Category Archives: tourism

baht, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-June 19

  • Sunee Hill: Forging her own path/
  • Asia’s biggest Golf Tournament created a financial boost for Hua Hin/
  • Hua Hin Cricket Sixes returns to Dusit Thani Hua Hin in July/
  • Opinion: The Fear of Pita and Move Forward Explained/
  • Thai children losing out on height due to too little milk/
  • Funeral attendees win cows, receive rice gifts in unique 200,000 baht Thai almsgiving/
  • Keeping poor kids at school/
  • People flee high-rise buildings in Bangkok as Myanmar quake tremors felt/
  • Myanmar Junta Launches Airstrikes Near Thai Border As Clashes Escalate/
  • Coalition begins opening a path to deliver peace to the restive South/
  • 50,000 Signatures Sought to Keep Cannabis off the Narcotics List/
  • Economy: Thai baht continues to be volatile/Thai economy to enjoy positive growth, economists say/Further interest hikes likely/Household debt in Thailand soars to 86.9% of GDP, dampening consumer spending/
  • Tourism: Retirees skip Chiang Mai amid heavy smog/Chinese tourists top low season visitors list/
  • Thailand Experience: 7 best things to do in Hua Hin/A guide to visiting Koh Samui in 2023/Travelindex Unveils Winners of Bangkok’s Top 25 Restaurants/
  • International: Air Travel Demand Seen Soaring 28% To Near Pre-pandemic Level In 2023/China calls on US to meet it halfway amid frosty ties/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Sunee Hill: Forging her own path

By Felicitee Lawrie

When I first met Sunee Hill, a petite, feisty, white-haired Thai nonagenarian, she fixed me with her steely eyes and told me, point-blank, that I could write her story. This is the remarkable story of her life journey and her art, which has helped her explore her Chinese heritage.

Sunee was born and raised in Bangkok, the second child of nine to Chinese immigrant parents. Her father was a merchant who supplied materials to the construction industry. Because Thai authorities at the time had difficulty recording the details of her name and existence in Chinese language, she was not officially registered until quite some time later, so has a passport recording her birth as having happened in 1940, when it was indeed in 1932. What local lady wouldn’t mind shaving eight years off her age? Continued …

(Expat News is pleased to welcome a new series of articles about Hua Hin residents (above), written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie, a Sydney, Australia, native. To read more about Felicitee, or to volunteer yourself or someone else for a possible profile by Felicitee, click HERE.)

Asia’s biggest Golf Tournament created a financial boost for Hua Hin

Over 480 competitors participated in Asia’s biggest golf tournament in Hua Hin from June 11-17.

While the golf media are currently focused on the PGA and PIF, one major golf tournament went ahead last week without any political issues. The Centara World Masters Golf Championship attracted over 480 amateurs to Hua Hin. Continued …

Hua Hin Cricket Sixes returns to Dusit Thani Hua Hin in July

The Hua Hin Cricket Sixes tournament will take place at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin from Sunday, July 2, to Friday, July 7.

Despite cricket not being particularly popular in Thailand, this event has become a sporting tradition for cricket enthusiasts and players alike and is now in its 26th year. Continued …

The Fear of Pita and Move Forward Explained

The Move Forward Party is new, and it has never been in power before. The unknown factor has driven some to fear what is to come when (and if) the party is in charge, particularly if you are the elites and the upper middle class for the following reasons.

Imagine yourself being the owner or in charge of one of Thailand’s largest corporations. Your company, or conglomerate, has established all the connections with the old guards in the world of politics, the bureaucracy, and the top echelon of Thai society. Continued …

Thai children losing out on height due to too little milk

Packed with essential nutrients, milk is an integral part of children’s diets and supports their growth. It contains calcium, which is great for the teeth and the bones, and has other health benefits, too, among them boosting the immune system, strengthening heart health, and improving the skin, according to experts.

Yet, despite these advantages, a study shows milk consumption is low among young Thais, raising concerns over their short stature. Continued …

Funeral attendees win cows, receive rice gifts in unique 200,000 baht Thai almsgiving

In Buriram province, a funeral for 92-year-old Wun Chongchaingam has drawn a large crowd due to the unusual almsgiving of 1.5 tons of rice and a raffle for five cows, worth a total of 200,000 baht (US$ 5,758), for needy villagers and attendees. The event took place at Wat Pa Non-Somboon temple.

Many villagers attended the funeral to pay respects and participate in merit-making for the deceased woman, as well as to try their luck at winning one of the five cows. In addition to the cow lottery, which was held in front of the guests, over 700 bags of rice, each containing approximately two kilograms, were prepared as gifts for attendees. Continued …

Keeping poor kids at school

Anirut Thongdech has a broad smile when he learns that he will have a chance to return to school this term after having dropped out for two years.

The 11-year-old boy, also known as Saming, was forced to leave school due to his parents’ inability to afford his education, a problem in Thai society that has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

People flee high-rise buildings in Bangkok as Myanmar quake tremors felt

Many office workers in high-rise buildings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province rushed into the streets after they felt their buildings shake this morning.

One netizen tweeted that he was on the 13th floor of a building in the Lat Phrao area when he saw ceiling lamps swaying and felt dizzy. Another said that she dared not re-enter their building, after she and her colleagues ran out. Continued …

Myanmar Junta Launches Airstrikes Near Thai Border As Clashes Escalate

Fighting between Myanmar junta forces and Karenni armed groups just across the border from Mae Hong Son intensified yesterday, with the former launching 13 airstrikes against the latter.

Thai security forces said that Myanmar junta’s 430th Rapid Mobility Battalion continued to clash heavily with Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF), the loosely organized armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, around eight to 10 kilometers from Mae Ngao subdistrict, Khun Yuam district, Mae Hong Son province. Continued …

Coalition begins opening a path to deliver peace to the restive South

The Prachachart Party vowed on Sunday that it and its coalition partners will work to ensure that both Buddhist and Muslim residents of the South will be able to live in harmony.

The party’s stronghold is the Muslim-majority southern border provinces. It made the promise at a public forum with representatives of Buddhist residents of the southern border provinces. Continued …

50,000 Signatures Sought to Keep Cannabis off the Narcotics List

The Future Cannabis Network is marching across Thailand in a campaign to gather 50,000 signatures opposing the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, confident that the new government will listen.

Amid current legislative changes surrounding the public Cannabis Act – which was initially proposed to the progressive party, before being stalled in committee – the group seeks to ensure that cannabis will not revert to its status as a controlled substance. Continued …

Thai baht continues to be volatile

After a week of fluctuations last week amid strong selling pressure on the U.S. dollar and bond yields, the exchange rate of the Thai baht to the U.S. dollar is expected to be volatile again this week, ranging between 34.40 and 34.90 Baht.

Key factors to watch include the statement from the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman to Congress, the direction of foreign capital flows, Thailand’s export data for May, and the political situation in the country. Continued …

Thai economy to enjoy positive growth, economists say

The Thai economy is still growing despite the risk of a global economic recession, economists said during the recent “Investment Forum: New Chapter, New Opportunity” seminar organized by Krungthep Turakij.

Somprawin Manprasert, head of Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center, said that while the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) did not hike interest rates at its meeting last week, as it wanted to send a signal that such hikes need not be constant, it was anticipated that there would be two further increases from the current rate of 5.25% this year, mainly to mitigate the impacts of rising fuel costs. Continued …

Further interest hikes likely

Thailand is likely to see higher interest rates in the second half of 2023 following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s indication of two further interest rate hikes this year and a signal from the Bank of Thailand that it, too, might raise interest.

According to Roong Sanguanruang of Krungsri Bank, it was earlier expected that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might pause interest rate hikes at 2%. Continued …

Household debt in Thailand soars to 86.9% of GDP, dampening consumer spending

Thailand’s mounting household debt is raising concerns, as it continues to hinder consumer spending, affecting various industries and impeding economic growth. The latest data from the National Economic and Social Development Council shows debt in the nation reached 15.1 trillion baht in the fourth quarter of 2022, a 3.5% increase year on year, and accounting for 86.9% of GDP.

Debt levels remain alarmingly high, as the major factors behind rising household debt are real estate purchases and personal loans. Continued …

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

Retirees skip Chiang Mai amid heavy smog

Chiang Mai tourism operators hope the new government will work to urgently solve the haze problem to lure back long-stay senior tourists, which represent a major loss for the province.

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat visited the province last week to discuss environmental and tourism policies with representatives from the tourism sector. Continued …

Chinese tourists top low season visitors list

The majority of international tourists in Phuket at the start of the low season come from China, followed by Russia and Australia, according to the Phuket Tourist Assn. (PTA).

PTA Vice President Thanawat Oncharoen said yesterday most of the visitors from China were independent travelers, adding the number of tourist groups from the country remains low, though he did not reveal any details. Continued …

7 best things to do in Hua Hin

Packing the bags and jetting off to the delightful seaside resort of Hua Hin is becoming quite the hot ticket for locals and expats alike. With its prime position along the Gulf of Thailand, this lovely destination serves as a delightful getaway for those toiling away in bustling Bangkok.

Moreover, stunning landscapes and a plethora of captivating activities make it a top choice for everyone in search of some fun in the sun. But with so many things to do in Hua Hin, it can get a bit overwhelming. So to help you plan your travels, here are the best things to do in Hua Hin for an enjoyable holiday. Continued …

Tell us what you consider the best activities for visitors in Hua Hin at aim@hhexpatnews.com.

A guide to visiting Koh Samui in 2023

Koh Samui has long been a go-to hotspot for sunseekers and holidaymakers, and in 2023 it promises to be even more amazing. You might be wondering what all the fuss is about, but don’t you worry your sunscreen-lathered hands because our guide will show you everything Koh Samui has to offer, from the best time to visit to the best villa to stay to the yummiest food and dazzling night markets that you can’t miss.

You can fly into Koh Samui International Airport with Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, or Thai Airways routes. On the other hand, you can take a ferry to Koh Samui, which requires around 1-2 hours, depending on what pier you are getting on board. Continued …

Travelindex Unveils Winners of Bangkok’s Top 25 Restaurants

Travel-index, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sector, has rolled out its annual list of 25 restaurants throughout Bangkok that it considers the top eateries, highlighting why the capital is such a popular gastronomic destination among gourmets and gourmands.

Travelindex has annually listed and awarded the best restaurants since 2018 based on its own patented “Restaurant Rating Index.” Continued …

Air Travel Demand Seen Soaring 28% To Near Pre-pandemic Level In 2023

Global air passenger traffic is expected to soar 28.3% to 4.35 billion people in 2023, returning to near the pre-pandemic level of 2019, with Asia-Pacific airlines benefiting from a sharp recovery in demand, according to estimates by an industry body. Continued …

China calls on US to meet it halfway amid frosty ties

China has called on the United States to meet it halfway, saying that bilateral ties are at the lowest point since the start of diplomatic relations, according to an official Chinese account of talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Sunday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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

hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-June 17

  • Price controls get one-year extension/
  • Thai election: Jumping the gun aren’t we?/
  • Entire column of Myanmar military flees to Thailand following attack/
  • Japanese man Arrested in Sa Kaeo for Overstaying Visa by 547 Days/
  • Sales of electric vehicles surge 474% in first five months of the year/
  • Thailand may need ‘bigger boat’ as China’s appetite for fruit increases/
  • Thailand-Europe free trade negotiations continue in Oslo/
  • Phuket struggles to attract tourists in 2023 low season/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Price controls get one-year extension

The Ministry of Commerce has extended price controls on 51 products and services for another year. The extension will expire on June 30, 2024.

The list of 51 items — 46 products and five services — will be forwarded for cabinet approval, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Friday after chairing a meeting of the Central Committee on the Prices of Goods and Services. Continued …

Thai election: Jumping the gun aren’t we?

The fate of the Move Forward Party (MFP) is hanging by a thread despite its best efforts to overlook the lurking dangers that could have seismic consequences in politics. Continued …

 

Entire column of Myanmar military flees to Thailand following attack

According to the announcement made by the Special Operation Force (SOF), the Military Council column responsible for transporting food and ammunition to the Kwi Lon Taing base in Kyainseikgyi Township in Myanmar, specifically within the 6th Brigade area of the Karen National Union (KNU), was intercepted, and the entire column fled to Thailand.

The Military Council column, composed of approximately 50 troops, fell into an ambush by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and SOF. During the attack, the Military Council troops suffered casualties, and the soldiers were forced to retreat, carrying the bodies of their fallen comrades, toward the border with Thailand, according to an SOF member. Continued …

Japanese man Arrested in Sa Kaeo for Overstaying Visa by 547 Days

Yesterday, the police of Sa Kaeo province detained a Japanese man for overstaying his visa by 547 days. According to reports, Police Col. Rung Thongmon, chief of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, led the arrest operation.

The arrested man, 60-year-old Noboru Kobayashi, a Japanese national, was apprehended in the vicinity of Muang Kaeo market, Sa Kaeo subdistrict, Muang Sa Kaeo district, Sa Kaeo province. Continued …

 

Sales of electric vehicles surge 474% in first five months of the year

More than 32,000 electric vehicles (EVs) were registered with the Ministry of Transport in the first five months of this year, compared to fewer than 2,000 in all 2021 and about 10,000 in all last year.

The surge followed an EV tax break that took effect last November to increase sales of EVs, data from the ministry shows. The 80% tax break will continue until Nov. 10, 2025. Continued …

Thailand may need ‘bigger boat’ as China’s appetite for fruit increases

The latest chapter of Thai fruits’ success story in China is unfolding in the mega-port city of Guangzhou – and it’s a blockbuster.

Orders at the ongoing Thai Fruits Golden Months and Thai Durian Festival now total 20 million baht, up 260% from the same period in 2022, said the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), which is organizing the events. Continued …

 

Thailand-Europe free trade negotiations continue in Oslo

Thailand aims to conclude free-trade agreement (FTA) talks with the European Free Trade Assn. (EFTA) by the first quarter of next year, according to the trade negotiations chief.

Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, said Thai representatives are attending the fifth round of negotiations for the Thai-EFTA FTA in Oslo, Norway, which started on Tuesday. The talks continued through yesterday. Continued …

Phuket struggles to attract tourists in 2023 low season

The Phuket Tourist Assn. is putting together proposals to the new government aiming to revitalize the island’s tourism economy and restore the impressive 400 billion baht in income it reached back in pre-Covid 2019.

PTA President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij emphasized the importance of tourism as one of the island’s key economic drivers, alongside exports. Continued …

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

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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

climate change, covid, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news- June 16

  • Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment/
  • Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin/
  • Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
  • Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast/
  • Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt/
  • Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain/
  • Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders/
  • Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting/
  • Community planting new hope on a bare mountain/
  • A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand/
  • Economy: Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism/Digital push woos multinational firms/Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste management system/Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry/
  • Tourism: Thailand urged to woo business tourists/China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda/
  • Thailand Experience: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui/
  • International: US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Expat News is pleased to welcome a new series of articles about Hua Hin residents, written by freelance journalist Felicitee Lawrie, a Sydney, Australia, native.

“Hua Hin is full of unique human beings, each with an interesting back story, dreams, passions and achievements, much of it unknown to even people who encounter them on a daily basis,” Felicitee says of her current passion.

To read more about Felicitee, click HERE.

Jeffrey McNeely: Still fighting for the environment

By Felicitee Lawrie

Jeffrey McNeely describes himself as a curious, bibliophilic outdoor enthusiast. Trained as an anthropologist and having spent two years studying nature in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, Jeff appreciates all things scientific and takes great delight in learning more about the natural world and the various ways different human cultures interact with it.

Although he retired at the end of 2016 from his final post as chief scientist at the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this retirement has seen him only barely less busy or less productive. Continued …

Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae finds success in Hua Hin

With well over 20 years’ experience as a professional chef, both in Thailand and abroad, Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae has made quite a name for herself as someone who’s not afraid to push the epicurean envelope. Many Bangkok gourmands remember her fondly as the woman behind Karmakamet Conveyance restaurant, where diners were presented with intricately crafted and always unpredictable set menu dinners.

In October of 2021, she left the chaos of Bangkok behind and relocated to Hua Hin, where she opened a charming beachfront bistro appropriately named Som’s Table. Here she serves up an à la carte menu of beautifully prepared and highly imaginative gourmet comfort food dishes, which have, in turn, earned her a devoted foodie following. Continued …

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

Thai is a fascinating language, filled with unique sounds, tones, and expressions that promise to make your learning experience an exciting adventure. But, like any language, Thai comes with its fair share of challenges and common Thai language mistakes that might catch you off guard.

No worries, though! Along with our friends at ALA Language School, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes you should steer clear of when learning Thai. Continued …

Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

Thai researchers are currently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, due to the El Nino weather pattern causing lower than average rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and comprehensive water-management plans are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the impending water scarcity.

A conference discussing climate change, water-resource management, and strategies for tackling future challenges was recently held by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). Researchers and officials from related agencies attended the event to share their knowledge on the issue. Continued …

Saudi Man Nabbed With 189 Wildlife In Smuggling Attempt

A Saudi Arabian man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday after 99 wild animals and 90 aquatic animals were found in his suitcases, just as he was trying to catch a flight back to his home country.

Airport officials inspected the three suitcases the unidentified Saudi man checked in at the international departure hall after one of them became suspicious about what they contained. Upon opening them, they found a total of 189 wildlife and aquatic animals worth 259,200 baht in them. Continued …

Covid bivalent vaccine shows rapidly declining effectiveness against XBB strain

The effectiveness of bivalent Covid-19 vaccines is likely to decline rapidly as the XBB variant continues to spread, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine Associate Professor Dr. Thira Woratanarat, posted on Facebook today.

The news comes on the heels of Thursday’s meeting between the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee held to discuss the findings of an ongoing study. Continued …

Police say serial cyanide killer had accomplice in at least 4 murders

A close associate of suspected serial cyanide killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn collaborated in at least four of the killings, police said on Thursday.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn delivered the news as police prepared to hand their investigation report to public prosecutors on Monday. Continued …

Non-Stop Flow Of Myanmar Refugees To Thailand Amid Fierce Fighting

Amid fierce fighting between Myanmar junta army and Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Kayah state opposite Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province that started earlier this week, there is now a non-stop stream of Karenni refugees crossing over to seek shelter on the Thai side.

The fighting broke out on Tuesday between Myanmar junta’s 430th Rapid Mobility Battalion and Karenni fighters supported by PDF, the loosely organized armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, with 20 refugees having first crossed over that same evening. Continued …

Community planting new hope on a bare mountain

Residents from six villages near a gold mine in Thailand’s Loei province came together for a tree-planting event earlier this week, in an effort to restore life to a mountain ravaged by gold mining.

A community-based group called Khon Rak Ban Kerd (People Who Love Their Hometown), along with international students from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, school children and teachers from Ban Huai Phuk School and the head of the Khao Luang subdistrict administration organization collaborated to revive the once-thriving ecosystem on the mountain and heal the scars left by mining. Continued …

A life in chains: Monkeys as coconut pickers in Thailand

Nong has been walking in circles for an hour. Attached to his tight metal collar is a short 3-meter chain chained to a bamboo pole. The strong macaque monkey takes the chain in his hand, his facial expression revealing just how much he hates it.

Nong is four years old. He has lived with coconut farmer Lek and his family for two-and-a-half years. The monkey’s job is to pick coconuts from tall palm trees early in the morning, when the tropical heat on Thailand’s dream island of Koh Samui is still bearable. In order to complete his morning tasks, he is put on a slightly longer chain for some time. Continued …

Bank of Thailand forecasts GDP growth, increased tourism

Anticipating a stronger Thai economy, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence that GDP growth will surpass their expectations. This is attributed to the economic strategies implemented by the new government, combined with progress in the tourism and consumption sectors.

In a recent meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank stated that they foresee continuous growth in the Thai economy, albeit with some inflationary risks. According to the MPC, the driving forces behind this economic expansion are tourism and private consumption, along with a predicted recovery of goods exports by the latter half of 2023. Continued …

Digital push woos multinational firms

Many foreign software firms established offices in Thailand this year to capitalize on the country’s continuing digital transformation and to serve the demand of local enterprises.

The country also attracted large foreign data center and cloud service providers from the U.S., Japan and China over the past two years. Continued …

Thailand eyes sustainable construction via new waste-management system

Thailand’s push to create a “circular economy” has been handed fresh impetus with a new solution to manage waste from its burgeoning construction industry.

Developers of the CPAC Waste Management Solution say it will help achieve sustainability in the construction industry and strengthen “circular” resource management, while supporting the sector’s rapid growth. Continued …

Recriminalizing cannabis may kill Thailand’s flowering weed industry

Move Forward Party’s policy to relist cannabis as a narcotic could have deep and wide-ranging impacts on Thailand’s flourishing marijuana industry, experts say.

“More than a million people have applied to grow cannabis, while authorities have granted 1.1 million licenses to produce or sell cannabis-related products,” reports Nikkei Asia.

After cannabis was removed from the narcotics list on June 9 last year, Kasikorn Research Centre forecast the value of Thailand’s weed market would hit 21 billion baht by 2024, driven by demand from Thais and foreign tourists. Continued …

Thailand urged to woo business tourists

Online travel agent Agoda hopes Thailand can become a preferred destination for business travelers, competing with Japan and Vietnam.

Following Japan in the top spot, Thailand became the second-largest inbound market via the Agoda platform from January to May, ahead of Vietnam in third. Continued …

China bookings to return to pre-pandemic level by early 2024 – Agoda

Overseas travel bookings from mainland China are currently at just over half of pre-pandemic levels but are on course to return to the 2019 numbers by the end of this year or early 2024, the head of online travel agency Agoda said on Thursday.

China was the world’s largest outbound tourism market before the pandemic with annual spending of $255 billion. The country reopened earlier this year after removing most of its pandemic restrictions, giving a big boost to outbound travel. Continued …

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

Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise that offers a myriad of reasons to visit. In this Koh Samui Travel Guide, we will share a few enticing aspects of this stunning island destination:

Idyllic Beaches: Koh Samui boasts some of Thailand’s most picturesque beaches, with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush palm-fringed coastlines. From the popular Chaweng Beach to the tranquil Lamai Beach, you can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the sea. Video 

US Military Wins ‘Unimpeded’ Access To Papua New Guinea Bases

The U.S. military can develop and operate out of bases in Papua New Guinea, according to a landmark security pact underpinning Washington’s efforts to outflank China in the Pacific. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-June 14

  • So where are the aliens hiding in Hua Hin?
  • Hua Hin Beach Life 2023 festival in Khao Takiab, July 21-23/
  • Beer Truck Overturns in Nakhon Pathom: Over 2,500 Cases Lost/
  • Pita Is Confident In ITV Case; Anutin, Prawit Deny Being Involved/
  • Egg Price Hike Hits Low-Income People; Food Vendors Try to Cope/
  • Pattaya Finally Removing Unsightly Electrical Wires off Walking Street/
  • Nearly 6,400 people laid low in Phuket by digestive disease outbreak/
  • Thailand’s National Animal Is Pushing Back against Habitat Loss/
  • Narathiwat locals go gold hunting in canals for additional income/
  • Economy: Parsing the economic impact of the parched season/Plan to relocate factories to industrial estates on track/
  • Thailand Experience: Ten waterfalls worth visiting during the rainy season/Surin’s connection to the ancient Khmer Empire/
  • International: Asia’s gamblers cheer wave of legalization/Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support/Influencers overtaking journalists as news source/Trump pleads not guilty/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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So where are the aliens hiding in Hua Hin?

It was a balmy summer evening’s dusk in Hua Hin, the seaside resort town south of Bangkok. I was sipping a vodka and tonic on the sea-facing porch of a quiet local hotel, swatting mosquitoes and looking out into the gloom. The air-quality index was good, as was visibility, and I recognized many constellations. Then the stars began to move.

First, one slid to the left and veered right, gaining speed and distance until it was far out to sea. Meanwhile, three more flew in from left field, moving in a tight V formation. A sharp laser-like beam of light emanated from the foremost light. More flew in, some projecting lights, others with blinking signals of different colors. Continued …

Beer Truck Overturns in Nakhon Pathom: Over 2,500 Cases Lost

Traffic in Nakhon Pathom came to a halt yesterday when a beer-laden tractor-trailer overturned on the Malai Maen road near Nong Ngu Lueam village, causing widespread congestion and scattering its cargo across the carriageway.

The trailer, registered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, was carrying a full load of beer when it tipped over, spilling approximately 2,520 cases of beer — worth at least 1 million baht — across the inbound lane to Nakhon Pathom city. Continued … 

Pita Is Confident In ITV Case; Anutin, Prawit Deny Being Involved

Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat expressed confidence on Tuesday that he will survive the ITV share ownership scrutiny because he and his party have more information to fight against the allegation.

Pita was also asked about another possible move where 50 MPs could force the voting for the new PM to be deferred, citing Pita’s alleged lacking of qualifications. He said he’ll have to look into the legal details on the matter first. Continued … 

Egg Price Hike Hits Low-Income People; Food Vendors Try to Cope

Thai low-income people face rising costs of living as the price of eggs increases, which has a significant impact on their lives, as an egg is a basic protein for low-income people.

Chicken farms in several provinces have already increased their retail prices from 3.60 baht per egg, on May 15, to 3.80 baht per egg. The price is also expected to rise to 4 baht per egg soon. Continued … 

Pattaya Finally Removing Unsightly Electrical Wires off Walking Street

The unsightly mess of electrical wires above Pattaya Walking Street are finally being dismantled in response to completion of an underground cable installation project.

The underground cable project, which is part of the city’s plan to improve the street’s scenery, has been carried out off and on over the past few years and caused a lot of inconvenience to tourists and residents alike. Continued …

Nearly 6,400 people laid low in Phuket by digestive disease outbreak

A viral outbreak targeting the digestive system has left near 6,400 people fighting diarrhea in Phuket province in the last week.

Dr. Kusak Kukiattikul from Phuket’s public health said on Tuesday that the number of patients were the highest on June 8, adding that both Thai and foreigners had developed symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Continued …

Thailand’s National Animal Is Pushing Back against Habitat Loss

From her yard, she can see the place where it happened. The spot out back by the eucalyptus trees that she ran to, and immediately understood what had happened – the stillness, the odd calm that hung over the site of the calamity.

Piyawan Daonan is standing in her driveway in Tha Thakiap, a district in the Thai province of Chachoengsao. The 42-year-old, slender mother of two can only fall asleep these days with the help of medication – a restless slumber punctuated by nightmares – ever since she became a widow. Without looking herself, she points to the place, just a couple hundred meters away, where her husband was trampled to death by an elephant. Continued …

Narathiwat locals go gold hunting in canals for additional income

Apart from rubber and fruit farming, the residents of Phukhao Thong community in Sukhirin district of Narathiwat province also pan for gold in the canals to generate income.

A 66-year-old Phukhao Thong community resident, Saengarun Chanhom, said on Tuesday that locals can pan for gold throughout the year as they were not allowed to use machines for the activity. Continued …

Parsing the economic impact of the parched season

The effects of the El Niño weather pattern are becoming increasingly evident with the persistence of hot, dry weather and high temperatures despite the official start of the rainy season on May 22, as announced by the Meteorological Department.

The department said the total rainfall throughout the country during the rainy season will be lower this year than in 2022, roughly 5% below the annual average. This anticipated decrease in rainfall may result in prolonged dry spells across numerous regions, leading to potential water shortages. Continued …

Plan to relocate factories to industrial estates on track

The Industry Ministry is planning to push domestic manufacturers to relocate their factories to industrial estates to enhance business operations and minimize the environmental impact caused by factories.

“We want to see entrepreneurs move their manufacturing bases to industrial zones, be they the industrial estates under the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) or the industrial parks under the Department of Industrial Works,” Nattapol Rangsitpol, the Industry Ministry’s permanent secretary, said on Monday. Continued …

Ten waterfalls worth visiting during the rainy season

The rainy season is an ideal time to visit Thailand’s waterfalls, because they are at their most beautiful.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has recommended 10 such waterfalls located in national parks across the country. These include: Continued …

Surin’s connection to the ancient Khmer Empire

Surin is a province located in northeastern Thailand, known as Isaan. It is situated about 450 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Surin is famous for its rich cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and unique attractions.

One of the most prominent features of Surin is its connection to the ancient Khmer Empire. The province is home to several Khmer historical sites and ruins, such as the Prasat Sikhoraphum and Prasat Ta Muen temples. These structures showcase the architectural brilliance and influence of the Khmer civilization that once thrived in the region. Continued …

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

Asia’s gamblers cheer wave of legalization

In a sea change for the traditionally conservative region, some of the biggest tourism spots in Asia and the Middle East are moving toward building or allowing their first casinos, raising competitive pressure on existing hubs like Macau. Continued …

Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. Continued …

Influencers overtaking journalists as news source

TikTok influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people, according to a report published Wednesday by the Britain-based Reuters Institute. Continued …

Trump pleads not guilty

The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

 

hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-June 13

  • Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July/
  • Pita inches closer to PM post/
  • PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South/
  • British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children/
  • Top Thai military brass visits Beijing/
  • Economy: AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB/Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy/Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland/Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record/
  • Tourism: End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy/Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America/Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island/
  • International: Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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

Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July

Despite the fact that it is now the rainy season in Thailand, no rain is forecast for most of July, returning in August. The Royal Irrigation Department has instructed its officials to adjust their water-management plans to ensure optimum use of water and to maintain as much as possible in the reservoirs.

According to Thaweesak Thanadachopol, deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, the total volume of water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs, namely behind the Bhumibol, Pasak Jolasid, Sirikit and Kwae Noi Bumrung Dan dams, is at 45% of full capacity, or 11.301 billion cubic meters, with only 15% at Pasak Jolasid. Continued …

Pita inches closer to PM post

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become prime minister moved a step closer to reality on Monday after the chairman of a recent meeting of iTV shareholders said the media company is currently not operating pending a legal case.

As a result, Pita could be spared from legal wrangles that could lead to him being disqualified as an MP if it is proven that the media company has shut down. Continued …

PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South

Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to expand transportation infrastructure to enhance the economic development of the southern region, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Sunday. This includes connecting transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, he added.

This project is intended to further enhance the advantages of Thailand’s geographic location in Southeast Asia, which is conducive to transportation and trade. Relevant agencies have been instructed to study and develop the southern land bridge project as part of the basic infrastructure development efforts to integrate seamless transportation service between the two seaports in Ranong and Chumphon provinces. Continued …

British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children

James Lee Valentine, a 59-year-old British expat, has demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050km walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand.

The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. Continued …

Top Thai military brass visits Beijing

Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongpan Jitkaewthae is in China this week at the invitation of China’s Defense Ministry to discuss military cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of enhancing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the first visit to China by the Thai army chief, who left Bangkok on June 8 and will return on June 16. Continued …

AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB

The ongoing takeover of fixed broadband service 3BB by Advanced Info Service (AIS) may face tough consumer remedies from the telecom regulator because of the dominant position of their combined market share.

Rival True Corp. reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that in the first quarter this year it had 3.84 million household subscribers. That figure accounts for 31.5% of the fixed broadband market share, said Pisut Ngamvijitvong, senior equity research analyst at Kasikorn Securities (KS). Continued …

Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy

After seeing a big jump in revenue this year, biomass power producer National Power Supply (NPS) is all set to establish the country’s largest private floating solar farm with a capacity of 150 megawatts capacity.

The company enjoyed a 24.4% jump in revenue to 5.64 billion baht in the first quarter of 2023 over the same period last year, NPS Executive Director Yothin Dumnernchanvanit said on Monday. Continued …

Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland

Here’s a look at how Kraft Heinz caters to Thailand’s unique tastes by adapting its product portfolio and embracing local ingredients. We also discover their commitment to sustainability, food safety, and quality control, as they drive culinary innovation in the evolving food service landscape of Thailand. Video

Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record

Despite the impact of the climate on Thai durian production this year, sales of durian produced in the east reached a record high, which could serve as a model for farmers and exporters in the south of Thailand when the annual harvest begins on June 10 and continues through October.

Nuttakrit Oranhirunrak, vice president of the Thai-Chinese Agribusiness Assn. in Chanthaburi Province, said Thailand is expected to export more durian to China than in other years. From the start of the harvest season until June 10, a total of 33,000 containers of durian were shipped to China. The current figure is already much higher than that of three years ago, which was 15,000 containers. Continued …

End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy

Hotel occupancy rates in Thailand plunged to below 50% during the period May to June, an immediate fallout of the termination of the government’s ”Let Us Travel Together” phase 5 campaign in April.

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) predicted that the overall hotel occupancy rate in Thailand for the month of June would be less than 50% after experiencing a full-scale slowdown in both the domestic and international markets. Continued …

Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists

Thailand received 11.4 million foreign tourist arrivals from January to June 11, and saw spending of 472 billion baht (US$13.67 billion), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said in a statement today.

The tourist numbers surpassed the 11.15 million in the whole of 2022. Continued …

Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America

Navigating your way around an unfamiliar country can be pretty daunting for some world travelers. Yet, for others, it’s an exciting opportunity to experience an unfamiliar culture.

Video

For TikTok user Tom from Texas, adventuring his way through Thailand’s buffet scene was a bit of both. He quickly discovered that he had a lot to learn upon visiting a hot pot-style buffet during his trip. Buffets in Thailand are quite different than those in America. Continued …

A visit to Phuket’s Old Town

Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island. A beautiful small town lined with colorful old shophouses, it has stunning architecture and street art, plus great restaurants, bars and cafes.

Phuket’s Old Town is toward the south. Many visitors to the island like to stay close to the beaches and, unfortunately, miss out on this stunning area. Continued …

Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive

Ukraine on Monday said it had retaken seven villages and made small gains in a “tough” counter-offensive against Russian forces that France said could last months. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-June 12

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”

  • 3,500 runners join Hua Hin Marathon Sunday/
  • Centara World Masters Golf underway this week/
  • Wild Animal Network Conference June 13-15/
  • Hua Hin Charity Gold Day June 17/
  • Thailand’s air pollution problem could worsen this year/
  • Nine Years After 2014 Coup, Charade Continues with Pita The New Target/
  • MFP survives first calls for dissolution/
  • Gang arrested for stealing sacred stone from Sam Roi Yot National park/
  • Less water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs this year/
  • Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike/
  • Dengue fever outbreak hits 3-year high; nearly 20,000 affected, 15 deaths/
  • Foreigners Rounded Up In Surat Thani Crackdown/
  • Thai Police Seize 200 Million Baht Worth of Heroin Destined for Australia/
  • Three Pit Bulls abandoned, starved, and turned cannibal in Nonthaburi/
  • In reality, Thailand not the LGBTQ+ paradise it pretends to be/
  • Economy: Thailand EV hub ambition recharged by soaring investment/Bitkub revenue dips 48% as crypto sinks/Thailand is a global capital of (illegal) sex work/Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong on Thailand’s Burgeoning Cannabis Industry/
  • Tourism: 25 million international tourists expected in next 7 months/Thailand boosts wellness tourism with 5-year traditional Thai medicine plan/Suvarnabhumi satellite terminal set for soft takeoff in September/Airfares may stay sky-high, say industry experts/
  • Thailand Experience : Four seaside surf festivals for June and July, including PKK/5 Offbeat Islands In Thailand You Must Explore/
  • International: Vietnam’s power crisis deepens as hydroelectric reservoirs near dangerous levels/Colombian Child plane crash survivors in ‘acceptable’ state of health/SEC Lawsuits Against Binance And Coinbase Raise Questions About Crypto’s Future/Djokovic celebrates 23rd Grand Slam/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Photo by Patrik Jacobs

3,500 runners join Hua Hin Marathon Sunday

Over 3,500 runners participated in this year’s 3rd Hua Hin Marathon yesterday. The event was organized by Preserve Hua Hin, and began at Wat Khao Krailart in Khao Takiab.

The 42-kilometer route ran through Hua Hin almost to the airport, before ending at Wat Khao Krailart.

Yoshiyuki Ono of Japan won the event with a time of 02:47:54, Thai athlete อนุชิต บุญยกิจ finished second, while Hua Hin’s Lewis Chalk finished third.

A special part of the run was held by Hua Hin-based runners made up of Thais and expats who guided visually impaired students from Phetchaburi’s Thanmik Wittaya school. A related fund-raising campaign raised over 30,000 THB for Thanmik Wittaya school (see photo above).

Centara World Masters Golf underway this week

Eighteen countries are represented in the more than 400 golfers entered in this week’s Centara World Masters Golf Championship.

Australian golfers make up the majority of the field, but there are also participants from Norfolk Island, Pakistan, New Caledonia, Qatar, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, India, the UK, UAE, USA, Thailand, Germany, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa.

Thailand’s air pollution problem could worsen this year

Thailand’s polluted air has been a staggering issue for years now, especially in the north, where the air quality is reported to be detrimental to people’s health. But, as the rainy season is approaching, deluding our view that the air pollution has subsided, the opposite is true.

This year, Thailand is seeing worse haze than the previous. The air pollution is caused by various factors such as urban transportation, industrial pollution, forest fires and agricultural burning to clear the land for the next crop cycle–made worse by this year’s El Nino, which makes the air even more dry and susceptible to burning. Continued …

Nine Years After 2014 Coup, Charade Continues with Pita The New Target

Afarce, a charade, a travesty of justice, ludicrous, shambolic, and absurd – these are some of the words described the reactions of some Thais and foreigners upon learning that the Election Commission on Friday has considered to take up the case on whether Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has violated Article 151 of the election laws by holding ITV media shares.

Article 151 criminalized anyone who applied to run for MP knowingly that he or she lacks the qualifications – and holding media shares disqualifies you. Pita could face between one to 10 years in prison, slapped with a fine between 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and banned from voting for 20 years. Continued …

MFP survives first calls for dissolution

Four recent petitions along with a request to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) have been dismissed as groundless and no reason for dissolution by the Election Commission (EC), according to a source.

The dismissal of the petitions to dissolve the MFP was made while the eight-party coalition led by the MFP goes about forming a new government. Continued …

Gang arrested for stealing sacred stone from Sam Roi Yot National park

Officials have announced the arrest of a gang that had been illegally cutting and stealing stone from Sam Roi Yot National Park.

The illegal activity took place near the Tham Kaew Cave, an area of cultural and ecological significance within the national park, officials said. Continued …

Less water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs this year

Water levels in the reservoirs behind Thailand’s four main dams have dropped substantially, raising concerns of insufficient supply for agriculture and consumption.

According to the Royal Irrigation Department, the combined water volume in the big and medium-sized reservoirs across the country is estimated at 16.13 billion cubic meters, compared to 18.616 billion cubic meters at this time last year. Continued …

Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike

The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand.

Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65-year-old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached an all-time high. Continued …

Dengue fever outbreak hits 3-year high; nearly 20,000 affected, 15 deaths

A recent warning from Thailand’s government deputy spokesperson, Trisuree Trisaranakul, has alerted the public to the rapidly growing dengue fever outbreak.

With nearly 20,000 reported cases and 15 deaths in the past five months, the epidemic reached its highest level in three years. Citizens are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their children during the rainy season from June to August when the infection rate is expected to rise. Continued …

Foreigners Rounded Up In Surat Thani Crackdown

An ongoing crackdown by Immigration police in Surat Thani province has so far netted six foreigners for overstaying their visa and two others for illegal entry.

In the province-wide sweep taking place during June 7-21, another two persons were also arrested for not giving notification of the foreigners staying in their property within 24 hours of their arrival. Continued …

Thai Police Seize 200 Million Baht Worth of Heroin Destined for Australia

Anti-drug police confiscated 32 kilograms of heroin worth 200 million baht in Bangkok yesterday. The drugs were reportedly destined for Melbourne, Australia.

On June 10, at the Customs X-ray and Technology Center, Bangkok Port Customs Office, Phanthong Loykulnan, spokesman of the Customs Department, announced the results of the seizure of 32 kilograms of heroin, with a value exceeding 200 million baht. Continued …

Three Pit Bulls abandoned, starved, and turned cannibal in Nonthaburi

Four malnourished Pit Bulls were abandoned by their owner in a house in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi. One of the dogs was killed by the other dogs eating it before concerned neighbors contacted local authorities for assistance.

Residents of a village in Bang Bua Thong were shocked to discover this alarming case after a TikTok user posted about the pit bulls. The abandoned dogs were left to starve in a house after the owner moved away without them. With no one to provide food or water, the pit bulls were left to feed on each other, resulting in one canine’s death. Continued …

In reality, Thailand not the LGBTQ+ paradise it pretends to be

June is when we celebrate Pride Month worldwide, and of course, many businesses change their profile photos to be rainbows for a month. Some brands would launch a new product serving in all rainbow colors.

We’d talk about LGBTQ+ for a bit and once June has passed, everything goes back to normal like Pride Month was just one of those marketing campaigns Lazada does once a month. Continued …

Thailand EV hub ambition recharged by soaring investment

Thailand’s ambition to become a regional hub for three industries – electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, upstream electronic manufacturing, and digital and creative – has received a significant boost from soaring investment, the Board of Investment (BOI) reports.

The BOI informed caretaker PM Prayut Chan-o-cha recently that total investment value surged to 185.7 billion baht from January to March, up 77% from the same period last year. Continued …

Bitkub revenue dips 48% as crypto sinks

Bitkub Online (BO), the owner of Bitkub Exchange, Thailand’s leading cryptocurrency platform, reported a 48% year-on-year decline in revenue last year as the crypto market plunged.

The total investments of its clients decreased 65% from a year earlier. Continued …

Thailand is a global capital of (illegal) sex work

In an apartment near Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street, Auchanaporn Pilasata studies her reflection in the mirror, applies another layer of plum-shade lipstick, and touches up her black eyeliner.

In the corner of her mirror are two photographs: one from when she looked like a scrawny 15-year-old boy, and another, post-transition, as the stunning woman she is today. Continued …

Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong on Thailand’s Burgeoning Cannabis Industry

With a BSBA finance and entrepreneurship qualification from Northeastern University in Boston under his belt, Thanisorn “Phet” Boonsoong has made an impressive name for himself in various pursuits, including the burgeoning field of cannabis and hemp production.

He is currently keeping busy as the CEO of Eastern Spectrum Group, Thailand’s pioneer cannabis plant manufacturer. It’s been quite a roller coaster year for everyone involved in the kingdom’s marijuana industry, which literally exploded after the plant was decriminalized exactly 12 months ago. Continued …

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

25 million international tourists expected in next 7 months

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) disclosed that Thailand’s tourism revenue for the first five months of 2023 reached 959 billion baht, with international visitors accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total. The agency expects its tourism revenue to reach 2.38 trillion baht by the end of 2023, around 80% of the 3 trillion baht recorded in 2019.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn stated Thai tourists accounted for 360 billion baht from nearly 100 million domestic trips, while international tourists generated an income of 599 million baht from 10.56 million trips. He said that the country welcomed 1.97 million overseas tourists last month, the majority of whom came from Malaysia, followed by China, India, South Korea, and Laos. Continued …

Thailand boosts wellness tourism with 5-year traditional Thai medicine plan

The Public Health Ministry is implementing a five-year traditional Thai medicine development plan to boost wellness tourism, a government spokesman announced on Sunday.

Anucha Burapachaisri said outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had acknowledged the five-year plan (2023-2027) for steering local traditional and alternative medicine to generate revenue for the country. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi satellite terminal set for soft takeoff in September

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat stated the new 216,000-square-meter facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport.

With the ability to accommodate 15 million passengers per year, SAT-1 will increase Suvarnabhumi’s annual passenger handling capacity to 60 million. The AoT board is expected to be informed of the soft opening plans later this month. Continued …

Airfares may stay sky-high, say industry experts

Despite the recent fall in oil prices, high airfares may stay in place for some time to come, say airline industry professionals and experts.

The gradual return of demand for travel last year following the lifting of Covid-related travel restrictions had already given the signal for higher fares. Continued …

Four seaside surf festivals for June and July, including PKK

Four seaside locations in Phangnga, Phuket, Songkhla and Prachuap Khiri Khan are the venues for four exciting festivals under the Amazing Ultimate Festival by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in June and July.

Huahin Beach Life 2023 will be held at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab, Prachuap Khiri Khan, from July 21 to 23. Hipsters will get a blissful beach experience with Sup Clinic sessions and fun workshops. Continued …

5 Offbeat Islands In Thailand You Must Explore

Away from the bustling cities of Bangkok, Thailand unpacks an array of destinations where you can unwind to the sound of gushing waves and swaying palm trees. While this description may conjure up images of the picturesque shores of Phi Phi and Koh Samui Islands, there are several offbeat ones you can escape to.

The best part is that it has everything that makes Thailand an enchanting destination, such as its delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. It couples it with the solitude reminiscent of more secluded vacation spots like the Maldives. While these lesser-known island spots in Thailand may not be as expensive as a holiday to the Maldives, they measure up just as well when you compare their beauty. Continued …

Vietnam’s power crisis deepens as hydroelectric reservoirs near dangerous levels

Two out of the three largest hydroelectric reservoirs in Vietnam, Son La and Lai Chau, are at dead water levels, with only Hoa Binh reservoir having enough water to generate electricity. Continued …

Colombian Child plane crash survivors in ‘acceptable’ state of health

Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited on Saturday four indigenous children who had been missing for more than five weeks in Colombia’s southern jungle after surviving a plane crash. Continued …

SEC Lawsuits Against Binance And Coinbase Raise Questions About Crypto’s Future

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits last week against the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase, deepening tensions between the government and a volatile industry that has been marred by scandals and market meltdowns. Continued …

Djokovic celebrates 23rd Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic won a record 23rd Grand Slam singles title at the French Open on Sunday to stand alone at the summit of men’s tennis with a 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 victory over fourth seed Casper Ruud in the final. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

climate change, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-June 10

  • Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote/
  • New Thai government still not assured/
  • Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement/
  • Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases/
  • Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget/
  • Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations/
  • Economy: Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices/El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices/12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027/
  • Tourism: Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings/
  • Thailand Experience: Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture/
  • International: Commentary: Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam/Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030/Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive/Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts/Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president/Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Prospective PM Pita clears a hurdle… next the parliamentary vote

Thailand’s Election Commission has unanimously dismissed three official complaints against Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. The complaints were filed by various individuals, including serial litigant Ruangkrai Leekitwattana.

But the EC says that the complaints were submitted after the prescribed time limits and therefore could not be considered. Continued …

New Thai government still not assured

The Move Foward Party (MFP)-led alliance is conjuring up the impression that it has already assumed control of the country’s administration, according to a political source.

The surreality being created, which critics decried as counting chickens before they hatch, has given supporters a sense that a new dawn awaits the country. Continued …

Top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement

New research has revealed the top 10 countries Brits want to spend their retirement in, with Spain placing first.

Equity release specialists at Retirement Solutions analyzed the average monthly Google search volume for different terms relating to retiring abroad. They wanted to determine the countries that Brits are most seeking to move to, upon retirement. Continued …

Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases

A severe dengue outbreak has hit Thailand’s northern Nan province, with over 100 cases reported in a single village. Ranking second in Thailand for the highest number of dengue patients, health officials are stepping up efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Dr. Warin Teppitaksak, the provincial public health officer, revealed that the dengue outbreak situation in Nan province is concerning, with Chiang Klang district having the highest number of dengue patients. The outbreak began in the village of Huay Kaeo, with over 100 patients coming from the same area. Continued …

Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19-million-baht budget

Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand in 2001. Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, an animal rights group, has filed a complaint stating that the elephant has suffered mistreatment for several years. Continued …

Thai Cannabis Day Promotes New Government Negotiations

Cannabis advocates in Thailand organized a political movement on Thailand Cannabis Day, June 9, to advocate for the declassification of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic and to allow home cultivation without a license for medicinal purposes, as decided by the Food and Drug Administration on June 9, 2022.

The status of cannabis takes a turn after the general election when the eight political parties forming a coalition government, led by the Move Forward party, sign an MOU expressing their mutual agreement to reintroduce cannabis as a controlled narcotic. Continued …

Thai households’ monthly bills high despite falling fuel prices

The average monthly household expenditure for Thai families came in at 18,023 baht in May, down by 130 baht from the previous month. However, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said this was still high.

The average household expenditure dropped in line with the country’s headline inflation in May. Inflation dropped sharply to 0.53% in May, the lowest in 21 months, from 2.67% in the previous month. Continued …

El Niño fails to affect Thai food prices

The Internal Trade Department says the droughts caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon have yet to affect the prices of local goods. The prices of fresh vegetables, limes and coriander are declining, as are fertilizer prices, said the department.

Chakra Yodmani, the department’s deputy director-general, said the droughts have not yet had a significant effect in terms of price adjustments. Continued …

12.5 million more skilled staff eyed by 2027

Thailand aims to produce around 800,000 skilled workers next year in targeted industries, including intelligent electronics, next-generation automobiles and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon chaired a meeting of the national workers’ skill development committee at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation on Friday to discuss incentives to develop more skilled workers. Continued …

Thai hotels and serviced apartments turning to Airbnb to drive international bookings

As global travel recovery continues at pace, Thailand remains top of mind among international travelers. Thailand was the #1 most-visited country on Airbnb in Southeast Asia in 2022, while Bangkok ranks #5 on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel spots in 2023.

As travelers flock to the country for business, leisure and remote work, they are searching for more affordable stays. They are also exploring a wider variety of accommodation offerings that meet their varying needs – ranging from entire homes, to shared homes and rooms. Notably, nights booked in private room listings on Airbnb in Thailand grew by over 500% year-on-year last year, up from 2021. Continued …

Sakhon Nakhon is known for its unique local culture

Sakhon Nakhon is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, commonly known as Isaan. It is situated approximately 651 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Sakhon Nakhon province covers an area of around 9,605 square kilometers and is bordered by six other provinces: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, and Udon Thani. Continued …

Russian invaders blew up hydroelectric power plant dam

Since the beginning of the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, there have been so many crimes and atrocities committed by the aggressor-state forces, causing suffering and pain to the Ukrainian people. Continued …

Vietnam to have 33 international and domestic airports by 2030

Vietnam is set to have 33 airports by 2030, including 14 serving international flights and 19 serving domestic flights. The investment is estimated at about VND420 trillion (US$18 billion), mobilized from the state budget, non-budget capital and other legal capital sources. Continued …

Children lost for 40 days in Colombian Amazon found alive

The four Indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest after a small plane crash have been found alive, President Gustavo Petro announced Friday. Continued …

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Friday, belching a column of ash more than three kilometers into the sky, officials said. The volcanic island emerged from the sea at the beginning of the last century from the crater formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa — one of the deadliest and most destructive in history. This is the second volcano eruption in the past week in Indonesia.(thaipbs.com)

Donald Trump indictment details charges against former president

Donald Trump and one of his Mar-a-Lago staffers, personal valet Walt Nauta, were charged with dozens of counts of allegedly violating eight federal statutes related to the handling of classified documents after the former president left the White House, according to the 44-page indictment unsealed Friday. Continued …

Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career

Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

hua hin, marijuana, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-June 9

  • Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award/
  • Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the general election is growing/
  • The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges/
  • With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand/
  • 40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal/
  • DLT combats illegal driving license sales/
  • Economy: Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub/FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors/90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy/Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia/‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene/
  • Tourism: Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers/Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket/
  • Thailand Experience: Wildlife Of The Isaan Region/
  • International: Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction/Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year/How much plastic is in our oceans?/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand GM nominated for travel award

It has been seven years since Expat News attended the first “test’ tour offered by Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand. Australians Leigh Higgins and her husband Shane were “hands on” with our small group, helping to explain (along with their English-speaking Thai host) what we were eating.

Feast Thailand has come a long way since then, including surviving the Covid pandemic while several other foreign-run enterprises folded. Expat News doubts you will find another foreigner in Hua Hin, perhaps in Thailand, who has a better understanding of Thai food and its culture than Leigh Higgins.

And now, Feast Thailand GM Leigh Higgins has been shortlisted for the Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards. The award honors women for their contribution to the travel industry in Asia. Congratulations!

Higgins was nominated in the Women Entrepreneurs in Travel Asia category and the Women Foodpreneur sub-category.

The awards will be announced on Saturday, June 24, at the Montien Surawong in Bangkok, where a number of senior executives and distinguished professionals from the travel industry will come together to celebrate, appreciate and recognize the stories, journeys and contributions of women in the Asia travel industry. Feast Thailand Facebook.

Dangerous political flux in the aftermath of the General Election is growing

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, whose candidacy for the position of PM has the support of an eight-party coalition representing over 75% of the electorate and 62% of the provisionally announced seats in the House of Representatives, sounded less confident this week about the issue of his alleged shares in a defunct media company even as he tried to put it behind him.

It came alongside a growing campaign from conservative forces in Thailand questioning the essence of the May 14 general election and warning of the dangers of a Move Forward Party-led government taking power, while political uncertainty is beginning to erode business confidence. Continued …

The state of food security in Thailand and 4 key challenges

The state of food security in Thailand is currently grappling with various challenges in the wake of global food shortages. To ensure sustainable food security, the Kingdom must address four key issues identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The availability of food is a critical factor for human survival. Food scarcity can have a profound impact on health and productivity, leading to potential conflicts, and having sufficient food is considered a vital aspect of stability. Continued …

With 3.9 billion monthly views, Voom is booming in Thailand

LINE’s short-video content service, Voom, has signed up more than 35 million monthly users in Thailand and they are so enthusiastic about the service it is getting 3.9 billion views a month, according to the head of LINE Voom, Philip Kim.

He put the service’s popularity in Thailand down to its real-time content and diverse user base. The service allows users to create both static images and short videos. “It provides user-friendly tools for creating informative and entertaining content (that is) easy to share,” Kim said. Continued …

40 police officers to be transferred over overloaded truck bribe scandal

About 40 highway police officers are expected to be transferred to “inactive posts” at the operations center of the Highways Police Division, pending the outcome of an investigation into their alleged involvement in the overloaded truck bribe sticker controversy.

Police Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, commander of the Police Counter Corruption Division, in his capacity as acting commander of Highways Police Division, told the media that Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, is expected to sign an order today, to transfer the commissioned and non-commissioned officers out of the division. Continued …

DLT combats illegal driving license sales

Thailand‘s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking action against individuals selling driver’s licenses illegally, following a Move Forward Party MP’s exposé on the matter.

MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn discovered several people advertising online services to provide driver’s licenses without requiring the driving test and posted screenshots of customers who had received valid DLT-certified licenses despite not taking the test. Continued …

Competition fierce as Thailand sets out to be EV hub

Investment in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry in the first quarter of this year rose 77% year on year to 185.73 billion baht, putting the country on track to become the regional hub for EV manufacturing, the Board of Investment (BOI) said on Thursday.

A total of 397 manufacturers applied for investment promotion with the BOI in the first three months of 2023, a (% increase year on year, BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said. Continued …

FTI seeks Chinese investment boost in Thai EV, food, and healthcare sectors

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is seeking to boost Chinese investment in Thailand, focusing on the electric vehicle (EV), food, and healthcare sectors, through increased business collaboration with Beijing.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, recently met with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, to discuss potential investment opportunities. Kriengkrai envisions Thailand as a production base for Chinese companies, acting as a gateway to the ASEAN region. Continued …

90% of Thai employees seek new jobs despite bleak economy

A significant majority of Thai workers are open to exploring new job opportunities despite an uncertain global economic climate, a recent study by recruitment firm Michael Page has found.

The Talent Trends report, which surveyed 942 individuals in Thailand, revealed that over half of the respondents are actively seeking or planning to find new employment within the next six months. Continued …

Japan’s Isuzu says no plans to relocate factory from Thailand to Indonesia

Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors said on Thursday it was not planning to move a factory to Indonesia from Thailand, a day after the Indonesian industry minister signaled it would.

“While our company continues to focus on Indonesia as a major market, there are no plans to relocate a Thai factory to Indonesia,” an Isuzu spokesperson said. Continued …

‘It’s like Starbucks’: Inside Thailand’s legal weed scene

Tucked away from city traffic in an alley full of massage parlors, office buildings and hotels, the place looks like it could be a cocktail bar. Customers can sit in leather armchairs or claim a high stool at the wooden, L-shaped bar.

The shelves, though, are absent of alcohol. In lieu of the typical bottles and glassware, there are bongs, rolling papers, grinders and dramatically lit jars of cannabis flowers like Critical Purple Cush and Amnesia Haze, the most popular strain in the shop. All The Smoke Lounge is one of the classier places to get high in Bangkok. Continued …

Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5-billion baht, targets off-peak travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its plans for the fiscal year 2024, with a focus on growing off-peak customers, increasing spending per trip by 7%, and distributing income to a wider range of destinations. The budget for these initiatives is set at 5 billion baht, a significant increase from the 3.25 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2023.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn explained that the key strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning in October, will be promoting fairness in revenue distribution through a “sharing economy” and making Thailand a “Tourism for All” destination. The aim is to achieve better distribution of tourists to secondary provinces and improve the dispersal of visitors throughout the year, rather than just during the high season. Continued …

Diarrhea outbreak spreading in Phuket

Diarrhea is spreading in Phuket, with an average of about 150 cases being treated at state and private hospitals per day, and the outbreak is expected to persist for 1-2 months, according to Dr. Kusak Kukiattikoon, the provincial health chief.

He said that the condition is spreading in all age groups, but mostly among students. Patients are complaining of abdominal pain, watery stools and vomiting, with some also having a fever. Continued …

Wildlife Of The Isaan Region

The Isaan Region, also known as northeastern Thailand, is a vast and diverse area that is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The region encompasses 20 provinces and occupies about one-third of the country’s total land area.

Its diverse ecosystems range from fertile plains and plateaus to forested hills and mountains, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Here are some of the notable wildlife species found in the Isaan Region of Thailand: Continued …

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

Trump faces US criminal charges for mishandling documents, obstruction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted by the Justice Department over his handling of classified documents at his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump, who is reportedly facing seven charges, said he’d been summoned to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday. Continued …

Bali seeks new kind of tourist after kicking out 136 unruly visitors this year

Indonesia’s paradise island teeming with beaches and lush rice fields wants to refocus its tourism away from guests who tend to misbehave and instead lure talented nomads, retirees and health buffs. Continued … 

How much plastic is in our oceans?

Every year, about 400 million tons of plastic products are produced around the world. About half are used to make single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and packaging material. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-June 8

  • Pran Buri Dam water levels reach critical point as drought crisis deepens/
  • Drought and irrigation issues pose challenges for PKK mango farmers/
  • Alleged gunman caught after shooting Russian in broad daylight in Phuket/
  • Urgent need for EV charging stations stressed/
  • Visa changes block Thai workers from Finnish berry fields/
  • Thai Owner Shocked: Indian Businessman Illegally Occupied His Buildings In Pattaya/
  • Economy: Thai economy faces 4 risks in 2nd half: SCB Securities/New government delay seen as threat to growth/Thai economy could face 36 billion baht hit from extreme weather/Japanese data centers expand into Thailand/Exports of Thai air-con parts to US surge 126% in 1st quarter/
  • Tourism: Tourism expected to keep Thai economy growing despite global headwind/Why 80% of travelers research food and drinks before a trip/Thai tourism campaign targets secondary cities for foreign visitors boost/15 Polish tourists evacuated before their bus was engulfed in flames/New road linking Phuket, Phangnga now complete/Canada loosens visa rule for Thais/
  • Thailand Experience: The 5 best activities in Central Thailand/Kanchanaburi: A town full of history/Nong Khai: Thailand’s link to Laos/
  • International: Work begins on 2nd Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia/IATA sees gradual recovery in Asia-Pacific aviation/Ukraine agriculture crisis looms after dam collapse/World’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Pran Buri Dam water levels reach critical point as drought crisis deepens

Prachuap Khiri Khan is facing an alarming drought situation, as water levels at the Pran Buri Dam have reached critically low levels. Officials have sounded the alarm over the severity of the crisis, prompting urgent measures to address the water shortage affecting the region.

Pran Buri Dam, a vital water source for the area, including for Hua Hin, currently holds only 14%-15% of its total capacity, officials have said. Continued …

Drought and irrigation issues pose challenges for PKK mango farmers

Mango farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan province are facing significant challenges, as severe drought conditions and inadequate irrigation systems take a toll on their crops.

Throughout the province in Pran Buri, Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri, and Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, some 50,000 rai of land is used to grow mangoes for export. Continued …

Alleged gunman caught after shooting Russian in broad daylight in Phuket

Phuket airport authorities arrested a Kazakhstani gunman who alledgedly shot a 44-year-old Russian national in broad daylight. Artur Legey, the 49-year-old suspect, was apprehended at the Phuket International Airport while preparing to flee. The victim was left critically injured in the incident that occurred outside a cafe in Thalang district, Phuket, yesterday.

The Russian man, Dmitri Aleynikov, suffered severe injuries in the Phuket shooting that occurred yesterday. The incident took place in broad daylight, and the perpetrator quickly fled the scene on an unregistered Yamaha motorcycle. Continued …

Urgent need for EV charging stations stressed

With purchases of electrical vehicles on the rise, the insufficient number of EV charging stations across the country is becoming increasingly challenging for drivers.

In an attempt to remedy the situation, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced that it is planning to collaborate with all car manufacturers to integrate and expand the charging station network. Continued …

Visa changes block Thai workers from Finnish berry fields

Not a single Thai worker has been confirmed to come to Finland for the upcoming picking season, following changes in visa procedures.

“We felt that we have to re-examine our procedures. The police investigations came to light last summer, (referring to the criminal prosecutions and human trafficking suspicions that happened in 2022) and this is the first picking season since that,” Katja Luopajärvi, the deputy head of the visa unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Continued …

Thai Owner Shocked: Indian Businessman Illegally Occupied His Buildings In Pattaya

The Thai owner of two adjoining commercial buildings in Pattaya, which he only came to inspect after five years yesterday, was shocked at discovering that an Indian businessman had trespassed and illegally turned the ground floor into a dance club, with the the rooms above rented out.

Supanat Chinnawat, 30, filed a complaint at Pattaya City police station that his two four-story adjoining commercial buildings on Pattaya Sai 3 road on the way to Bali Hai pier had been illegally occupied. Continued …

Thai economy faces 4 risks in 2nd half: SCB Securities

A slowing global economy, electoral uncertainty, rising interest rates, and drought are the four key risks facing the Thai economy in the second half of this year, a senior analyst at SCB Securities said.

Piyasak Manasan, senior vice president of the company’s investment research department, said official figures for the first quarter of this year showed gross domestic product (GDP) expanded faster than expected but not enough to raise full-year forecasts of 3.2% GDP growth. Continued …

New government delay seen as threat to growth

The private sector is concerned that Thai GDP growth could decline to 1%-2% if the formation of the new government is delayed from the timeline by six months or more.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is monitoring politics and awaiting a new government. Continued …

Thai economy could face 36 billion baht hit from extreme weather

Extreme weather conditions, including drought and floods, could potentially inflict a 36-billion-baht blow to Thailand‘s economy this year, warns the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). Drought, in particular, is a significant concern, as it may severely affect the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, further hindering the country’s already sluggish exports.

“Manufacturers are worried about drought because it can reduce production capacity and affect exports,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), which is part of the JSCCIB. Continued …

Japanese data centers expand into Thailand

Two Japan-based data center providers have invested US164 million (5.5 billion baht) in Thailand to build and expand data centers, cashing in on the trend of digital transformation and the exponential growth of cloud computing.

Telehouse recently opened its first data center in Thailand with an investment of $74 million, while NTT invested 3 billion baht through NTT Global Data Centers Corp. to develop its newest and largest data center in Thailand. The latter’s new Bangkok 3 Data Center (BKK3) is slated to start operations in the second half of 2024. Continued …

Exports of Thai air-con parts to US surge 126% in 1st quarter

Exports of air-conditioner components to the United States surged 126% in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year, the chief of the Foreign Trade Department said on Wednesday.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the department, said Thailand exported US$146.96 million worth of components for air conditioners to the U.S. in the first three months of this year. Continued …

Tourism expected to keep Thai economy growing despite global headwind

The Thai economy is likely to continue to recover despite a slowing global economy due to the strong recovery in the tourism industry, Thailand’s most powerful business lobby group said on Wednesday.

Up to 30 million foreign tourists will visit Thailand this year and the government should launch measures to attract more, including lessening water shortages in areas tourists visit, said the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). Continued …

Why 80% of travelers research food and drinks before a trip

In recent years, Instagram has been thought to be a significant catalyst for which destinations people gravitate toward when planning on traveling, but a new catalyst is emerging.

According to new international data from Global Food Tourism, 80% of travelers will research food and drinks in a location before heading off on their travels. Continued …

Thai tourism campaign targets secondary cities for foreign visitors boost

Thailand‘s Tourism Authority (TAT) has revealed a significant increase in international travelers visiting the country in the first five months of 2023, with a total of 10,568,485 visitors. In collaboration with Central Pattana Plc., TAT aims to promote local and alternative tourism destinations, targeting a shift in the proportion of travelers from major to secondary cities.

During the first five months of 2023, international tourist visits reached 10,568,485, with 1,972,033 visits in May alone. The top five countries in visitor numbers were Malaysia, China, India, South Korea, and Lao PDR. To stimulate travel to secondary cities, TAT has partnered with Central Pattana to launch the “Go Local, Love Local” campaign. The first phase focuses on four provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ayutthaya, Ubon Ratchathani, and Chanthaburi. Continued …

15 Polish tourists evacuated before their bus was engulfed in flames

The quick thinking of a 48-year-old bus driver may have saved the lives of 15 Polish tourists on Wednesday morning on one of the busy Bangkok expressways that circle the capital city when he quickly parked his bus and evacuated his passengers after noticing smoke coming from the underside of the bus near the luggage compartment.

Kanchit Kaewmanee had earlier picked up the tourists from a hotel in the Makkasan area of the city and was traveling outbound on Expressway Number 2 near the Kamphaeng Phet Road when the incident occurred. Continued …

New road linking Phuket, Phangnga now complete

The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) announced the completion of the Na Klang-Ao Jik road linking Phuket and Phangnga, which will support local tourism and cross-provincial transport. Continued …

Canada loosens visa rule for Thais

Thailand is among 13 countries newly added to Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program by its Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser, the North American country announced yesterday.

Travelers who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when traveling to Canada by air, according to the website canada.ca. Continued …

The 5 best activities in Central Thailand

Calling all adventurous souls, culture vultures, and travel lovers! Are you ready for the new chapters through Thailand’s central region? Picture this: vibrant cities pulsating with life, ancient temples whispering tales from the past, and natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

And if you wonder what’s the best thing to do in Central Thailand? Well, it’s a tough one. After all, there are so many things you can do. And, with the help of our friends at TAT and Klook, we’ve compiled the best activities below. Continued …

Kanchanaburi: A town full of history

It felt as if my eyes and skin were on fire while walking down the new 150m-long skywalk in the sweltering midday sun. It was due to my late arrival in Kanchanaburi, but I decided to stick to my original plan.

At least I was rewarded with stunning views of the confluence of the Khwae Yai, Khwae Noi and Mae Klong rivers, set against a backdrop of lush hilly environment and old city walls. Continued …

Nong Khai: Thailand’s link to Laos

Nong Khai is a province located in northeastern Thailand, also known as Isaan. It is situated on the banks of the Mekong River, which forms the natural border between Thailand and Laos. Here are some key details about Nong Khai:

Geography and Location: Nong Khai Province covers an area of approximately 7,325 square kilometers. It is bordered by the provinces of Bueng Kan to the east, Sakon Nakhon to the south, and Loei to the west. Across the Mekong River lies Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Continued …

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

Work begins on 2nd Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia

Cambodia on Wednesday broke ground on the second Chinese-invested expressway connecting the capital Phnom Penh with Bavet City of Svay Rieng province on the border with Vietnam. Continued …

IATA sees gradual recovery in Asia-Pacific aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects Asia-Pacific aviation to gradually recover throughout this year, despite some hiccups in the supply chain and a few Covid travel restrictions still being in place. Continued …

Ukraine agriculture crisis looms after dam collapse

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not only resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences but also poses a severe threat to the country’s agriculture. Ukrainian officials have warned that the southern region’s fertile lands could transform into deserts as early as next year due to the destruction of vital irrigation systems that rely on the Kakhovka reservoir. Continued …

World’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia

Australia‘s Marineland Crocodile Park celebrated the presumed 120th birthday of Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile. Cassius, measuring 5.48 meters in length, has been a resident of the park on Green Island in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef since 1984, after being captured in the Northern Territory’s Finniss River for allegedly causing numerous cattle deaths. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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

climate change, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-June 7

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”

  • Thailand and SE Asia ‘caught off guard’ by record heatwave/
  • Hidden cameras at Monsoon Valley Vineyard showcase a wide variety of animals/
  • Heavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods/
  • Public healthcare system facing doctor shortage, workload concerns/
  • Alleged cyanide serial killer faces highest number of charges in Thai history/
  • Abandoned Dog Has Been Waiting for Her Owner for 2 Months/
  • Economy: Sluggish commodity prices positive for core inflation/Government addresses agricultural sector climate risk/How climate-smart techniques are giving Thailand’s farms a boost/TPIPP to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2026/
  • Tourism: Lisa puts Ayutthaya back on radar for TAT/Phuket: The Epicenter of Tourism Politics in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Expat News visits Phetchaburi wildlife rescue foundation/An exotic culinary journey featuring Thai rice/10 delicious Thai dishes you should try that aren’t pad Thai/
  • International: World Bank revises global economic growth forecast/Wheat Prices Jump Following Bombing Of Major Dam In Southern Ukraine/10 billion global population unsustainable, says climate envoy Kerry/Arctic could be ice-free a decade earlier than thought/PGA Tour and LIV Golf merge to end golf’s ‘civil war’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand and SE Asia ‘caught off guard’ by record heatwave

Millions of Vietnamese workers, including drivers, street vendors, cleaners, builders, and farmers, who form the backbone of society, have been disproportionately impacted by the recent extreme heat wave in Southeast Asia. This region experienced its most severe heat wave on record, causing detrimental effects on the health and livelihoods of these individuals.

Typically, April and May are known as the hottest months in Southeast Asia, with temperatures rising before the monsoon rains provide some relief. However, this year witnessed unprecedented heat levels across the region, even in popular tourist destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam. Continued …

Hidden cameras at Monsoon Valley Vineyard showcase a wide variety of animals

A yellow-throated marten striking a pose. Click. A bird of prey spreading its wings. Click. A masked palm civet exploring under the cover of darkness. Click.

Hidden camera traps installed around Monsoon Valley vineyard near Hua Hin have revealed an abundance of wildlife. Continued …

Heavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods

Heavy rainfall and floods are expected to hit 54 provinces in Thailand, with a 70% chance of precipitation across the country, according to the Meteorological Department. Bangkok could face flash floods, while increased wave heights are predicted for the Andaman Sea today.

The Meteorological Department’s 24-hour forecast predicts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to a trough of a low-pressure area over the South China Sea, combined with a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

Public healthcare system facing doctor shortage, workload concerns

The Public Health Ministry has taken a close look at the reported shortage of physicians and the reasons behind the heavy workload of personnel in an attempt to improve conditions for all involved in the country’s healthcare system, including ensuring they enjoy a good work-life balance in the future.

Deputy Minister Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin noted that the shortage of personnel is across all healthcare professions, including physicians, nurses and radiologists. Continued …

Alleged cyanide serial killer faces highest number of charges in Thai history

The alleged Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, faces 80 charges for the murders of 14 victims and the attempted murder of one surviving victim. This makes her the criminal with the highest number of charges in Thai history.

The deputy commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, today confirmed that the number of victims of the cyanide killer is 15, with 14 of them tragically losing their lives due to poisoning. Continued … 

Abandoned Dog Has Been Waiting for Her Owner for 2 Months

An online social media account posted texts and pictures searching for the owner of a dog in Uthai Thani Province, 200 kilometers north of Bangkok.

The caption reads: “She has been waiting for 2 months for the owner to pick her up. The owner is her whole world. She’s been standing here all day for 2 months and not going anywhere. She is waiting. I am not sure if she was abandoned or fell out of the car. She is on the roadside of Ban Khao Pha Rad, Nam Rop subdistrict, Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani.” Continued …

Sluggish commodity prices positive for core inflation

The Ministry of Commerce said the domestic general inflation rate for May increased by only 0.53% year-on-year, the lowest level in the past 21 months, due to sluggish prices of petroleum, electricity, and food products. This figure is much lower than the 2.7% figure the financial market projected for May of this year.

According to Wichanun Niwatjinda, deputy director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), the main reasons for this relatively low inflation rate are slow-moving prices of petroleum, electricity, and food products, combined with the low base price used for calculating the inflation rate in May. Continued …

Government addresses agricultural sector climate risk

The government has approved the draft of a financial instrument exchange program aimed at adapting to climate-change risks, particularly in the agricultural sector in the ASEAN region, as part of the moves toward environmental sustainability.

Resolutions related to environmental cooperation and adaptation to climate change, particularly in the agricultural sector, were approved at the Cabinet meeting on June 6, along with the exchange of a draft agreement concerning the implementation of the Innovative Climate-Risk Financing for the Agricultural Sector in the ASEAN Region (ICRFAAR) project. Continued …

How climate-smart techniques are giving Thailand’s farms a boost

Rain machines, water canals, and laser-leveling are some of the methods being adopted in Thailand in an effort to ensure the country has a more sustainable agricultural supply chain amid the global food crisis.

Triggered by climate change, conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic, food agencies are warning that as many as 828 million people are now food insecure and that over 10 times more people are living in famine-like conditions compared to five years ago. Continued …

TPIPP to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2026

TPI Polene Power Plc (TPIPP), a leading waste-to-energy project developer and operator in Thailand, is set to continue its five-year capital expenditure plan of 14 billion baht. The plan, which began last year, aims to replace coal usage with renewable energy sources and increase the company’s power-generation capacity.

TPIPP has earmarked 3 billion baht for projects focused on reducing coal imports and eliminating coal-fired power generation by 2026, according to Worawit Lerdbussarakam, the company’s vice president. In 2021, coal accounted for half of the total electricity generation of 440 megawatts. By 2024, coal usage is projected to decrease by 30% to 150MW of the new total capacity of 502MW. Continued …

Lisa puts Ayutthaya back on radar for TAT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has jumped at the chance to promote tourism in Ayutthaya after Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban from the South Korean girl group Blackpink, posted photos while visiting the old city of the World Heritage site on her Instagram account on Monday.

The starlet’s IG account (@lalalalisa_m) has 94.5 million followers. She visited several ruins and temples in Ayutthaya after the Blackpink World Tour Bangkok gigs on the last weekend of May. During her trip with close friends, they donned traditional dress, short-sleeve blouses and indigo tie-dyed, mud-fermented woven, a long fabric wrapped around the waist like a skirt. Continued …

Phuket: The Epicenter of Tourism Politics in Thailand

Tourism on Thailand’s most popular island has bounced back since the pandemic. Now, proposed visitor taxes and uncertainty around cannabis use are placing tourism high on the political agenda.

Almost two years have passed since Thailand’s then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha personally greeted tourists arriving at Phuket International Airport. On July 1, 2021, during the dark days of Covid-19, he launched the Phuket Sandbox, the first coordinated attempt to rebirth tourism in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Expat News visits Phetchaburi wildlife rescue foundation

We had the opportunity to tour the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand facility in Phetchaburi recently. More about the foundation HERE.

WFFT currently houses more than 800 animals in 70 different species, including a cougar from Canada and a chimpanzee from Africa. The facility is huge, with concrete construction and metal cages prominent throughout, and extensive new construction underway.

They need the space, as they expect to add as many as 20 tigers and 20 leopards to the mix after a camp in northern Thailand closed. WFFT currently has 4 tigers and no leopards.

The tour provides excellent information on the animals and the facility; however, the tour does not use Thai translators, so Thais not knowing English gain zero knowledge from the visit. There also are no signs in Thai.

WFFT provides transport from Hua Hin for those interested. For tour information.

An exotic culinary journey featuring Thai rice

When one talks about Thai rice, the spotlight is not only on Hom Mali or Jasmine rice. Thailand’s fertile and abundant land has given the country’s rice a global reputation. Thailand is currently the second largest rice exporter, lending credence to its claims to be the “The kitchen of the world”.

Across the country, from the North down to the South, rice is a staple crop and plays an important role in the Thai cultural and gastronomical heritage. Continued …

10 delicious Thai dishes you should try that aren’t pad Thai

Thai food is known for its variety of signature ingredients, like lemongrass, ginger, lime, chili, garlic, pandan leaves, and coconut milk, which create distinctive combinations of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

While stir-fried noodle specialty pad Thai — undoubtedly delicious — is one of Thai cuisine’s most famous dishes, there’s so much more to try. In fact, did you know that Thailand is home to four distinct regional cuisines? Continued …

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

World Bank revises global economic growth forecast

A new World Bank report looking at global economic trends adjusts the projected expansion of the global economy this year to 2.1%, higher than the previously forecast figure of 1.7% in January but lower than the growth rate in 2022 of 3.1%. Continued … 

Wheat Prices Jump Following Bombing Of Major Dam In Southern Ukraine

The bombing of a major dam in southern Ukraine sent global prices of wheat and corn higher early on Tuesday. Wheat prices gained 2.4% in early trading on Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, to $6.39 a bushel. The cost of corn rose more than 1% (to $6.04 a bushel) and oats gained 0.73% ($3.46 per unit). Continued …

10 billion global population unsustainable, says climate envoy Kerry

U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry told AFP that the world’s population will not be tenable in 2050, when it is projected to hit nearly 10 billion, but refrained from asking Americans to give up steaks. Continued …

Arctic could be ice-free a decade earlier than thought

The Arctic Ocean’s ice cap will disappear in summer as soon as the 2030s and a decade earlier than thought, no matter how aggressively humanity draws down the carbon pollution that drives global warming, scientists said yesterday. Continued …

PGA Tour and LIV Golf merge to end golf’s ‘civil war’

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced on Tuesday that they have merged their commercial operations with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and ended all litigation, bringing to a close the sport’s bitter two-year rift. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

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.

UPDATED: 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