Category Archives: thailand

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

Friday’s News-April 21

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

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How to find the right language school in Thailand

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

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

Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know

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

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

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

Sales of Alcoholic Beverages During Songkran Soar by 30%

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

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

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

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

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

Lowdown on the latest Covid variant XBB.1.16

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand applies Sweden’s models to expand forest area

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

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

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

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

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

Amid joints and cookies, marijuana business booms in Thailand

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

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

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

Best budget airlines in Thailand

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

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

Tourism fears after Nok Air stops flights to Mae Hong Son

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

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

Thailand summer adventures for an exciting journey

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

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

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

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

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

EU parliament approves world’s most sweeping cryptocurrency rules

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

US Gun Violence Incidents and Road Rage Shooting Cases

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

Air quality index map

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

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

Thursday’s News-April 20

2 Comments

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

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Uninsured driver crackdown in Prachuap Khiri Khan

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

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

Government says household electricity charges will be eased

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

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

5 provinces in Thailand suffering from blazing heat

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

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

Prevent your retirement visa in Thailand from expiring

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

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

Health Experts Alleviate Concerns About New Covid-19 Variant

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

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

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

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

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

Rainfall in the north to decrease air pollution

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

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

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

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

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

Giant panda on loan to Thailand dies unexpectedly

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

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

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

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

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

Industry index keeps rising amid tourism recovery

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

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

First quarter new business registrations dominated by real estate, restaurants

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

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

Bomb attack in southern Thailand injures 8 police officers

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

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

Today is World Cannabis Day

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

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

A guide to Thailand’s E-visa

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

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

Tourism fee to take effect in September

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

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

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

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

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

American Tourist Drowns in Krabi

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

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

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

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

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

What Do Senior Tourists Need To Know About Medical Tourism?

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

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

Video: Making pad Thai on Bangkok streets

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

The Tao of island travel

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

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

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

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

Stampede In Yemen’s Capital Kills At Least 78

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

Air quality index map

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, 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

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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, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-April 18

2 Comments

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

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Thailand braces for scorching summer

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

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

Huge storms wreck about 1,800 houses

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

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

Culprits behind dense smog choking Thailand: Corn and wildfires

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

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

Fire-fueled haze shrouds both North and South

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

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

Kidnapped Chinese man locked in box in Hua Hin

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

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

Top 10 reasons to retire in Thailand

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

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

How can I be eligible for O visa in Thailand?

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

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

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

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

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

Report exposes a decade of corruption involving politicians in Thailand

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

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

Major arrest opens Pandora’s Box of crimes

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

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

Thailand Becomes Major Link in Regional EV Supply Chain

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

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

Thai exporters are facing a rocky year

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

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

PM Warns Public of New Narcotic Drug

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

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

Former Kiwi PM commends Thailand for cannabis decriminalization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar Man Found Dead, Likely Infected With New Omicron Strain

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

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

Thailand’s Similan Islands to close next month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bali considers tourist entry tax

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

Asia-Pacific state debt reaches 18-year high

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

200 dead, 1,800 wounded in Sudan battles

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, 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

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

Saturday’s News-April 15

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

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

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

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

Thailand to suffer scorching heat, summer storms this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

Chiang Mai smog

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

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

Thai villagers drilling well hit mineral water motherload

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

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

Six Simultaneous Attacks In Far South

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

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

How (and why) Thais anoint seniors at Songkran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourists up nearly 12% at Thai airports in Q1

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Dark Side of Thailand as a Tourist?

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Guide To Thai Chili Peppers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

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

Friday’s News-April 14

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

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Songkran in full swing

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

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

Songkran festival to generate 18.5 billion baht, says tourism agency

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

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

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

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

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

New year revelry returns to Thai streets as tourism rebounds

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

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

Road safety tightened after Songkran travel kills 63 in 2 days

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

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

Money talks: Russians are coming to Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Thailand news …

Protecting yourself from the harmful effects of haze

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

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

Thailand among most improved countries in which to do business

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

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

Beware of passport scam targeting British nationals in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Air pollution increases in upper northeastern regions of Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Despite all the water splashing, Thailand faces another drought

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

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

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

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

The report identifies the trends as:

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

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

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

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

Measures sought to rein in airfares

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

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

China-Laos railway starts cross-border passenger services

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

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

Tong Chom markets key to aiding grassroots economy

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

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

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

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

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-April 13

  • Thousands turn out to celebrate Songkran in Hua Hin/
  • 74 deaths already during ‘Seven Deadly Days’ of Songkran Festival/
  • A special Songkran awaits in Bangkok/
  • Khao San Road locked and loaded for three days of Songkran mayhem/
  • Songkran crowds hit Krung Thep Aphiwat in first big test for new national rail hub/
  • Over two-thirds of Thais plan to consume alcohol during Songkran/
  • Nakhon Ratchasima gets highest number of Google hits for Songkran getaways/
  • Elderly citizens being abandoned as population change grips Thailand/
  • Most elderly want care from families/
  • More Thailand News: Summer storms forecast for most of Thailand this weekend/Apple making big move to Thailand as production shifts from China/Wildfire threatens Khao Yai National Park/How to find the right language school in Thailand for you/Sergeant major surrenders after allegedly hacking 55 million Thais’ data/Pepsi Thailand introduces bottles made from 100% recycled plastic/Thailand’s medical cannabis market to grow by 26%/
  • Tourism: Chiang Mai celebrates 727th anniversary/‘This week, no one’: Tourists shun choking Chiang Mai/TAT optimistic about reaching long-haul market target/Your Guide to Thailand Visas: Everything You Need to Know/Navigating healthcare in Thailand: tips for tourists and expats seeking medical care/Speedboat explosion in southern Thailand kills 1, injures 1/
  • Thailand Experience: Instagram-worthy spots for Thailand Travel 2023/Thailand’s most stunning waterfalls/
  • International: Airstrikes on Myanmar Village Feared To Have Killed 100/Asia-Pacific countries in arms race amid tensions in region/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thousands turn out to celebrate Songkran in Hua Hin

Thousands for people descended on Hua Hin on Wednesday to celebrate the Songkran festival.

People took part in water splashing and partying across town in Soi 94, Soi Bintabaht and Soi 51 from mid-mid morning and well into the night.

Earlier, Polkrit Phuangvalaisin, Hua Hin district chief, presided over the opening ceremony of the Songkran Festival in Hua Hin. Continued …

74 deaths already during ‘Seven Deadly Days’ of Songkran Festival

The Thai government has issued a warning to drivers who are traveling during the Songkran Festival, urging them to be careful on the road. This warning comes after the Thailand Road Accidents Data Center for Road Safety Culture (ThaiRSC) reported 74 fatalities and 2,322 injuries on the first day of the “Seven Deadly Days” of the Songkran Festival. As of today, on day two, there have been 37 fatal injuries and 1,771 injuries reported.

Chotnarin Kerdsom, the Interior deputy permanent secretary, stated that speeding was the primary cause of “Seven Deadly Days” accidents (35%), followed by cutting in front of other vehicles (25%). Most accidents involved motorcycles (79%), and the majority of crashes occurred on main roads (87%), followed by highways (48%). Continued … 

A special Songkran awaits in Bangkok

The Songkran celebration is very special this year. It’s the first time in four years we can enjoy the fun the festival has to offer.

Once again, Bangkok remains a popular destination for Songkran revelers from around the world, as they can find any kind of activity at many different locations. Here are some of the venues to make the summer holidays memorable. Continued …

Khao San Road locked and loaded for three days of Songkran mayhem

Khaosan Road in Bangkok was bustling again on Wednesday after three years of pandemic, as revelers turned up to celebrate the Songkran festival.

Vendors have lined the street with stalls selling food and drink, as well as water guns, plastic bags for smartphones and other equipment for water fights. Continued …

Songkran crowds hit Krung Thep Aphiwat in first big test for new national rail hub

Huge crowds were seen at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok on Wednesday as the Songkran exodus to hometowns began in earnest.

Millions of people are expected to make take trips to their family homes or tourism destinations over the long holiday for the Thai New Year. This is the first big test for the new national rail hub in Chatuchak district. Long-distance trains were switched to Krung Thep Aphiwat in January. Continued …

Over two-thirds of Thais plan to consume alcohol during Songkran

A survey by a state department showed that 71.6% of Thais planned to consume alcohol with friends and family members, which is the norm every year.

The survey by the Department of Health Service Support under the Ministry of Health polled 12,305 people nationwide. Continued …

Water wars turn nasty in north: Five injured as fists and bottles thrown

What should be the joyous occasion of Songkran – the traditional Thai new year – turned into a melee in Lampang, northern Thailand.

Following a parade, tempers got frayed when two pickups vied for road space on Thap Chang road in the downtown area. Continued …

Nakhon Ratchasima gets highest number of Google hits for Songkran getaways

Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast of Thailand topped the list of most-searched provinces for Songkran getaways this past week.

Yuthask Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said an analysis of Google searches and mentions shows that Chiang Mai has dropped significantly in the search for Songkran holiday destinations. He put this down to the bad air pollution and high fine-dust levels. Continued …

Elderly citizens being abandoned as population change grips Thailand

While family gatherings are common during the Songkran festival, many elderly Thais will be spending the holiday alone, just as they do for the rest of the year. At the age of 74, Buakaew is one of them.

“I am childless and now a widow,” the elderly woman said. “Although I raised a niece, she moved to another province three or four years ago.”

Her relatives have not completely abandoned her. Her niece has kept in contact. But Buakaew knows not to bother or burden her younger relative, as they no longer live under the same roof. Continued …

Most elderly want care from families

Most surveyed elderly people expect care from their families, especially from daughters, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

The survey, conducted from March 14 to 17 among 1,310 people aged 60 years and older throughout the country, aimed to determine who should take care of senior citizens. It was conducted to mark National Elderly Day and the first day of the Songkran festival on April 13. Continued …

More Thailand News …

Summer storms forecast for most of Thailand this weekend

Most of Thailand, except for the south, is expected to see summer storms this weekend, which will bring rain, strong winds and hail to some areas, according to the Meteorological Department.

A moderate cold front from China is expected to cover Thailand’s northeast and the South China Sea. This will intensify the southerly and southeasterly winds and bring humidity from the Gulf and South China Sea to the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions of Thailand, said the department. Continued …

Apple making big move to Thailand as production shifts from China

Late last year, news broke that Apple Inc. was planning to shift production from China to Thailand; it now appears that this move is becoming a reality.

According to a report, the multinational technology company based in California is currently in discussions with suppliers regarding the manufacturing of MacBooks in Thailand, as part of its strategy to expand manufacturing outside of China.

Sources close to the discussions have revealed that these suppliers already have existing manufacturing complexes in Thailand, which they use for other clients. They are now exploring the possibility of producing and assembling components and modules for MacBooks. Continued …

Wildfire threatens Khao Yai National Park

A wildfire on Khao Tabaek mountain in Nakhon Nayok province has spread to a border area of Khao Yai National Park, park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong said.

The fire, which started on the night of April 10 on the mountain in tambon Khao Phra, Muang district, has spread to nearby forest areas. Continued …

How to find the right language school in Thailand for you

Learning Thai in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizon. With all of the options available, though, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right language school in Thailand for you.

But don’t worry — we’ve created this guide to help you make an informed decision to find the perfect language school that meets your needs. After all, mastering a new language starts with selecting the right school. Continued …

Sergeant major surrenders after allegedly hacking 55 million Thais’ data

The sergeant major accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais surrendered to police this morning. The alleged hacker, Sgt. Maj. Khemarat Boonchuay, arrived at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) this morning with his wife for questioning. Police said the suspect remained silent and did not respond to any questions.

Khemarat was suspended by the Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Friday for being absent without leave (AWOL) since April 3. The sergeant major was issued an arrest warrant for computer crime, leading to his suspension. Continued …

Pepsi Thailand introduces bottles made from 100% recycled plastic

Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) will switch to 100% recycled plastic for its 550ml Pepsi bottles, expected to enter the market later this month, under the campaign “Appreciate Fizz: Dare to Change the World.”

PepsiCo joined forces with Chulalongkorn University and ENVICCO Co. to launch the project, “Pepsi Recycled PET Bottle Campaign.” Pepsi will be the first carbonated drink brand to use 100% recycled plastic bottles in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s medical cannabis market to grow by 26%

Data Bridge Market Research predicts Thailand’s medical cannabis market is expected to have a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 25.2% in the forecast period of 2028 and is expected to reach USD 67,354.01 million by 2028.

On the basis of application, the Thailand medical cannabis market is segmented into Alzheimer’s disease, appetite loss, cancer, epilepsy, autism, mental health conditions, multiple sclerosis, pain management, nausea, muscle spasms, arthritis, elevate mood, multiple sclerosis, depression and sleep disorders, anxiety and others. In 2021, the Alzheimer’s disease segment is expected to dominate the market because of increasing R&D activities.

The major players operating in this market are Tilray, Elixinol Thailand, Medical Marijuana, Extractas, Peace Naturals Project, BOL Pharma, PharmaHemp, Kiehl’s (a subsidiary of L’Oreal), Canopy Growth Corp., Aurora Cannabis, Althea Co. (a subsidiary of Althea Group Holdings), Cresco Labs, IDT Australia, MediPharm Labs, THC Thailand Group, and Aphria, among others. – thesemweekly.org

Chiang Mai celebrates 727th anniversary

Chiang Mai held a merit-making ceremony to celebrate its 727th anniversary. The event was held to pay respect to the founders: King Mangrai, King Ngam Mueang and King Ram Khamhaeng. The three kings founded the city on April 12, 1296, which is the start of the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, which lasts until April 15.

Video 

Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, the governor of Chiang Mai, who presided over the event, offered food to the monks, along with locals and tourists, at the Three Kings Monument in Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai province. Continued …

‘This week, no one’: Tourists shun choking Chiang Mai

Hazardous pollution levels in northern Thailand have left the historic city of Chiang Mai choking under thick smog, with local residents worried about the impact on tourism — and their health.

Smoke from forest fires and farmers burning crop stubble has suffocated the tourist city, with the global air monitoring platform IQAir ranking it among the most polluted places in the world — above regular hotspots such as Lahore and Delhi. Continued …

TAT optimistic about reaching long-haul market target

Stronger air traffic in the summer, with a projection of more than 98,000 flights, should help each long-haul market to exceed 1 million visitors by the end of this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said 98,625 flights scheduled between April and October exceeded the flight capacity of the previous cool season. Continued …

Your Guide to Thailand Visas: Everything You Need to Know

Thailand is a popular travel destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Thailand visas, so you can make sure you have everything you need before you travel.

There are several type of visa in Thailand, depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common types of visas are: Continued …

Navigating healthcare in Thailand: tips for tourists and expats seeking medical care

Healthcare in Thailand has gained a strong reputation over the years, attracting not only tourists and expats but also medical travelers seeking high-quality and affordable treatment.

With the country’s unique combination of public and private healthcare options, navigating the system may seem daunting, especially for first-time visitors. However, with some basic understanding and preparation, accessing medical care during your stay in Thailand can be a smooth and hassle-free experience. Continued …

Speedboat explosion in southern Thailand kills 1, injures 1

An explosion on a tourist speedboat docked at a pier in Phang Nga province in southern Thailand injured two people yesterday, one of whom later passed away in the hospital.

At around 8pm, the Phang Nga Harbor office was informed of a loud noise similar to an explosion on a speedboat at Ban Thap Lamu Pier in Lam Kaen subdistrict, Thai Mueang district. Continued …

Instagram-worthy spots for Thailand Travel 2023

Thailand, the mesmerizing jewel of Southeast Asia, has long been a favorite destination for globetrotters and photographers alike. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine, Thailand provides endless opportunities for awe-inspiring Instagram content.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this sublime country. Continued …

Thailand’s most stunning waterfalls

Thailand waterfall experiences are truly captivating, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the country’s stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. Thailand is home to a variety of waterfalls, each with its unique charm and appeal. These cascading falls can be found in different parts of the country, from the green jungles of the north to the beautiful beaches of the south.

Many of these falls are located within national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, playing a crucial role in supporting the plant and animal life that thrives in these habitats. Visiting a waterfall in Thailand is not only a visual delight but also a chance to enjoy the calming sounds of nature, swim in clear pools, or go on an exciting trek through the surrounding wilderness. Continued …

Airstrikes on Myanmar Village Feared To Have Killed 100

Airstrikes by Myanmar’s military on Tuesday killed as many as 100 people, including many children, who were attending a ceremony held by opponents of army rule, said a witness, a member of a local pro-democracy group and independent media. Continued …

Asia-Pacific countries in arms race amid tensions in region

In March, Japan opened a new army camp on the tropical resort island of Ishigaki – about 330km east of Taiwan – staffed with 570 soldiers and stocked with an arsenal of anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles. 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, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-April 12

  • Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand/
  • Airport VIP bus schedule expanded/
  • Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan/
  • Artist Village schedules Songkran event/
  • Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary/
  • Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani/
  • Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown/
  • Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand/
  • Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park/
  • 10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election/
  • Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again/
  • Free buses connect main rail terminals/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past/Agencies predict economic uptick/Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats/Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery/
  • Tourism: Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants/Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran/Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year/Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance/Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation/New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty/
  • International: Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts/IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast/Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’/What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand

For those considering living in Thailand, finding a neighborhood that offers a great quality of life at an affordable price is essential. However, finding the right neighborhood to live in can be an intimidating task, especially for those on a budget. Fortunately, there are many neighborhoods throughout Thailand that offer excellent value for money, providing a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Pranburi, Central Hua Hin, West Hua Hin

Sitting along the sun-kissed coastline of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province in Thailand, Hua Hin has become a sought-after destination. It’s popular among expats and retirees living in Thailand, as well as property investors. Renowned for its tranquil lifestyle, balmy climate, and affordable cost of living, this captivating coastal town offers a plethora of value-for-money neighborhoods. Each promises a delightful combination of relaxation and smart property investment. Continued …

Airport VIP bus schedule expanded

Bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated, with an additional trip scheduled. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10om, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:00pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6:30pm

Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Following a three-year hiatus related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Songkran events are set to make a splash again this year in Thailand.

The annual water festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year, was canceled or scaled back in previous years due to the pandemic, but this year Songkran is back in full swing.

It is celebrated on April 13 every year, but the holiday extends to April 15 and is traditionally a time for people to come together, celebrate, and pay respect to their elders and ancestors. Continued … 

Artist Village schedules Songkran event

From April 14-16, Hua Hin’s Artist Village will be hosting the Art Arbour: Hua Hin Art & Workshop Week 2023.

During the event, visitors can participate in a variety of workshops and activities.

Chiva-som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary

April is a milestone month for Chiva-Som Hua Hin as it celebrates its 28th anniversary and, to commemorate the occasion, it launches special offers throughout the month in conjunction with the Songkran festival.

It all began when Chiva-Som founder Boonchu Rojanastien removed his beachfront holiday home to make way for a sanctuary that more people could enjoy and Chiva-Som officially opened its doors on April 19, 1995. Since then, it has pioneered an innovative, holistic approach to wellness that balances mind, body and spirit. Continued … 

Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani

Police are still hunting for a prime suspect after six people, including the prime suspect’s son and wife, were shot dead in the Khiri Rat Nikhom district.

Region 8 Police commander Surapong Thanomjit said on Saturday (April 8) four people were found dead at a Khiri Rat Nikhom house, who were Thammarong Nilniyom, 61, the house owner and the former village headman, Nilthip Pankachen, 48, who was Thammarong’s wife, Phonsak Petchchoo, 58, a former village headman, and Thammrat Wichean. Continued …

Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown

A crackdown by Immigration police in northeastern Buriram province during March 27-April 10 led to six foreigners being rounded up for overstaying their visa.

Acting on the orders of Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, to prevent and suppress crime during Songkran festival, Police Maj. Gen. Ketchakat Nilpradap, head of Immigration Division 4, led his team in mounting raids to round up foreign suspects. Continued …

Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand

Police announced the results of their investigation into a gang of thieves targeting foreigners with families all over the Isaan region in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand. Police seized stolen assets worth an accumulative three million baht.

The gang found its victims by sitting in shopping malls around Isaan and scouting out foreigners with families. Then, the gang would follow the foreigner home and scope out their house. Continued …

Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park

About 150 firefighters have been mobilized to control forest fires, which have reignited in Thailand’s Nakhon Nayok province, as helicopters were also deployed in an attempt to prevent fires from spreading into Khao Yai National Park.

Fire and water trucks have been sent to local communities not far from Khao Nang Dam, where fires are reported to have broken out again and are spreading toward Khao Tabaek, about 500 meters from the border with Cha-om subdistrict of Saraburi province. Continued …

10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election

The countdown to the May 14 general election is well underway, with a little over a month left before the big day.

The election was called after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives on March 20 – just three days before the Lower House completed its four-year term. Here are 10 things to know about the upcoming national vote: Continued … 

Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again

In recent years, there has been a surprising resurgence in the popularity of “dumb phones,” also known as feature phones. While smartphones have dominated the mobile phone market for over a decade, a growing number of people, particularly Generation Z, are looking to cut back on screen time and are turning to these simpler devices.

According to recent data, smartphone sales in the United States have been on the decline. In 2022, sales of smartphones dropped by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Continued …

Free buses connect main rail terminals

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched a free shuttle service that connects Hua Lamphong Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

The shuttle buses are available at both stations from 4.30am to 11pm, said Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, the SRT’s public relations director. Continued …

Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past

Amid a warning from the OECD this week that Southeast Asian economies may see retarded growth and an update from the Bank of Thailand predicting 3.6% growth for 2023, there are real fears that Thailand’s days of GDP growth of over 5% may be behind it despite election pledges from the Pheu Thai Party to pursue an expansionary economic policy if it comes to power.

The reason for this is the country’s rapidly aging population and demographic problem, as it is already an aged society and faces becoming a super-aged society by 2029. It is also one of the first countries in the world to experience such a problem without ever having become wealthy. Continued …

Agencies predict economic uptick

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is feeling upbeat regarding Thailand’s economic recovery, citing the forecasts of several reputable economic agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER), that anticipate a rebound in 2023 and 2024.

According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, Prayut credits the agencies for the evaluation and Thais for collaborating to restore the country’s economy. Continued …

Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats

Once synonymous with the crisis that brought on an Asia-wide financial meltdown a generation ago, Thailand gets almost rave reviews now. This relative resilience of its economy may be tested by a pronounced downturn and a re-awakening of the country’s deep political divisions.

Calamity appears to be the last thing on investors’ minds when they think of Thailand these days. Goldman Sachs Group even likened the nation to a “safe haven.” Among the kingdom’s attributes are a resurgence in tourism, low foreign debt and a surplus in the broadest measure of trade. That’s a halo historically associated with Switzerland, Japan or prized asset classes like U.S. Treasuries. Continued …

Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery

Thailand’s tourism sector has seen continuous recovery, aided by government measures to attract foreign tourists. This led to a sharp increase in new tourism-related business registrations in February.

According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the number of new tourism-related business registrations in February 2023 increased by 1.1 times compared to last year. This accounted for 8.05% of the total 8,537 new-business registrations that month. Continued …

Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants

Ayutthaya province kicked off the Songkran festival with a parade of 10 elephants from Wang Chang Ayutthaya Lae Paniad on Tuesday.

All the elephants were painted in colourful themes, including flowers, hearts and the message: “Songkran Ayutthaya” in Thai and English. Several tourists took the opportunity to splash water at the elephants.

The parade covered Ayutthaya’s City Pillar Shrine and Wat Phra Ram, aiming to attract Thai and foreign tourists to visit the province after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran

More than 200,000 tourists will visit Phuket during the Songkran festival, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakundee, said from April 13th to April 16 about 84% of hotel rooms have been booked. There will be 223,452 visitors, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht. Continued …

Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year

The recovery of both the aviation and tourism industries this year has led to a big jump in international chartered flights, with the four-month total reaching 924, while action has been taken to reduce domestic airfares.

Sutthipong Kongpool, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said of the 924 chartered flights reaching Thailand from the beginning of this year, 253 arrived in January, 288 in February, 165 in March and 218 due in April. Continued …

Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand

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 …

The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance

Songkran is famous for water splashing, but did you know the Thai New Year also carries a special fragrance? No Songkran celebration is complete without the scented water known as “Nam Ob Thai”.

The perfumed water will be much in demand this week as people seek a respite from the heat of April.

Scented water is considered a traditional Thai perfume. The scent can be mixed with water because it is alcohol-free, unlike western perfumes. Nam Ob Thai is made from pure water and is also affordable. Continued …

Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation

Nestled away in a corner of the Thap Thai subdistrict is Banrai Thummachot – Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation. Owned and operated by Prachak Thummachot, the plantation boasts a 2-rai plot of land dedicated to the growth of robusta coffee.

The plantation was established three years ago after Prachak witnessed a lull in the coffee market and sought help from local farmers to learn more about the coffee trade. Continued …

New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty

Southern traditions hit a high point on Tuesday as visitors flocked to Wat Wang Yai in Songkhla’s Thepha district to witness the opening of the province’s latest tourism attraction.

Kuan Mali Skywalk was officially opened by a performance of Menora, a traditional dance drama with deep roots in the southern region. Menora, often shortened to Nora, is at least five centuries old and has been inscribed as intangible cultural heritage of southern Thailand by UNESCO. Continued …

Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts

Myanmar’s ruling junta has confirmed that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. Continued …

IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast

The International Monetary Fund slightly lowered its outlook for the global economy on Tuesday, while predicting that most countries will avoid a recession this year despite economic worries and geopolitical strains. Continued …

Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’

Due to global warming, a deep ocean current around Antarctica that has been relatively stable for thousands of years could head for “collapse” over the next few decades. Such a sudden shift could affect the planet’s climate and marine ecosystems for centuries to come. Continued …

What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents

It’s been less than a week since news of highly classified military documents on the Ukraine war surfaced, sending the Pentagon into full-speed damage control to assure allies and assess the scope of the leak. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

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

Tuesday’s News-April 11

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

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Songkran festivals around Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumer confidence at 3-year high

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

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

Killer Cop’s Accomplice Caught In Phang Nga

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

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

Pollution choking Thailand’s north hits tourism, worries public

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

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

Songkran in Bangkok: Wild, wet and wonderful!

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

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

Khao San Road expects 30,000 tourists during Songkran

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

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

Phuket expects big holiday boost

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

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

Tourists Flock to Islands in Phang Nga During Songkran Festival

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

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

Thailand prepares for 14,000+ flights this Songkran

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

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

Bangkok among 2023’s top three destinations for backpackers

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

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

Kazakhstani tourist arrested for rampage on southern Thailand beach

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

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

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

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

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

Essential guide to staying healthy in Thailand’s climate

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

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

Best Thai restaurants in Bangkok for authentic Thai food

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

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

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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

 

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