in the first three months of 2023, the bank’s earnings report showed Monday, providing clues to the towering challenges ahead as UBS prepares an emergency takeover. 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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

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

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

Wednesday’s News-April 19

  • Hin Lek Fai road closed April 19-21/
  • Endangered bright orange langur monkey rescued in PKK/
  • Hua Hin through the eyes of an English poet/
  • Air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 air pollution map/
  • Chiang Mai, Bangkok choking near top of world air pollution rankings/
  • Why is the air quality so bad in Thailand?/
  • Prachuap closes Songkran with 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths/
  • Songkran road tally: 264 deaths, 2,208 injuries/
  • PM grilled on power bills/
  • 10 things to know about Thailand’s latest Covid-19 wave/
  • Castaway farang rescued from Thailand’s waters/
  • 241st Bangkok Anniversary Celebration To Be Held in 21 Locations/
  • Thai Northeast braces for boom as China-Laos passenger railway opens/
  • Elephant herd invades golf course in Nakhon Nayok but returns to jungle/
  • True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app/
  • Myanmar-Thailand clandestine business links under scrutiny/
  • True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app/
  • Tourism: Sounding the alarm on zero-dollar tours/Operators seek clarity on Bt300 tourism fee/Tourism, agriculture beef up real estate demand in Northeast/US visa fees to rise from May 30/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand beyond the beaches: Uncovering hidden gems in the land of smiles/Video: Why we love Chiang Mai/
  • International: Sprawling heat wave envelops large swath of Asia/Profit versus Sustainability: Are they mutually exclusive?/The Wealthiest Cities in the World in 2023/Fox News to pay $787.5M settlement in defamation trial/G7 ministers issue urgent warning of ‘severe costs’ for supporting Russia/China’s economy reaches new highs after zero-Covid restrictions/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Hin Lek Fai road closed April 19-21

Between today and Friday, the road leading up to Hin Lek Fai will be closed from 8:30am to 5.30pm due to by the Provincial Electricity Authority.

Endangered bright orange langur monkey rescued in PKK

A baby bright orange langur monkey is now safe at a Thai wildlife rescue center after being found abandoned by his family in the wild in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Video ...

Hua Hin through the eyes of an English poet

Linda Lines ran a financial management company, ‘The Lines Partnership’, in the city of London for 22 years. She then sold her business and started to follow her passion for writing. Hua Hin is the place to which she has escaped the English winter and to write for almost 20 years.

“Men in My Kitchen” is the title of her first book. She revealed that this title came about from a friend flicking through her iPad saying, “Linda, there are a lot of men in your kitchen!” Continued …

Air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 air pollution map

Now you can check the air pollution readings for the Hua Hin area every day with this link, which will appear daily near the bottom of this newsletter. Click here for map …

Chiang Mai, Bangkok choking near top of world air pollution rankings

Chiang Mai and Bangkok ranked as the second and fourth most-polluted cities in the world, respectively, on Tuesday, according to air-quality monitoring website IQAir.

Chiang Mai has regularly topped the rankings over the past few weeks, though Chiang Rai, which is not included in the list, has registered even higher scores on the IQAir scale. Continued …

Why is the air quality so bad in Thailand?

If you have ever visited Thailand, especially during the dry season from January to April, you may have noticed a thick haze of smog covering the cities and countryside.

This is not only an unpleasant sight, but also a serious health hazard for millions of people who live and breathe in this polluted air. Continued …

Prachuap closes Songkran with 47 accidents, 49 injuries and 3 deaths

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have announced the number of accidents and fatalities on the province’s roads during the Songkran holidays.

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

Songkran road tally: 264 deaths, 2,208 injuries

A total of 2,203 road accidents, with 2,208 injuries and 264 deaths, were reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) for the Seven Days of Danger road safety campaign during Songkran (April 11-17).

On April 17, there were 183 accidents with 202 injuries and 16 deaths. Most were caused by excessive speeding (45%). Continued … 

PM grilled on power bills

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday said the government is stepping up efforts to find new sources of alternative energy following complaints about electricity bills going up during the summer months.

He was responding to criticism on social media and calls for the government to do more to cut people’s energy costs. Continued …

10 things to know about Thailand’s latest Covid-19 wave

Leading virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan warned on Tuesday that a new wave of Covid-19 has emerged after the Songkran festival. Yong, who heads the Center of Excellence at Chulalongkorn University, stressed the need to curb a resurgence of Covid, adding that it may come in the form of a new and more elusive variant.

He said the new wave is expected to accelerate from mid-May before peaking in June and then declining in September, in line with seasonal patterns of respiratory diseases. Continued …

Castaway farang rescued from Thailand’s waters

In a TikTok clip that looks like a sequel to the movie Castaway, a group of Thai tourists on a fishing trip found a foreigner floating on a makeshift wooden raft in the middle of the sea off the coast of Koh Kood in Trat province, eastern Thailand, yesterday.

The woman who filmed the clip chartered a boat to go out fishing for squid when she and her friends spotted a wooden raft floating in the middle of the sea. As she got closer, she noticed luggage on the raft, and then she spotted a man. The TikToker wrote a message, “Where are you going to float?” Continued …

241st Bangkok Anniversary Celebration To Be Held in 21 Locations

As this year marks the 241st anniversary of Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, the government is preparing a celebratory event that will take place at the end of this month. Meanwhile, the prime minister is encouraging Thais to take pride in their national heritage and contribute to preserving and promoting cultural values.

Minister of Culture Itthiphol Kunplome and culture ministry officials engaged with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting to publicize the upcoming event celebrating the 241st anniversary of Rattanakosin. Continued …

Thai Northeast braces for boom as China-Laos passenger railway opens

Nong Khai and neighbouring northeastern provinces are set to benefit after the Laos-China high-speed railway launched cross-border passenger services just in time for Songkran.

Passengers boarded the first train from China’s Kunming in Yunnan province to the Lao capital of Vientiane, just over the border from Nong Khai, on April 13 – the first day of Songkran. Continued …

Elephant herd invades golf course in Nakhon Nayok but returns to jungle

A herd of 45 wild elephants led by one called Sarika invaded the grounds of a golf course. It happened yesterday at the Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa in the Nakhon Nayok area of central Thailand.

Video

Sarika and his harem didn’t create any trouble, however. After a wander around in which they didn’t even eat anything, elephant pushers managed to persuade the pachyderms to return to the jungle. Continued …

Myanmar-Thailand clandestine business links under scrutiny

The outrage caused by Myanmar’s bloody dictator Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s inclusion this week in Time magazine’s list of 100 influential people just days after the massacre of 170 civilians, including 38 children, by Burmese jet bombers and military helicopters has spurred calls from human rights and democracy activists for greater scrutiny of how the junta regime is managing to evade sanctions, as well as funding and equipping its faltering military campaign to subdue its own people.

One focus of such inquiries is known to be its links with Thailand, where the government continues to offer muted but tacit support for the discredited junta. It comes amid louder and louder calls from within the ASEAN community for governments to get tough and ‘take the gloves off’ against the renegade Burmese military regime. Continued …

True X targets 1M adopters of new mobile app

True Corp. has rolled out True X, a new all-in-one mobile application meant to serve consumers’ daily lifestyle habits.

The app contains six core solutions: smart home, smart health, smart learning, smart energy, smart shopping and smart entertainment. Continued …

Sounding the alarm on zero-dollar tours

As a popular tourism destination, Thailand expects to welcome at least 25 million foreigners this year, with roughly 5 million from China, representing 50% of the Chinese visitor total in 2019.

In the early stages of China’s reopening this year, Beijing listed Thailand as one of the first 20 countries where Chinese tour groups would be able to visit. Continued …

Operators seek clarity on Bt300 tourism fee

Tourism operators are calling for clearer measures regarding the 300-baht tourism fee after the tourism and sports minister said levy collection will be delayed from June to September because of issues with its implementation.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said fee collection from foreign arrivals by air must be postponed because the airlines could not adopt a selective approach between foreign tourists, Thais and expatriates. Continued …

Tourism, agriculture beef up real estate demand in Northeast

The MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), tourism and agricultural sectors are expected to continue driving housing demand in major provinces in the Northeast despite the rate of inflation, with the help of China’s reopening earlier this year.

Wuttichai Chatchaiphonrat, president of the Khon Kaen Real Estate Assn., said the residential market in Khon Kaen would maintain a positive trend this year despite several negative factors. Continued … 

US visa fees to rise from May 30

From May 30, the application and processing fees for visitor and other non-immigrant visas to the United States will rise to US$185 from $160. This fee applies to tourists and business travelers, as well as students.

The price for petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q and R) will rise to $205 from $190, while the fee for treaty traders, and treaty applicants in specialty occupations (E category) will rise to $315 from $205. Continued …

Thailand beyond the beaches: Uncovering hidden gems in the land of smiles

One cannot deny that Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, but there’s actually so much more to the country than being synonymous with the beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Rather than jostling with other tourists for a serene stretch of the beach to yourself, consider making a visit to these parts of Thailand on our list instead and contributing to the local economy there. Continued …

Video: Why we love Chiang Mai

The food, the culture, the natural setting – Chiang Mai in northern Thailand has many jewels in its crown. We learn from the people who live there why they love the city. Video …

Sprawling heat wave envelops large swath of Asia

An intense and large-scale heat wave has enveloped large parts of Asia during the past two weeks, breaking longstanding records. From India to southern China to Thailand, stifling heat has set in unusually early this year. Continued …

Profit versus Sustainability: Are they mutually exclusive?

The world’s population is predicted to grow to more than 9 billion by 2050 and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that we will need to produce 60% more food to feed everyone, a huge increase that will undoubtedly take its toll on the planet. Continued …

The Wealthiest Cities in the World in 2023

When it comes to the number of resident millionaires, cities in the USA and China dominate the World’s Top 10 Wealthiest Cities, while only one European city, namely London, makes it onto the 2023 list published today by international investment migration firm Henley & Partners, in partnership with global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth. Continued …

Fox News to pay $787.5M settlement in defamation trial

Fox News has agreed to settle the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed against the network over its broadcast of lies aimed at undercutting public confidence in the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Continued …

G7 ministers issue urgent warning of ‘severe costs’ for supporting Russia

In a recent meeting in Karuizawa, Japan, G7 foreign ministers warned of “severe costs” for those aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The discussions primarily focused on China, with a united front addressing its increasing military and economic power. Continued …

China’s economy reaches new highs after zero-Covid restrictions

Official data revealed that China’s economy grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the first quarter, recovering after the conclusion of zero-Covid restrictions in late 2021. 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, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 17

  • Cruise ship docks off Hua Hin/
  • Why Thailand golf courses are appealing to Aussies again/
  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park officials spot rare, endangered serow/
  • Ten fishing boats sunk by storm, three crew drowned/
  • AUKUS countries don’t want Thailand to build Kra canal/
  • Songkran news: TAT estimates 18.5 billion baht spent during Songkran festival/Covid-19 cases will probably rise after Songkran festival/DDC to modify Covid jab policy to cope with rising cases/31 more people died from accidents on Thai roads Saturday/Songkran Road Rage: Driver rams vehicles at water splashing in market/Songkran tragedy: Pick-up plows into roadside tent where kids were splashing water/8 victims injured during Songkran party shooting in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: Ministry details soft power initiative/Airlines encouraged to add planes to push down fares/Thailand set to cruise into marine tourism boom with Koh Samui project/Koh Samui passenger ferry half sinks in heavy seas at Surat Thani port/Thailand’s Internet Key for Future Tourism/
  • Thailand Experience: If you’re bored of the over-rated attractions in Phuket, go to these instead/
  • International: Malaysia plans $8.5 billion port to keep up with regional rivals/Iranian court reaches verdict in Ukrainian plane crash investigation/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Cruise ship docks off Hua Hin

The luxury cruise ship MV Europa is docking today off Hua Hin near the Hua Hin fishing pier. Boats ferried passengers to the Hua Hin fishing pier for various different trips around Hua Hin. The ship carries 290 passengers, and after its one-day stay off Hua Hin will head to Laem Chabang. (HHT)

Why Thailand golf courses are appealing to Aussies again

After three years of government lockdowns, curfews and border closures, golf tourism in Southeast Asia has begun to recover. Thailand, in particular, is approaching pre-COVID levels of golf as international tourists return.

During a national three-month lockdown (March-May 2020), the seaside retreat of Hua Hin resembled a ghost town with a 9pm curfew. Hua Hin, three hours from the Thai capital, is now coming back to life as a golf destination. Thailand opened up in the second-half of 2022 and visitors are no longer required to be vaccinated or undergo a two-week quarantine. Continued …

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park officials spot rare, endangered serow

Wild animal enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Thai National Park officials spotted a rare, endangered serow in the past week. Officials at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, spotted a serow on April 11.

Video 

Video footage shows the majestic creature carefully and gracefully climbing the very steep, jagged edges of a mountain, and feasting on leaves from trees. Continued …

Ten fishing boats sunk by storm, three crew drowned

A violent storm sank 10 of 60 fishing boats that left ports in five coastal districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Sunday morning, and three crewmen were confirmed drowned.

Forty-eight of the 60 boats, with 121 crewmen, were from Pak Phanang district. Ten of them sank during the storm. Continued …

AUKUS countries don’t want Thailand to build Kra canal

Members of the new trilateral security pact AUKUS (Australia, UK, United States) are concerned that the building of a ship canal on the Isthmus of Kra would give China easy access to the Indian Ocean, a source said today.

The AUKUS pact was created, according to analyst, in-part to counter growing Chinese assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The pact includes among its provisions technology sharing and joint security exercises. Continued …

TAT estimates 18.5 billion baht spent during Songkran festival

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has estimated that Songkran celebrations have seen about 18.5 billion baht in spending by revelers across the country.

For this year, the TAT estimates total revenues from tourism at about 2.38 trillion baht, including 1.5 trillion baht from as many as 30 million foreign arrivals and about 800 million baht from Thai tourists. Continued …

Covid-19 cases will probably rise after Songkran festival

Covid-19 infections are expected to increase two weeks after the Songkran festival, but the situation will remain under control, because hospitals have the capacity to take the extra patients, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nitipat Jiarakul, director of the Thoracic Society of Thailand.

He noted that during the pre-Songkran period the number of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment at large hospitals had increased from March, but most of the patients had mild symptoms. Continued …

DDC to modify Covid jab policy to cope with rising cases

The Ministry of Public Health is modifying its Covid-19 vaccination strategy to handle the sudden increase in infections amplified by Songkran festivities.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) announced the change on Sunday in response to a surge in new Covid-19 cases last week. DDC Director-general Tares Krassanairawiwong said a total of 435 new inpatient Covid-19 cases were recorded, or about 62 cases per day, from last Sunday until Sunday, a 2.5-fold increase compared to the infection rate of the previous week. Continued …

31 more people died from accidents on Thai roads Saturday

Road accident fatalities in the first five days of Songkran rose to 197 people. Almost 80% of those involved were on a motorbike.

Thirty-one people were killed and another 304 injured in 311 accidents on Thai roads on Saturday, raising the road-accident death toll for the first five days of Songkran to 197 people, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said. Continued …

Songkran Road Rage: Driver rams vehicles at water splashing in market

A road rage incident happened on the final day of the Songkran festival at Si Khio market in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast Thailand.

A video showed a Toyota Vios smashing into another vehicle and then deliberately reversing to cause yet more damage. Continued …

Songkran tragedy: Pick-up plows into roadside tent where kids were splashing

An accident occurred on a road in Sa Kaeo province in the east of Thailand where children were splashing water near a Sawang Sa Kaeo rescue tent.

An Isuzu driven by Daeng, 47, lost control on the wet road and CCTV showed him driving into the tent. A 36-year-old woman from Klong Hat was killed and seven people were injured, two seriously, including an 11-year-old boy. Continued …

8 victims injured during Songkran party shooting in Bangkok

Police arrested a gunman in connection with a shooting at a Songkran party in front of Onyx bar at the popular entertainment venue Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok. Four victims were injured by gunfire, while four others were hurt while trying to flee the scene.

Officers from Makkasan Police Station were notified of the shooting incident. Upon investigation, officers discovered six bullet casings scattered at the event space near the entrance. Continued …

Ministry details soft power initiative

The Commerce Ministry has pledged to move ahead with measures to drive the government’s soft power development policy, with a focus on promoting Thai cultural products worldwide through a “5F” approach, referring to food, film, fashion, fighting and festivals.

According to Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the government recognizes these areas as potential vehicles for soft power, with the Commerce, Culture and Tourism and Sports ministries collaborating to push the soft power policy forward. Continued …

Airlines encouraged to add planes to push down fares

Aviation regulators will speed up approvals for airlines seeking to add planes to boost capacity and bring down airfares that have soared in recent months with a rapid recovery in tourism, a government spokesman says.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Ministry of Transport to ensure travelers were not overcharged, spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement on Saturday. Continued …

Thailand set to cruise into marine tourism boom with Koh Samui project

Thailand’s Marine Department is set to revive the Cruise Terminal Development Project on Koh Samui to cater for the growth in marine tourism.

In 2018, Thailand ranked third globally for most cruise ship stopovers, with 581 ships stopping per year and 14% growth year on year. Despite this growth, the country lacks a legitimate standard cruise terminal. Continued …

Koh Samui passenger ferry half sinks in heavy seas at Surat Thani port

One of the Raja ferry company’s passenger ferries listed and half sank in heavy seas at the Donsak port on the mainland in Surat Thani, southern Thailand.

The incident happened after passengers and crew had disembarked, so there were no deaths or injuries. Continued …

Thailand’s Internet Key for Future Tourism

Thailand’s place as a tourism hotspot was well-established before the digital age. In the era of the internet, however, investment in online infrastructure has driven the country to the forefront of travel destinations for many accomplished and would-be travelers.

Backed by some of the best internet speeds in the world, Thailand’s adoption of modern systems has made a significant difference in appealing to entertainment, education, navigation, work opportunities and safety. Continued …

If you’re bored of the over-rated attractions in Phuket, go to these instead

The largest island in Thailand is also one of its biggest tourist attractions. If you don’t want go where all the tourists go, try these Phuket attractions instead.

Ah yes, Phuket. With an abundance of scenic escapades and so much water sports almost anyone would be jealous, the province has been one of Thailand’s most beloved tourist destinations for as long as we can remember. Those visiting can expect clear skies, deep blue seas, and glistening beaches that are simply perfect for an island vacation. Plus, the shopping areas and activities available don’t hurt a bit, either. Continued …

Malaysia plans $8.5 billion port to keep up with regional rivals

The Malaysian government has confirmed it is going ahead with the plan to build a RM28 billion (S$8.5 billion) port to significantly boost the handling capacity for both container and conventional cargo at the main shipping hub of Port Klang. Continued …

Iranian court reaches verdict in Ukrainian plane crash investigation

An Iranian court on Sunday reached a final verdict in its investigation of the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian jetliner by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The court found 10 people guilty, sentencing the main defendant to 10 years in prison, with others receiving prison terms of between one and three years, according to Iranian media. 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, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 10

  • Thailand’s most famous Songkran festival/
  • New general manager coming to The Standard, Hua Hin/
  • Thailand braces for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds/
  • Thailand will be ‘super-aged’ by 2029/
  • Four killed in tragic family dispute in Surat Thani/
  • Economy expected to grow 3.6% this year – central bank/
  • Excise Department to impose a carbon tax on 3 sectors/
  • Tourism: Officials work with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Over 5 million people set to travel over Songkran holiday period/British tourists to Thailand: Are you really covered?/Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai/Government Boosts Tourism by Emphasizing Wellness/’Khee’ app shows Bangkok’s best places to poop/Thailand’s tourism recovery puts 4 marine species back on extinction watchlist/Thai islanders prepare to protect ecosystem after its beaches were named ‘best on Earth’/A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town/Phi-Phi islands earning a million baht a day in entry fees/
  • International: OECD predicts SE Asian growth to decline/Ukraine children back home after deportation to Russia/Japanese flight attendants feeling turbulence over passenger cameras/India to become world’s most populous country/Weak pound pushes up UK property sales/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thailand’s most famous Songkran festival

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday. The days of water-splashing merriment in April are also marked in several other Asian countries.

In Cambodia, it is called Choul Chnam Thmey, in Laos Pi Mai, in Myanmar Thingyan and in Sri Lanka Aluth Avurudda.

Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, marks the migration of the sun from one zodiac to another in Indian astronomy. Continued …

New general manager coming to The Standard, Hua Hin

Respected general manager Nathalie Cockayne has left the Middle East after a decade working in Dubai and Doha. Her most recent role was GM of Meliã Desert Palm Dubai, where she worked for three years.

Cockayne is now in Thailand heading to The Standard, Hua Hin, as general manager. Continued …

Thailand braces for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) urged residents in the North, East, and central regions of Thailand to be prepared for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail over the coming days.

A moderate high-pressure system from China is moving over the northeast and eastern parts of Thailand and the South China Sea, causing southerly and southeasterly winds that bring moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to the upper parts of Thailand. The TMD forecasted thunderstorms and gusty winds in the affected regions, with hail and lightning also possible. Continued … 

Thailand will be ‘super-aged’ by 2029

Due to a decrease in the population in the past three years, Thailand is expected to become a super-aged society by 2029, according to research conducted by the Kasikorn Research Center (Kresearch).

The research also shows the number of newborns and adolescents between 2020 and 2022 has fallen. Continued …

Four killed in tragic family dispute in Surat Thani

A tragic family dispute led to the killing of four people by a police officer with a grudge in southern Thailand. The incident occurred over the weekend when four men were shot dead by a police officer attached to the Khirirat Nakhom Police Station in Surat Thani and his three accomplices.

According to Provincial Police Region 8 commissioner Police Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomchit, the four men, allegedly led by 46-year-old Police Senior Sgt. Maj. Atthaporn Wichian, stormed a house in tambon Kapao and opened fire on the victims. The group included Atthaporn’s elder brother, 48-year-old Thammarat Wichian, 57-year-old Manop Wang-ngan, and another unidentified suspect. Continued …

Economy expected to grow 3.6% this year – central bank

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 3.6% this year, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gpv. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said today.

“The economy is resilient and is able to withstand multiple shocks,” Sethaput said. The BoT last month raised interest rates a quarter a percentage point to 1.75%. The central bank has raised its key rate by a total of 125 basis points since August, less aggressive than many of its regional peers. Continued …

Excise Department to impose a carbon tax on 3 sectors

The Excise Department plans to impose a carbon tax on the energy, transport and industrial sectors to help Thailand achieve its goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2063, as well as cut the cost of imported fuel.

The carbon tax will encourage more companies to use cleaner or renewable energy and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 30%, said Nutthakorn Utensute, director of the Tax Planning Bureau of the Finance Ministry’s Excise Department. Continued …

Officials work with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Officials are working with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in the Kaiburi district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The Community-Based Tourism Promotion Project is a collaborative effort between the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administration Organization, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Agoda. Continued …

Over 5 million people set to travel over Songkran holiday period

Some 5.1 million people are expected to travel during this year’s Songkran Festival, generating over 23 billion baht in revenue – a 26.3% increase from last year’s figures.

Citing a survey by Kasikorn Research Center, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said 44.7% of Bangkok residents are planning to travel, either to their hometowns or other destinations, during the Thai New Year holiday period. Continued …

British tourists to Thailand: Are you really covered?

British tourists traveling to Thailand are being warned that their travel insurance policies may not cover them in the event of a medical emergency. Most travel insurance is not designed to cover life-saving operations or expensive repatriation, it was reported yesterday.

The Association of British Insurers pointed out that 17% of all overseas claims are rejected due to lack of documentation, and the average payout for successful claims is just over £1,000. Insurers mainly pay out on small issues such as lost luggage or booking cancellations, rather than medical emergencies. Continued …

Gang attacks Swedish tourist for defending waitress in Chiang Mai

A Swedish tourist was brutally attacked by a gang of young men after he tried to stop them from assaulting a waitress at a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai on Friday. The gang also stole the victim’s gold necklace before throwing him into a canal.

Yesterday, police arrested three men of Tai Yai ethnicity (an ethnic group from Shan state in Myanmar) at a construction workers camp in Doi Saket district and detained them at Sam Kamphaeng Police Station under suspicion of assault. Police charged three suspects. Continued …

Government Boosts Tourism by Emphasizing Wellness

The government aims to boost sustainable tourism with a focus on wellness and medical tourism.

According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha intends to enhance sustainable tourism for greater income generation. Thailand’s medical tourism sector is currently valued at 9% of the global market, the largest in the Asia-Pacific, with a projected value of 838 billion baht by 2027. Continued …

‘Khee’ app shows Bangkok’s best places to poop

“Explore a city. Pin a toilet. Be a hero.”

That’s the pitch that greets users who download “Khee,” an app available starting today that lets people pin locations of their favorite public toilets.

It’s something everyone has experienced. You’re out in the city when suddenly nature calls. What to do? Continued …

Bryde’s whale with tern, Eden’s whale in gulf of Thailand

Thailand’s tourism recovery puts 4 marine species back on extinction watchlist

Covid-19 devastated Thailand’s tourism industry, but the deserted beaches were a lifeline for four species of marine mammals threatened with extinction in Thai waters.

Bryde’s whales, dugongs and two dolphin species had been disappearing from Thai seas before Covid travel bans gave breathing space for their habitats to recover. However, extinction fears have rekindled now that international tourists are flowing back in huge numbers to Thailand’s coastal and island destinations. Continued …

Thai islanders prepare to protect ecosystem after its beaches were named ‘best on Earth’

Residents of the tiny Thai island that jumped into the global spotlight last week after being ranked number one on World Beach Guide’s “Top 100 beaches on Earth 2023”, are redoubling efforts to preserve its delicate ecosystem, Hat Chao Mai National Park chief Prit Narasrit said.

Koh (Island) Kardan will remain closed to tourists four months a year – June 1 to Sept. 30 – despite being ranked as having the most beautiful beaches in the world, Prit said.

Residents, business owners and park officials will continue to make preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem, including its coral reefs and marine life, their top priority, Prit added. Continued …

A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town

Phuket’s tourist magnetism has extended from its beaches inland to its walking street that is now bursting at the seams.

A plan was afoot to expand the walking street but it is proving easier said than done. Car park spaces are scarce and any expansion could run into resistance from residents who share the street that the. popular open-air market occupies. Continued …

Phi-Phi islands earning a million baht a day in entry fees

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has earned about one million baht a day in entry fees, charged to tourists for visiting the Phi-Phi islands, since the e-ticket system was introduced last July.

Rakchanok Paenoi, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park, said revenue from entry fees from the sale of e-tickets have increased by 20%-30% to an average of one million baht a day, or a total of 137 million baht since the e-ticketing system was introduced. About 4,000 tourists are visiting the islands daily. Continued …

OECD predicts SE Asian growth to decline

Economic growth in Southeast Asia is forecast to drop from 5.6% in 2022 to 4.6% this year, pressured by weaker demand as the global economy slows, says the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Continued …

Ukraine children back home after deportation to Russia

More than 30 children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after a long operation to bring them back home from Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea, where they had been taken from areas occupied by Russian forces during the war. Continued …

Japanese flight attendants feeling turbulence over passenger cameras

The 40-year-old flight attendant cannot count how many times her photo has been taken without her permission. But when a letter containing a photo that she had no idea was taken arrived at her company, that’s when she felt things had gone too far. Continued … 

India to become world’s most populous country

China will soon give up its throne as the world’s most populous country, slipping to second place in the later part of April as it gets overtaken by India, according to projections from United Nations data. Continued …

Weak pound pushes up UK property sales

Property consultant Knight Frank Thailand expects a surge of more than 40% in sales of British real estate to Thai buyers, tallying 1 billion baht, with investors and currency the main factors. 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, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-April 7

  • Bangkok hottest in Thailand on Thursday as temperature soars past 50C/
  • Songkran activities at Bluport mall/
  • Be Well Clinic to move/
  • Dispute resolution center opened in Hua Hin/
  • Six people caught allegedly trapping macaques at temple in Phetchaburi/
  • Chiang Mai issues urgent work-from-home warning as PM2.5 soars even higher/
  • Shivering fox cubs rescued from forest fire in Lampang/
  • PM2.5 in Mae Hong Son tourist town at hazardous levels/
  • Police launch home-minding service for Songkran/
  • Thailand chips away at US trade deficit with 62% increase in chip market exports/
  • With plastic-eating machines, Thai communities turn a profit fighting pollution/
  • Thousands flee into Thailand amid renewed Myanmar fighting/
  • Marijuana Gold Rush: Weed conundrum polarizes society ahead of election/How medical cannabis is changing the lives of Thai patients/Thailand’s promised cannabis bonanza disappoints as politicians trade blame/Thailand’s First Cannabis Greenhouse: Step Forward for Medical Cannabis Industry/Why ASEAN countries should not look at Thailand for legalizing medical cannabis/
  • Tourism: 5 Thai beaches appear on list of top 100 beaches in the world/High flight costs said due to strong and swift recovery in tourism/What the big oil production cuts mean to airfares/Five-point plan to bring down airfares/Thailand to accept electronic VOA applications for 17 countries/Thai medical tourism market to recover to pre-Covid level in 2023/Pattaya Police Launch City-Wide Search Targeting Overstaying Foreigners/Phuket Close to a Drought, Phuket Officials Urge Residents to Save Water/Pattaya, Navy Helping Koh Larn Cope With Water Shortage/
  • Thailand Experience: Snorkeling in Thailand: A Guide to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi & Koh Lanta/Phuket vs Bali: how to choose between the two divine islands/Rain of fire at Buddhist temple in Nan/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Bangkok hottest in Thailand on Thursday as temperature soars past 50C

Bangkok will be the hottest area of the country on Thursday, with a heat index of 50.2 degrees Centigrade (122F), according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

The capital’s southeastern Bang Na district topped the forecasted five hottest places in the country as hot season gripped Thailand. Second-hottest was Chonburi’s Laem Chabang at 49.4C, followed by Phuket (47.9C), Si Sa Ket (41.5C) and Phetchabun (40.6C). Continued …

Songkran activities at Bluport mall

Be Well Clinic to move

The management team at Hua’s Be Well Medical Center has announced big changes for their Black Mountain satellite clinic, with a move to purpose-built premises at a location on the main road, close to the water park near the Black Mountain Golf Course entrance road.

Operations at the current location, established in November 2021, will cease from today. The new premises are expected to be open in the first quarter of 2024 as part of a larger healthcare and restaurant project. Continued …

Dispute resolution center opened in Hua Hin

A Public Dispute Resolution Center at Hua Hin police station will be responsible for mediating disputes that are classified as “petty offenses.”

These include verbal disputes, minor physical assaults, and other non-criminal issues that do not require legal intervention.

Six people caught allegedly trapping macaques at temple in Phetchaburi

Police arrested six suspects and seized three pickup trucks as they were trying to trap macaque monkeys at a temple in Phetchaburi province yesterday.

Police also found one monkey, traps and 40 blue plastic bags used to contain the animals after their capture. Continued …

Chiang Mai issues urgent work-from-home warning as PM2.5 soars even higher

Government agencies in Chiang Mai were ordered to let staff work from home on Friday as levels of PM2.5 smog surged to almost unprecedented levels.

In an urgent announcement issued on Friday morning, Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthavorn said officials who can work from home or online without impacting public services should be allowed to do so. Continued …

Shivering fox cubs rescued from forest fire in Lampang

Three fox cubs were rescued from a blazing forest in Chae Son National Park in Chae Hom district of Lampang province on Thursday. Officials found the cubs trembling with fear while the fire was being extinguished, the national park chief, Tewan Chanprom, said. (The Nation)

PM2.5 in Mae Hong Son tourist town at hazardous levels

The tourist town of Pai in Mae Hong Son province is choking with PM2.5 ultra-fine dust at a hazardous 398 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) of air on Thursday morning following weeks of forest fires and burning of farmland, the authorities said.

The Mae Hong Son operation center for tackling forest fires and smog added that the PM2.5 level in Muang district was measured at 196 µg/m3 and at 132 µg/m3 in Mae Saring district. Continued …

Police launch home-minding service for Songkran

Householders have been invited to “Leave your home with the police” during the long Songkran holiday.

Thousands of Thais are expected to start heading home from April 12 to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year on April 13. The public holiday for the three-day festival runs until April 18 this year.

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) today announced its scheme aimed at ensuring no one breaks into people’s homes while they enjoy the long holiday break. Continued …

Thailand chips away at US trade deficit with 62% increase in chip market exports

The United States has been experiencing a growing deficit in its chipmaking trade with Asia, but the good news is that Thailand is helping to chip away at that gap.

According to U.S. Census data, U.S. imports of chips grew 17% from last year to US$4.86 billion in February, with Asia accounting for 83% of that total. Continued …

With plastic-eating machines, Thai communities turn a profit fighting pollution

I found the workshop down a narrow soi in Bangkok’s old town. Several large sacks of plastic bottle caps, carefully sorted by color, sat by the entrance. Machines filled the rest of the shed.

Small and hand-operated, the machinery was there to be fed. I pressed a green button, and hungry teeth rotated rapidly at the bottom of a clear container, rattling like an aggressive kitchen blender.

I scooped handfuls of orange and red caps into the shredder. Once inside, they danced about like popcorn, becoming ever smaller as the teeth chomped them into tiny, thin flakes. The goal was to turn the caps into something new, ensuring they would no longer head to a landfill or, worse, into the ocean. Continued …

Thousands flee into Thailand amid renewed Myanmar fighting

Thousands of people have fled across the border to Thailand amid fierce fighting between Myanmar’s armed rebel groups and the military, according to Thai officials.

Myanmar was plunged into turmoil when the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, leading to mass protests and an armed uprising. Continued …

Weed conundrum polarizes society ahead of election

Despite the different stances political parties take when it comes to the subject of cannabis – with most objecting to its recreational use – and another potential shift in the plant’s legal status, many sellers remain unconcerned.

As the May 14 general election draws near, parties have begun publishing their policies in a bid to woo voters. The legal status of cannabis, frequently described as being in an unregulated “vacuum”, is a subject of significant public concern, however, and political parties seem keen to capitalize on this. Continued …

How medical cannabis is changing the lives of Thai patients

Before getting into the story of how medical cannabis is changing the lives of Thai patients, let’s first talk about the medical products that can be made from cannabis.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. The following are some of the key medical products derived from cannabis. Continued …

Thailand’s promised cannabis bonanza disappoints as politicians trade blame

Thailand’s decriminalization of cannabis has delighted its fans, alarmed some health experts and has increasingly disappointed farmers who have been undercut by illegal imports, sending a promise of a new bonanza crop up in smoke.

Marijuana has also become an election football, with the opposition criticizing the ruling pro-military coalition in the run-up to May 14 polls for rushing through decriminalization last year to what they say is the detriment of society, youngsters in particular. Continued … 

Thailand’s First Cannabis Greenhouse: Step Forward for Medical Cannabis Industry

The medical cannabis industry is a rapidly growing sector of the healthcare industry. It has seen tremendous growth in the last two decades, as more and more countries have passed laws legalizing the use of the same for certain medical conditions. This has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors who are looking to capitalize on the burgeoning market.

This medical sector offers many financial opportunities, including retail dispensaries, cultivation, processing, and delivery services. There are also opportunities to provide consulting services to help patients and businesses navigate the complex legal and regulatory environment surrounding the industry. Continued …

Why ASEAN countries should not look at Thailand for legalizing medical cannabis

Cannabis use was decriminalized in Thailand since June 2022. Yet, almost a year on, the country still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the production, distribution and consumption of cannabis products.

Amid the legal ambiguity, a fast-growing cannabis industry has emerged with significant implications for both Thailand and the broader Southeast Asia region, home to some of the world’s toughest drug laws. Continued …

5 Thai beaches appear on list of top 100 beaches in the world

The prime minister has expressed satisfaction with five of Thailand’s beaches being included among the Top 100 Beaches on Earth ranking published by the worldbeachguide.com website.

Koh Kradan in Trang province came in at number one on the list of the world’s best 100 beaches. Railay Beach in Krabi was placed on the ninth spot on the list, with Freedom Beach in Phuket ranked 18th and Laem Had Beach on Phang-nga’s Koh Yao Yai placing at the 21st spot. Ao Tanote on Surat Thani’s Koh Tao was ranked 44th. Continued …

High flight costs said due to strong and swift recovery in tourism

The Transport Ministry is pointing to the stronger-than-expected recovery in tourism for the high cost of flights, saying the surging number of international and domestic tourists created a large gap between supply and demand.

Thailand has attracted an average of 140,000 visitors a day since its reopened its borders in November 2021, Acting Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate said on Thursday. Continued …

What the big oil production cuts mean to airfares

The recent move by the big oil majors to cut production by over one million barrels a day as a “precautionary” measure to stabilize the oil market will have a domino effect on airfares, according to industry experts.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday announced plans to lower oil production by 1.16 million barrels per day, starting next month, which has already led to a surge in oil prices. This reduction in oil production will lead to a decrease in the supply of oil, driving up the price of oil, which will ultimately impact the cost of airline operations. Continued …

Five-point plan to bring down airfares

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Transport Ministry to proceed with a five-point plan to tackle the soaring prices of air tickets in the short and long term.

Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate said the ministry has informed the prime minister of the measures taken and those in the pipeline to address the substantial hikes, which is due to the surge in demand after the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Thailand to accept electronic VOA applications for 17 countries

BLS International Services on Wednesday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thailand to accept electronic visa-on-arrival (EVOA) applications for 17 countries. ”This convergence of forces is expected to propel Thailand’s tourism inflow steadily, with estimated 75,000-plus applications expected for the upcoming season,” the city-based company said.

The company collaborates with more than 46 client governments, including diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates, as well as employs technology and processes that ensure data security. Continued …

Thai medical tourism market to recover to pre-Covid level in 2023

According to SCB EIC estimates, the Thai medical tourism market in 2023 is likely to recover to a higher level than in 2019 and will be valued at 2 billion baht.

The future growth of the Thai medical tourism market is fueled by a number of health megatrends. These include the entrance of the silver economy in 2021, which is driving demand for medical care and innovation in anti-aging technology. Continued …

Pattaya Police Launch City-Wide Search Targeting Overstaying Foreigners

Pattaya Police and immigration launched a city-wide search Wednesday targeting foreigners on overstay or who might have been involved in illegal activities.

About 50 law enforcement officers swept across Pattaya City at 10:30pm to deter illegal activities. Continued …

Phuket Close to a Drought, Phuket Officials Urge Residents to Save Water

Officials are urging Phuket residents to save water, as water resources are limited and Phuket could be close to a drought.

Phuket Provincial Administrative Chief officer Somprat Prabsongkram said Phuket has three major reservoirs, which are the Khlong Katha Reservoir in Chalong, Bang Ward Reservoir, and the Bang Neow Dam Reservoir. These three reservoirs will only have enough water resources to last until July without rain. Residents have to save water. Continued …

Pattaya, Navy Helping Koh Larn Cope With Water Shortage

With Koh Larn off Pattaya being among the islands facing water shortage, this seaside city’s authorities, together with the navy, are now helping to partly alleviate the crisis by transporting badly needed fresh water.

Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai said this popular tourist destination has two sources of fresh water, with one being what is produced by East Water Co.’s desalination plant and the other ground water, plus what the local residents have stored during the rainy season. Continued …

Snorkeling in Thailand: A Guide to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi & Koh Lanta

Thailand is a beautiful country known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. One of the must-do activities when in Thailand is snorkeling, and with its rich underwater world, there are plenty of places to do so.

We will focus on three popular destinations for snorkeling in Thailand – Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta – and provide recommendations on where to stay and eat, as well as tips to make the most of your snorkeling trip. Continued …

Phuket vs Bali: how to choose between the two divine islands

Anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia confronts an embarrassment of riches. This magical part of the world has enough beaches, sunset spots, temples and fiery food to fill several lifetimes of travel. Yet, since we only have one, tough choices lie in store. Enter a pair of seasoned writers to make the case for their pick of two of the region’s most beloved hubs, Phuket and Bali.

For anyone who loves Phuket – as I do – it’s a magical island that instantly defies its stereotypes without making any fuss. Continued … 

Rain of fire at Buddhist temple in Nan

Water flowed and sparks flew as Nan locals performed their traditional Ched Peng ceremony at Wat Tha Lo in Phu Phiang district on Wednesday. Residents flocked to the temple to pour water on its Phra That Tha Lo stupa and offer alms to monks. As night fell, Bok Fai Dok rockets and Fai Phaniang fireworks bathed the sky and the temple beneath in fiery colors. Locals also competed to produce the most spectacular aerial show, launching 41 Bang Fai rockets. The event is held annually in the northern province for locals to celebrate and reaffirm their Buddhist faith. (The Nation)

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, chiang mai, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-April 3

  • Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back to 30 days/
  • Taxi drivers clash over foreign passengers at Hua Hin train station/
  • Polo on the beach/
  • Thailand is ‘burning’/
  • Three villages in Chiang Mai declared pollution disaster zones/
  • Chiang Rai skies lit up with disquieting message: ‘We can’t breathe’/
  • Thai Real Estate To Attract Foreign Investors up to Bt150 billion/
  • Thailand’s national lottery to stop paying out prizes in cash/
  • Most Thais want to be self-employed/
  • Local waste-to-energy trash solution draws fire/
  • UN group: more can be done for road safety in Thailand/
  • Flu vaccine ‘a top priority’ this year/
  • Chinese student kidnapped, tortured, murdered by gang from China/
  • Many unemployed elephants back home in Surin, huge and hungry/
  • Bangkok makes pact with Moscow to collaborate on 6 areas/
  • Tourism: New electrics make tuk-tuks a safer, cleaner and more convenient service/
  • International: Oil powers announce surprise cuts of more than 1 million bpd/Death toll at 32 after tornadoes hit US South, Midwest, East; more possible/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back to 30 days

Thailand’s 45-day visa exemption is back down to 30 days for visitors to the kingdom from a list of around 60 countries.

Starting from April 1, visitors from mainland Europe, the UK, the U.S., Australia, Saudi Arabia, and other countries will only be granted a 30-day stay in Thailand if they choose to enter the country without obtaining a prior visa, as the 45-day visa exemption is officially over. Continued …

Taxi drivers clash over foreign passengers at Hua Hin train station

An altercation involving two female taxi drivers, one of whom was a Grab driver, is being investigated by police.

The altercation took place on March 29 outside Hua Hin train station and reportedly began over a fare dispute involving a foreign family of five with their luggage. Continued …

Polo on the beach

The InterContinental–B.Grimm Beach Polo 2023 tournament took place Saturday on Hua Hin beach. The attracted international teams from four countries, as well as scores of spectators. The tournament was held at the beachfront of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. (HHT)

Thailand is ‘burning’

A list has been compiled of wildfires that have occurred over the past six months versus the same period a year earlier and the amount of land affected.

Forest fires are becoming a common occurrence in the country. The most recent, and perhaps the worst in years, was the blaze that broke out on Khao Chaphlu in Nakhon Nayok’s Khao Laem area on Wednesday. Continued …

Three villages in Chiang Mai declared pollution disaster zones

Three villages in Mueang and Hang Dong districts of Chiang Mai have been declared disaster zones by the provincial administration, as people in the northern capital are being choked by PM2.5 dust, the level of which is many times higher than Thailand’s safety level of 50-microns in many areas.

Deputy Gov. Chatchawarl Panya, acting on behalf of the governor, issued an announcement on Friday declaring Village 7 in Bang Pong subdistrict of Hang Don district, Village 3 in Mae Hia subdistrict and Village 12 in Suthep subdistrict of Mueang district to be disaster zones. Continued …

Chiang Rai skies lit up with disquieting message: ‘We can’t breathe’

A drone light show pleading for farmers to stop burning fields to reduce PM2.5 air pollution in northern Thailand was held on Sunday night at a school in Chiang Rai’s Muang district.

Phrases like “We Can’t Breathe”, “Please Stop Burning” and “Save the North” were spelled out in Thai in the sky above the city by lights from drones. Continued …

Thai Real Estate To Attract Foreign Investors up to Bt150 billion

Wichai Viratakaphan, bank inspector and acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said that the property market in Thailand has recovered since 2022. One of the main driving factors is the close relationship between the sector and the tourism industry.

After surveying 27 Thai provinces in 2022, REIC found that the total value of the industry was Bt390 billion (11.4 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 1,515% from 2021 when the value was Bt24 billion (704 million U.S. dollars). Continued …

Thailand’s national lottery to stop paying out prizes in cash

The Government Lottery Office has stopped paying out lottery prizes in cash, effective Saturday. Winners can instead claim their prize money through one of three channels, according to government deputy spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul.

The winners can have the money transferred to their bank accounts, except when the prize exceeds two million baht, for which the winner must have an account at either the Government Savings Bank or the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Continued …

Most Thais want to be self-employed

Now that Thailand’s economy has started picking up, many Thai entrepreneurs are looking for new business opportunities, a recent survey learned.

A poll titled “What do Thais think about business ownership” was conducted last month among 1,207 respondents nationwide and the results were published on Sunday. Continued …

Local waste-to-energy trash solution draws fire

Rather than protecting the environment and people from garbage pollution, the government plans to tackle overflowing waste by promoting small, localized waste-to-energy projects. This could bring about even greater environmental adversity and haze pollution, environmentalists say.

Due to the emission of hazardous pollutants and greenhouse gases from waste-to-energy projects, environmental experts and academics are urging the government to reconsider its strategy. They say it is impractical to create a sustainable waste-management system by prioritizing energy recovery alone. Continued …

UN group: more can be done for road safety in Thailand

Nneka Henry, head of the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), is calling on ASEAN member countries, including Thailand, to work closely with her organization to promote road safety in the region.

Henry, who recently participated in a workshop on Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue or E-READI in Bangkok organized by the European Union and ASEAN Secretariat, expressed her concerns over road safety among ASEAN member countries. Continued …

Flu vaccine ‘a top priority’ this year

Doctors are urging people to receive influenza vaccines to boost their immunity amid concerns that the flu is likely to rebound following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, president of the Influenza Foundation, said most people have been focused on how to protect themselves against Covid-19, such as by avoiding large gatherings and putting on face masks. Continued …

Chinese student kidnapped, tortured, murdered by gang from China

Nonthaburi Metropolitan Police on Saturday said three suspects have been identified who fled Thailand on March 30 after brutally torturing and murdering 22-year-old music student Jin Can who was enrolled at Bangkok Thonburi University and only arrived in the kingdom on March 8.

The case has parallels with another kidnap of a Chinese student on March 16 where a ฿3.2 million ransom was paid and police later arrested the gang. Continued …

Many unemployed elephants back home in Surin, huge and hungry

Lucky was busy munching on some freshly cut grass when she spotted a special treat a tourist was holding out. She dropped her next mouthful of greens and extended her trunk, asking for the banana.

For the first time in nine years, Lucky, 32, was back in her home village in rural Surin province in eastern Thailand, where tourists are much rarer than on the resort island where she used to work. Continued …

Bangkok makes pact with Moscow to collaborate on 6 areas

Bangkok and Moscow signed a joint-development pact in a ceremony at City Hall on Friday. Signing the memorandum of understanding were Deputy Bangkok Gov. Jakkapan Phiewngam and Moscow city government Minister Sergey Cheremin, who is also in charge of Moscow’s Department for External Economic and International Relations.

The MoU says the two cities will cooperate and exchange experiences in six aspects from 2023 to 2025, as follows: Continued … 

New electrics make tuk-tuks a safer, cleaner and more convenient service

Three-wheeled vehicles, or tuk-tuks as they are known, are popular among tourists in Thailand due to their distinctive appearance and ability to provide a unique local experience. However, when start-up company Urban Mobility Tech (UMT) surveyed the pain points of passengers in Bangkok using public transportation, they responded that tuk-tuks did not have a standard price and the vehicles created noise and air pollution.

In 2017, UMT decided to launch Muvmi, an electric tuk-tuk company, to provide an environmentally friendly and safe public transportation option to Bangkokians. Continued …

Oil powers announce surprise cuts of more than 1 million bpd

Major oil powers led by Saudi Arabia announced a surprise production cut of more than one million barrels per day on Sunday, calling it a “precautionary” move aimed at stabilizing the market. Continued …

Death toll at 32 after tornadoes hit US South, Midwest, East; more possible

The death toll rose to 32 and more dangerous weather was forecast for a wide swath of the U.S. South and Midwest already in ruins Sunday from a surge of storms that fueled confirmed or suspected tornadoes in at least 11 states. 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, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-April 1

  • Red Cross Fair opens bigger and better than before/
  • Doctors issue heatstroke warning as hot season grips Thailand/
  • Inside Thailand’s 200-million-baht war on PM2.5/
  • Thai forest fires worsen pollution that’s left 2 million ill/
  • Khao Chaphlu fire now ‘under control’/
  • Chiang Mai’s severe PM2.5 pollution lands thousands in hospital/
  • National Parks Try To Help Animals Survive Bush Fires and Droughts/
  • Thai Central Bank tightens up measures to protect bank customers/
  • Hacker threatens to publish data of 55 million Thai citizens/
  • 63 Chinese religious refugees detained for overstays/
  • Swede charged for overstaying his visa by 7 years, and conning locals/
  • Thailand gets ready for Songkran with free parking, toll-fee waivers/
  • Thai cops indicted over extortion case with Taiwanese actress/
  • Thai photographer who shot Oscars on how Thailand smothers creativity/
  • Thailand’s wild, wooly and booming weed experiment/
  • Tourism: The power of partnerships: Thailand’s sustainable tourism can thrive with collaboration/Travel agents predict 1 million Chinese in Q2/Phuket crash kills foreigner, the 35th road death on island this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Phetchaburi Salt Festival ongoing until April 2/Salt farming in Thailand – Video/
  • International: East Asia and Pacific regional growth to accelerate as China rebounds/36 Bodies Found Inside Well After Collapse at Hindu Temple/One year on, Ukraine remembers Bucha victims/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Red Cross Fair opens bigger and better than before

The Red Cross Fair, a staple outing for Thais in Hua Hin, began its spring run last night behind the Bluport mall with big crowds and more vendors than in past years. Improvements include canopies over the main vendor areas to protect against rain, although they made the areas uncomfortably hot.

The festival runs through April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort, and features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment and the usual carnival games. Expat News noticed many new foods being presented, as well as the old standbys. There were also new products being hawked by vendors, including marijuana and weed supplies.

Proceeds from the festival go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged. Here are a few images from last night.

Doctors issue heatstroke warning as hot season grips Thailand

Doctors have warned people to look out for symptoms of heatstroke as temperatures rise across Thailand.

“As rising hot-season temperatures could hit 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, people who spend a long time outdoors could suffer from heatstroke,” said Dr. Manas Phothaporn, deputy director of the Department of Medical Services on Thursday. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s 200-million-baht war on PM2.5

As Chiang Mai was ranked world’s most polluted city again on Friday, figures show Thai authorities have spent at least 203.83 million baht to tackle PM2.5 in the past seven years (fiscal 2016-2022).

PM2.5 refers to the ultra-fine particles in air pollution that are linked with premature death from heart, lung and other conditions.

Figures compiled by Krungthep Turakij news outlet show Thai authorities have launched at least 761 projects to tackle PM2.5 pollution over the past seven years. Continued …

 

Thai forest fires worsen pollution that’s left 2 million ill

Raging forest fires in northern Thailand are threatening to worsen the country’s air pollution, which has sent nearly 2 million people to hospitals with respiratory illnesses since the beginning of the year.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday ordered urgent steps to put out forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province to the east of Bangkok and those in the country’s northern region, including popular tourist destinations Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Continued … 

Khao Chaphlu fire now ‘under control’

A wildfire that was reportedly caused by a lightning strike on Khao Chaphlu in Nakhon Nayok on Tuesday evening has almost been completely contained, with fire barriers set up to prevent the blaze spreading to Khao Yai National Park.

Following the lightning strike, strong winds fueled the fire as it spread to Khao Laem, located near tambon Phrommani and Khao Phra in Muang district, on Wednesday and then Khao Nang Dam on Thursday. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s severe PM2.5 pollution lands thousands in hospital

Respiratory illnesses and allergies caused by severe air pollution have seen as many as 12,671 people admitted to the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital since Jan. 1 this year.

The actual number, however, is far higher than reported because many patients could not be admitted due to overcrowding, said Dr. Bannakit Lojanapiwat, dean of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine. Continued …

National Parks Try To Help Animals Survive Bush Fires and Droughts

The temperatures at this time of year are harsh and lead to drought, affecting many wild animals. There are also forest fires in many national parks and conservation areas.

Pattarapol Maneeoan, senior expert veterinarian, also known as Doctor Lot, from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said wild animals are scared during bush fires and use instinct to survive by fleeing the fire. This leads to injuries, in some cases to the bones; in other cases, it can lead to death. Continued …

Thai Central Bank tightens up measures to protect bank customers

Bank customers who want to transfer more than 50,000 baht electronically from their bank accounts are required to have their faces scanned to confirm their banking transactions, under a new set of measures imposed by the Bank of Thailand to protect bank customers from online thieves.

Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has issued an order instructing all financial institutions, including commercial banks, to upgrade their banking systems to cope with increasing online theft from customers’ bank accounts. Continued …

Hacker threatens to publish data of 55 million Thai citizens

A hacker, who goes by the pseudonym of 9Near, threatened to publicly release the personal data of 55 million Thai citizens unless the government contacts the cyberpunk by April 5.

9Near announced on the dark website BreachForums that he had stolen the personal data of 55 million Thai citizens from a government department and was going to sell them. Continued …

63 Chinese religious refugees detained for overstays

Sixty-three Chinese nationals detained in Pattaya for overstaying their visas are members of a self-exiled Christian congregation seeking United Nations protection from religious persecution, their supporters say.

Two Americans who have been trying to help the group relocate to the United States have also been detained, the Wall Street Journal reported. Continued …

Swede charged for overstaying his visa by 7 years, and conning locals

Police have arrested a Swedish man who overstayed his visa by over seven years in Chon Buri. He is also accused of defrauding local Thai people for money.

The Immigration Bureau arrested the 50-year-old Swede, Lennart Alexander, at a rental house in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri. Continued …

Thailand gets ready for Songkran with free parking, toll-fee waivers

State agencies have been instructed to ensure people can travel safely during the April 12-18 Songkran holidays, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday.

Thousands of Thais are expected to start heading home from April 12 to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year on April 13. Public holidays for the three-day fest run until April 18 this year. Continued … 

Thai cops indicted over extortion case with Taiwanese actress

Six Thai cops have been indicted by public prosecutors in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases for allegedly extorting money from a Taiwanese actress in exchange for dropping charges against her. The officers are from Bangkok’s Huai Khwang police station.

According to Kosonlavat Intujunyong, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, the six officers have been charged with demanding and taking bribes in violation of Section 149 of the Criminal Code. The offense carries a jail term from five years to life, or the death penalty and a fine of 100,000-400,000 baht. Continued … 

Thai photographer who shot Oscars on how Thailand smothers creativity

Early in March, Thai photographer Jutharat “Poupay” Pinyodoonyachet made waves when Thais found out she was shooting the 95th Academy Awards for the New York Times.

“Dream until it’s reality. I’M HERE AT THE OSCARS!!!,” the photographer proclaimed in a caption next to a selfie taken earlier this month at the annual awards ceremony. The 30-year-old freelancer moved to New York in late 2019 after becoming fed up with the labor exploitation of Thailand’s movie industry. Continued … 

Thailand’s wild, wooly and booming weed experiment

In June 2022, the Thai government took the bold step of decriminalizing the production, sale and personal use of cannabis. Huge consequences have followed, and other Asian countries should take notice.

An extensive, largely unregulated industry has quickly emerged, surprising many observers. Specialized retail outlets selling cannabis products have proliferated in large cities. Their number seems comparable with conventional pharmacies.

The 3,000 new retail outlets officially registered include both small-scale Thai firms and foreign-owned firms with prior experience in the Amsterdam and California cannabis industries. Foreign firms are especially significant in cities receiving the most foreign tourists. Continued …

The power of partnerships: Thailand’s sustainable tourism can thrive with collaboration

In the deep waters off Phuket, hobby divers scour the sea to pick up garbage on holiday. Elsewhere, in one of Thailand’s many villages, visitors are engrossed in baking banana bread using locally-sourced ingredients. These activities are now in vogue, as the rise of sustainable tourism in the Land of Smiles mirrors a growing worldwide trend that is here to stay.

Research has shown that over 80% of global travelers feel that sustainable travel is important – and Thailand is doubling down on environmentally friendly trips. With tourism a key pillar of the Thai economy, the country is promoting sustainable tourism development in major cities and secondary cities. Continued …

Travel agents predict 1 million Chinese in Q2

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) expects 1 million Chinese tourists in the second quarter of this year, following positive signs of flight resumptions, while urging authorities to help regulate “zero-dollar” tours and illegal tour guides.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of ATTA, said as airlines work to increase both scheduled and charter flights, flight supply is ramping up. Continued …

Phuket crash kills foreigner, the 35th road death on island this year

Phuket’s number of road deaths reached 35 this year after a motorcycle crash killed a foreigner early this morning. The accident happened on Karon Beach Road on Phuket’s west coast at about 2.28am, according to the Ruamjai Rescue Foundation.

Rescuers and emergency medical service teams arrived on the scene to find a garbage truck parked on the side of the road. The foreigner’s body and a damaged motorcycle were lying nearby. Continued …

Phetchaburi Salt Festival ongoing until April 2

The Art of Salt festival in Phetchaburi is taking place until April 2 at the Bang Kaeo viewpoint.

The art of sculpting salt into intricate shapes and forms at the festival showcases the creativity and talent of local artisans. The salt sculpture designs vary from small and delicate to large designs showcasing the artists’ skill and creativity.

The fair, which begin s at 4pm daily, also features live music, a light and sound show, and an array of local food. One of the unusual treats to try is the unique sweet salt, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Salt farming in Thailand

Sompong Kaewmorakot has been a salt farmer for over three decades. He shares his thoughts on what it takes to run his farm in Bang Prakong, and his worries about its future. – Bangkok Post

East Asia and Pacific regional growth to accelerate as China rebounds

Growth in developing East Asia and the Pacific is forecast to accelerate in 2023 as China’s economy reopens, while the pace of growth in most of the economies in the rest of the region is anticipated to ease after a strong rebound last year, a World Bank report said on Thursday. Continued … 

36 Bodies Found Inside Well After Collapse at Hindu Temple

Thirty-six bodies have been found inside a well at a Hindu temple in central India after dozens of people attending a festival fell into the muddy water when its cover collapsed, officials said Friday. Continued …

One year on, Ukraine remembers Bucha victims

President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed Friday to defeat Russia, speaking alongside European leaders in Bucha one year after Moscow’s troops withdrew from the Ukrainian town that has become synonymous with war crimes allegations. 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