Category Archives: transportation

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Friday’s news-June 2

  • Vehicle registration goes digital/
  • Chomsin Road improvements, expansion planned/
  • Heavy rainfall warning: 33 provinces hit, 70% of south Thailand to be impacted/
  • COVID makes comeback in Thailand as booster fatigue leaves door open/
  • Bangkok Bank raises interest rates on deposits and loans/
  • Coup-installed Senate not yet ready for Move Forward, sources say/
  • GPO touts new drug to help quit smoking/
  • Food delivery rider ‘delivers’ slap to pedestrian for blocking his path/
  • Economy: Challenges for Thai banking system lie ahead/HSBC Thailand prepares strategy for expansion/Hotel industry strong as global travel grows: Minor Group/Tesla changes gear in Thailand, opens service center, expands charging network/Chinese electric vehicle firms eager to join Thai business group/
  • Tourism: Move Forward to use tourism sector to boost economy/
  • Thailand Experience: This beach is Thailand’s best-kept secret/
  • International: El Nino may hammer Asian farms/US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales/
  • 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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Vehicle registration goes digital

With digital technology now playing a role in just about every aspect of our lives, vehicle registration booking is the latest service to get a digital upgrade.

The aim is to reduce steps, increase convenience and efficiency, and enhance citizen satisfaction, government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said yesterday, adding that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is an agency extensively used by the public, especially for booking vehicle registration numbers through the internet system at the car registration number reservation website. Continued …

Chomsin Road improvements, expansion planned

In a bid to tackle traffic problems in downtown Hua Hin, the municipality has unveiled plans to expand and enhance Chomsin Road.

On Thursday, Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, along with members of the Hua Hin Municipal Council, engineering staff from the Hua Hin Traffic Police Station, and representatives from the local community, gathered at the project site to discuss and explain the proposed road expansion to the residents and commercial property owners in the area. Continued …

Heavy rainfall warning: 33 provinces hit, 70% of south Thailand to be impacted

Heavy rainfall is expected in 33 provinces across Thailand, with the southern region facing a high risk of flash floods and landslides. The Thai Meteorological Department urges citizens to remain vigilant to sudden flooding from June 2 as 70% of the area is expected to experience torrential downpours.

The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in certain areas of the eastern and southern provinces. Residents in these regions are advised to stay alert to potential flash floods and forest runoff, especially in areas on hill slopes, near watercourses, and low-lying zones. Continued …

COVID makes comeback in Thailand as booster fatigue leaves door open

Thai authorities are stepping up campaigns encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and get booster shots, as COVID-19 makes a comeback.

The campaigns are designed to combat a new surge in cases, attributed to factors such as students returning for the new semester – but most importantly people’s declining immunity. Continued …

Bangkok Bank raises interest rates on deposits and loans

Following the Bank of Thailand’s decision to raise its policy interest rate on May 31 by 25 basis points to 2%, the Bangkok Bank Plc (BBL) today announced that it has raised interest rates for deposits and loans, effective as of June 2 amid the steady growth of the Thai economy.

According to BBL’s Executive VP, Suvarn Thansathit, the interest rates on deposits have been raised by 0.05-0.25%. The interest rate for savings deposits is now 0.60% per annum, while interest for 3-month fixed deposits is 0.95% per annum. Fixed deposits for 6 months now earn 1.05% per annum. Continued …

Coup-installed Senate not yet ready for Move Forward, sources say

The 250 senators appointed by the 2014 coup leaders remain a threat to the party that won the most seats in the May 14 election, Senate sources say.

A core group of senators loyal to generals Prayut Chan-o-cha and Prawit Wongsuwan are actively lobbying their peers not to vote for Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Continued …

GPO touts new drug to help quit smoking

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has unveiled a locally developed cytisine — an alkaloid that occurs naturally in certain plants — that can help people quit smoking, reduce treatment costs and potentially save over 12 million baht in imported drugs.

Dr. Mingkwan Suphanpong, the GPO’s director, said there are more than 9.9 million people in Thailand over the age of 15 who are classed as frequent smokers. Continued …

Food delivery rider ‘delivers’ slap to pedestrian for blocking his path

A food delivery rider who violated the law by riding on a pavement slapped a pedestrian in the face because the victim blocked his path.

Two days ago, the victim, Kitti Panantanannon, shared a video of the moment when he was attacked. In the caption, he said, “He drove a motorcycle on the pavement at a high speed and asked me, a pedestrian, why I do not give him away. He even came back to attack me. The motorcycle also did not have a registration plate.” Continued …

Challenges for Thai banking system lie ahead

The Thai banking sector has encountered numerous challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in dealing with debt issues to aid borrowers facing financial difficulties.

However, as the economy gradually recovers, businesses are adapting and aligning themselves with the returning normalcy. Continued …

HSBC Thailand prepares strategy for expansion

HSBC Thailand aims to raise fresh funds and secure an additional license in preparation for local business expansion in line with the country’s economic growth.

The bank is in the process of increasing its capital by 3.1 billion baht to 25.7 billion, said Chief Executive Giorgio Gamba. Continued …

Hotel industry strong as global travel grows: Minor Group

Minor Hotels is to add 65 hotels with more than 13,000 rooms by 2025 as part of its plans to maintain the group’s position as the largest in the hotel hospitality industry, Dillip Rajakarier, group chief executive of MINT and chief executive of Minor Hotels, told a media gathering on Thursday.

The move is part of the company’s strategic plan for long-term growth and is aligned with the global trends in travel, which, said Rajakarier, would see the hotel industry continuing to grow despite the poor state of the global economy. Continued …

Tesla changes gear in Thailand, opens service center, expands charging network

Tesla is set to open its first service center in Bangkok in July, having entered the Thai market only this year to primarily sell electric vehicles online.

However, the after-sales service aspect had been unclear. Recently, Tesla announced the official opening of its first service center, along with plans to expand the charging station network to seven locations. Continued …

Chinese electric vehicle firms eager to join Thai business group

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are keen to become members of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to help drive the fledging EV industry in Thailand. Continued …

Move Forward to use tourism sector to boost economy

The Move Forward Party aims to use the tourism sector as a “quick win” formula to stimulate the economy, the party leader and prospective prime minister Pita Limjaroenrat said on Wednesday.

He noted, however, that the Thai tourism sector is still suffering from tourist congestion, as 70% of tourism revenue is generated in popular destinations like Bangkok and Chonburi. Move Forward wants to see foreign tourists visit more places by allowing them to stay in Thailand longer and encouraging them to spend more cash, and is planning to introduce a “homestay act” in a bid to offer more alternatives. Continued …

This beach is Thailand’s best-kept secret

Hua Hin has it all. International branded resorts, shopping, dining and activities for all ages. Some 200 kilometers south of Bangkok, it’s known for its safe beaches and family-friendly, authentic Thai feel.

Dubbed The Royal Coast, thanks to being a favorite with Thai royalty and elite, northern Europeans also know Hun Hin’s tropical charms, visiting in their winter to laze on the beach and sup on seafood. Yet it has remained under the radar for many visitors to Thailand. Here are seven of the best things to do in Hua Hin: Continued …

El Nino may hammer Asian farms

Early signs of hot, dry weather caused by El Nino are threatening food producers across Asia, while American growers are counting on heavier summer rains from the weather phenomenon to alleviate the impact of severe drought. Continued …

US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales

The increasing frequency of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States is impacting the lives of millions of Americans, causing anxiety and prompting changes in daily routines. With National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaching, around 60% of U.S. adults have discussed gun safety with their children or other family members, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 30

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

  • Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport/
  • How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem/
  • Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment/
  • TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns/
  • Students Stab Each Other at c Province School, one dead/
  • Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall/
  • 79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses/
  • Economy: Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery/Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists/Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories/Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise/Planning unit touts revamp of labor force/EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing/Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade/Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming/Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz/Weed network fears law change/
  • Tourism: TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024/Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts/Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’/
  • International: Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap/China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030/Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million/Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport

A new passenger bus stop pavilion has been officially opened outside Hua Hin Airport, aiming to provide added convenience and improved travel options between the airport and Hua Hin town center.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday with several prominent figures in attendance. Continued …

How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem

The issue of PM2.5 dust pollution has spurred various political parties in Thailand to propose policies aimed at controlling dust intensity and mitigating its impact on public health.

The current air quality standard in the country sets the maximum allowable level of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) at 50 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a 24-hour period. However, it is evident that PM2.5 concentrations often exceed these standards during certain periods, leading to adverse implications for public health and the economy. Continued …

Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment

The world may need to reconsider the mantra of recycling to prevent environmental degradation after recent research revealed that the recycling process itself may lead to the release of a significant amount of microplastics into the environment.

Waste management is one of the major challenges faced in the current era, with a large amount of waste generated from consumption and consumerism every day. Each country has different methods of waste disposal; some bury it while others incinerate it, and each method has its environmental impacts. This led to the emergence of the concept of recycling, which appeared to be an effective solution to reduce waste and reuse materials efficiently. Continued …

TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns

In a notable shift from traditional campaigning strategies, political figures in Thailand have turned to TikTok, using the fast, efficient and cost-effective platform to connect with a wider audience.

With a large percentage of Thai nationals active on social media, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for politicians to sway public opinion and secure votes. Continued …

Students Stab Each Other at Sisaket Province School, one dead

A renowned school in Sisaket Province was gripped by a shocking incident yesterday, as two young students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 engaged in a fatal altercation using a knife. The incident, which unfolded during school hours, resulted in one student’s tragic death and two in coma.

According to witnesses and initial reports, the incident began when the two boys had been engaging in what seemed to be a playful boxing game during their lunch break. However, the game soon turned violent, fueling anger in one of the boys. As the lunch break drew to a close and class resumed, tensions remained high between the two students. Continued …

Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall

A fat tomcat proved that cats indeed have nine lives when he survived a six-story fall by landing on a car below and shattering its back windscreen.

The car’s owner, who goes by the handle Apiwat Toyothaka on Facebook, posted a message on Saturday saying the condo’s management informed him that a cat had fallen on his car and smashed the back windscreen. Continued …

79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses

A total of 79 police officers have been removed from service during the first five months of this year for committing severe disciplinary offenses, the Police Commission was updated on Monday.

The commission, the highest governing body of police officers, held a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok to endorse the decisions of the disciplinary committee against police officers found to have committed severe disciplinary offenses. Continued …

Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery

Thailand’s economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalization of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said on Monday.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. Continued …

Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists

A new low for the Thai baht looms and not even a rate hike by the central bank is likely to halt its slide. The Asian currency weakened for its third straight week against the U.S. dollar, closing at 34.77 on Friday and heading toward February’s year-to-date low of 35.39.

Hurdles to the Move Forward coalition are growing, increasing political uncertainty over who will form the next government in a development weighing on the baht, as it spurs foreign funds to sell both the nation’s equities and bonds. Continued …

Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories

Thailand’s business leaders are increasingly concerned at the Move Forward Party’s determination to implement its Bt450-a-day minimum wage policy within 100 days of coming to power, if the eight-party coalition manages to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in August.

They warn that the move will cost Thailand jobs in terms of lost inward investment, the closure of factories where profitability is already marginal and a move toward automation, which will impact elderly and lower-skilled workers the most. One business leader describes the move as a potential earthquake for the critical manufacturing sector of the economy. Continued …

Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise

Asian Sea Corp., a Thai frozen food producer, and its subsidiary Asian Alliance International (AAI) are ready to move their production base to Vietnam or the Philippines if the new coalition government raises the daily minimum wage to 450 baht.

President and Chief Executive Somsak Amornrattanachaikul said the group is preparing to relocate its production and investment bases to Vietnam or the Philippines to expand production capacity if the daily minimum wage is increased to 450 baht. Continued …

Planning unit touts revamp of labor force

Thailand needs to ramp up in-depth research and data analysis at provincial and regional levels to identify target markets for exports or investment in order to formulate appropriate promotion policies, according to the latest study by the Trade Planning and Strategy Office (TPSO).

The planning unit advised Thailand to accelerate building a skilled workforce ready for targeted and high-tech industries such as chip design and chip manufacturing. This is essential in order to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Thailand who possess quality and expertise, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO. Continued …

EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) expects the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry to drive 3.5% growth in auto production this year to 1.95 million units.

About 900,000 units will be sold domestically and 1.05 million will be exported. TAI’s projection comes after 625,423 vehicles rolled off Thai production lines from January-April, up 5% from the same period last year. Continued …

Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade

Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2023, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, surged past its 70-billion-baht target to record a whopping 120 billion baht in deals, according to the Commerce Ministry.

A total of 3,034 exhibitors – 1,109 Thai and 1,925 international – presented their products and services at 5,859 booths at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi from May 23-27. The five-day fair welcomed 131,039 visitors from 140 countries, a 58% jump from last year. Continued …

Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming

Eco-efficiency in agriculture is a key to reducing environmental impact while meeting the increasing demand for food, Katharina Staske, managing director of the German Agricultural Society (DLG) Asia Pacific, said. She made the remarks during the opening ceremony of ”AgriConnect Conference & Exhibition” at True Digital Park in Bangkok.

She said climate change causes an impact on many regions around the world, especially in Southeast Asia. She added that unsustainable use of resources caused climate change impact to be more severe. Continued …

Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz

Under the theme “Good Coffee For Everyone”, the much-awaited Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 will be held from July 13-16 at Impact Exhibition Hall 5–8 in Muang Thong Thani.

Featuring more than 300 cafes and roasters, as well as a wide range of related products and innovative services, the four-day event, a partnership between the Specialty Coffee Assn. of Thailand and The Cloud, will take over a 20,000m² space across the exhibition’s four halls. It expects to welcome more than 30,000 visitors daily. Continued …

Weed network fears law change

Citing research by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Systematic Hemp and Cannabis Resolution, Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network has urged three alliance parties not to reinstate the plant as a narcotic drug, as that would be like “getting the first shirt button wrong” and lead to more problems.

Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader, wrote on Monday that before the election this particular ad-hoc committee was set up to discuss removing cannabis from the list in an attempt to study the systemic usage of the plant. Continued …

TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates 30-35 million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom in 2024, generating 3 trillion baht in total revenue, marking a 100% return to pre-Covid levels. TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the recovery is expected to be driven by increased spending per trip.

In line with the government’s policy to stimulate economic recovery through tourism, TAT has launched the “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign to drive the recovery of Thai tourism. Continued …

Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year

International arrivals to Surat Thani Province have exceeded 1.5 million, up 155% so far this year, according to the provincial governor.

Gov. Witchawut Jinto said yesterday 2.05 million visitors have arrived in the province since January. Of them, 1.5 million are foreign visitors, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year. Continued …

Kuaitiao Nam Daeng (red-soup noodles)

Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant gastronomic scene, Phetchaburi stands as a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an unforgettable journey into Thai cuisine.

The city is dedicated to preserving traditional recipes held by local communities and is known for its high-quality ingredients that have been refined by local artisan producers for generations and form the core of Phetchaburi’s gastronomic excellence. Local cuisine has been adapted for more widespread national and global engagement, combining tradition with modern economic development. Continued … 

Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’

Chaiyaphum is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isan. It is situated approximately 340 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Chaiyaphum Province covers an area of about 12,778 square kilometers and is divided into 16 districts (amphoes) and one subdistrict (king amphoe).

The province is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, which include mountains, forests, and fertile plains. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, such as the Phetchabun Mountains to the east and the Sankamphaeng Range to the west. Chaiyaphum is often referred to as the “Land of the Phaya Naga” due to the mythical serpents that are believed to reside in the nearby Mun River. Continued …

Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap

At 6:15 am, the first rays of the magical Bali light are breaking over the horizon. At the shoreline, hotel staff are finishing their daily routine of raking piles of plastic bags, cups, wrappers, and other trash that washed up overnight. Continued …

China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030

China’s burgeoning space program plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand the country’s orbiting space station, officials said Monday. Continued …

Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million

The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Center for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. Continued …

Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party

In Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a stripper was mistakenly apprehended by local authorities after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy. The event took place on a Friday evening when a “suspicious man” was spotted in the Nordend district of the city, dressed in a U.S. police uniform and helmet, and seemingly carrying an assault rifle. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 29

2 Comments

“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

  • Residential market slows, new stimulus packages awaited/
  • Agriculture dept launches hunt for the best Thai coffee/
  • Diesel price will rise 5-baht/liter on July 21 if tax cut not extended/
  • Some Bangkok hospitals still have room for COVID-19 patients /
  • Convention center taxis draw fire for fares, rejections/
  • From sushi to salmon curry: Norwegian seafood makes its presence felt/
  • Thai residents use ancient ceremony for lottery prediction/
  • Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony/
  • Why Some Fear Thais Are Becoming Slave to the US/
  • Economy: Business groups back ‘fair growth’ principle/Thailand’s health tech industry valuable for the region/Putting clean energy in pole position/
  • Tourism: Thailand expected to delay launching of tourism tax – again/Thai geopark fusing prehistoric and natural wonders added to UNESCO list/Russian Tourist Drowns On Patong Beach/
  • Thailand Experience: 15 floating markets in Bangkok/Thai luxury hotel farms its own food, from eggs and bacon to bananas and mushrooms/Thai restaurants triple in Beijing as China’s craving for Thai cuisine surges/
  • International: Turkey’s Erdogan prevails in election test of his 20-year rule/China’s homegrown C919 makes first commercial flight/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Residential market slows, new stimulus packages awaited

Despite slowing inflation, the residential market in the first few months of 2023 has been sluggish, the real estate sector reports. Overall, the housing demand in Thailand has dropped and consumer purchasing power remains weak, although the sector is hoping to benefit from new government policies.

Leading property website DDProperty says higher interest rates are the main barrier for home buyers, resulting in a 2% decline in housing demand in the second quarter of this year. Continued …

Agriculture dept launches hunt for the best Thai coffee

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is holding a contest for the best “sustainable coffee” in a bid to improve the quality of Thai coffee and bring it to international markets.

DOA Director-general Rapeephat Chantarasriwong said on Sunday that a similar contest had generated 1.3 million in revenue last year, especially from the sale of Arabic and Robusta coffee. Continued …

Diesel price will rise 5-baht/liter on July 21 if tax cut not extended

The pump rice of diesel will be increased by 5 baht/liter from July 21 if the caretaker government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha or the new government, which is yet to be formed, does not extend the excise tax cut introduced on Feb. 18 last year.

Excise Department Director-General Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Sunday that the caretaker government could seek approval from the Election Commission to extend the tax cut, adding, however, that the issue has not yet been discussed with caretaker Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. Continued …

Some Bangkok hospitals still have room for COVID-19 patients

Hospitals under the supervision of the Department of Medical Services in Bangkok still have room to accommodate more COVID-19 patients, as only 22.4% of the beds are currently occupied, said Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the department.

The department’s hospitals are Lerdsin, Rajavithi, Nopparat Rajathanee and the Central Chest Institute of Thailand. Continued … 

Convention center taxis draw fire for fares, rejections

Taxi drivers operating at the Muang Thong Thani convention center during the Thaifex international trade fair have come under heavy criticism on social media for overcharging passengers, rejecting Thai passengers and refusing to use their meters for both Thai and foreign passengers.

Some of the drivers have charged up to 5,000 baht for a trip from Muang Thong Thani to the Silom or Sukhumvit areas. Continued …

From sushi to salmon curry: Norwegian seafood makes its presence felt

Back in the 1980s, the Norwegian salmon industry found itself facing a major problem: it simply had too much salmon and not enough markets to which it could be sold.

After much head-scratching, they decided to resolve the problem by introducing “Project Japan” and set out to convince first the Land of the Rising Sun and then the rest of the world that salmon sushi and sashimi were the next big thing. Continued …

Thai residents use ancient ceremony for lottery prediction

Residents in Prachin Buri took part in a two-day ceremony involving a legendary giant spider to predict lottery numbers. They hope to win in Thursday’s June 1 draw, as the ritual has proven successful, reportedly bringing good fortune in lottery prediction.

On May 28, villagers performed the lottery prediction ritual using a legendary spider at the Non Somboon house in Muang Kao, Kabin Buri district, Prachin Buri province. The ceremony previously resulted in two successful predictions, using five floral bouquets and various candles and incense. The head of the household recited incantations for good luck and wealth. He placed the spider above the numerals 0-9 on three pieces of paper. Continued …

Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony

The deadly intersection known as the “100-corpse intersection” in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province has locals on edge, with frequent accidents and fatalities causing ongoing fear. Residents in the Wat Pa Lan Kam community have sought the help of monks to perform an exorcism ceremony in an attempt to ward off evil spirits associated with the so-called “spirit of the deceased.”

The ceremony, which involves the chanting of mantras by monks, aims to harness a positive energy to combat and expel the spirits of the deceased. According to traditional beliefs in the region, following the ceremony, these spirits will be reborn and will no longer haunt the area. Continued …

Why Some Fear Thais Are Becoming Slave to the US

Former silver-screen superstar Jarunee Suksawat’s warning that Thais may become “slaves of America” attracted front page news in many media and many readers, particularly young readers, who found it ludicrous and hilarious.

Perception is reality for some Thais, however, and this writer has little doubt that the former actress, who was featured in hundreds of films back in the 1970s and 1980s, was speaking, or ranting, from her heart judging from her paranoiac face. Continued …

Business groups back ‘fair growth’ principle

Key business groups welcome the Move Forward Party’s campaign promises to tackle economic inequality, but wonder if it can solve a problem that has long plagued the country.

Eight political parties signed a memorandum of understanding on May 22, outlining 23 points they intend to focus on when governing Thailand, including a unified mission to reduce inequality and ensure fair economic growth. Continued …

Thailand’s health tech industry valuable for the region

The Thai Health Tech Assn. (THTA) hopes the new government will help develop Thailand’s health technology industry to match its growth.

The association’s president, Phongchai Petsanghan, said on Saturday that the Thai health tech industry should grow by 15% this year. He also said Thailand’s healthcare data is valuable and the government should work on seeking benefits from it, like selling it, using it to attract investment or developing new technology. Continued …

Putting clean energy in pole position

Efforts to reduce carbon dioxide in Thailand are gathering momentum as the government and businesses forge ahead with clean energy development projects.

Using more renewable fuel sources to generate electricity and the government’s promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) are among various efforts to create new businesses, driven by a commitment to take greater care of the environment. Continued …

Thailand expected to delay launching of tourism tax – again

Thailand is expected to delay the launching of a 300-baht tourism tax once again. The launching has already been postponed from June to September. Still, new reports suggest that the launching might have to be paused until 2024.

Besides the 300-baht charge for visitors coming by air, the plan also includes a charge of 150-baht for travelers coming by sea or land. Continued …

Thai geopark fusing prehistoric and natural wonders added to UNESCO list

Khorat Geopark has become the second Thai geopark to be included among the 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide.

The geopark in Nakhon Ratchasima province (also known as Korat) was approved as a UNESCO geopark on May 17. Satun Geopark made the list on April 17, 2018. Continued …

Russian Tourist Drowns On Patong Beach

A Russian tourist drowned at Patong Beach on Saturday in the early morning. The victim was pulled up to the beach and was later identified as Rafaylovich Pavel, 53, a Russian national. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency responders said they were notified of the incident at 7:30am by family members of the victim. Rescue workers took about 20 minutes before they found the foreign man floating in the sea. Continued …

15 floating markets in Bangkok

If you’re keen to see the real Thailand, visit one of the many floating markets in Bangkok and beyond. Although floating markets are right throughout Southeast Asia, the city of Bangkok and its surrounding suburbs are the most famous places to visit these markets.

With hundreds of wooden houses and stalls on stilts selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, clothing and more, they’re also a perfect spot to pick up something special to take home. Continued … 

Thai luxury hotel farms its own food, from eggs and bacon to bananas and mushrooms

When on holiday, fresh eggs cooked to order, creamy yogurt, delicate smoked salmon and crispy bacon are some of the breakfast ingredients many travelers have come to expect from the average luxury resort.

But it certainly adds another dimension to the indulgence to discover that most, if not all of this food has been grown or made at the resort. Being offered freshly laid duck eggs at the egg station is often the first indication that, at the Conrad Koh Samui, there is more to the food than the mass-procured fare typically served by a large hotel group. Continued …

Thai restaurants triple in Beijing as China’s craving for Thai cuisine surges

Thai cuisine’s popularity is surging in China, with the number of Thai restaurants almost tripling in the capital of the world’s most populous nation over the past three years, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Saturday.

It is now the fourth most popular foreign cuisine in China, Anucha added, citing one of the country’s most popular applications, Dianping, which means “public reviews” in English. Continued …

Turkey’s Erdogan prevails in election test of his 20-year rule

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday Turks had given him the responsibility of governing for the next five years, declaring Turkey as the only winner of a runoff presidential election. Continued …

China’s homegrown C919 makes first commercial flight

China Eastern Airlines on Sunday sent the country’s narrow-body jet C919 on its first commercial flight, marking the homegrown plane’s entry into passenger service and a milestone for China’s efforts to become more self-reliant. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 27

  • Move Forward will tie 450-baht wage raise with other benefits/
  • ‘Novids’ warned as Covid on the rise/
  • Siriraj Hospital Says All Beds For Critical Covid Patients Full/
  • DDC tackles dengue surge/
  • 10 Thai slang words and phrases you need to know/
  • Immigration Arrests Taiwanese Gang for Defrauding People of 2.3 Billion Baht/
  • Cyanide serial murders: Company to face prosecution for illegal import, resale/
  • Taxi scams damage THAIFEX expo/
  • Heavy bags bad for kids’ backs/
  • Economy: Ministry vows to keep tabs on prices/Eastern Economic Corridor continues to flourish, official says/Thailand sets its sights on hi-tech cooperation with China/Oil price volatility expected later this year/
  • Tourism: Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear/Chinese Tour Groups Visiting Thailand Still Down by 90% Compared to 2019/Phuket Launches Operation to Crack Down on Foreigners Breaking the Law/Thailand a top digital nomad destination/
  • International: NATO struggles in the shadows to find new leader/Man who opened plane door in mid-air says he was uncomfortable/Key facts about Neuralink, Musk’s cyborg gamble/Antarctic ocean circulation slowing rapidly/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Move Forward will tie 450-baht wage raise with other benefits

The minimum wage increase will come with several other benefits, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat promised after visiting a labor network in Samut Prakan on Friday.

He said the wage increase will be tied in with other aspects beneficial to workers, like better rights, a stronger social security system, and greater assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Continued …

‘Novids’ warned as Covid on the rise

Covid-19 infections are expected to peak between June and August and again next January and February, with those who have hitherto escaped the virus likely to contract it, according to a virologist at Chulalongkorn University.

Dr. Yong Poovorawan, director of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, wrote on his Facebook page on Friday that a surge in Covid-19 cases is expected. Continued …

Siriraj Hospital Says All Beds For Critical Covid Patients Full

Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital posted a message on its Facebook page yesterday that all beds for critical Covid patients are now fully occupied, with the emergency department also overflowing, thus it cannot accept any more patients.

The hospital’s emergency department is still awaiting referral patients, and for this reason cannot accommodate additional Covid-19 patients, the message said, while apologizing for the inconvenience caused. Continued …

DDC tackles dengue surge

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has opened an emergency operations center (EOC) to reduce the number of dengue patients after more than 15,000 people were diagnosed in the first five months of this year alone.

That figure was 5.4 times more than during the same period last year. So far, there have been 13 deaths from the disease. Continued …

10 Thai slang words and phrases you need to know

When choosing a new language to learn, Thai may not be on top of the list for many, even for polyglots. After all, it’s got one of the most complicated writing systems in the world, the tonal system is not the most easy for Westerners to get used to, and how useful is Thai when traveling around the world anyway?

Still, knowing language and knowing culture is important, especially when traveling. You’d be surprised by how much Thai people appreciate you trying out their language, even if it’s nowhere near perfect. Why not pique your own interest of the language by one of the most fun parts of language-learning: Thai slang words? Continued …

Immigration Arrests Taiwanese Gang for Defrauding People of 2.3 Billion Baht

Immigration authorities have apprehended the leader of a Taiwanese gang involved in operating a fraudulent pharmaceutical company amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The gang manipulated stock prices and deceived over 10,000 individuals, resulting in damages totaling 2.3 billion baht. The accused individual was found to have an arrest warrant from Taiwan.

Police Lt. Gen. Pakphoomphiphat Sajjaphan, Immigration commissioner, along with several other officials, announced the arrest of key suspects involved in the case. Continued …

Cyanide serial murders: Company to face prosecution for illegal import, resale

Following the shocking cyanide serial murders in Thailand, authorities have announced their intention to prosecute a company involved in the illicit importation and resale of cyanide to retailers.

The police officially confirmed that the Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, claimed a total of 15 victims, tragically resulting in the loss of 14 lives due to the deadly toxin. Adding to the complexity of the case, Sararat’s lawyer, Thannicha “Patch” Ek-suwannawat, has been implicated for allegedly aiding Sararat in concealing and tampering with evidence. Continued …

Taxi scams damage THAIFEX expo

Complaints about taxi scams at the THAIFEX exhibition flooded social media on Friday as passengers reportedly were charged 4,000-5,000 baht for trips from Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi to Bangkok’s city center.

THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2023, one of the biggest trade events in Thailand, returned for a full-scale exhibition for the first time following the pandemic, occupying 130,000 square meters of space at Impact Muang Thong Thani from May 23-27. According to the organizer, the event drew almost 2,700 exhibitors from Thailand and 40 countries. Continued …

Heavy bags bad for kids’ backs

Carrying a heavy school bag every day can cause spinal problems among children and worsen scoliosis, medical experts said, as they recommend limiting such bags to no more than 10% of a kid’s weight.

The warning came after one netizen raised concern about the weight of the bag that their Prathom 2 child had to carry daily, which is said to have totaled 4.5 kilograms. Continued …

Ministry vows to keep tabs on prices

During the transition period ahead of the formation of a new government, the Commerce Ministry has pledged to stay vigilant in monitoring and controlling the domestic prices of goods and services to prevent any impact on consumers.

According to Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, the agency continues to monitor the prices of goods, raw materials, and other factors that affect costs, such as oil and electricity prices. Continued …

Eastern Economic Corridor continues to flourish, official says

Investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been continuing to expand since it was legally inaugurated in 2018, with the number of investment promotion applications rising by 92 in the first two months of this year.

Their total investment value is 90.3 billion baht, Trade Policy and Strategy Office Director Poonpong Nainapakorn said. The number of applications for investment promotion in 2022 increased by 40.6% year on year to 637 projects. Combined, their total investment value rose by 62.7% year on year to 358.83 billion baht, according to official data. Continued …

Thailand sets its sights on hi-tech cooperation with China

Thailand has been flagging the idea of joining hands with China in tapping new energy and digital markets in Southeast Asia, a move that would elevate bilateral cooperation to new dimensions beyond tourism and tropical fruits.

The notion, mentioned recently by Thailand’s ambassador to China, Arthayudh Srisamoot, could also be beneficial to Beijing, as the world’s second-largest economy looks to the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the 15 members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as alternatives to the U.S. market. Continued …

Oil price volatility expected later this year

PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) is bracing for possible challenges caused by oil price fluctuations and a global economic slowdown that could affect the company in the second half of this year.

Though the company benefited from the full reopening of Thailand, it is staying alert to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, which was blamed for driving up global prices of oil, gas and coal last year, said Wilaiwan Kanjanakanti, OR’s senior executive vice president for finance. Continued …

Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear

When my wife and I traveled Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there was nothing that outstanding about the famous Thai food and traffic infrastructure. While their transport system is indeed years ahead of Vietnam, I don’t think that’s the reason why tourism in Vietnam pales compared to our regional neighbor.

What impressed me the most was the hospitality and friendliness of Thai people. When we crossed the street, cars always made way for us in the politest ways. We spent six days in Thailand, but I barely heard horns honking, even though traffic jams were a frequent occurrence. Continued …

Chinese Tour Groups Visiting Thailand Still Down by 90% Compared to 2019

The number of Chinese tour groups in Thailand is still low – only 10% of the total that had visited before Covid-19 in 2019 – said prominent Thai tourism associations yesterday.

The secretary of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Adit Chairattananon, said, “In 2019, there were 11 million Chinese tourists that visited Thailand. Of this number, 600,000 of them were in tour groups via ATTA.” Continued …

Phuket Launches Operation to Crack Down on Foreigners Breaking the Law

As part of the “White Accommodation for Foreigners” project, Phuket is launching a comprehensive clean-up operation to increase the scrutiny of foreigners who break the law.

This move aims to bolster confidence and increase the safety potential of Phuket as a tourist destination. This activity is part of the regular May 2023 program. Continued …

Thailand a top digital nomad destination

Thailand is the third-best destination in the world for attracting digital nomads after the United States and Spain, according to the online resume-building service Resume.io.

Resume.io said that it reached its conclusion after extracting 25,976 Instagram posts that featured the hashtag #digitalnomad and used geotagged locations to determine the most popular countries and cities. It pre-processed the dataset to ensure no spam accounts or bots were included in the sample. Continued …

NATO struggles in the shadows to find new leader

The race to be the next North Atlantic Treaty Organization boss is heating up. But it is a race run largely in the dark, with no sign of a winner yet. Jens Stoltenberg, the transatlantic military alliance’s Norwegian secretary-general, is due to step down at the end of September after nine years in the post. Continued …

Man who opened plane door in mid-air says he was uncomfortable

A passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight told police he opened a door on the plane minutes before it landed in Daegu, South Korea, on Friday because he was “uncomfortable”, according to reports. Continued …

Key facts about Neuralink, Musk’s cyborg gamble

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, has won U.S. approval to test on humans. Here is what to know about the multi-billionaire’s dream project to enable the human brain to communicate directly with computers. Continued …

Antarctic ocean circulation slowing rapidly

Climate change-driven shifts in the circulation of waters to the deepest reaches of the ocean around Antarctica, which could reverberate across the planet and intensify global warming, are happening decades “ahead of schedule”, according to new research. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

 

bangkok, cha am, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 22

  • Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +/
  • Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae/
  • 14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am/
  • Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings/
  • El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather/
  • Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’/
  • Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN/
  • Is honey good for you?/
  • Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage/Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’/Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds/Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business/
  • Tourism: ‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise/Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July/Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination/US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show/Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist/
  • Thailand Experience: Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients/Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video/8 unique experiences in Phuket/
  • International: G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China/Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space/Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea/Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?/German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +

Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae

Garbage traps were installed at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae on Friday in a bid to combat marine debris and sea pollution.

The nets have been installed in an area spanning 38 meters in locations specifically chosen to trap and intercept the most amount of litter. Continued …

14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am

Provincial wildlife protection authorities discovered the bodies of 14 dead macaques during a raid carried out at a house in Cha Am last Thursday.

Rescued from the property were another five macaques, who were alive but had been confined to distressing conditions, devoid of food and water. The operation was led by Prawet Sunthornthai, the director of the local wildlife conservation team, following a tip-off from a concerned neighbor. Continued …

Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings

The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning that the northern parts of Thailand may experience scorching temperatures with partly cloudy skies during the daytime. Some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms. Residents are encouraged to take care of their health due to the intense heat.

Meanwhile, the westerly winds blowing across the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand are likely to trigger heavy rainfall in some parts of the western south coast. Continued … 

El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather

An El Niño appears to be forming along the equato  off the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. That could have a big effect on the weather around the world.

For three years now, La Niña was large and in charge, but the La Niña ended, and now warmer water temperatures signal an El Niño probably is forming. Continued …

Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’

The head of Thai Condominium Assn., Peerapong Jaroon-ek, said yesterday the private sector is certain senators would definitely endorse Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister, as they would not dare oppose voters who gave his party a huge victory, with Pheu Thai Party coming second.

Peerapong, who is also CEO of Origin Plc, also foresees economic and social improvement after the new government is formed, with this boosting confidence among both Thai and foreign investors. Continued …

Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN

The need for a common indicator to track air quality in Southeast Asia has become more urgent, with drier weather conditions and the likelihood of the warmer El Nino weather phenomenon developing in the coming months.

This call from experts comes as Singapore is set to host talks from June 7 to 8 with ASEAN members Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to develop a second road map for transboundary haze cooperation. Continued …

Is honey good for you?

Bees are, well, the bee’s knees. They are master pollinators. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these busy pollinators “contribute to 35 percent of the world’s total crop production, pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops worldwide.”

And, they create honey – a sweet, sticky, natural substance that they make as food for themselves. It also provides all kinds of benefits for humans. Sweet! Continued …

Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up

The number of Covid-19 inpatients continued to increase and fatalities also rose over the past week, when schools reopened, the Department of Disease Control reported today.

The department recorded 2,632 Covid-19 inpatients from May 14 to May 20, up about 12% from 2,356 cases between May 7 and May 13. Continued …

Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage

Executives in the Thai property sector on Saturday called for the new government to be formed as quickly and smoothly as possible, and advised it to raise the minimum wage gradually to prevent a sudden surge in costs.

Worawut Kanchanakul, president of residential developer W House, said the new government should increase the minimum wage gradually, so entrepreneurs will be able to cope with rising construction costs. Continued …

Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’

The Move Forward Party (MFP) should let Pheu Thai handle the country’s economic policy, business leaders said, warning that raising wages too high and too fast could lead to job losses due to workers being replaced by machines.

Pratheep Watcharachokkasem, deputy chair of the United Chinese Clans Assn. of Thailand, said he had written to MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Continued …

Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds

Thailand’s unemployment rate hit a three-year low in the first quarter, the state planning agency said today, declining to 1.05% from 1.15% in the last three months of 2022, as recovery in the crucial tourism industry strengthened.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter, driven by the continued pickup in the travel sector, a key source of jobs that was decimated by the pandemic. Continued …

Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business

UK-based Telehouse opened its first data center in Thailand on Friday, saying it will provide the best ecosystem for all internet-related customers in the country, while also meeting Thailand’s sustainability needs.

It will be Thailand’s first data center entirely powered by renewable energy, said Telehouse Thailand Managing Director Ken Miyashita. The new 2.5-billion-baht data center will be a safe and reliable hub of connection in Bangkok and the Southeast Asia region, Miyashita said at the inaugural ceremony for the data center. Continued …

‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise

It is no wonder that Russians facing travel restrictions to most of the rest of the world are flocking to Thailand. With its fine white sands, stunning landscapes and rich culture, “the land of a thousand smiles” has much to offer paradise seekers, never mind those fleeing a tightening autocracy, economic downturn and war.

The Thai island of Phuket expects to welcome one million Russians this year — the biggest group of foreign visitors by far — according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Some are escaping the dim of winter. Some are dodging the draft. Others are buying local property as a ticket to a new life. Continued …

Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July

Safety measures are being implemented ahead of the Tham Luang Cave site’s reopening in July, as announced by Thailand‘s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The cave gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach were trapped inside for 18 days due to flooding before being successfully rescued. Continued …

Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination

Khon Kaen has inaugurated “Blue Lagoon,” a new tourist attraction featuring an emerald-green quarry surrounded by expansive limestone hills, spanning over 100 acres.

Located in Na Fai subdistrict, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, also known as the Nong Haeo-Song Khon area, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, this natural quarry has rapidly gained popularity among travelers. The sight of the ancient green quarry, glistening under the midday sun, has earned it the esteemed title of Khon Kaen’s stunning and novel “Blue Lagoon.” Continued …

US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show

Former U.S. late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien is getting ready to release a show on Bangkok that is due to air on HBO Max, the popular U.S.-based streaming TV service, in the coming year as part of his “Conan Without Borders” series.

One of America’s longest-running late-night talk show hosts has been working in recent weeks in Bangkok with a broadcast understood to be in the pipeline promoting the world’s most visited city. Continued …

Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist

A European tourist was reunited with his bag containing money and assets worth 200,000 baht yesterday thanks to the honest owner of a som tam restaurant in Phuket.

The restaurant, Som Tam Yam 3 Aow, posted photos of the smiling tourist with a big stash of cash on Facebook with the caption, “From the incident where a customer had forgotten a bag at the shop yesterday containing cash and assets worth almost 200,000 baht.” Continued …

Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients

Thai food is famously known for its liberal use of flavors derived from fresh ingredients, as well as an array of pre-made condiments that add depths of flavor to food. Whether it is a soup, curry, salad or even grilled vegetables or meat, Thai food is packed with spice, citrus and tons of umami flavor.

While it isn’t always possible to peel, chop and grind ingredients to make pastes or condiments from scratch, one can always stock up on a few basic ingredients to bring that Thai flair to your food. Here’s a list of a few must-haves in your pantry, if Thai food is something you find yourself steering toward often, for meals like lunch or dinner. Continued … 

Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video 

8 unique experiences in Phuket

At Phuket’s far southeastern tip, sleepy Ao Yon Beach is the perfect place to ease into a Phuket escape. Accommodation at The Mooring Resort comprises a handful of stylish villas arrayed with a shaded swimming pool, with free kayaks and paddleboards for launching off a private bay. Just a sandy barefoot stroll away, The Cove dishes up wood-fired pizza and great cocktails.

On weekends, Ao Yon gets slightly busier, as local families swim at a nearby cove, picnic on the beach, and enjoy a scattering of street food stalls. If you’re after something more energetic, fire up the handy Grab or Bolt ride-sharing apps for the 20-minute journey north to Phuket Town. Continued …

G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China

The Group of Seven (G7) nations signaled to Russia their readiness to stand by Ukraine for the long haul, while giving President Volodymyr Zelensky a chance to win over countries such as Brazil and India on the last day of a summit in Japan. Continued …

Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space

Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday. SpaceX launched the ticket-holding crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company that arranged the trip from Kennedy Space Center. Also on board: a U.S. businessman who now owns a sports car racing team. Continued …

Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea

An archaeological investigation on two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea was launched on Saturday, opening a new chapter of China’s deep-sea archaeology, according to a press conference held Sunday in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province. Continued …

Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?

Last year was a rough one for cryptocurrencies, as Bitcoin, the largest digital asset in the world, lost nearly 65% of its market value. Crypto enthusiasts were caught off guard by a series of unfortunate events, such as the Terra Luna crash, the collapse of major exchange FTX, and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Continued …

German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles

German police are investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after a journalist and an activist reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents, a spokesman for the force said on Sunday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 20

  • Downpours expected to herald arrival of rainy season on Monday/
  • Thap Sakae EV charging station part of 5,000km SE Asian EV highway/
  • The election is over, a new round of ‘war’ begins/
  • Pita Limjaroenrat: Meet Thailand’s (probable) next leader/
  • He promised change in Thailand. But will he be allowed to lead?/
  • Phitsanulok locals stock up on eggs amid rising price and tight supplies/
  • EGAT plans hybrid hydro-floating solar project in Khon Kaen/
  • Thailand sending essential supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar/
  • C.P. Group collaborating with French companies on food, energy and transportation/
  • Tourism: Immigration Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Overstaying Foreigners/Almost 10 Million Foreign Tourists So Far This Year/
  • Thailand Experience: 7 Most Scenic Bangkok Train Trips To Take At Least Once/Koh Samui Is an Idyllic Thailand Getaway/Isaan booming as fuse lit for annual Rocket Festival/
  • International: Queen’s funeral costs taxpayers £162M amid cost-of-living crisis/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

  • Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Downpours expected to herald arrival of rainy season on Monday

Heavy rains are forecast for most parts of the country when the wet season officially begins on Monday, the Meteorological Department announced on Friday.

Downpours are expected to be frequent in most regions of the country as Thailand’s summer season ends and the wet season begins, according to weather forecasts. Continued …

Thap Sakae EV charging station part of 5,000km SE Asian EV highway

Singapore-based charging provider for electric vehicles (EVs) Charge+ has announced a strategic partnership with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to boost the country’s EV ecosystem as it strives to become a zero-carbon emission nation by 2050.

EGAT will provide Charge+ with a site for a direct current (DC) charging station in Thap Sakae, about 320 kilometers south of Bangkok, according to a statement from Charge+. Continued …

The election is over, a new round of ‘war’ begins

After the polls have closed, the victories of two major opposition parties mark a new chapter in Thai politics, as the country enters the phase of forming a new government. However, the Thai political scene is abuzz with several pressing questions:

Will the Forward Party manage to establish the government successfully? Will Pita Limcharoenrat become the prime minister? Could the Forward Party face dissolution or will Pita face a dismissal? Continued …

Pita Limjaroenrat: Meet Thailand’s (probable) next leader

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is on the road to becoming Thailand’s next prime minister after his three-year-old progressive party’s shock victory in last Sunday’s general election.

The election results, which are awaiting endorsement by the Election Commission, show Move Forward in first after winning 152 of the 500 MP seats in the House of Representatives. Continued …

He promised change in Thailand. But will he be allowed to lead?

When Pita Limjaroenrat was a student at Harvard in 2008, he shadowed his American classmates who were campaigning at the time for Barack Obama. The experience gave him a window into electoral politics, from phone banks and polling data to knocking on doors and putting campaign flags on front lawns.

Fifteen years later, Pita said he used what he learned in Massachusetts to help his recent campaign in Thailand, where he stunned the country’s political establishment by leading his progressive Move Forward Party to a momentous victory. Continued …

NOTICE: Avatar Garden has temporarily closed for renovations. We will reopen about July 1. Stay tuned!

Phitsanulok locals stock up on eggs amid rising price and tight supplies

Consumers in Phitsanulok are bristling over a 0.2 baht per piece rise in the price of chicken eggs, or six baht per tray of 30 eggs. The price hike was announced by Thailand’s Egg Farmer Cooperative Network earlier this week.

The network on Monday told its members to raise the price of assorted eggs at farms from 3.6 baht to 3.8 baht per egg, the highest price yet this year. Continued …

58.5MW Floating PV Plant with Sungrow PV and Floating Solutions

EGAT plans hybrid hydro-floating solar project in Khon Kaen

The EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand)–MPD Consortium has signed a construction contract for a hybrid hydro-floating solar project at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.

The project will ensure renewable energy stability for sustainability, driving the country to achieve carbon neutrality, according to a press release. Continued …

Thailand sending essential supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar

Thailand will be sending a plane carrying essential supplies to Myanmar, after the neighboring country was hit by powerful cyclone “Mocha”, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The spokesperson for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kanchana Patarachoke, said that the Thai government had expressed its concerns to Myanmar, where Cyclone Mocha has killed 145 people and left 800,000 people in need of food aid, according to reports as of Friday evening. Continued …

C.P. Group collaborating with French companies on food, energy, transportation

Charoen Pokphand Group Co. (C.P. Group) announced that the group will collaborate with leading French corporations on projects that span the agribusiness, renewable energy, and transportation sectors.

The projects and the broader partnership will strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, introduce advanced technologies and innovation into Thailand, and create employment opportunities for the local economy in Thailand and France. Continued …

Immigration Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Overstaying Foreigners

In their most recent effort to crack down on overstaying foreigners, the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB) delivered a robust display of enforcement.

Yesterday, a briefing was held to share the results of the dureau’s operations. In attendance were various high-ranking officials, including the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, his deputies, and other members of the force. Continued …

Almost 10 Million Foreign Tourists So Far This Year

The Thai tourism industry is soaring, as seen by altogether 9.47 million foreign tourists having come here from the beginning of the year until May 15, with the biggest markets being east and south Asia, plus ASEAN countries.

Trisulee Trisoranakul, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, also said that total tourist expenditure during this period reached 391 billion baht. Continued …

Kanchanaburi railway bridge

7 Most Scenic Bangkok Train Trips To Take At Least Once

Flying is one way to get to different cities in Thailand. But if you’re after an epic journey that lets you wind through dramatic valleys, forests, and mountains, then you should hit the rails.

From short jaunts to cross-country trips, here are seven scenic trains in Bangkok for you to indulge in slow travel. We’ve even provided helpful train travel tips because you’ll most likely want to book a trip after seeing what’s in store. Continued …

Koh Samui Is an Idyllic Thailand Getaway

Phuket has its nightlife and Pha Ngan has its full-moon parties, while Krabi has the coastline and Koh Tao has dominion over Thailand’s scuba scene. Samui stands apart by offering a slice of it all, with strings of serene, white sandy beaches and blissful indulgence from a collection of the country’s swankiest resorts, combined with no shortage of amusement or adventure.

Thailand is picking up where it left off after a lengthy pandemic shutdown to international tourism, returning as one of the most favored of far-flung destinations. Koh Samui, part of the Surat Thani province, is an island found in the Gulf of Thailand about halfway down the country’s thin central land strip. It caters to tourists, and as such, rather than mourning the sense of calm their absence provided, it’s celebrating their return in grand style, eager to once again offer its signature, friendly hospitality. Continued …

Isaan booming as fuse lit for annual Rocket Festival

Isaan skies are streaked with gray smoke trails from May to July every year, as locals launch Bang Fai or bamboo missiles to prod the rain god awake. Celebrated in Thailand’s northeast and Laos, the Bun Bang Fai rocket festival blasts off to summon clouds at the start of the rainy season around the end of May.

“Bun” means merit while “bang” refers to the giant bamboo bodies of the missiles. “Fai” (fire) is what happens when fuses are lit and the sparks ignite the gunpowder packed inside. Continued …

Queen’s funeral costs taxpayers £162M amid cost-of-living crisis

The UK government has disclosed that the state funeral and related events for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last September, cost taxpayers almost £162 million (US$201 million). This is the first public estimate of the expenses associated with the funeral of Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-May 18

  • How people in Prachuap Khiri Khan voted in the general election/
  • Four scenarios for next Thai govt and only two have Pita as PM/
  • What role will senators play in naming Thailand’s next PM?/
  • Move Forward lines up changes for 45 laws as soon as Parliament reopens/
  • Royal Ploughing Ceremony forecasts bumper crops and prosperity for year ahead/
  • Baby elephant saved after falling in a golf course well/
  • Cyanide murder suspect had massive online gaming debts/
  • Teen Girl, 2 Youths Held For Killing Chinese Factory Owner/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Residential sales revenue delines in Q1/CBRE Reveals Positive Signs of Foreign Demand for Luxury Residences in Thailand/Thailand Remains Popular Filming Location/Thailand keen to serve as ASEAN energy hub/Thailand eases EV restrictions to attract European manufacturers/US$20M invested in data center expansion amid cloud services boom/3 municipal biomass power plants approved/After election, Thai cannabis ready to roll with the changes/
  • Tourism: Tourism to limit economic pain as new government awaited/Pattaya Police ban prostitution on the beach/30 tourists injured, 1 missing after Phuket speedboat crashes into pillar/Flights to Mae Hong Son to resume in August/
  • International: Heat Wave in Asia Made 30 Times More Likely Because of Climate Change/Vietnam bets big on LNG, South China Sea gas fields/Four kids, including baby, found alive in Amazon after plane crash/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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How people in Prachuap Khiri Khan voted in the general election

The Election Commission of Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced the results of how people in the province voted during the election, which took place on Sunday. Officials said that Prachuap Khiri Khan witnessed higher voter turnout in this election.

According to the unofficial results released by the Election Commission of Prachuap Khiri Khan, 328,366 people, or 76.4% of eligible voters, cast their ballots out of a total of 429,883 eligible voters. This is a significant increase compared to the 2019 election, which had a voter turnout of 70.2%. Continued …

Pita Limjaroenrat

Four scenarios for next Thai govt and only two have Pita as PM

Even though Move Forward Party won Sunday’s general election with 152 seats, that won’t be enough for party leader Pita to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister.

Pita will need a majority of at least 376 votes from the 500-seat House of Representatives to nullify the 250 votes from the junta-appointed Senate. The four scenarios for the next government’s formation are as follows: Continued …

What role will senators play in naming Thailand’s next PM?

Despite declaring that Move Forward will form the next coalition with five other parties, party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is facing one formidable obstacle on his journey to the premiership – the junta-appointed Senate.

Move Forward’s allies are Pheu Thai, Thai Sang Thai, Thai Liberal, Prachachart and Fair parties, and together they will have 310 of the 500-seat House of Representatives. Continued …

Move Forward lines up changes for 45 laws as soon as Parliament reopens

Move Forward Party will submit 45 bills to either amend or enact new laws once Parliament reopens, a party executive said.

Bencha Saengchantra, a Move Forward party-list MP, said on Wednesday that the 45 bills will aim to reform the bureaucracy and abolish mandatory conscription. In her post, she grouped the 45 items into eight groups, as follows: Continued …

Royal Ploughing Ceremony forecasts bumper crops and prosperity for year ahead

The year ahead will be one of bumper crops, booming trade, and economic growth for Thailand, according to Wednesday morning’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony.

The ceremony was held at Sanam Luang at 8.30am and was presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen. It was the second day of the annual two-day ceremony, during which the King blesses the start of the rice-growing season. Continued …

Baby elephant saved after falling in a golf course well

The calf was found in a cement well at Chatrium Golf Course in Chanthaburi Province. Staff from the local wildlife sanctuary and volunteers scrambled to save it, using a digger to dig around the well as its mother watched on. Video …

Cyanide murder suspect had massive online gaming debts

Online gambling debts are believed to be the leading motive of murder suspect Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, who allegedly poisoned at least 14 people with the deadly chemical cyanide, Deputy National Police Chief Surachet Hakparn said on Wednesday.

He said police discovered 78 million baht spread over 180 bank accounts belonging to Sararat, which had been used to transfer money to and from several online gambling websites. Continued …

Teen Girl, 2 Youths Held For Killing Chinese Factory Owner

Police arrested a teenage girl and two youths on the charges of stabbing a Chinese parawood processing factory owner to death at a resort in Trang province after the girl called for help upon being physically assaulted by her sex client.

The 17-year-old girl, only identified as Fai, together with Natdanai (surname withheld), 22, and Nattaphon, 19, were arrested in Satun province after being tracked down there and were charged with jointly killing Li Zhri Rui, 43, a Chinese national and owner of several parawood processing factories in the south by stabbing him around 20 times in the rented room. Continued …

Residential sales revenue delines in Q1

The expiration of the easing of loan-to-value (LTV) limits has had an impact on two-thirds of listed developers, resulting in residential sales revenue declining year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023.

Based on reports submitted to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, of the 30 developers engaged in residential development business, 20 experienced a year-on-year decline in revenue from residential sales in the first quarter. Continued …

CBRE Reveals Positive Signs of Foreign Demand for Luxury Residences in Thailand

CBRE, one of the world’s leading property consultants, says foreign interest in purchasing luxury residences in Thailand, including condominiums, houses, and villas in prime locations, has surged since the return of international tourists in the second half of 2022.

Sales transactions through CBRE have increased by more than 200%-300%, confirming this trend. In response to the growing demand, developers are gearing up to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a particular focus on single houses. Continued …

Thailand Remains Popular Filming Location

Thailand remains a popular filming location among international production houses. Filming activities have generated massive revenue for the country and local people, while at the same time revitalizing the country’s own film industry.

Thailand has maintained its reputation as a popular filming location and has recently welcomed the production teams of two series from Singapore and the U.S. television network HBO, who chose Hat Yai City in Songkhla as a filming location. Continued …

Thailand keen to serve as ASEAN energy hub

Thailand is ready to be ASEAN’s future energy and mobility hub, as part of the global trend to improve sustainability through collaboration with countries worldwide, a senior Thai official said.

Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, deputy permanent secretary at the Energy Ministry, revealed this ambitious objective during his speech at the opening ceremony on Wednesday of “Future Energy Asia and Future Mobility Asia Exhibition and Summit 2023”. Continued …

Thailand eases EV restrictions to attract European manufacturers

The caretaker Cabinet on Tuesday approved changes aimed at making it easier for European and other foreign manufacturers of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to set up production in Thailand.

The two amendments to the EV3.5 promotion package offer more flexibility in the requirement for foreign manufacturers to offset imports to Thailand with an equal number of BEV units manufactured here. Continued …

US$20M invested in data center expansion amid cloud services boom

Etix Itel Bangkok Co., the company behind the ETIX Bangkok#1 data center, is set to invest nearly US$20 million in expanding its capacity to meet the increasing demand for cloud services and digital transformation in Thailand. The growth of the digital economy in the country has been bolstered by global cloud providers investing in the region.

The data center is currently in its second phase, with a capacity of 0.6 megawatts and 85% occupancy. The company anticipates full capacity in the next quarter and is preparing for the third phase, worth US$11 million, which will increase capacity by an additional 1.5MW in the fourth quarter of 2024. Continued …

A biomass-fired power plant operated by TGE in Surat Thani

3 municipal biomass power plants approved

Thachang Green Energy (TGE), a SET-listed biomass power plant developer and operator, has been awarded contracts to develop three municipal solid waste-fired power plants as the firm aims to reach a revenue target of more than 3 billion baht in 2026. Last year TGE’s revenue was 955 million baht.

The company signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Provincial Electricity Authority, the state electricity distribution arm, to supply electricity to three administrative bodies in Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo and Chumphon. Continued …

After election, Thai cannabis ready to roll with the changes

Is the sky falling on Thailand’s nascent cannabis industry? Not according to some of its biggest players.

After the votes were counted Sunday, cannabis entrepreneurs were even more confident that the future of weed is green, with most saying the outcome gave them more confidence that much-needed regulation will be rational and reasonable under a Move Forward-led coalition government. Continued …

Tourism to limit economic pain as new government awaited

Thailand has not been spared the political uncertainty that usually comes with elections, yet foreign tourists returning by the millions this year are counted on to help shield Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

The influx of visitors — totaling 6.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared with 498,000 a year ago — is aiding greater business and consumer activity in Thailand. On track to hit the government’s target of hosting three times more foreign guests this year from 10 million in 2022, tourism is seen as an anchor amid the political noise, even as the exports growth-engine sputters. Continued …

Pattaya Police ban prostitution on the beach

Thailand’s Tourist Police have banned sex workers from selling services on the beach in Pattaya.

Last night, Tourist Police and officers from Pattaya City Police Station headed down to Pattaya Beach and instructed the city’s ladies and ladyboys of the night to move along. Continued …

30 tourists injured, 1 missing after Phuket speedboat crashes into pillar

Thirty tourists, most of them Russian, have been injured after the tour boat they were traveling in crashed into a concrete pillar/navigation marker approaching Chalong Pier in the south of Phuket. According to a number of media reports, one person is still missing following the incident, which happened at around 5.30pm yesterday.

There were over 33 people on board when the Thanathip Marine speedboat hit a channel marker in Chalong Bay as it was bringing tourists back from a trip to the Phi Phi islands (about a 45-minute journey). Provincial marine chief Nachapong Pranit says that in addition to the tourists and the boat driver, the driver’s assistant and a tour guide were also on board. Continued …

Flights to Mae Hong Son to resume in August

Tourism operators in Mae Hong Son expect a more active market during the cool season, with Bangkok Airways poised to revive flights from the capital after Nok Air ended operations in April.

Phanuwat Khatnak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Mae Hong Son office, expects air travel to increase tourist numbers by 10%, as there are currently no commercial flights. The tourist tally this year would reach 1.5 million, he said. Continued …

Heat Wave in Asia Made 30 Times More Likely Because of Climate Change

A searing heat wave in parts of southern Asia in April this year was made at least 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a rapid study by international scientists released Wednesday. Continued …

Vietnam bets big on LNG, South China Sea gas fields

Vietnam’s plan to quadruple by 2030 its gas-processing capacity, turning it into its first source of energy, marks a big bet on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its reserves in the South China Sea, despite supply and geopolitical risks. Continued …

Four kids, including baby, found alive in Amazon after plane crash

Four Indigenous children, including an 11-month-old baby, have been found alive in the dense Colombian Amazon after a plane crash more than two weeks ago, President Gustavo Petro said Wednesday, declaring “joy for the country.” Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-May 17

  • Is this election a new dawn for Thailand?/
  • What Thailand’s Election Outcome May Mean for Military, Monarchy/
  • Liberal govt led by Move Forward may be a pipe dream/
  • Analysts upbeat on Thai growth outlook/
  • Thailand’s Election Results May Reverse Cannabis Policy/
  • WHO: Artificial sweeteners do not help in weight loss/
    Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off rice-growing season/
  • Fruit prices hike on Chinese demand/
  • Polish killer asked taxi driver to help cut up Ukrainian woman’s body/
  • Chinese Businessman Found Dead With Over 20 Knife Wounds at Trang Resort/
  • First raise in a decade sought for Thailand’s defenders of the wild/
  • Tourism: Tourism operators express hope post-election/Thai tourism operators target more arrivals from India/Police help 9 foreign tourists stranded at the Thai-Cambodian border/American Tourist Rescued from Pattaya Sewer, Trapped For Over Seven Hours/Lost luggage soars with air travel revival/
  • International: Council of Europe gathers to discuss future prosecution of Russian leaders/Cyclone toll in Myanmar’s Rakhine state at least 41/UN: Time running out in war on plastic pollution/Pacific islanders: Rich countries are not doing enough to control climate change/Hidden lives of terminal dwellers in South Korea/Vietnam pledges no new coal plants after 2030/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Is this election a new dawn for Thailand?

On May 15, Thailand woke up to a new dawn. Nine years after Prayut Chan-ocha conducted a coup d’etat to oust Yingluck Shinawatra’s government, the electoral landslide by the opposition parties in the latest general election appears to put Thailand back on a path to democracy. After a decade of hopelessness, Thailand welcomes back the long lost sense of hope, aspiration and optimism.

Spearheading this change is undoubtedly Move Forward. The party’s growing popularity is not a surprise. Strong showings in the censure debates has clearly demonstrated the party’s competence and commitment to human rights and democratic values. However, the party shocked everyone (and probably themselves) by winning the entire general election, beating the old serial champion-like Pheu Thai Party in the process. Continued …

What Thailand’s Election Outcome May Mean for Military, Monarchy

Pro-democracy groups in Thailand have made a stunning political comeback after nine years of rule by the conservative military-backed bloc helmed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

The next leader faces challenges including steering the future of the $506 billion economy that counts China as its largest trading partner, while navigating U.S. and ASEAN relations. Also at stake is the fate of one of Asia’s worst-performing stock markets and the revival of Thailand’s key tourism sector. Continued …

Liberal govt led by Move Forward may be a pipe dream

For many Thais, the proposed new coalition government of parties from the opposition camp represents a “dream team” of liberal democrats. The six-party coalition, led by election-winner Move Forward, would have 310 MPs and an absolute majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.

However, to make this dream come true, the coalition would need majority support in both houses of Parliament, comprising 500 MPs and 250 senators. Backing from at least 376 parliamentarians is required for the coalition’s PM candidate to get the country’s top job. Continued …

Analysts upbeat on Thai growth outlook

Thailand’s economic growth is expected to accelerate in the final nine months of this year, even as the global economy teeters near a recession, thanks partly to a lift following the May 14 election, analysts say.

First-quarter GDP growth of 2.7% year-on-year beat the consensus forecast of 2.3%, and accelerated from 1.4% growth in the fourth quarter last year, as external demand improved, reflected by exports and a strong recovery of the tourism sector, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Group. Continued …

Thailand’s Election Results May Reverse Cannabis Policy

Thai voters have delivered a surprising and stunning verdict in favor of an opposition party that advocates for significant institutional reforms in the country. However, the winning parties may reverse the current cannabis policy, which has resulted in an unregulated market and has faced criticism from many parts of society.

Thailand’s reformist opposition and the youth-led Move Forward Party (MFP) emerged victorious in the country’s general elections held on Sunday, May 14. They secured the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, with 152 out of 500 seats, showing a strong rejection of the military-aligned parties within the current government coalition. Continued …

WHO: Artificial sweeteners do not help in weight loss

Artificial sweeteners, used to replace sugar in a vast range of products, do not help in losing weight and can have serious health effects, according to the World Health Organization.

The United Nations’ health agency this week released new guidelines advising against using so-called non-sugar sweeteners, or NSS. Continued …

Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off rice-growing season

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida on Tuesday evening oversaw a ceremony to appoint the Phraya Raekna (Lord of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony) and celestial maidens for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony today.

The ceremony took place at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. Continued …

Fruit prices hike on Chinese demand

Fruit prices have been consistently rising, driven by increasing demand from the Chinese market, improving transport services and falling shipping costs.

According to Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, the agency has been monitoring prices and found they are increasing, particularly for durian and mangosteen. Continued …

Polish killer asked taxi driver to help cut up Ukrainian woman’s body

A taxi driver revealed that the Polish man arrested under suspicion of murdering and attempting to dismember his Ukrainian girlfriend “Alona” in a Bangkok condo room yesterday asked him to help get rid of her body via Google Translate.

The taxi driver said that he picked up the suspect – Lagoda Filippow Jan Jerzy – on the roadside outside a condo and communicated with him via Google Translate. The Polish tourist told the taxi driver that he wanted to gamble at a casino. The pair drove around but couldn’t find one. Continued …

Chinese Businessman Found Dead With Over 20 Knife Wounds at Trang Resort

A Chinese businessman was found dead with more than 20 stab and slash wounds at a resort in Mueang Trang. The Mueang Trang Police were notified of the incident on Tuesday afternoon at a resort in the Tub Tieng subdistrict.

They and emergency responders arrived at the resort to find the body of a 43-year-old Chinese man (Zhirui Li) inside a bathroom. He was face down wearing only a towel and covered in blood. Continued …

First raise in a decade sought for Thailand’s defenders of the wild

The parks department is seeking a long overdue bump in the salaries of park rangers to kick in Oct. 1.

Attapol Charoenshata, acting chief of national parks, said today that a formal letter was sent to the finance ministry asking for 13,000-plus ranger salaries to be increased from THB9,000 to THB11,000 per month. Though it amounts to over 20%, it would be the first such increase in 10 years. Continued …

Tourism operators express hope post-election

Chiang Mai and Phuket tourism operators hope the new government led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) can solve the PM2.5 dust crisis, work to decentralize power, and allocate budget for regional development and restoring tourism competitiveness.

La-iad Bungsrithong, board adviser for the Thai Hotels Assn., said the election result reaffirms that Chiang Mai desires change. Continued …

Thai tourism operators target more arrivals from India

Thai tourism operators plan to woo more visitors from India, the world’s most populous country with 1.4 billion people. Thai tourism business operators hope to expand the Indian tourist market in the post-Covid-19 era to ensure more balance in market diversity and reduce excessive dependence on the Chinese market.

According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, a total of 1,961,069 Indians visited Thailand, generating revenue of over 80 billion baht. Continued …

Police help 9 foreign tourists stranded at the Thai-Cambodian border

The Royal Thai Police helped nine foreign tourists who were stranded near the Cambodian border in Sa Keao province, eastern Thailand, to find a place to rest their heads last night.

The tourists, including six Spanish nationals, one Ukrainian national, and two Indian nationals, were “very impressed” with the work of Sa Keao Tourist Police, soldiers of the 13th Ranger Forces Regiment, and officers at Khlong Luek Police Statio,n and would be advising their friends to travel to Thailand. Continued …

American Tourist Rescued from Pattaya Sewer, Trapped For Over Seven Hours

Pattaya locals and rescuers rescued an unlucky American man who fell and got trapped in a sewer last night. The man said he fell into the sewer around noon and wandered down there for hours.

At around 8pm yesterday, rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thamasathan Foundation responded to a report of a tourist being stuck in a sewer on Soi Thep Prasit 8 in the Nongprue subdistrict, Banglamung district, and rushed to help. Continued …

Lost luggage soars with air travel revival

The rate of lost, damaged or delayed luggage nearly doubled last year as air travel rebounded and the sector faced staff shortages following the Covid pandemic, a new study has found.

The report issued on Tuesday by Sita, an IT provider for the air transport industry, said 7.6 bags per thousand passengers were mishandled in 2022, up from 4.35 the previous year. Continued …

Council of Europe gathers to discuss future prosecution of Russian leaders

A year after Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe (CoE) due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the leaders of the 46-nation human rights body convened in Iceland to take preliminary steps toward the potential prosecution of Russian leaders. The summit’s main focus was the creation of a “register of damages” to document evidence for use in a special court that Ukraine and several Western allies hope to establish. Continued …

Cyclone toll in Myanmar’s Rakhine state at least 41

The death toll in cyclone-hit Myanmar’s Rakhine state rose to at least 41 on Tuesday, local leaders said. Myanmar’s strife-torn Rakhine State bore the brunt of Sunday’s storm that unleashed winds of up to 210 kilometers per hour (130 miles per hour), ripped roofs off homes and brought a storm surge that inundated the state capital Sittwe. Continued …

UN: Time running out in war on plastic pollution

The world must halve single-use plastics and slash throwaway consumption to stem the tide of environmental pollution, according to a UN report on Tuesday that warns the next few years are critical. Continued …

Pacific islanders: Rich countries are not doing enough to control climate change

Pacific Island leaders are criticizing rich countries for not doing enough to control climate change despite being responsible for much of the problem, and for profiting from loans provided to vulnerable nations to mitigate the effects. Continued …

Hidden lives of terminal dwellers in South Korea

In February 2020, an African man landed at Incheon Airport in South Korea, seeking asylum. He had fled his homeland, where a civil war had killed many of his family members and relatives. The South Korean immigration office, however, refused to accept his application for refugee status, because he was a transfer passenger. His eligibility as a refugee was not even reviewed. Continued …

Vietnam pledges no new coal plants after 2030

Vietnam will not develop new coal power plants after 2030, according to a long-delayed national power plan published Tuesday, although the blueprint drew criticism that the transition to renewables is too slow. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

baht, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-My 16

  • Move Forward Announces Six-Party Coalition/
  • Timeline to the formation of a new government/
  • Thai baht soars as voters back pro-democracy parties/
  • NESDC names economic challenges new government will face/
  • Social media pivotal in Moving Forward Party’s election victory, experts say/
  • Subsidy for household electricity bills can go ahead/
  • Is weight-loss surgery worth it?/
  • Covid-19 cases surge 39% in a week, public urged to take precautions/
  • Thailand’s economy poised to expand 3.7% this year/
  • Thai industrial estates ride the EV boom/
  • Polish National Arrested for Gruesome Murder and Dismemberment of Ukrainian Girlfriend/
  • Cops to arrest abettors of Aem Cyanide/
  • Tourism: This is what tourists to Hua Hin will look like in 2033/Tycoon’s property unit to boost spending on tourism boom/Cruise ship’s arrival in Phuket signals booming tourism uplift/TAT Unveils ‘Amazing Thailand Culinary City’ Project/
  • International: Argentina ramps interest rate to 97% as inflation soars/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

  • Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Move Forward Announces Six-Party Coalition

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has announced the formation of a coalition government comprising six parties, with a total of 309 members of Parliament (MPs).

In Sunday’s election, the conservative vote and long-standing patronage politics that have governed the country for a decade were swept away by what is being called the “Orange Wave.” Continued … 

Timeline to the formation of a new government

As Thailand ushers in another landmark moment in the country’s political history on Sunday, There is a timeline of events after the May 14 general election leading up to the formation of the next government.

Section 85 of the Constitution stipulates that the Election Commission must declare the official results of the election within 60 days of election day. If candidates or voters believe the election was unfair, they are allowed to file objections to the EC before or within 30 days of the release of the result. Continued …

Thai baht soars as voters back pro-democracy parties

The Thai baht hit a five-week high after pro-democracy parties came out as the biggest winners in Sunday’s general election after nearly a decade of military-backed rule in Thailand.

The baht rallied 0.9% to 33.70 against the greenback for the first time since April 5 after opposition parties Move Forward Pary (MFP) and Phue Thai won the majority of seats by a mile, paving the way for a coalition to wrangle power away from the military and back into the hands of the population. Continued …

NESDC names economic challenges new government will face

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has named four economic challenges the new Thai government must tackle this year.

Although the political landscape in Thailand has become clearer now the general election is over, there is still uncertainty about the parties that will form the new coalition government. Continued …

Social media pivotal in Moving Forward Party’s election victory, experts say

The 2023 election results have highlighted the significant role social media played in the Moving Forward Party‘s victory, as digital agencies and communication experts emphasize the importance of appealing content and social media engagement.

It has become evident that social media is not just an alternative channel for election campaigns, but a mainstream media channel, reaching 85% of the population, with Thai citizens spending an average of eight hours daily on these platforms, according to Pawat Ruangdejworachai, CEO of creative digital agency Media Intelligence. Continued … 

Subsidy for household electricity bills can go ahead

The Election Commission (EC) has approved the caretaker Cabinet’s proposal to spend 10.46 billion baht on subsidizing household electricity, election commissioner Thitichet Nutchanat said on Monday.

Under the measure, those who use up to 150 units of electricity will see a reduction of 92.04 satang per unit, while those who use 151 to 300 units will get a 67.04 satang per unit reduction (100 satang equals 1 baht). Continued …

Is weight-loss surgery worth it?

A female influencer surprised her followers by posting before and after photos and a video of herself after having a sleeve gastrectomy – a surgical weight-loss procedure. In the video, the influencer said that her previous weight was 86kg and she lost 18kg in three months following surgery.

The post received a lot of attention on the internet, especially from people who are having difficulty losing weight. However, many people opposed the post and commented that the influencer should have also provided details of any side effects that occurred, since sleeve gastrectomy is a major surgery. Continued …

Covid-19 cases surge 39% in a week, public urged to take precautions

The Department of Disease Control issued a public warning yesterday, alerting citizens to the resurgence of Covid-19 and urging them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

The director-general, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, revealed that there were 2,356 Covid-19 inpatients last week, marking a 39% increase from the previous week. Continued …

Thailand’s economy poised to expand 3.7% this year

The Thai economy expanded by 2.7% in the first quarter of this year, nearly doubling from 1.4% in the previous quarter.

If economic conditions remain stable without a recession, a 3.7% GDP growth for this year is possible, the secretary-general of state agency National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Danucha Pichayanan, said on Monday. Continued …

Thai industrial estates ride the EV boom

The electric vehicles (EV) market in Thailand is booming, in line with green energy trends, because they are environmentally friendly and offer cost savings as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The Thai government has been supportive of the EV industry and has implemented measures to promote the use of electric vehicles, through tax incentives and subsidies, to attract foreign EV manufacturers to set up factories in Thailand. These measures have also helped lower the prices of EVs in Thailand. Continued …

Polish National Arrested for Gruesome Murder and Dismemberment of Ukrainian Girlfriend

A Polish man allegedly murdered and dismembered his 25-year-old Ukrainian girlfriend “Alona” inside a condo room in the heart of Bangkok. He tried to flee the country via taxi yesterday but was arrested near the border of Cambodia in Sa Keao province last night.

Yesterday, police from Wat Phraya Krai Police Station were informed that the body of a Ukrainian woman was discovered in a condo room in Bang Khlo subdistrict in the Bang Kho Laem district of Bangkok. Continued …

Cops to arrest abettors of Aem Cyanide

Police will request arrest warrants from the court for associates of alleged serial killer Sararat “Aem” Rangsiwuthaporn, who advised and helped her destroy evidence of her crimes, according to the deputy national police chief.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn revealed that he hoped to be able to submit the case to the attorney general later this week. Continued …

This is what tourists to Hua Hin will look like in 2033

A study by Amadeus, the one of the world’s leading global providers of travel technology solutions, has given an insight into the tourist of the future.

Attendees at the May meeting of the Royal Coast Riviera Club saw a presentation from Anthony Hoglund, vice president and general counsel, Asia Pacific, for Amadeus, who revealed the different types of tourists who are most likely to visit Hua Hin and Thailand over the next decade. Continued …

Tycoon’s property unit to boost spending on tourism boom

The property and hotel development unit of Thailand’s richest man plans to invest at least 100 billion baht (US$3.1 billion) over the next five years to develop new shopping malls, hotels and office buildings, betting on pent-up demand once the pandemic subsides.

Asset World Corp.’s main project will be a mixed-use property development in Bangkok’s Chinatown, according to its Chief Executive Officer Wallapa Traisorat. It also plans to invest more at its Asiatique tourist-focused complex in the city, adding facilities including luxury hotels, she said. Continued …

Cruise ship’s arrival in Phuket signals booming tourism uplift

Yesterday, Phuket’s Makham Bay Customs dock was a hive of activity, as it welcomed the arrival of a massive cruise ship from Langkawi, Malaysia.

Spearheading the operation, Natchapong Pranit, director of the Phuket Regional Harbor Office, facilitated the docking of the ship, which brought with it over two thousand tourists to explore the province of Phuket. Continued …

TAT Unveils ‘Amazing Thailand Culinary City’ Project

The visionary initiative, aligned with the Thai government’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economy model, seeks to foster a creative economy by offering innovative and immersive experiences.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT deputy governor for marketing communications, elaborated, “The Amazing Thailand Culinary City project, developed within the framework of the BCG economy model, incorporates the AGFEC principles: agriculture, gastronomy, food safety, experience, and creative entrepreneurship. It promotes a circular economy and underscores our nation’s commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.” Continued …

Argentina ramps interest rate to 97% as inflation soars

Argentina’s central bank hiked its base interest rate Monday by six points to 97% as the government prepares to announce a spate of measures to tackle soaring inflation ahead of October’s general election. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 15

  • Thais vote overwhelmingly for democracy parties, reject military/
  • Move Forward’s Pita ready to be next prime minister/
  • New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges/
  • Age no problem: 109-year-old granny casts her vote in Uttaradit/
  • Bangkok has highest turnout in voter history/
  • Western media agree Thailand is at a crucial juncture/
  • Post-election challenges for Thais and new government/
  • Scorching electricity costs may sear the economic recovery/
  • Scientists warn an El Niño is likely coming that could bring scorching heat to Earth/
  • Q1 GDP grows 2.7% y/y, beats expectations/
  • Southeast Asia and China top destinations for overseas business expansion in Asia/
  • Missing Thai Teen Girl found dead in north Thailand/
  • Phuket: 15th foreigner this year dies on roads in Karon area/
  • Thai rice exports soar in first 4 months of 2023/
  • Watermelon is one of summer’s most popular fruits, but is it healthy?/
  • Tourism: Thailand’s Electronic Tourist Visa Application: Is It Useful Or A Headache?/Lifeless Body Believed to Be Missing Russian Tourist Found in Phuket Sea/
  • Thailand Experience: Unravel Mae Hong Son – Thailand’s unspoiled tourist paradise/First-class on ‘the best train in Thailand’ – Bangkok to Hat Yai/
  • International: Kenya Doomsday Death Toll Hits 200, With More Than 600 Reported Missing/Turkey braces for momentous runoff after election drama/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

  • Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Thais vote overwhelmingly for democracy parties, reject military

Voters have delivered a clear rejection of nearly a decade of military-aligned rule, election results showed Monday, backing two pro-democracy opposition parties.

The Move Forward Party (MFP), the newest force in Thai politics that channeled the energy of youth-led pro-democracy protests in 2020, secured the most votes. Continued …

Move Forward’s Pita ready to be next prime minister

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat has announced he is ready to be the country’s next prime minister, as his party scored a shock victory in the May 14 general election.

The unofficial vote count as of 10am on Monday (99% completed) showed that Move Forward had won 112 out of 400 constituency MP seats and 14.1 million votes for party-list MPs, narrowly beating Pheu Thai, which also had 112 constituency seats but only 10.8 million party-list votes. Bhumjaithai Party was in third place with 68 constituency MPs and Palang Pracharath was fourth with 39 constituency Mps. Continued …

New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges

The upcoming government is expected to have around two trillion baht at its disposal for implementing its populist policies, according to an anonymous source from the Finance Ministry. The figure takes into account the 500-billion baht needed for the Pheu Thai Party’s pledge to provide digital wallet handouts of 10,000 baht to those aged 16 and over.

Should the government need to borrow money to fund the proposed policies, it can do so through an emergency decree. However, such decrees are bound by strict terms and conditions, such as a lack of alternative funding sources. Continued …

Age no problem: 109-year-old granny casts her vote in Uttaradit

Lek Boon-Air, a 109-year-old Uttaradit local, was escorted by her family to cast her vote at a polling station in Muang district’s Na Noi Witthaya School on Sunday morning.

Great Granny Lek is Uttaradit’s oldest citizen and has never missed exercising her voting rights, be it in local or national elections, Hat Ngiew village headman Noi Yotsombat said. Continued …

Bangkok has highest turnout in voter history

The 2023 General Election witnessed the highest voter turnout in Bangkok’s history. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), over 74% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the election yesterday.

Representatives from the BMA announced the unofficial election result from 6,360 polling stations in Bangkok in the early hours of this morning. Out of the 4,479,155 eligible voters, 3,339,664 exercised their right to vote, which accounted for 74.9% of the total voters. Among the total ballots cast, 1,191,989 were valid, while 48,694 ballots were invalid, and 98,981 voters rejected all candidates. Continued …

Western media agree Thailand is at a crucial juncture

Major foreign media outlets see the Thai general election as a major crossroads for a country familiar with military intervention in politics, but with a ballooning movement against the old norms.

According to the BBC, “The election is being described as a turning point for a country that has experienced a dozen military coups in its recent history. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the army general who led the last coup in 2014, is seeking another term, but he is facing a strong challenge from two anti-military parties.” Continued …

Post-election challenges for Thais and new government

With more than 99% of the votes in the May 14 general election counted and the opposition on the path to forming Thailand’s new government, attention must turn to strengthening the country’s economy, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and alleviating concerns among the Thai population about its stability, Thanawat Polvichai, director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said today.

If the government has clear policies and strong political stability, the country will have a robust foundation for implementing clear and sustainable policies, Thanawat added. The new government must therefore focus on policies that drive the economy, with priority given to economic recovery through tourism and strong exports, both of which are showing positive signs due to the global economic recovery. Continued …

Scorching electricity costs may sear the economic recovery

An economic research house is warning that the reduced level of inflation seen so far this year in Thailand may be impacted by the surge in electricity costs, which is also driving up costs within the foreign tourism industry and eating into its viability.

This year, Thailand saw record electricity prices, something that may be seen as a key factor in the general election result, driven by a rise in charges and record high temperatures, which may continue for another month because of the Pacific El Nino effect. Continued …

Scientists warn an El Niño is likely coming that could bring scorching heat to Earth

Buckle up. The world’s most influential natural weather feature is shifting gears.

An El Niño is building along the equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean. And, there’s above-normal chances it will be a strong El Niño, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said this week. That could have dramatic impacts around the globe later this year and into next year. Continued …

Q1 GDP grows 2.7% y/y, beats expectations

Thailand’s economy expanded 2.7% in the first quarter from a year earlier, official data showed on Monday, faster than expectations, as private consumption and tourism rebounded.

On a quarterly basis, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew a seasonally adjusted 1.9% in the March quarter, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council showed. Continued …

Southeast Asia and China top destinations for overseas business expansion in Asia

Southeast Asia and China are now the top choices for overseas expansion, with 83% of Asian businesses expressing interest in venturing abroad, as revealed in a recent report.

The Business Outlook report, conducted by United Overseas Bank (UOB), surveyed over 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as large organizations in Asia. The study showed that over four out of five businesses plan to expand overseas within the next three years. Continued …

Missing Thai Teen Girl found dead in north Thailand

A missing teen female who was last seen accompanying a murdered British/Thai boy to meet with an older Thai man was found deceased and buried in a forest in Lampang, northern Thailand.

On Saturday, Region 5 Police revealed to Thai media that police received a clue that something smelled very badly in a forest grove near the Mae Tan–Sobprab Road in Sandon Kaew, Mae Tha. A search was launched by police, local residents, and the female teenager’s relatives. Continued …

Phuket: 15th foreigner this year dies on roads in Karon area

Authorities in Phuket have ordered a clampdown on lax regulations to do with the hire of motorcycles on the holiday island amid a 64% increase in deaths mainly from motorbike accidents. The meeting on Monday night came hours before a Russian tourist lost control of his bike near Kathu Beach in the west of the province, becoming the 15th foreigner to die on Phuket’s deadly roads this year.

Early on Tuesday morning, rescue services in Phuket announced another fatal motorbike accident in the Karon subdistrict near Kathu on the west coast of the island. Continued …

Thai rice exports soar in first 4 months of 2023

Thailand’s rice exports in the first four months of this year surged to 3.05 million tons, resulting in increased income and confidence among farmers.

According to Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, the continuous demand for rice in the market has driven the prices of almost all rice types in the country to exceed the guaranteed income prices, particularly jasmine rice, which has the highest production volume. Continued …

Watermelon is one of summer’s most popular fruits, but is it healthy?

As summer approaches, plans for backyard barbecues, pool parties and extended family time begin to crowd our calendars. And summer’s most popular and highly-ranked fruit is about to be consumed in abundance − to the tune of more than 40 million pounds. That’s watermelon, of course, the fruit known for its striking colors, juicy crunch and water-laden slices.

But watermelon offers a lot more than just being a delicious summertime staple. Made up of more than 90% water, the fruit is also incredibly hydrating and is loaded with electrolytes to help one recharge after a morning workout or afternoon of play. Continued …

Thailand’s Electronic Tourist Visa Application: Is It Useful Or A Headache?

In late 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand switched the visa application process to an e-visa system that no longer requires applicants to physically hand in documents and their passports at local embassies and consulates.

We decided to try this system to apply for an ordinary tourist visa that allows for a 60-day stay in the Kingdom, plus an optional extension of 30 days, rather than the 30+30 with visa-free entry. Continued …

Lifeless Body Believed to Be Missing Russian Tourist Found in Phuket Sea

The lifeless body of a man who authorities said could be that of a Russian tourist who had gone missing after being thrown into the sea by strong waves was discovered in Phuket waters Sunday.

The body of a white male foreigner clad only in black shorts was discovered by a local fisherman at around 12:50pm, the Phuket Rescue Foundation reported. Continued …

Unravel Mae Hong Son – Thailand’s unspoiled tourist paradise

Nestled in the far northwest of Thailand and sharing borders with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is one of the most spell-binding locations in the kingdom, and for many reasons, an ideal spot for an offbeat summer sojourn. Despite many unspoiled attractions, travelers are rarely aware of this sanctuary, partly due to its remote position (it is approximately 900 kilometers from Bangkok). This, however, just adds to its allure, as it remains untouched by mainstream tourism.

Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s most forested province, offers some of the most authentically rewarding experiences, luring you away from the chaos of city life to repose in nature’s embrace. The region is mostly covered in mist and surrounded by rolling mountain ranges, pristine forests, lakes, rivers, breezy grasslands, and other countless viewpoints that will leave you in awe. Continued …

First-class on ‘the best train in Thailand’ – Bangkok to Hat Yai

Bangkok to Hat Yai in southern Thailand is a 16-hour, 940-kilometer journey. Special Express 31 “Thaksinarath”, operated by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is a modern, Chinese-built, diesel-electric train, which departs daily at 14:50.

THE CLASS

The first-class sleeper cabin, twin share, is one of just 12 and is located in the last car. Continued …

Kenya Doomsday Death Toll Hits 200, With More Than 600 Reported Missing

The death toll linked to a doomsday cult in Kenya hit 201 Saturday after police exhumed 22 more bodies, most of them bearing signs of starvation, according to the coast regional commissioner. Continued … 

Turkey braces for momentous runoff after election drama

Turkey braced Monday for its first election runoff after a night of high drama showed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan edging ahead of his secular rival but failing to secure a first-round win. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

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

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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting