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Driving License Renewals Go Digital/Hotel Worker Dies in PKK crash/Gunshot wound kills Kui Buri elephant/Extreme heat forecast/Summer storms predicted/New Rama 2 parallel route/Toll of collapsed building rises to 51/Keep pork prices stable/Food Panda to exit Thailand/Stunned by Massive King Cobra/Fires pollute Mae Hong Son/Fire guts Chiang Mai Hotel/Miss Universe Strips Thai Runner-Up/ECONOMY: Foreign business ownership rules/Currency Concerns and Origin Disputes/Can Thailand survive Trade War/Thai Economy Faces Strain/Tariffs Freeze Minimum Wage Boost/Industrial sentiment drops/More pain on Thailand’s rice sector/Future of automotive hub/Phuket–Pattaya Holiday Home Market/Microsoft to upskill 1 million Thais/TOURISM: Review of visa free scheme/Chinese tourist arrivals keep falling/Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast/2.6 million passengers during Songkran/Aviation Sector Earns Safety Upgrade/Tourist Hospitalized After Swimming/Luxury cruise ship to use Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Green shift won’t shock you/EV Bus Launched in Songkhla/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Driving License Renewals Go Digital: No More Tests Needed

The Thai Cabinet has approved a move to bring convenience to the masses. With a new draft ministerial directive approved, eligible drivers will soon renew their driving licenses online. No more queues, no physical tests.

This digital leap, spearheaded by the Transport Ministry, aims to cut time and costs, signaling a transformative digitalization in Thai transport. Crucially, this virtual renewal is reserved for drivers in good health, though specifics like age and health metrics remain in the pipeline. Continued …

Hotel Worker Dies in Motorbike Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

A 22-year-old hotel employee lost her life yesteerday after her motorcycle collided with the rear of a soil-carrying truck in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The victim, identified as Ms. Karittaya, was reportedly on her way to work when the fatal collision occurred.

Police Lt. Wichan Klin-suk, an investigator with the Ao Noi Police Station, confirmed the incident took place along a rural road connecting Phetkasem Road to the Yang Sue Reservoir in Ban Nong Ya Plong, Ao Noi subdistrict, Mueang District. Continued …

Gunshot wound, infection kill Kui Buri elephant

A wild elephant believed to be between 50 and 60 years old has died after becoming trapped in a muddy waterhole in Kui Buri National Park. Authorities later discovered a bullet embedded in the animal’s body and signs of a severe internal infection, possibly contributing to its death.

Anuchart Art-han, head of Kui Buri National Park, reported that on Saturday, a concerned local resident notified park officials after spotting the elephant stuck in a muddy pool near Ban Ruam Thai, Moo 7, Hat Kham subdistrict, Kui Buri District. The animal was still alive at the time, lying on its side in waist-deep water, struggling and raising its trunk. Continued …

Extreme heat forecast across Thailand

A low-pressure heat cell is covering the upper northeast of Thailand and Laos, bringing hot to very hot conditions during the day, while the prevailing southerly and southwesterly winds bring isolated thundershowers and gusty winds, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast today.

In addition, southeasterly wind is prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea, with isolated heavy rain expected. Continued …

Another round of summer storms predicted for late April to early May

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning that another round of summer storms is expected to impact Thailand from April 26 to May 7. The storms are likely to bring strong gusty winds and lightning strikes.

From today to Friday, rainfall is expected to decrease, with fewer clouds and rising temperatures in many areas. During this time, the sun will be nearly directly overhead in Thailand, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. Continued and maps …

400 million baht for new Rama 2 parallel route construction

The Department of Highways has allocated 400 million baht to alleviate traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road by constructing a parallel route and new bridges. Construction is expected to begin in September this year, and officials assure that it will not affect traffic on the main route.

On Monday, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director general of the Department of Highways, discussed the heavy traffic on Highway 35, particularly at the bottleneck near the Ban Bo canal bridge and the Tha Rang canal bridge in Mueang Samut Sakhon district. With only three lanes in each direction, vehicle movement is slow, leading to long queues. Continued …

Two more bodies recovered as death toll of collapsed building rises to 51

Two more bodies have been recovered from the rubble of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, bringing the death toll to 51, a rescue official confirmed yesterday. As of yesterday morning, 43 individuals were still missing.

According to the rescue official, the first body was recovered from under the rubble in Zone C at around 8:20 pm through digging and concrete cutting. The second body was found beneath the debris in Zone B and was successfully recovered at around 9:37 pm. Continued …

Stores urged to keep pork prices stable

The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is encouraging retail and wholesale stores to keep pork prices stable, despite recent increases driven by a decline in supply.

Wittayakorn Maneenetr, director-general of the DIT, said consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand revealed reduced availability of pigs in the market. Roughly 60,000 pigs are being supplied each day, which is adequate for domestic consumption. Continued …

Food Panda to exit Thailand May 23

Asia-based business Food Panda is to stop operating its platform in Thailand on May 23, the German food delivery firm said today.

“Delivery Hero (the parent company) will continue concentrating efforts in other parts of APAC where the group sees greater return,” the firm added. The company’s regional team, which is based in Thailand, will continue operations as usual, the company said. – Reuters

Surat Thani School Stunned by Massive King Cobra

Fires pollute Mae Hong Son, 61 hotspots detected

Mae Hong Son was blanketed by unhealthy ultra-fine dust yesterday as wildfires continued to spread across the northern province, with 61 live hotspots detected.

The Region 3 Forest Fire and Dust Control Center said 101 hotpots were detected across 17 northern provinces yesterday. Mae Hong Son had the highest number, 61, followed by Chang Mai, 19, and Tak, 5. Continued …

Fire guts Chiang Mai’s Lanna-style Dhara Dhevi Hotel

A fire destroyed the debt-burdened Lanna-style Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Muang district early this morning. There were no casualties. Dozens of fire crews and engines responded. It took them three hours to control the blaze at the famous hotel in tambon Tha Sala.

The five-star hotel earlier closed due to financial problems. The Legal Execution Department sold it at auction for 2.11 billion baht. The hotel’s debt burden was reported at 4.3 billion baht. Continued … 

Miss Universe Strips Thai Runner-Up After Miss World Appearance

Miss Universe has announced the immediate removal of Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri from her position as third runner-up after she appeared at the Miss World Thailand event, violating her contract by participating in another pageant.

Thailand’s beauty pageant industry was thrown into turmoil once again when Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, Miss Universe Thailand 2024, followed her former pageant manager to attend a business partnership announcement between Tero Entertainment and TPN Global at Studio 8 in the Channel 7HD building yesterday. The event was to announce Thailand’s representative for the Miss World pageant. Continued …

Thailand to ease foreign business ownership rules

The Thai cabinet has agreed in principle to amend the Foreign Business Act to reduce the number of restrictive regulations and make the country more investor-friendly.

The Law Reform Commission had urged updating the 25-year-old law, which it argued was overly protective of Thai business operators and no longer suitable to the changing economic situation. Continued …

Currency Concerns and Origin Disputes Stall Thai-US Trade Talks

In a twist to Thai-U.S. relations, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira highlighted two pressing concerns that have put trade negotiations on pause. Scheduled tariff talks have been sidetracked due to U.S. apprehensions over currency manipulation and the export of falsely originated products.

The negotiations await rescheduling as both nations brace for detailed discussions on these pivotal issues. The crux of U.S. concern lies in the potential for Thailand to unfurl a surge in exports, impacting U.S. markets, while other countries may exploit currency rates to their advantage. Continued …

Can Thailand survive Trade War 2.0?

As the trade war is now being waged globally, Thailand needs to cope with the emerging impacts, while trying to minimize the risks and grasp the arising opportunities. It is therefore important to understand both the upcoming headwinds and tailwinds for the Thai economy and businesses in Thailand.

The major headwinds include the impacts on trade, both exports and imports. Thai exports of goods, which account for almost 60% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP), will be negatively affected in the current trade war as tariffs are hiked by the Trump administration, with retaliation from China. This will result in lower global trade growth affecting Thai exports not only to the U.S. but also to other major export markets — China, the EU, Japan, and ASEAN. Continued … 

Thai Economy Faces Strain from US Trade Policies

The United States’ current trade policies, coupled with reactions from major economies, are poised to significantly influence the global economy, international financial markets, and world trade. The Thai economy is likely to face pressure from this ongoing situation through various channels, although the effects may take time to manifest.

In the short term, the Thai economy is experiencing increased volatility in the financial markets, alongside a slowdown in production, trade, and investment due to heightened uncertainty. The impact of tariffs on exports is expected to become more pronounced in the latter half of the year. Continued …

US Tariffs Freeze Thai Minimum Wage Boost

The expected increase in Thailand’s minimum wage to 400 baht has been put on hold, causing disappointment among workers eyeing a pay rise.

In a meeting held by the tripartite board yesterday, the decision to implement this wage hike was delayed due to concern over the economic impacts of recent U.S. tariff changes. The board has now postponed the next meeting to an unspecified date in May, leaving the wage hike promise in limbo. Continued … 

Industrial sentiment drops in March, US tariffs a concern

Thailand’s industrial sentiment in March fell for the first time in three months, with a future index pointing to a further fall on concerns about U.S. tariffs, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said yesterday. The FTI’s industrial sentiment index dropped to 91.8 in March from 93.4 in February.

Another FTI index that projects sentiment over the next three months also fell for the first time in three months, to 95.7 in March from 97.6 in a previous survey, the FTI said. Continued …

Trump tariffs threaten to pile more pain on Thailand’s rice sector

Thai farmer Daeng Donsingha was already worried for her family of nine when rice prices in the world’s second-largest exporter of the staple crashed this year after India resumed exports.

Now, she’s also fretting over the tariffs unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which could slash demand for Thai rice in its most valuable foreign market and create turmoil in an export industry worth billions of dollars. Continued …

Future of automotive hub in Thailand: Opportunities and challenges

The global automotive industry is undergoing an intensive shift toward electrification, driven by environmental concerns, fuel cost savings and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology.

While the adoption of EVs is accelerating in mature markets like the UK, Japan and China, other regions, including Southeast Asia, are navigating unique challenges and opportunities. As one of Southeast Asia’s automotive hubs, Thailand is poised to play a pivotal role in this transition. Continued …

Phuket–Pattaya Holiday Home Market Booms Despite Real Estate Slump

Despite the global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariff announcement and the earthquake in Myanmar that shook Bangkok and led to the collapse of a government audit office building under construction, Phuket and Pattaya are emerging as real estate investment hotspots for both Thai and foreign buyers.

Phattarachai Thaweewong, director of research and communications at Colliers Thailand, said over 50 new projects for vacation homes and condominiums were launched in Phuket and Pattaya in Q1/2025, with a total value of over 61.5 billion baht ($1.85 billion). Continued …

Microsoft launches AI program to upskill 1 million Thais

Microsoft Thailand has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future, aimed at offering over 1 million Thais the chance to gain AI upskilling opportunities.

The program is part of an ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and the Thai government, supported by 35 partners from both the public and private sectors. This major step aims to position Thailand as a leader in the AI-first era, aligning with the country’s National AI Master Plan. Continued …

PM orders review of visa free scheme

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a thorough review of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme. This comes amid rising concerns about tourists overstaying and working illegally in the country.

The directive, issued yesterday during the weekly cabinet meeting, targets the Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Tourism and Sports Ministries for immediate action. The prime minister’s order calls for an in-depth analysis of the scheme’s impact, with a focus on adjusting the duration of stays to ensure it meets its intended goal: boosting tourism. Continued …

Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand keep falling

Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand continue to nosedive, posting a low for 2025 of 5,833 arrivals on April 16, down from an average of 15,000 to 20,000.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has called the current trend a crisis, while a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand says a reputation- management strategy is needed. ATTA says Thailand is dealing with its worst crisis in the Chinese market in the past several years. Continued …

Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast amid global concerns

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing a mix of domestic and international factors that could affect the country’s tourism industry. The new target is a significant reduction from the previous projection of 3.5 trillion baht.

Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong confirmed the updated forecast yesterday, stating that the revised figure is based on expectations that tourism will return to pre-Covid-19 levels, with 2 trillion baht expected to come from international visitors and 1 trillion baht from domestic travelers. Continued …

AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year.

Kerati Kijmanawat, president of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports, setting a new benchmark for travel during the traditional Thai new year. Continued …

Thailand’s Aviation Sector Earns FAA’s Category 1 Safety Upgrade

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has elevated Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. Announced by the Ministry of Transport yesterday, this milestone acknowledges Thailand’s adherence to international civil aviation safety standards, enabling Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States.

This turnaround follows extensive regulatory enhancements after Thailand’s downgrade to Category 2 in 2015. The downgrade was chiefly due to 36 safety oversight deficiencies identified by the FAA, based on concerns from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These included gaps in aviation laws and a shortage of qualified flight inspectors within the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Continued …

Tourist Hospitalized After Swimming At Thailand’s Monkey Bay

A vacation always seems like a fun idea that is filled with adventures and relaxing moments. But there are times when things don’t go as planned and this is what happened recently with an Australian woman during her visit to Thailand.

She contracted a bacterial infection after swimming in one of the country’s popular spots, Monkey Bay. There, she accidentally ingested a bit of water while swimming, which led to a serious infection. Less than 16 hours later, she found herself in the hospital with a drip in her arm. Continued …

Luxury cruise ship to use Thailand as home base

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with StarDream Cruises, has announced a major milestone in its effort to promote high-value cruise tourism. For the first time, Star Voyager — a newly refurbished luxury cruise ship with capacity for approximately 1,940 guests — will use Thailand as a home port.

The inaugural cruise sets off today, operating two round-trip sailings between Laem Chabang–Koh Samui–Singapore–Laem Chabang from April 22–27 and May 7–12, under the banner of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. Continued …

Energy chiefs say green shift won’t shock you

Energy chiefs have poured cold water on claims that Thailand’s push for more renewable power will leave households with shocking bills, insisting the green move will actually save billions in the long run.

Claims that new power purchase agreements (PPAs) under the government’s 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy scheme would send electricity bills soaring have been firmly rejected by top energy officials. Continued …

First Public EV Bus Launched in Songkhla

Songkhla has launched its first public electric (EV) bus as part of a pilot project spearheaded by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), aiming to promote clean energy and reduce air pollution in the region. The trial service was officially inaugurated yesterday.

The initiative aligns with the “Clean and Pollution-Free Songkhla” policy, one of five core policies and 35 strategic initiatives laid out by the province. During the initial two-month trial phase, the EV bus will serve the PAO’s internal missions, including the transport of students, the elderly, and patients, to test performance and reliability. Continued …

Global Growth Outlook Dims as Trade Uncertainty Mounts, IMF Warns

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its latest World Economic Outlook update, painting a less rosy picture for global growth amid increasing uncertainty surrounding international trade policies. In a move reflecting the precarious state of affairs, the IMF presented three distinct scenarios for global GDP in its report. Continued …

Trump floats cutting China tariffs ‘substantially’

United States President Donald Trump said he plans to be “very nice” to China in any trade talks and that tariffs will drop if the two countries can reach a deal, a sign he may be backing down from his tough stance on Beijing amid market volatility. Continued …

Gold passes $3,500 amid Trump turmoil

Gold extended its record run yesterday, breaching $3,500 per ounce, as weakness in the dollar, U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks on the Federal Reserve and trade war fears spurred demand for the safe-haven asset. Spot gold was up 0.5% at $3,440.51 an ounce shortly after 9 am New York time, after rising as much as 2.2% to $3,500.05 earlier in the session. Continued …

Brazil farmer aims to revolutionize cocoa industry with giant farm

With the world’s cocoa industry in crisis from failing production in West Africa, Brazilian farmer Moises Schmidt is hoping to revolutionize the production process with the world’s largest cocoa farm. Video …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

• The bus will leave Hua Hin at 10 am and 3 pm
• From Don Meaung to Hua Hin: depart 3pm
• Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

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

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

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

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

 

Emergency hotline numbers:

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