Category Archives: thai wildlife

chiang mai, covid, hua hin, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Jan 3

  • January Hua Hin flight schedule/Six national parks to start e-ticketing from Saturday/IMF predicts a recession in Thailand/Economic chiefs promise brighter 2023 for Thailand despite gloomy world outlook/2023 positive for Thailand as EECO predicts full economic recovery/Agency to continue cost-of-living battle/Thailand’s property sector unfazed by inflation, expects a profitable 2023/‘7 dangerous days’ road toll rises to 218, 66 deaths on New Year’s Day/Nine Thais remain missing after casino blaze/
  • Tourism: New Thailand international travel curbs to be announced Jan 5/What China sudden reopening could mean for Thailand/Elephants: Covid and ethics reshape Thailand’s tourism industry/Phuket tourism on road to recovery/Patong Beach cleared of 12 tons of trash in New Year cleanup/
  • Thailand Experience: Life through the lens of a batik maker/
  • Covid: Fewer Covid-19 hospitalizations, deaths during Christmas week/Experts urge end to Covid fear as Chinese gates swing open/Why China’s Covid wave is stirring fear/
  • International: Airport Worker Killed By Being ‘Ingested Into The Engine’ Of Plane/Europe Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Winter Heat Wave As 2023 Begins/Floods In Philippines Leave 51 Dead/Moscow Says Ukrainian Rocket Strike Kills 63 Russian Troops/People Can Now Carry Guns Without A License In Half Of America’s States/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Six national parks to start e-ticketing from Saturday

Six national parks will test e-ticketing from Saturday as an alternative to cash for tourists to pay entry fees, the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced on Monday.

The department said the e-tickets would be issued at Ao Phang Nga National Park, the Mu Ko Similan National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park and Erawan National Park from Saturday in a pilot project.

The department said tourists can start buying e-tickets from Monday by using the QueQ app but the e-tickets can be showed to park officials at the entrance of the six national parks from Saturday onward. Continued …

IMF predicts a recession in Thailand

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Thailand and Southeast Asian countries will suffer from recession this year along with the rest of the world.

Kristalina Georgieva said a third of the global economy will be in recession this year, including Thailand and Vietnam.

The Bulgarian economist reckons 2023 will be “tougher” than last year, as the United States, European Union, and China witness a slowdown of their economies. Continued … 

Economic chiefs promise brighter 2023 for Thailand despite gloomy world outlook

Thailand may enjoy what appears to be a stronger and brighter economic recovery in 2023 than it felt in 2022, according to Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who told an audience on Monday that GDP growth in 2023 will be driven primarily by foreign tourism, which has a broader and deeper impact on people’s pockets.

Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, at the same time, highlighted the determination of the present government facing an election this year to stick to a prudent course by reining in public spending, while also raising taxes to address the country’s chronic issues of an aging society and private debt levels that are too high. All this would be achieved against a backdrop of a darker world economy with rising interest rates and lower economic growth. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

2023 positive for Thailand as EECO predicts full economic recovery

The Thai economy should return to the pre-pandemic level by the middle of this year thanks to the recovery of the tourism sector and private consumption, the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) said.

The agency said on Monday that it believes the economy will expand by 3.8% this year.

“However, there is still the risk of declines in export due to rising production costs and high-interest rates,” EECO said. Continued …

Agency to continue cost-of-living battle

The Commerce Ministry vows to move ahead with plans to help reduce the cost of living for people this year despite inflationary pressure easing, as reflected by lower domestic prices of most products and services.

According to Internal Trade Department Director-general Wattanasak Sur-iam, the department is setting guidelines to manage product prices next year, focusing on continued requests to manufacturers to help maintain their product prices in order to alleviate the financial burden on consumers as the country’s economy recovers. Continued … 

Thailand’s property sector unfazed by inflation, expects a profitable 2023

As many as 120,000 residential units are expected to be snapped up this year despite rising inflation, property firm Supalai said in its latest prediction.

Supalai Director Prasas Tangmatitam said that listed real-estate companies had sold 115,902 units last year compared to 75,364 in 2021. He said this was a clear indicator of the property market’s expansion.

Prasas reckoned that the sale of property had risen because home buyers in the 26-30 age group had not been affected by the economic fallout of the Covid-19 crisis. Continued … 

‘7 dangerous days’ road toll rises to 218, 66 deaths on New Year’s Day

Road accidents on Sunday claimed 66 lives, bringing the total death toll in the first four of the so-called “7 dangerous days” to 218, the Road Safety Center announced on Monday.

Boontham Lertsukhikasem, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and secretary-general of the center, told the press that 478 road accidents had occurred on New Year’s Day on Sunday, in which 465 people were injured and 66 killed. Continued …

Nine Thais remain missing after casino blaze

Nine Thai nationals caught in the Cambodian hotel-casino blaze are still missing, Sa Kaeo authorities said on Monday.

The bodies of 19 Thai nationals who were killed by the blaze at the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino complex last week have been brought back to Thailand, said Thawatchai Boonsang, Aranyaprathet district’s senior deputy district chief and acting director of the Thai victims’ rescue operations center. Continued …

New Thailand international travel curbs to be announced Jan 5

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has announced that a Cabinet decision is expected on Jan. 5 about new regulations for anyone entering Thailand by land, sea and air.

At the moment, Thai immigration police do not require to see Covid vaccination records or insurance documentation from arrivals: the only check is occasional random inspection by health officials of anyone coughing and sweating or reported by an airline to look potentially sick.

The Beijing’s government’s abrupt cancellation of its zero-tolerance Covid policy and opening up of its borders has already led to several countries imposing extra health restrictions on passengers arriving from China. Continued … 

What China sudden reopening could mean for Thailand

It was almost three years ago that the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization designated the outbreak a pandemic three months later and advised that steps be taken to stop the virus’s spread.

In these initial stages, China closed its borders, isolated people diagnosed with COVID-19, and implemented wide scale lockdowns when cases were found in the community.

As a result of the so-called zero-Covid strategy, the economy suffered and people became weary of the limitations and constant testing. Continued … 

Elephants: Covid and ethics reshape Thailand’s tourism industry

As he ambles in for his annual health check, Kwanmueang’s size takes your breath away.

Kwanmueang and his mahout Lek have returned to their home town as the tourism industry changes

Nearly three meters high at the shoulder, weighing at least four tons, and with spectacular tusks that curve together until they almost touch, the 18-year-old Thai bull elephant is an imposing sight.

Yet, he and his keeper, or mahout, Sornsiri “Lek” Sapmak, are in trouble. Continued …

Phuket tourism on road to recovery

Having endured the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years, Phuket’s tourism is bouncing back, welcoming more than 2.3 million visitors and raking in at least 127 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first ten months of 2022.

Business operators have high hopes that international tourist arrivals will continue to strengthen this year, while acknowledging it may take more than a year for the industry to fully recover.

For all its devastating impacts, the Covid-19 pandemic spurred the so-called “Phuket Sandbox”, a reopening model for international travelers, and made business operators, large and small, weather the crisis, learn about what it takes to adapt and rebuild their confidence. Continued …

Patong Beach cleared of 12 tons of trash in New Year cleanup

More than 12 tons of trash were cleared from Patong Beach Sunday as staff from Patong Municipality and volunteers cleaned up the debris left behind from the New Year countdown that saw thousands of people celebrate the New Year in Patong. Continued …

Life through the lens of a batik maker

Jantima Sukmetta, 52, gradually unfolds a batik fabric. It has distinguished colors of golden yellow and brown, the naturally dyed colors from turmeric and leaves of khonthi (beach vitex).

The khonthi plant is easily found along beaches in tambon Na Thap of Chana district in the southern province of Songkhla, where her Me-D Na Thap Batik Group is located.

“The cloth is specially designed because of the patterns initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and integrated with the identity of our province,” she said. Continued … 

Fewer Covid-19 hospitalizations, deaths during Christmas week

As many as 2,111 Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospital and 75 succumbed in the last week of 2022, a drop from 2,900 admitted and 89 deaths the week before.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Monday that about 302 people per day had to be hospitalized for severe symptoms in the week of Dec. 25-31, compared to 414 daily average in the week of Dec. 18 to 24.

The average daily death rate from Covid in the week of Dec. 25-31 was 10, compared to 12 per day the previous week, the department added. Continued …

Experts urge end to Covid fear as Chinese gates swing open

Health experts are attempting to allay concern that new coronavirus strains in China may be imported into Thailand, saying they are less worrisome than the already dominant strain in Thailand.

They made the remarks with Chinese tourists expected to flock back to Thailand after Beijing reopens its borders on Sunday. Continued … 

Why China’s Covid wave is stirring fear

China is experiencing a huge Covid-19 surge after years of hardline containment restrictions were dismantled last month.

A growing number of countries are worried about a lack of data and transparency surrounding China’s outbreak.

Here is why it is sparking concern: Continued … 

Airport Worker Killed By Being ‘Ingested Into The Engine’ Of Plane

A ground crew worker at a regional Alabama (USA) airport was killed on Saturday by being sucked into the engine of a parked plane. The person, whose name has not been released, was “ingested into the engine” of an aircraft at Montgomery Regional Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board said. Continued … 

Europe Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Winter Heat Wave As 2023 Begins

A historic winter heat wave sent temperatures soaring in parts of Europe over New Year’s weekend. Thousands of temperature records were broken on the continent from Saturday to Monday, and on New Year’s Day alone, at least seven countries experienced the warmest January weather on record. Continued … 

Floods In Philippines Leave 51 Dead

Thousands of people in the Philippines remained in emergency shelters in the wake of devastating Christmas flooding, as the death toll climbed to 51 with 19 missing, authorities said Monday. Continued … 

Moscow Says Ukrainian Rocket Strike Kills 63 Russian Troops

Ukrainian forces fired rockets at a facility in the eastern Donetsk region where Russian soldiers were stationed, killing 63 of them, Russia’s defense ministry said Monday, in one of the deadliest attacks on the Kremlin’s forces since the war began more than 10 months ago. Continued … 

People Can Now Carry Guns Without A License In Half Of America’s States

Alabamians woke up Sunday with the right to carry a gun without a license. The change, implemented by a state law passed last year, marked a major milestone: half of America’s 50 states now allow people to carry handguns without first seeking a permit. Continued …

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-Dec 19

  • What is it like for a foreigner to marry a Thai lady and live in Thailand/Royal Thai Navy ship sinks off coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Asian first-responder exercises held in Hua Hin/Things to consider when buying car insurance in Thailand/‘Day for Kids’ at Kingpetch Park Jan 1/Thailand’s higher electricity prices pushing its competitiveness lower/Free tune-up offered to Thai motorists before they head off for New Year’s/In Thailand’s conflict-hit south, women community leaders are using food, education as tools for peace/VST expects rapid increase in sales of electric motorbikes/Furious elephant stomps people at ordination ceremony in Buriram/Hungry elephants calling at villagers’ doors amid drought in central Thailand/Releaf Group to expand into the Thai cannabis market/Enforce effective laws to control cannabis consumption in Thailand: activist/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops Asia with the most award-winning hotels/Heavy rains close Gulf ferries, Surin Islands for 2 days/Travel tips for visiting Thailand/How to take a mud bath with an elephant in Thailand/10 Authentic Thai Dishes That Need To Be Tried In Thailand/Bangkok’s new fine-dining restaurants and must-eat street food stalls/New Year’s Eve In Bangkok: Best Restaurants To Visit New Year’s Eve/Irishman dies in kayaking incident in Thailand/1,316 days overstaying Chinese woman arrested in Phuket/
  • Covid: Covid deaths, hospitalizations increase/Their Majesties test positive for Covid-19/
  • International: New world disorder/Buddha statue will be world’s tallest, promises Cambodian hotelier/
  • Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

What is it like for a foreigner to marry a Thai lady and live in Thailand

Bangkok Matching, with the “heartquarter” in Bangkok, has been matching and introducing singles for over 18 years. They work with Thai and foreign singles across the globe. Bangkok Matching has created thousands of intercultural and multi-cultural couples alone and counting.

Unquestionably to the Bangkok Matching Team, many foreign and western men view Thai women as nurturing, sincere, elegant, feminine, and simply beautiful. They adore Thai women and only want to date and marry Thai.

Bangkok Matching, reputable and well-known Thai dating and matchmaking agency in Thailand talked extensively about what it is like to marry a Thai lady in our article “Bangkok Matching Reveals “What to Expect When Marring a Thai Lady, the Must Know Thai Dating Culture if Dating Thai Ladies”.

Today we talk further with Bangkok Matching about what foreigners and westerners need to know before making the big decision to marry a Thai woman and choose to live in Thailand; and what Thailand has to offer in each region. Continued …

Royal Thai Navy ship sinks off coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan

A huge rescue mission has been launched after a Royal Thai Navy ship sank off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday night.

Reports have said that at least 30 sailors were rescued from the water after the HTMS Sukhothai sank approximately 20 nautical miles from land near Bang Saphan Noi. All crew members were said rescued.

According to a statement from the Royal Thai Navy, the HTMS Sukhothai ran into strong waves and high winds, which caused the vessel to tilt. The incoming water disabled the ship’s engines and communications systems before it capsized at approximately 11:30pm. Continued …

Asian first-responder exercises held in Hua Hin

One of the world’s biggest first-responder exercises, NCT PRO Challenge Asia Training, took place in Hua Hin last week, with teams from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore participating in this anti-weapon and explosive training.

NCT PRO Challenge Asia 2022 allowed first-responder teams from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore to gather to practice their skills with real-life scenarios.

The training was focused on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense and is considered the biggest of its kind in Asia. Continued …

Things to consider when buying car insurance in Thailand

Are you planning to go and drive in Thailand? it’s a good idea to have car insurance in Thailand in place before you need it — especially if you drive a new or expensive car. And since there are a ton of companies out there selling auto insurance policies, how do you know which one is right for you?

That’s where this guide comes in. In this post, I’ll help you understand what goes into buying an auto insurance policy and how to get the best coverage for your budget.

Make sure it’s easy to get a hold of a customer service representative if you need one. Continued …

‘Day for Kids’ at Kingpetch Park Jan 1

The Sang Foundation is again planning the 2023 “Day For Kids” event Jan. 1, benefiting local families in need.

Starting at 11am at Pone Kingpetch Park (next to the Red Cross behind the main municipality building), the day includes childrens’ games, music and workshops, and some seasonal treats for the kids. The foundation will also distribute meals, clothing, books and toys.

Donations inquiries should be directed to the Sang Foundation Facebook page.

Thailand’s higher electricity prices pushing its competitiveness lower

The Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s mismanagement is leading to higher electricity prices, which will lead to higher product prices and reduce the country’s export competitiveness, a representative of the private sector said.

“These burdens that are being pushed on to the private sector and consumers, and it is coming from the government’s planning, which now requires reconsideration,” said Isare Rattanadilok Na Phuket, the deputy chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided that the electricity price for households should remain at a record high of 4.72 baht per kilowatt-hour or unit, compared to 3.78 baht per unit at the start of the year. Continued …

Free tune-up offered to Thai motorists before they head off for New Year’s

The Land Transport Department is joining up with private and public partners to provide a free comprehensive vehicle check-up before people start hitting the road for the New Year break.

Deputy government spokesperson Thipanun Sirichana said on Sunday that the department wants all cars, pick-up trucks and motorcycles to undergo a thorough check under the “Free Vehicle Check for Safe Driving” scheme.

Under the program, each vehicle’s brake system, tires, engine, engine oil levels, radiator, air filter, lights, etc., will be thoroughly checked. Continued …

Sompong Ad-Inmong (second from left) teaches bamboo weaving to conflict-affected women in Pattani province.

In Thailand’s conflict-hit south, women community leaders are using food, education as tools for peace

Sompong Ad-Inmong was a street food vendor in 2004, when Islamic insurgents launched simultaneous attacks on 11 government locations and security checkpoints in the Muslim-dominated provinces of southern Thailand.

More than 100 insurgents and five members of the security forces were killed.

The attacks prompted Ad-Inmong to become a community volunteer and she has since found creative ways to bring neighbours closer together – from weaving baskets to sharing food.

“The conflicts come from outside. We are a model village, where Muslims and Buddhists live together peacefully,” said Ad-Inmong, currently based in the Panare district of Pattani province. Continued …

VST expects rapid increase in sales of electric motorbikes

VST ECS (Thailand) plans to increase its sales of electric motorcycles 600% next year, from 500 this year to 3,000 units in 2003, Somsak Pejthaveeporndej, its CEO said. Somsak said the company would open its first service center next year in Bangkok and then add more in 10 provinces. (The Nation)

Furious elephant stomps people at ordination ceremony in Buriram

Ten people were injured after an elephant went on a rampage during an ordination ceremony at a temple in Buriram province on Saturday, local officials and residents said.

The elephant stomped an elderly woman on her hip and severely injured her, while another woman said her arm was broken in the attack.

She said more than 1,000 people had gathered for the ceremony in front of Wat Nong Tat in the province’s Lam Plai Mat district. Continued … 

Hungry elephants calling at villagers’ doors amid drought in central Thailand

A hungry herd of elephants went knocking on doors in a Prachin Buri village early yesterday morning, searching for food or water, as drought drives them out of their reserve.

Frightened villagers awoke to the sounds of wild elephants shuffling around in their yards, rooting for veggies, early on Saturday.

Residents of Nong Pradu reported that some elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighboring province of Chachoengsao had found their way into their community and knocked on the doors of three homes between 1am and 2am. Continued …

Releaf Group to expand into the Thai cannabis market

Asia Pacific licensed cannabis franchise group and cannabis retailer Releaf Group Ltd, has announced the expansion of the group’s interest and brands into the Kingdom of Thailand, where the company will establish its Releaf Dispensary franchise chain across Thailand utilizing a network of Thai traditional doctors.

With a head office in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, the Thai subsidiary will initially operate as a master franchise with two Releaf directors and four Thai directors. The company will also establish the International College of Cannabinoid Medicine, as well as opening a chain of MULL Cafes as medical consumption lounges with key local Thai partners under a Thai head-co called Releaf Dispensaries Co. Ltd.

Founder and CEO of Releaf Group Gary Mackenzie has indicated that the cannabis market in Thailand has matured extremely fast after changes to legislation in June and presents an optimal commercial opportunity and timing for the company to expand and open its doors in Thailand and continue internationally with its turn-key retail franchise operations commencing in Bangkok in Q1 2023. Continued …

Enforce effective laws to control cannabis consumption in Thailand: activist

Putting laws in place and enforcing them properly is the only way to control the consumption of cannabis, the leader of a network on cannabis legislation said.

Prasitchai Nunuan, whose group has taken on many environment and rights-related issues, made this comment after opposition parties, namely Pheu Thai and Move Forward, called on the government to list cannabis as a narcotic again.

The herb was removed from the list of Category 5 narcotics on June 9. Continued …

Thailand tops Asia with the most award-winning hotels

The Thai PM has praised the resilience of the country’s tourism sector after Thailand scooped top place in the Agoda Gold Circle Awards. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri says Thailand won the top spot for being the Asian country with the most award-winning hotels, according to the online booking platform.

The awards are selected based on hotel reviews from Agoda users. Thailand boasts 246 hotels that have won Gold Circle Awards, while Taiwan has 209, and Japan has 198.

The award-winning Thai properties are entitled to display the GCA logo on their website and can also earn Agoda Growth Express credits, which means they are prioritized for prominent listing on the Agoda site. Continued …

Heavy rains close Gulf ferries, Surin Islands for 2 days

Heavy rains, high winds and thunderstorms have ferries canceled and areas closing down for the next few days in the south of Thailand. In the Gulf of Thailand, all ferry services between the mainland and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao have been suspended for two days. On the Andaman Sea, the national park on the Surin Islands has closed to tourists for today and tomorrow.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rains in the south of Thailand with a strong northeast monsoon sweeping across both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The southern provinces received possible flash flood warnings with overflowing waterways caused by heavy rains, as well as swelling waves of up to four meters from the seas. Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Yala provinces are all expecting severe weather today and tomorrow. Continued …

Travel tips for visiting Thailand

When you travel to Thailand, it can often feel like you’re on the set of “The Beach”, with the white sand beaches, blue waters, ancient caves, and idyllic islands; but, of course, this beautiful country should also be accessible to everyone, so it’s important to consider how much money you want to invest in your holiday, too!

Top 5 Places to Visit in Thailand
  1. Bangkok Bangkok’s bustling capital city is a must-visit in Thailand. With its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and rich culture, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok.

  2. Chiang Mai – For a more laid-back Thai experience, head to the city of Chiang Mai. This charming city is known for its serene temples, lovely gardens, and friendly locals. Continued …

How to take a mud bath with an elephant in Thailand

Norpeo happily allows me to slather her with handful after handful of silky-smooth river mud.

And she doesn’t mind when I follow her into the crystal-clear waters of the River Kwai to splash and scrub the mud off with a big kitchen broom.

Maybe she’s such a trusting friend because earlier I hand fed her watermelons and bananas as she winked at me and caressed my arm with her nimble trunk. As you may have deduced by now, Norpeo is an elephant. Continued …

10 Authentic Thai Dishes That Need To Be Tried In Thailand

Not only the gleaming temples, golden Buddhas, and dreamy coastlines root for Thailand but also the mélange of its cuisine. With an array of spices and piquant flavors, Thai food at street stalls or fine dining reflects the true lament of its culture.

Thai cuisine can’t be classified solely as one but as a combination of five different flavors – salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. In short, they balance the five fundamental taste senses. Available all across the globe, but there are “10 Authentic Thai Dishes To Be Tried In Thailand Itself”.

Khao Phat

A national dish of Thailand, khao phat translates to “Thai fried rice,” which uses Jasmine rice, marking its difference. Unlike Chinese fried rice, this does not have ample vegetables but sliced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers with meat or eggs. Seasoned with sauces like fish sauce, chili, and soy sauce, it comes in many variants. Continued …

Bangkok’s new fine-dining restaurants and must-eat street food stalls

Beyond the tourist traps, cheap shopping and massage parlors, Bangkok has lots to offer for foodies at all price points. Local street food that dot the street are as prominent as the burgeoning number of fancy outfits jostling for attention in this food-obsessed capital.

Street food-wise, Bangkok is a city that has never lost its gritty underbelly, so the dishes are still authentically cooked by owners who have perfected their craft over decades. On the end of the spectrum, the fine-dining scene has also been buzzing with the entry of prominent names such as Sorn and Villa Frantzén.

On the cocktail front, speakeasies are a common sight in Bangkok. Besides the bars listed on the usual awards lists, natural wine fans should check out Mod Kaew Wine Bar, a place buzzing with hip locals. Another must-visit bar is All Cats All Bats that has a concise menu of Mexican food by Noma, Gaa and 80/20 alums. Continued …

New Year’s Eve In Bangkok: Best Restaurants To Visit New Year’s Eve

Looking for a splendid way to count down to 2023? Whether you plan to spend the last seconds of 2022 with your friends, families, lover, or your “it’s complicated” person, we’ve got more than enough choices for the best places to dine this New Year’s Eve in Bangkok.

The year 2022 has been an eventful year, and as we’re cutting to an end, it wouldn’t hurt to reward yourself with some extravagant celebrations. You could plan your very deserving trip to other parts of Asia, or even take a festive trip to Europe.

However, if you’re planning to stay in vibrant Bangkok on New Year’s Eve, the city’s never short of feasts and parties, either. Here are some ideas for places that offer sumptuous meals along with out-of-this-world parties to count down to 2023 in Bangkok. Continued … 

Irishman dies in kayaking incident in Thailand

A 22-year-old man has died after his boat capsized while kayaking in Thailand. Odhran O’Neill from Lurgan, County, Armagh, was last seen in Khao Sok National Park on Saturday at 13:00 GMT.

O’Neill’s uncle, David O’Dowd, told the BBC his nephew was only 4.5m (15ft) from a jetty when his boat capsized.

He had taken a break from an apprenticeship in Newry to travel to Thailand with a friend last week. Continued … 

1,316 days overstaying Chinese woman arrested in Phuket

A Chinese woman who is on a 1,316 day visa overstay was arrested after social media shared her story of asking for money from mostly foreigners many times at a gas station in Phuket.

A story of a foreign woman asking for money from mostly foreigners inside a gas station four times over several days on Bypass Road in Rassada went viral in social media earlier this week.

Phuket Provincial Commander Major Gen. Sermpan Sirikong said they tracked down and found Fan Yang, 47, Chinese national. She was staying at a budget hotel in Kamala. Continued …

For more information, email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Covid deaths, hospitalizations increase

Deaths from Covid were up in the period from Dec. 4-10. Also. the number of lung infections and need for intubation increased markedly.

The Department of Disease Control website said hospital admissions were slightly down at 3,961. This equated to 566 a day.

In the week, there were 107 deaths that represented about 15/day. Continued …

Their Majesties test positive for Covid-19

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida have tested positive for Covid-19, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Saturday.

Their Majesties were screened on Friday night as scheduled and the test returned positive. However, they both have mild symptoms. – The Nation

New world disorder

The world is likely to become brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible, posing new challenges to businesses after the pandemic, says an industry association. Continued … 

Buddha statue will be world’s tallest, promises Cambodian hotelier

Cambodian businessman Sok Kong, who owns the Sokha Hotel Group, has said that his company plans to build a 108-meter-tall Buddha statue on Bokor mountain. The statue covering 500 rice fields will be one of the tallest in the world. Continued …

Foe more information, email us at aimhhexpatnews.com

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-Dec 13

  • Prospect of new government after elections gets economy humming again/
  • Thailand’s election timeline explained/
  • Consumers cut spending, wait for sales/
  • Inflation, attrition push up salaries/
  • Jets, drugs and fast cars: the ‘super-rich’ Chinese gangsters who call Thailand home/
  • Big Joke says he’s investigating Immigration from top to bottom/
  • Top 6 Favorite Thai Dishes/
  • With locals not disposing of plastic correctly, Thailand is importing the world’s waste instead/
  • TerraCycle Foundation cleaning Thailand’s waterways/
  • 7-11 Goes Green/
  • Bangkok’s Skytrain Fares To Rise On Jan 1/
  • Thailand testing electric trucks to replace fleet of 400,000 diesel vehicles/
  • Seawalls are no panacea/
  • Tourism: Chiang Mai welcoming more tourists as flights start returning/At least 100,000 join in the Big Mountain music festival in Nakhon Ratchasima/
  • Covid: Nearly 4,000 patients with Covid hospitalized, 107 deaths reported in a week/Covid-19 now becoming a seasonal bug/XBB Covid Variant In India Will Soon Reach Thailand: expert/COVID monitoring center in Korat to reopen as infections rise/Hong Kong drops curbs on incoming travelers, scraps Covid app/
  • International: China sends record wave of bombers into Taiwan defense zone/Former FTX CEO Bankman-Fried arrested in Bahamas/Russia’s McDonald’s successor replacing Big Mac with ‘Big Hit’/

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Prospect of new government after elections gets economy humming again

Thailand’s stock market has been vibrant since the Constitutional Court gave the green light to new electoral bills that are likely to benefit bigger parties. Stock analysts viewed the passing of the election law as paving the way for the next general election and the formation of a stable government. A government made up of one or some of the bigger parties is considered more stable than one formed by many small parties.

The stock market is a leading indicator, as it moves faster than the economy while it is still subject to many uncertainties, because nobody knows for sure whether the democratic alliance will win over the rival conservative camp, which is backed by the military.

Observers say political parties and politicians will spend more during the election campaign early next year leading up to the election expected to be held in May. Continued …

Thailand’s election timeline explained

Thailand is entering “election mode” after two organic laws necessary for the next national vote were recently cleared by the Constitutional Court to be submitted for royal endorsement.

The House of Representatives’ four-year term expires on March 23, but many analysts expect Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to dissolve the House early in search of political advantage.

The Constitutional Court last month endorsed the two organic laws – the Political Parties Act and MP Election Act – which restore the two-ballot system and the party-list MPs calculation method of dividing total votes by 100. The previous general election in March 2019 used a single ballot and divided party-list votes by 500. Continued …

Home buyer confidence rises two years in a row

The home buyer confidence index in 2022 improved for the second consecutive year, as owners of all sizes of businesses were more confident about the current and future economy, according to property research and consultancy Terra Media and Consulting.

Sumitra Wongpakdee, managing director, said consumers in all careers, except students and the unemployed, were quite confident about the economy, with the most change among business owners.

“Business owners were no longer worried about the economy, unlike two years ago,” she said. Continued …

Consumers cut spending, wait for sales

Thai consumers have cut back their spending this year amid rising inflation, but more than half plan to make digital purchases during the sales season, while online shopping across Southeast Asia declined from last year, a recent study revealed.

The “Inflation & Shopping in the Digital Age” survey, conducted in November, found inflation affected the spending of more than 9,000 consumers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines this year.

While 90% of respondents reduced their expenses over the last six months, higher-income shoppers did not change their shopping behavior because they were less affected by inflation, according to the study, which was jointly prepared by global research companies Blackbox Research and ADNA. Continued …

Inflation, attrition push up salaries

The median salary increase for Thailand in 2023 will be 5.1% compared with this year, according to a survey of more than 700 companies in the six largest Southeast Asian economies by Aon Plc, a global professional services firm.

The figure for Thailand compares with an expected median increase of 7.9% in Vietnam, 6.8% in Indonesia, 6% in the Philippines, 5.1% in Malaysia and 4.7% in Singapore, the company’s 2022 Salary Increase and Turnover Study found.

While inflation plays a significant role in how salary changes look across the region, supply and demand in the talent market is also a big factor, Aon found in the survey conducted in the third quarter of this year. Continued …

Jets, drugs and fast cars: the ‘super-rich’ Chinese gangsters who call Thailand home

A seized private jet, supercars, drugs and palatial mansions: the spoils of crime committed by suspected Chinese gangsters based in Thailand are raising awkward questions over how foreign criminals have freely moved millions of dollars of illicit money through the kingdom.

The scandal began to unfold in late October, when a nationwide anti-drugs operation by the Thai police unearthed a cavernous illegal nightlife den – called Jinling – hidden behind a car wash in Bangkok’s Sathorn commercial district.

It catered to a near-exclusive Chinese clientele, serving up bags of ketamine and other party drugs in karaoke rooms that raged through the night, allowing guests to stash any unfinished drugs for their next visit. Continued …

Big Joke says he’s investigating Immigration from top to bottom

Top investigator Police Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakpan did not mince his words when saying he intended to see a full investigation at the Immigration Bureau, from non-commissioned classes to the generals.

He is investigating links in the IB ranks to the granting of favors to Chinese nationals looking to live and do business in Thailand. Continued …

Cashew chicken

Top 6 Favorite Thai Dishes

Over 10 years ago, my wife and I traveled to different regions in Thailand. This was a fantastic adventure where I fell in love with Thai cuisine. While traveling, we got to taste extraordinary dishes with amazing flavors from different parts of Thailand.

After our trip, I started to learn how to make the dishes, adding a lot of flavor and joy to our meals! Check out the top 6 Thai dishes I’ve made and shared. I hope you love it!

Thai Red Curry

This is a delicious Thai curry that really balances the flavors of sweet, spicy, funky, and sour! This is a meal that bursts with flavor and is so simple to make that you will be adding it to your weekly meal rotation! Continued …

With locals not disposing of plastic correctly, Thailand is importing the world’s waste instead

A temple south of Bangkok has an unusual ask for its followers: They are encouraged to drop off plastic and glass bottles, milk cartons, paper and other used items.

At the Chak Daeng temple, the items are then sorted. Plastic bottles are compressed into bales that will be sent to a factory to be turned into polymer fibers. These are then mixed with cotton fibers to become thread, which is woven into fabric.

After the fabric is dyed saffron, it is sent back to the temple to be made into monks’ robes. “If we can make a robe from a plastic bottle, that means we’re following Lord Buddha’s teaching,” said temple abbot Pra Maha Pranom. Continued …

TerraCycle Foundation cleaning Thailand’s waterways

Some 80% of plastic waste in the ocean is transported via rivers or coastlines, demonstrating the importance of collecting it as far upstream as possible. To tackle this source of pollution, the TerraCycle Global Foundation, a non-profit founded by TerraCycle, has cleared 581 tons of waste from Thai waterways – roughly equivalent to the weight of more than 350 cars – in its first two years.

The foundation has operated in canals throughout Bangkok since June 2020. It partners with local community and government organizations to stop waste from reaching the ocean, where it degrades and becomes harder to capture and recycle.

Using innovative wildlife-safe traps, the foundation collects all types of waste, including plastic, reducing the chance of the waste breaking down into microplastics and other hard-to-capture particles. Continued …

7-11 Goes Green

CP All Public Company Limited, the sole operator of 7-Eleven stores and 7-Eleven Delivery committed to society development and environmental sustainability. The company has driven its 7 Go Green strategy as well as complying with the government’s new “BCG” (Bio-Circular-Green) economic model by developing innovations to reduce energy consumption in 7-Eleven stores and delivery services.

Wichien Jungviroj, Managing Director (Co) of CP All Public Company Limited, said, “CP All strongly committed to run our business under sustainability framework by implementing a strategic plan to drive Thailand’s BCG economic model for 2021-2026.” Continued …

Bangkok’s Skytrain Fares To Rise On Jan 1

Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), the operator of the Skytrain system in the metropolis, yesterday announced a fare increase for rides to 24 stations over a distance of 23.5 kilometers starting Jan. 1.

The fare hike is applicable to the following lines:

  • Sukhumvit – Mo Chit to On Nut station;
  • Silom – National Stadium to Saphan Taksin;
  • Silom Extension – Krung Thon Buri to Wong Wian Yai station. Continued … https://thainewsroom.com/2022/12/12/bts-confirms-skytrain-fares-to-rise-on-jan-1/

Thailand testing electric trucks to replace fleet of 400,000 diesel vehicles

Thailand’s trucking industry will decide whether to switch its fleet of 400,000 diesel trucks to electric vehicles in April next year after EV tests, according to the Land Transport Association of Thailand.

Association President Apichart Prairungruang said the plan to switch from diesel to electric trucks came after the government released support measures for EVs.

He said that the association would test the EV trucks for safety to address concerns over possible battery explosions. It would also compare the capacity of electric and diesel trucks, since the new EVs will be used for long-distance trips of 300-500 kilometers, he said. Continued … 

Seawalls are no panacea

Last week, the environmental group Beach for Life launched a protest to urge the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to review its policies on the construction of seawalls and breakwaters intended to help prevent coastal erosion.

The group, which represents 94 civil groups and coastal communities, demanded the ministry overturn a ministerial resolution issued about nine years ago, which allowed the Public Works and Town Planning Department (DPT) to build such structures along the coast without conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

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  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
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  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

You deserve it!

Chiang Mai welcoming more tourists as flights start returning

Chiang Mai returned to its top spot as a favorite destination after the number of daily arrivals rose beyond 20,000 in December.

Nattawut Ta-inta, Chiang Mai Airport’s deputy director, recently said that the airport now welcomes between 18,000 to 20,000 passengers daily; of them, some 2,000 are international arrivals.

Some 130 domestic and about 20 international flights land in Chiang Mai daily. He said 11 international airlines have returned to their pre-pandemic schedule, including flights from Incheon and Busan in South Korea; Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; Singapore; Luang Prabang in Cambodia; Taiwan capital Taipei; Hong Kong; Yangon in Myanmar; and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Continued … 

At least 100,000 join in the Big Mountain music festival in Nakhon Ratchasima

At least a hundred thousand people joined in the Big Mountain Music Festival in Nakhon Ratchasima over the past weekend. The music festival returned after two years of being basically canceled due to Covid-19.

Watcharee Pratchanusorn, president of the Tourism Council of Nakhon Ratchasima, said, “There were at least 100,000 people who joined in the music festival. One hundred percent of rooms at hotels and resorts nearby were sold out, in which 208 hotels with a total of 8,221 rooms were full. Continued …

Nearly 4,000 patients with Covid hospitalized, 107 deaths reported in a week

A total of 3,961 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 received treatment in hospitals during the past week, and 107 patients succumbed to the disease, the Disease Control Department (DCD) reported on Monday.

In its weekly report, the DCD said 3,961 patients were hospitalized from Dec. 4 to 10, or an average of 566 patients a day.

The DCD said 107 people had died of Covid during the period, an average of 15 deaths a day. The number of Covid deaths has reached 11,694, the DCD added. Continued …

Covid-19 now becoming a seasonal bug

Covid-19 is becoming a seasonal virus in Thailand, primarily active during two periods of the year, said Yong Poovorawan, director of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.

Dr. Yong said infections are expected to peak between June and September and November and February. He said the virus can re-infect a person, similar to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), but unlike diseases such as measles, which, once infected or vaccinated, can build immunity that lasts for life. Continued …

XBB Covid Variant In India Will Soon Reach Thailand: expert

A pulmonary disease expert said yesterday that Thailand has to watch what Covid-19 strain is spreading in India because the same variant usually comes here, with the one currently taking hold there being XBB.

Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong, who is based at Vichaiyut Hospital, said the Delta variant was first discovered in India late 2020, after which it spread globally, with Thailand suffering from a big Delta wave in the middle of 2021.

In June this year, India was among the countries where the BA.2.75 Covid subspecies was first identified and it then replaced BA.5 as the dominant strain there. After that ,this strain spread to many countries, including Thailand where it set off a new Covid wave. Continued … 

COVID monitoring center in Korat to reopen as infections rise

The Nakhon Ratchasima provincial administration plans to reopen the COVID-19 monitoring center next week, in the wake of a rising trend in new infections.

Currently, an average of two COVID-19 patients are dying each day in this northeastern province, with six fatalities reported Sunday alone, most of them elderly people who were not fully vaccinated. Continued …

Hong Kong drops curbs on incoming travelers, scraps Covid app

Arrivals in Hong Kong from Wednesday will no longer receive an “amber” code barring them from some venues, Chief Executive John Lee said, while dropping use of a government-mandated Covid-19 mobile application.

The news of a further loosening of Covid-19 curbs in the global financial hub, which has trailed most of the world in easing them, is set to boost resumption of travel and business, as the code had limited access to bars and restaurants. The government’s move to scrap its mobility-tracking app governing access to restaurants and venues such as gyms, clubs and salons, comes after mainland China dropped the requirement. Continued … 

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International

China sends record wave of bombers into Taiwan defense zone

China sent a record 18 nuclear-capable bombers into Taiwan’s air defense zone, Taipei said Tuesday, just days after Beijing banned more Taiwanese imports in the latest sign of deteriorating ties. Continued … 

Former FTX CEO Bankman-Fried arrested in Bahamas

 

Sam Bankman-Fried, who founded and led FTX until a liquidity crunch forced the Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange to declare bankruptcy, was arrested on Monday in The Bahamas after being criminally charged by U.S. prosecutors. Continued … 

Russia’s McDonald’s successor replacing Big Mac with ‘Big Hit’

Starved of Big Macs since McDonald’s Corp. closed its Russian restaurants in March, Russians will from next year be treated to an alternative from the burger chain’s successor – the “Big Hit.” Continued …

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