Category Archives: transportation

bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Aug 29

Today’s news: Hua Hin litterbugs warned/Storms and heavy rain forecast/Challenges for foreign workers/Tips for taxi riders/Facebook linked to 70% of online fraud/Cancer treatments under 30-baht healthcare plan/ Zika outbreak: Warning for pregnant women/Q2 economic recovery slows/Cooking gas price under review/Diesel tax subsidy/VAT increase still under consideration/Chinese ‘Low-Grade, Low-Price’ Goods Flood Thai Market/Major retailer installs solar/Moving Thailand Manufacturing/20 best hotels in Phuket/Thailand’s spiciest salad being made/Quake rattles Bali/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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Did you know? Hua Hin has 2,000-baht fine for littering – no, really

The Hua Hin municipality has reminded citizens in online warnings about the legal consequences of dumping rubbish in public places. The laws against public littering include tossing litter on the ground, spitting, discarding cigarette butts, and dropping gum. There is a maximum fine of 2,000 baht.

Storms and heavy rain to affect most of Thailand this week

Several provinces will experience thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rains from today until Sunday, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning issued on Monday.

The department said the conditions were due to the strong monsoon trough lying across the north, central and northeast regions and the strong southwest monsoon prevailing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf. Continued …

What are the biggest challenges for foreigners working in Thailand?

Thailand has been among the top countries with the highest number of expat workers. With its flourishing economy and expanding job market, it’s no wonder why overseas professionals are irresistibly drawn to this Southeast Asian country.

But while packing up your life to start anew in a foreign land, especially for work, is undoubtedly exhilarating, you must not overlook the potential hiccups that may come along the way. But remember, every problem has a solution. So to help you prepare for your journey, here are the biggest challenges for foreigners working in Thailand, and how to overcome them. Continued …

Taxi group offers six tips for riders

The Thai Taxi Assn. stirred debate by posting six tips to ensure a satisfactory taxi ride. The recommendations include asking before getting in, not forgetting to tip, and calling for a Grab taxi during peak hours or if the location is difficult for a regular taxi to reach.

The association’s Facebook page recently shared these suggestions, aiming to foster mutual satisfaction between drivers and passengers. The post, titled Thai Taxi Association Recommends Satisfactory Taxi Usage, featured a picture detailing these suggestions. Continued …

Facebook linked to 70% of online fraud in Thailand, says outgoing minister

Facebook is facing legal action from the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the Royal Thai Police over its sponsored pages service in Thailand, which have been linked to over 70% of online fraud cases according to outgoing minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn.

The legal moves against Facebook, including civil and criminal proceedings, according to senior officials, could see the site shut down in Thailand if it fails to address rising security concerns. Continued …

Cancer treatments under 30-baht healthcare plan under consideration

The Thai National Health Security Office (NHSO) is contemplating an expansion of its benefits under the 30-baht healthcare universal package, known as the “gold card” scheme. The addition could include cancer treatment and free screenings for non-cardholders.

In the pursuit of providing affordable medical aid to patients, the NHSO is also investigating potential drugs to incorporate into the national list of essential medicines. The NHSO is negotiating with pharmaceutical firms to provide targeted therapy, which is a crucial need for numerous cancer patients, particularly those battling breast cancer. Continued …

Zika outbreak: Warning for pregnant women as cases spike

A surge in Zika virus cases sparked a warning from the Department of Disease Control (DDC). In the last month, 266 cases were reported. Pregnant women are at risk, as the virus can cause babies to be born with microcephaly, a result of underdeveloped brains.

The monsoon season, with its frequent rain, has created ideal conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Bird baths and other containers that collect water can become breeding grounds. The public is urged to promptly remove any such containers to reduce the risk of Zika and other diseases. Continued …

Thailand’s Q2 economic recovery slows, 2023 growth forecast revised

Thailand’s second quarter of 2023 saw a slowdown in economic recovery, with GDP growth falling from 2.6% year-on-year in the first quarter to 1.8%, as reported by the National Economic and Social Development Council on Aug. 21.

The figures fell significantly short of consensus estimates of 3.1% and growth projections of 2.9%. The economy’s quarter-on-quarter growth was a mere 0.2%, once seasonally adjusted. Continued …

Cooking gas price under review

The Fuel Fund executive committee is preparing to review the subsidy on the retail price of household cooking gas, or LPG, which is due to expire on Aug. 31.

The review will take account of the global LPG market price, the status of the Fuel Fund, and the cost of living for the public and businesses, in order to decide whether the price stabilization for LPG should continue. Continued …

Fuel Fund executive committee seeks to retain diesel tax subsidy

The Fuel Fund executive committee is to recommend that the newly appointed energy minister retains the diesel tax subsidy to keep the price of diesel fuel at no more than 32 baht per liter.

The committee has asked the Office of the Oil Fuel Fund to closely monitor the global energy price situation, especially as winter approaches in the Western nations, which will lead to a high demand for energy for heating purposes and lead to a rise in both oil and LPG prices. Continued …

VAT increase still under consideration

The Thai administration yesterday dismissed the possibility of increasing the value–added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%. Despite this official stance, talks have been initiated around this proposal, attributing the potential increment to the requirement for additional funding to cater to the escalating needs of the country’s aging populace.

From the Office of Fiscal Economy, Pornchai Thiravej, the director, shed light on a proposal put forth by the National Economic and Social Development Council. This proposal advocates for an increase in the VAT rate, as it could serve as a steady source of funds to address the financial necessities of the retirement community. Continued …

Local Businesses Struggle as Chinese ‘Low-Grade, Low-Price’ Goods Flood Thai Market

The slowdown in the global economy is affecting China’s exports, and the recovery of China’s domestic market is slower than expected. This has led to an abundance of Chinese products, including in ASEAN markets such as Thailand, where they compete with local producers, worsening Thailand’s trade deficit with China.

The Confederation of Thai Industry stated that Thailand’s trade deficit in the first half of 2023 will be 603.2 billion Thai baht. This is the result of exports amounting to 603.1 billion Thai baht and imports amounting to 1.2 trillion Thai baht. This deficit in the first half of the year is comparable to that of the entire year 2020. Continued …

Major Bangkok retailer installs rooftop solar

Siam Piwat Simon, a joint venture between Siam Piwat Co. and Simon Property Group operating Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, successfully installed solar rooftop at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok as a part of its sustainability goals.

The environmentally conscious practice is a coordinated project with Gunkul Engineering Public Co., an integrated leader of renewable energy, to install over 50,000 square meters of solar rooftop at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, with an investment of over Bt100 million. The solar panels can generate solar power, offsetting the reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity, at 3,800,760 kWh per year. Continued …

Moving Thailand Manufacturing Up the Value Chain

Despite accounting for over 6 million jobs and contributing to 34% of the Thai economy earlier in the year, it is no secret that the manufacturing sector is on a downward spiral.

According to the Thai Ministry of Industry (MOI), the nation’s manufacturing production index (MPI) dropped for a ninth consecutive month in June 2023, declining by 5.24% compared to 2022. Continued …

20 best hotels in Phuket

2. Best eco hotel in Phuket: Keemala

Sheer beauty aside, what we love most about this property in the Keemala rainforest is the variety of lodgings from glamping tents to tree houses spanning two-storys with their own private pools.

Even though it’s a 10-minute drive to the nearest beach, you’ll doubtless spend most of your time in your timber sanctuary, complete with deliciously deep tubs. The food is also exquisitely fresh thanks to the hillside farm that supplies almost half of the resort’s daily vegetable and herbs. The Mala spa is one of the best on the island. Continued …

Watch Thailand’s spiciest salad being made

Watch Thailand’s spiciest salad being made … with thousands of chillis mixed with tomatoes. Footage shows 2kg of chopped-up Bird’s eye chillis, which each measure up to 100,000 Scoville units, being poured onto a large wooden mortar in Bangkok.

The Thai variety that is hotter than jalapeno was pounded with other ingredients such as tomatoes, shrimp with shells on, lime juice, and fish sauce. The mixture was used as the strongly flavored dressing to the salad locally called “som tam” and then mixed with grated unripe papaya and served as is or as a side dish to meat. Continued and video …

7.1-magnitude quake, aftershocks rattle Bali residents

A strong, deep 7.1-magnitude earthquake and several aftershocks rattled Bali and other Indonesian islands today, the USGS reported, sending panicked tourists into the streets but causing no major damage. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Aug 28

Today’s news: Wine scam circulating in Hua Hin/Opinion: Promised Change/Elephant Stabs His Master To Death/Fears over Fukushima seafood rise/Dr Pakpilai Thavisin: Thailand’s new First Lady/The 600-baht wage hike policy/No plan to increase VAT to 10%/Few jobs for university graduates/Weed Industry Is Poised to Grow Fast/90-day tourist visas?/Thai Smile exiting Surat Thani/Phuket seeks 4am/U-Tapao Airport Nightspots Can Operate 24 Hours a Day/Pattaya Speedboat Operators in Wild Brawl/Chinese Tourist Shortfall in Pattaya/5 Unknown Islands To Explore/What’s really killing historical UK pubs/

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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Local restaurants warned of sophisticated wine scam circulating in Hua Hin

An elaborate wine scam, which previously made headlines in Bangkok, has made its way to Hua Hin, with restauranteurs urged to remain vigilant.

The scheme came to attention earlier this week when a Hua Hin restaurant narrowly avoided falling prey to it. The modus operandi involves scammers making a reservation under the guise of hosting a high-end event and then pushing restaurants to procure wine from a specific vendor. Continued …

Promised Change Gives Way to Familiar Faces

The political landscape in Thailand remains mired in complexities and contradictions, as the recently formed government represents both a reiteration and a perpetuation of existing political realities.

Despite the majority of voters casting their ballots for significant political change, the composition of the new cabinet belies these aspirations. Continued …

Elephant Stabs His Master To Death After Being Sold

A tragic incident happened when a male elephant named Pha Tulu belonging to the Karen tribe fatally stabbed his owner with his ivory at the intersection of Mai Village, Mae Tan subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, northern Thailand. Pha Phi Du Lerttikhamphon, a 57-year-old mahout, died from a traumatic injury in his body.

The elephant refused to obey Pha Phi Du’s orders to take him to the vehicle and deliver him to his new owner in Surin Province after being sold for 2,760,000 baht. Pha Phi Du became enraged and beat Pha Tulu with his equipment. The elephant then retaliated with his tusks, stomping on the mahout until he died. Continued …

Fears over Fukushima seafood rise

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Fisheries to tighten measures on imported seafood from Japan after several countries banned the products following the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.

TCC official Panuchot Tongyang yesterday said China, Hong Kong and South Korea have suspended imports of Japanese seafood, including live sea animals, frozen and dried seafood, sea salt and seaweed due to concerns about contamination. Continued …

Dr Pakpilai Thavisin: From anti-aging pioneer to Thailand’s new First Lady

Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin is feeling heat from the media spotlight after her husband Srettha Thavisin became Thailand’s 30th prime minister. But this is far from her first taste of fame.

With her high-flying career and fashionable dress sense, Pakpilai has been a favorite subject of gossip columns for years. She has also aired her views in media interviews. Continued … 

Business operators against 600-baht wage hike policy

The Pheu Thai-led government intends to press ahead with its election promise to raise the minimum wage to 600 baht within 4 years from the current range of 328-354 baht per day introduced in October 2022.

The party first introduced what is regarded as a populist policy back in 2011, when it launched the nationwide minimum wage policy of 300 baht per day. Then, like now, the private sector made its opposition known, citing political interference and uneven investment distribution nationwide. Continued …

Thai finance ministry has no immediate plan to increase VAT to 10%

The Ministry of Finance has no policy to increase value-added tax from 7% to 10%, to generate more revenue to fund old age pensions, according to Pornchai Theeravet, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesman for the ministry.

His remark is in response to a report that the National Economic and Social Development Council has proposed several measures to increase support for pensioners, including a proposed increase in the rate of VAT. Continued …

Thailand running out of jobs for university graduates, report shows

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that new university graduates may find it tough to get jobs, as demand is on the decline.

This warning came in a recent report released by the agency, which said that new university graduates may be hired at lower salaries or jobs may be given to those with lower qualifications. Continued …

Thailand’s Weed Industry Is Poised to Grow Fast

In Bangkok these days, it’s hard not to notice the weed dispensaries catering to tourists that have multiplied since the government decriminalized the drug last year.

Many of them take advantage of lax regulations to openly sell visitors dried marijuana flowers that have been imported illegally from Canada or the United States. On a recent afternoon, one shop advertised its pungent offerings — weed strains with names like “Ice Cream Cake” and “Lemon Cookies” — as “California’s finest.” Continued …

PM to look into extending tourist visas to 90 days

The new government will consider extending tourist visa validities from 30 days to 90 days and the easing of immigration procedures, to make them more convenient for foreign tourists, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, responding to call from tourism business operators for the government to boost the tourism industry.

He also said, however, that the proposal from some tourism business operators for the government to exempt entry visas for tourists from China, India and Russia is a different issue, which has security implications and has to be considered carefully. Continued …

Surat Thani governor snarls at Thai Smile’s flight axe plan

The governor of Surat Thani has asked Thai Smile Airways not to cease its flight services to the southern province in order to protect its tourism.

Gov. Wichawut Jinto said on Sunday that people earlier complained to him that Thai Smile Airways would stop its flight services on Oct. 1. Continued …

Phuket’s night-life venues ask new PM to let them to stay open until 4am

Night entertainment operators in Phuket have proposed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin allow their venues on Patong Beach to stay open until 4am, instead of the current 1am.

Weerawit Kruasombat, president of the entertainment business operators association on Patong Beach, said Saturday that the proposal was submitted to Srettha during yesterday’s meeting between the prime minister and representatives of tourism-related business. Continued …

U-Tapao Airport Nightspots Receive Green Light to Operate 24 Hours a Day

The Thai government has clarified that the recent permission granted for entertainment venues to operate around the clock in the U-Tapao International Airport & Eastern Airport City Project does not extend to nearby areas such as Pattaya and Rayong.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul clarified this on Sunday, emphasizing that the Interior Ministry’s recent notice in the Royal Gazette applied exclusively to the specified locations within the U-Tapao airport complex. Continued …

Pattaya Speedboat Operators in Wild Brawl Arguing Over Tourists

Two groups of rival speedboat operators in Pattaya engaged in a widely filmed and shared viral fistfight over who would transport a group of tourists on Saturday evening.

The fight broke out at 5 PM at Bali Hai Pier, panicking numerous tourists who were waiting to board a ride to Koh Larn. Continued …

Chinese Tourist Shortfall Takes Toll on Pattaya’s Tourism Sector

The tourism sector in Pattaya is grappling with a waning number of Chinese tourists due to current strict visa regulations and a shortage of flight options.

Boonanan Pattanasin, the president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Assn. (PBTA), revealed that the current tourism situation in Pattaya is predominantly centered on Chinese and Indian tourists. However, the number of Chinese tourists has significantly declined in recent months, hindering the city’s full recovery. Continued …

5 Unknown Islands In Thailand To Experience Paradise Without The Crowds

There’s the picture-perfect beach vacation we all dream of. White sand beneath your feet, an ice-cold drink in your hand, and the quiet sounds of the palm trees blowing in the wind and turquoise waves crashing on the shore. Total tranquility.

Then, there’s the beach vacation we actually get. Somehow, fighting for overpriced beach chairs at overcrowded beaches amid blaring music, screaming children, and unruly tourists never live up to the seaside serenity you had in mind. Continued …

What’s really killing historical UK pubs

When the Crown and Anchor pub in Llanidloes in mid-Wales was built, there was a different Charles on the throne, America was a British colony and France still had a king. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

hospitality, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Aug 26

Today’s news: PKK community fights factory stench/Online vehicle registration implemented/Heavy rainfall expected/Thailand’s crashing birthrate and aging society/Cannabis network pushes for home-grown weed/Exports decline again/Bt6 billion on Thai EV factories/New PM focused on tourism/Pattaya’s Walking Street wireless/New airport for Phangnga?/Phuket opts for EV buses/Thai AirAsia plans Japan expansion/24-hour opening for eastern nightspots/Where to find Wellness Cuisine in Thailand/

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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PKK community fights factory stench, faces relocation woes

For years, the residents of the Ban Thammarat community in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been tormented by the foul odor emitted by the wastewater from a local rubber factory. Despite their pleas for regular inspections and serious action toward wastewater management, the issue remains unresolved, forcing some to relocate.

The community, located in Area 5, has long complained about the factory, which purchases rubber waste and discharges untreated wastewater onto personal land. The stench has permeated the area, affecting their daily lives. Continued …

Thailand shifts gears with online vehicle registration

The Thai government has launched an online vehicle registration service, providing a more convenient and time-saving option for the public. This move aligns with the government’s digital transformation policy, which aims to facilitate access to public services. As a result, citizens can now book a single number plate for each vehicle.

Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy government spokesperson, highlighted that this initiative is part of the government’s broader endeavor to promote digital transformation in public sector organizations. The policy, led by former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, focuses on digitalization to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. Continued …

Thailand braces for heavy rainfall

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall across various regions of the country, brought about by low atmospheric pressure near the Vietnamese upper shore and the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Thailand.

Thailand continues to experience thunderstorms, with heavy rain in certain parts of the northeast, and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity. Citizens in the upper northeastern region are advised to be cautious of heavy and accumulated rainfall, potentially leading to flooding. Continued …

Does crashing birthrate and aging society spell doom for Thailand?

The median age in Thailand currently stands at 40 years and two months, far older than the world average of 30 years and five months. This startling fact suggests that if Thailand fails to take action now, it could rapidly be overwhelmed by problems related to its aging society.

Thailand’s population is on course to shrink by at least 50% by 2100, according to the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. Continued …

Cannabis network pushes for home-grown weed, import ban

Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network is seeking 10,000 names to petition parliament to continue its reading of the Cannabis-Hemp Act, which would allow individuals to grow weed at home and ban the import of cannabis products for five years.

Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader, said yesterday the act was initially composed of 95 sections, but parliament’s reading only reached Section 17 due to a change of government. Continued …

Exports decline for 10th straight month

The value of Thai exports dropped for a 10th consecutive month in July, and by more than forecast, mainly because global commodity prices have fallen back from the highs reached last year in the first few months of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Weak global demand has been exacerbated by high interest rates and tougher lending practices, resulting in a deceleration of consumer spending, said Keerati Rushchano, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Continued …

Aion to spend Bt6 billion on Thai EV factories

Aion Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand), a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Corp. (GAC), the second-largest electric vehicle (EV) seller in China, plans to spend 6 billion baht building EV and battery factories in Thailand over 3-5 years, using the country as its new production and export base.

“We are considering the location for the factories, as well as production capacity to serve both domestic and overseas markets,” said Ocean Ma, managing director of Aion Automobile Manufacturing and Aion Automobile Sales (Thailand). Continued …

New government focused on boosting tourism to stimulate economy: new PM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin flew to the island province of Phuket on Friday to highlight its significance as a major money-maker for Thailand’s tourism industry. It was his first provincial trip as the leader of Thailand’s new government in the making.

“The Pheu Thai Party sees tourism as the best way to stimulate the economy in the short term,” Srettha told reporters after arriving at the Phuket International Airport. Continued …

Pattaya’s Walking Street Sheds Its Power Poles

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches inspected Walking Street in South Pattaya on Friday after the tourist attraction street underwent a modern upgrade to remove its unsightly power poles.

Poramase, along with other city officials, participated in the ceremony to open Walking Street in South Pattaya following the success of the major dismantling project of utility poles on the street. Continued …

Phangnga tourism council proposes new airport

A proposal for a new airport in Phangnga, which could potentially surpass Phuket as the south’s aviation hub, will be presented to the new prime minister by tourism operators in the Andaman provinces.

The president of the Tourism Council of Phangnga, Pongsakorn Ketprapakorn, shared that the new airport’s necessity stems from the rapid growth in tourist demand for the south post-pandemic and the fact that expansion at Phuket airports has reached its limit. Continued …

Phuket earmarks 156 million baht for 24 EV buses and charging stations

The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) confirmed the allocation of 156 million baht (US$4.7 million) from this year’s budget for the purchase of 24 electric vehicle (EV) buses. These air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 21 seats, are set to serve three public routes across the province.

The announcement was made during a Phuket provincial land traffic subcommittee meeting, presided over by Vice Gov. Amnuay Pinsuwan. The meeting saw the participation of Phuket City Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaowapak and leaders from various government organizations. Continued …

 

Thai AirAsia targets 40% domestic market, plans Japan expansion

Thai AirAsia, a leading low-cost airline, has set a goal to command 40% of the passenger market share domestically by the close of 2023. This comes as the airline intends to introduce two additional routes in Japan in the upcoming year.

Santisuk Klongchaiya, the chief executive of Thai AirAsia, mentioned that the airline’s market share in the first half of the current year was 37%, a noticeable increase from the 33% recorded prior to the pandemic. He attributed this growth to the performance of domestic routes, with an average load factor of 94% on 32 routes leading to 21 provinces and eight cross-regional routes. Continued … 

Eastern Aviation City nightspots can remain open around the clock

In a bid to promote tourism and stimulate the local economy of the Eastern Economic Corridor area, specifically the Eastern Aviation City in Rayong province, entertainment venues located in the project can open 24 hours a day.

The Royal Gazette website on Friday published the fourth amendment of the Interior Ministerial Regulations on the Entertainment Place Act of 1966, allowing businesses located in Eastern Aviation City to open around the clock. Continued …

Chiva-som Hua Hin

Where to find Wellness Cuisine in Thailand That will Nurture Your Body and Soul

While modern day delicacies are delicious, there could be hidden toxins in your food that stimulate inflammation and cause discomfort to your gut. Wellness cuisine aims to use only the freshest and natural ingredients, in order to cook dishes that don’t only fulfill your cravings but also detox and nourish the body.

As the leading destination for wellness leisure, Thailand has several wellness retreats and wellness restaurants that are worth a visit. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Aug 25

Today’s news: Expats and the new government; cheapest flights from Thailand; VAT to 10%?; road safety in PKK; climate change plans; international crime crackdown; Korat restaurant billing in Laotian kip; economic news no all good; digital wallet on the way; Thailand and BRIC; TAT sets sights on Australia; Chiang Mai airport expansion; Air Japan to Bangkok; Thailand tourism flourishes; ‘One for Nature” Project/

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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What Thailand’s expats can expect from the new government

In order to achieve post-election constitutional power, Thailand’s Pheu Thai party finds itself abed with its former enemies allied to the military junta, which seized power in 2014. It may seem a wobbly coalition, but it’s likely to last several years.

Pheu Thai fears that its erstwhile popularity will dip, or perhaps ditch, in a fresh general election. The military-backed parties may face wipe-out as younger Thais, in particular, clearly prefer the radical reformist policies of the Move Forward party now consigned to sit on the opposition benches. That’s despite Move Forward having won the most seats in the May 2023 general election. Continued …

Cheapest flight fares from Thailand

As inflation bites, travelers globally are on the lookout for the best deals out there. To help bargain hunters on their way, digital travel platform Agoda shares the cheapest routes that were booked on Agoda in early August by travelers from Thailand.

With thousands of flight routes from Thailand to choose from on Agoda, Thai travelers had access to fares starting as low as US$8, ranking first among 10 Asia Pacific markets for the lowest domestic rate together with the Philippines. Continued …

VAT hike from 7% to 10% proposed

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) supports an increase in the value-added tax (VAT) to tackle inadequate retirement savings among the elderly.

The aim is to raise the VAT rate from the current 7% to 10%, with 3% of this increase being allocated as retirement savings for the population. Continued …

Officials say road safety sees improvement in Prachuap Khiri Khan

At a meeting convened on Aug. 23 at the Prachuap Khiri Khan provincial building, officials highlighted the improvements made in road safety in recent years. However, they pointed out that more efforts are required, especially concerning speeding.

Komkrit Charoenpattanasombat, the deputy provincial governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, led the Road Safety Center Committee meeting. It was attended by heads of government departments, representatives from state agencies, the private sector, and public organizations. Continued …

New plan to deal with climate change to be launched this year

The Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) has finished drafting a new operations plan to cope with climate change, the OAE chief said this week.

Chantanon Wannakhejorn, secretary-general of the OAE, which is under the Agriculture Ministry, said the OAE has worked with both state and private agencies in drafting the new plan, adding that the previous plan covering the period 2017-2022 had now expired, so the subcommittee responsible for enforcing policies on climate ambitions for land use and agriculture has been assigned to draw up a new one. Continued …

International motorcycle gang and Indonesian drug syndicate nabbed

An international motorcycle gang and a major Indonesian drug gang, both of whom had fled to Thailand, have been apprehended in a sweeping operation by the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB). The series of arrests also included the capture of a notorious human trafficking network operating in the Sa Kaeo province.

The first significant arrest was that of Den, a German national wanted by his homeland’s authorities for a serious assault. The German Federation had requested his extradition to face punishment under the German Penal Code for causing grievous bodily harm to another person. The German attorney general had already issued an arrest warrant for Den. Continued …

Korat restaurant’s unique billing system in Laotian kip amuses diners

Imagine enjoying a fine meal and, when the bill comes, it costs hundreds of thousands. A Laotian restaurant in Korat has been giving a shock that turns into amusement among diners with its unusual billing system.

The eatery, which has been widely shared on social media, charges customers hundreds of thousands for their meals – but in Laotian kip, not Thai baht. The restaurant owners explained that they hoped to create a fun and unique dining experience for their patrons. Continued …

Household debt surges, interest rates rise, vehicle sales fall

Rising household debt and increasing interest rates have impacted consumer purchasing power, leading to a decline in car sales in the country in July 2023, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported. The export market has shown slight growth.

While the overall Thai automotive industry saw growth in production and exports during the first half of the year, domestic car sales fell, totaling 58,419 units, down 8.77% from the same month in 2022. From January to July of this year, car sales reached 464,550 units, a decrease of 5.45%. Continued …

‘Digital Wallet’ scheme expected to be launched by mid-2024

Pheu Thai party’s Digital Wallet scheme is expected to be launched during the first half of next year, but before the Songkran festival in April.

Deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai party, Treechada Srithada, said that viral social media claims that they have canceled the scheme, amid the spread of a fake application asking people to register to receive the 10,000-baht subsidy, was fake news. Continued …

Joining BRICs would lead to opportunities for Thailand

Joining the BRICs alliance would present economic opportunities for Thailand, as the alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is enjoying strong negotiating power in trade agreements, according to former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

Trade with China was extensive back in the days when the Chinese economy was dominant, Thirachai pointed out, adding that this fell off after Thailand aligned itself with the U.S. after World War II. Now that China’s global influence has grown significantly, Thailand must adjust its foreign relations strategy, lessening dependence on the USA but being cautious to avoid problems with the long-standing U.S. relationship. Continued …

TAT turns its sights on Australia

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to boost the number of Australians visiting Thailand to 650,000 this year.

According to Busakorn Prommanot, director of the TAT Sydney office, Australia is considered a high-quality tourist market. In 2022, Thailand welcomed 336,688 Australian tourists, while from Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, 385,100 Australian tourists made their way to Thailand. Continued …

AOT launches Chiang Mai airport expansion to serve 20M passengers

Airports of Thailand (AOT) on Thursday officially launched its 10-year development project of Chiang Mai International Airport, aiming to improve its capacity to serve 20 million passengers per year by 2033.

Executives of AOT and the airport got together in an event at Wintree City Resort in Chiang Mai province on Thursday to announce the project, its objectives and schedule to partners and potential investors. Continued …

Japan’s largest airline selects Bangkok as first destination for new mid-haul unit

Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), will next year launch a new unit for medium-haul international routes – Air Japan – with an inaugural flight between Bangkok and Tokyo, ANN announced.

Air Japan President Mineguchi Hideki told a press conference on Thursday that the airline will officially start service on Feb. 10, 2024, with the Tokyo-Bangkok route. Continued …

4 Reasons Why Thailand Continues To Be One Of The World’s Top Tourist Destinations

Now that all travel restrictions have dropped and normality has been reinstated across Southeast Asia, it is exploding in popularity. Filled with paddy fields, sweeping green panoramas, and centuries-old pagodas, it is a fascinating, mystical land certain to blow your mind.

Though there are as many as 11 countries that make up the subcontinent, including some of the most promising destinations in this post-crisis scene, namely Vietnam and Cambodia, one country in particular continues to lead visitation trends with over 14.5 million tourists recorded this year. Continued …

‘The One for Nature’ Project to promote responsible tourism in Thailand

In 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched “The One for Nature” initiative, embodying the concept of “Travel with Responsibility in Thailand,” aimed at promoting Thailand’s sustainable tourism and safeguarding the nation’s abundant natural resources. The campaign achieved remarkable success and garnered widespread cooperation.

The resurgence of this project brings forth its distinctiveness, as it offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in even more abundant natural surroundings once again after natural sights across Thailand have rejuvenated and restored their natural beauty. Continued …

Indonesia shuts down factories, to spray mist to reduce air pollution

The Environment and Forestry Ministry has moved to shut down the operation of four companies alleged to be running activities that caused major pollution in the Greater Jakarta area. The ministry’s Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement Director General Rasio Ridho Sani announced the decision on Wednesday, with the order for the four companies to cease operation effective immediately. Continued …

China Bans Seafood From Japan After Fukushima Begins Wastewater Release

The tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant‘s operator says it began releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday — a controversial step that prompted China to ban seafood from Japan. Continued …

Former US president arrested – again

Donald Trump was arrested Thursday evening at Georgia’s Fulton County Jail on charges he tried to steal the 2020 election, the fourth criminal case he faces while campaigning for president next year. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

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

Thursday’s news-Aug 24

  • Severe weather warning issued for Thailand/
  • Thap Sakae hosts new cycling event on Sunday/
  • Lung Cancer is Curable with Correct Understanding/
  • Cancer screening widens/
  • Dengue fever cases soar/
  • Eighteen Months of War in Ukraine: Thai humanitarian worker reports/
  • Economy: Thai economic recovery slower than expected: Bank of Thailand/China’s economic woes threaten struggling Thai exports/New government, political stability to draw foreign investment/
  • Tourism: Evergrande collapse in China set to hit Thai tourism and exports/Thai hoteliers unfazed by China’s property woes/Koh Samui’s tourism returning to 2019 high/
  • Thailand Experience: 20 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok/
  • International: Mercenary leader Prigozhin presumed dead after a plane crash outside Moscow/Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft lands on moon in ‘victory cry’ of new India/
  • 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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Severe weather warning issued for Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for the entire country today, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in 32 provinces. Bangkok could see a chance of 70% rainfall from the afternoon until dusk, posing a potential risk of flash floods. Continued …

Thap Sakae hosts new cycling event on Sunday

A new cycling event, “Chill Cycling @ Thap Sakae”, is set to revitalize community tourism in Thap Sakae.

Set for Sunday, participants can register from 5am at Wat Thung Pradu, the starting point in Thap Sakae District. Continued …

Lung Cancer is Curable with Correct Understanding

Lung cancer, the earlier it is detected, the greater the chance of being cured. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital urges everyone to have regular check-ups of lung health, as well as introduce the medical technology and medicines that help prolong life and support quality of life for patients.

Almost 100,000 Thai people died from cancer each year, and this trend appears to be on the rise. In 2022, the National Cancer Institute showed that approximately 400 new cancer patients are diagnosed every day and 11% of these are lung cancer patients, making lung cancer the second most common type of cancer in Thai people. Continued …

Cancer screening widens

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has confirmed that all Thai citizens covered by a healthcare insurance scheme can receive a breast cancer screening if they meet certain criteria.

Deputy NHSO Secretary-general Attaporn Limpanyalert said his office was aware of the need for preventive healthcare measures against the disease. Continued …

Dengue fever cases soar

Dengue fever cases this year have surged 300% over previous levels, with over 5,000 new cases being reported each week.

The Department of Disease Control has identified more than 65,000 patients and a growing number of fatalities. The provinces hit hardest in the past four weeks are Chiang Rai, Nan, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Rayong. Continued …

Eighteen Months of War in Ukraine: Thai humanitarian worker reports

Air-raid sirens clash with the sound of laughter in playgrounds. Bomb shelters stand in stark contrast to ballet performances in opera houses, lit by generators. Cafés and restaurants serve good food under candlelight when there’s no electricity or water.

How do Ukrainians remain so resilient amid these contrasting moments? This question lingered in my mind throughout my 11-month mission with Plan International’s delegation in Eastern Europe. Continued …

Thai economic recovery slower than expected: Bank of Thailand

Economic recovery in Thailand is underway but progress is slower than anticipated, particularly in the areas of tourism and exports, according to Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT).

In a recent business seminar, Sethaput expressed concerns over a less-than-rosy picture of the nation’s economy, with exports and tourism spending falling short of expectations. Continued …

China’s economic woes threaten struggling Thai exports

China’s economic downturn is likely to impact already struggling Thai exports and the anticipated influx of foreign visitors this year, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Tuesday.

China’s economy is expanding more slowly than many agencies had predicted, Arkhom noted. He added that despite the Fiscal Policy Office’s forecast of a substantial number of Chinese tourist arrivals this year, the current situation remains constrained. Continued …

New government, political stability to draw foreign investment

Foreign investors have expressed interest in investing in Thai stocks now that the country’s political situation appears to have stablized and is moving forward, Supachoke Supabundit, president of Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, said on Thursday.

“Finally having a new PM is a positive sign for the stock market,” he said, adding that some foreign investors responded positively to the royal endorsement of the country’s 30th prime minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. Continued …

Evergrande collapse in China set to hit Thai tourism and exports

The Thai tourism and export sectors are set to experience a significant impact due to the financial downfall of China’s real estate giant, Evergrande. The Evergrande collapse revelation came from Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Policy and Trade Strategy Office (PTS), Ministry of Commerce, today. He suggested business operators closely monitor the situation.

Evergrande, a giant in China’s real estate sector, accounts for nearly one quarter of China’s economy. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s most indebted business. The troubled company declared bankruptcy last week. Continued …

Thai hoteliers unfazed by China’s property woes

Thai hotel companies plan to forge ahead with their expansion plans as they remain unfazed by mainland China’s real estate slump, though purchasing power must be monitored for any declines, according to Dusit International.

Dusit group Chief Executive Suphajee Suthumpun said the company’s joint venture partners in Dusit Fudu — the company Dusit uses for its hotel expansion in China — remain focused on hotel development rather than real estate, unlike Evergrande and Country Garden, which are currently facing a financial meltdown. Continued … 

Koh Samui’s tourism returning to 2019 high

Tourism on Koh Samui, a resort island in the southern province of Surat Thani, has returned to its pre-coronavirus level in 2019, as indicated by the surge in both flight numbers and tourist arrivals during July, provincial Gov. Wichawut Jinto said on Thursday.

According to an air traffic report from the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) Co., Koh Samui airport secured the third spot for flight volume among regional airports in July. Continued …

20 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

Anytime is a good time to travel to Bangkok. This unique and stunning city in Thailand is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to go to for delicious food, magnificent scenery, and attractive shopping deals! Speaking of Bangkok, we couldn’t think of a better person than Mariz Castañeda — a Filipino expat who has been living there for three years now — for the most genuine and useful recommendations.

“I’ve never been to Thailand prior to making the move, but I can definitely say moving here has been one of the best decisions of my life so far. Before living in Bangkok, I would never eat spicy food. Now, I need my regular tom yum fix!” she happily shared. Continued … 

Mercenary leader Prigozhin presumed dead after a plane crash outside Moscow

Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was presumed dead Wednesday after a plane crash north of Moscow that killed all 10 people on board. Continued …

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft lands on moon in ‘victory cry’ of new India

An Indian spacecraft landed on the rugged, unexplored south pole of the moon on Wednesday in a mission seen as crucial to lunar exploration and India‘s standing as a space power, just days after a similar Russian lander crashed. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

climate change, hua hin, pattaya, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Aug 21

  • Heavy rain forecast for 45 provinces/
  • DDC warns of rise in influenza cases/
  • Thai-Danish beauty crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2023/
  • More Thais are installing their own solar panels to reduce costs/
  • Bangkok to Laos high-speed rail making progress/
  • Thailand’s ‘most beautiful’ road sweeper defies stereotypes/
  • Major Elite Card overhaul planned/
  • Thailand election: 14 parties coalesce to form new Thai government/Most Disagree With Pheu Thai Coalition Government, Poll Shows/
  • Economy: Climate change: Thailand beginning to figure it out/Revenues surge at restaurant chains as dining out is back in vogue/Q2 GDP growth below forecast, outlook trimmed/Institute predicts sales of 50,000 EVs/China eyes enhanced cooperation in various fields with Thailand/Revenue Dept pockets over 5 billion baht from e-service providers/
  • Tourism: Top 5 tourist arrivals to Thailand in first 7 months/Rough start for ‘new Chinatown’/Thais irked as Kuwaiti bikers living the fast life descend on Pattaya/
  • International: How Chinatown restaurants and food are evolving and redefining their place in the world/Korean Air to measure passengers’ weights for better safety, efficiency/Tens of thousands flee western Canada wildfires/Russian space agency says its Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the moon/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Heavy rain forecast for 45 provinces

Heavy downpours are likely to soak 45 provinces across the country today, including Bangkok and the surrounding areas, the Meteorological Department announced.

The increased rainfall, which could cause flash flooding and forest runoff especially in hilly areas near waterways and low-lying areas, is due to a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions and combining with a low-pressure system along the central coast of Vietnam. Continued …

DDC warns of rise in influenza cases

The number of people infected with seasonal influenza has surpassed 970,000 so far this year, three times more than for the same period last year, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) says.

Among those infected, one has died — a 39-year-old man with a history of alcoholism and liver disease, said Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn, deputy director-general of the DDC. Continued …

Thai-Danish beauty crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2023

Anntonia Porsild, 26, representing Nakhon Ratchasima, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2023 on Sunday. She will now represent Thailand in the Miss Universe beauty pageant to be held in El Salvador late this year. Porsild is a Thai-Danish beauty contestant with an undergraduate degree in marketing and public relations from Stamford International University. (The Nation)

More Thais are installing their own solar panels to reduce costs

Expensive electricity bills are leading more businesses and households to adopt rooftop solar power technology, despite costly installation fees.

Businesses view this type of renewable energy as a way to save on costs and help them cut carbon dioxide emissions. Homeowners are eager to save on electricity bills over the long term. Continued …

Bangkok to Laos high-speed rail making progress

Construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train between Bangkok and the northeastern border province of Nong Khai is progressing satisfactorily, with the construction of the 250.77km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province already almost 40% complete.

For the second section, between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai, State Railways of Thailand (SRT) has recently completed the study and design of the project and it is ready to be submitted to the cabinet for approval, according to Sorapong Paitoonphong, deputy permanent secretary of Transport Ministry, in his briefing to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday during his field inspection of the project. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘most beautiful’ road sweeper defies stereotypes

Whether she is perched in the back of a water truck, gingerly plucking weeds with her manicured nails or staring down a stray dog on the streets, Pattaramon Thocharoen is always camera-ready with a full face of make-up and several poses.

Also known as “Bow”, the 27-year-old has an image to upkeep with over 300,000 TikTok followers, some of whom have dubbed her Thailand’s “most beautiful street sweeper”. Continued …

Major Elite Card overhaul planned

Thailand Privilege Card Co. (TPC), the operator of the Thailand Elite membership and benefits program for foreigners, is preparing for a major overhaul of its packages, which is expected to come with price increases.

The new packages are expected to be available in October, but applications will be accepted until Sept. 15 for the existing packages at the current posted rates, TPC has announced on its website. Continued … 

14 parties coalesce to form new Thai government

Fourteen parties, led by Pheu Thai, will hold a press conference at parliament at 1pm today to announce their partnership in forming a new government.

Collectively, the coalition has 317 seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives. Continued …

Most Disagree With Pheu Thai Coalition Government, Poll Shows

Most respondents to a NIDA Poll disagree with the Pheu Thai party partnering with the two junta-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, to form a “government of reconciliation”, and most would prefer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s next prime minister.

The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted an opinion poll of 1,310 people aged over 18, and of various occupations and educational backgrounds across the country. Continued …

Climate change: Thailand beginning to figure it out

With household electricity bills surging in April as the temperature topped out at 44.6° Celsius in Thailand, followed by a record high average global temperature in July, businesses and governments are factoring in climate change when designing their forecasts.

The UN issued a striking warning regarding the arrival of an era of “global boiling”, as more people take steps to address the impact of climate change, as it is increasing costs for business operations and household living. Continued …

Revenues surge at restaurant chains as dining out is back in vogue

The restaurant business has bounced back from the pandemic, while food delivery services have seen a 32% decline since the pandemic, according to some estimates, as dining out is back in vogue, especially at large chains.

MK Restaurant Group’s revenue rose 10% year on year to 4.435 billion baht in the second quarter, while net profit reached 459 million baht, a 4.5% increase during the same period. In the first six months, the company’s revenue totaled 8.52 billion baht, up 13.5% year on year, and its net profit was 784 million baht, a 10.4% on-year increase. Continued …

Q2 GDP growth below forecast, outlook trimmed

Thailand’s economy expanded slower than expected in the second quarter, data showed on Monday, with strength in tourism helping to counter weaker exports amid a slowdown in global demand.

The government cut its 2023 gross domestic product growth forecast to 2.5% to 3.0% from a range of 2.7% to 3.7%, citing slower exports. Continued …

Institute predicts sales of 50,000 Evs

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to reach a target of 50,000 units this year despite weak purchasing power, high household debt and banks’ stricter auto loan criteria, says the Thailand Automotive Institute TAI).

Last year, local EV sales tallied roughly 20,000 vehicles. EVs remain popular partially because of the government’s incentive package, part of efforts to make Thailand a regional EV hub. Continued …

China eyes enhanced cooperation in various fields with Thailand

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday met with the visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Beijing.

Noting that the development of bilateral relations will not be affected by changes in the international situation or the domestic situation in Thailand, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said it is believed Thailand will maintain stability and sustained development. Continued …

Revenue Dept pockets over 5 billion baht from e-service providers

The Revenue Department of Thailand has reported the successful collection of over 5.01 billion baht in tax revenue from foreign platforms and e-service providers. This reflects a growth of 3.2% compared to last year.

The revenue was amassed over the first nine months of the current fiscal year, which began in October 2022. The overall tax collection during this period reached approximately 1.59 trillion baht. Continued …

Top 5 tourist arrivals to Thailand in first 7 months

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand has welcomed more than 15 million foreign tourists during the first seven months of this year (January-July).

Statistics for foreign tourists entering Thailand from January to July show that the cumulative number is 15,391,104 people. That made Thailand’s income from foreign tourists rise to 638,161 million baht. Continued …

Rough start for ‘new Chinatown’

A parallel Chinese society has grown up in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district ,as the number of Chinese expats has increased, deepening the reputation of Huai Khwang as the second Yaowarat, or Bangkok’s new Chinatown.

The area temporarily emptied during the pandemic when Chinese vendors exited the country. But after the pandemic subsided and the Chinese government announced it would reopen its borders in January, investors returned to Huai Khwang. Continued …

Thais irked as Kuwaiti bikers living the fast life descend on Pattaya

Theatrically wobbling the handlebars as his cackling passenger covers his eyes from behind, a young Kuwaiti driver whips his motorbike around a bend of a narrow lane, blithe to the potential danger posed by a moped rushing toward him. It’s 9pm in Thailand’s Pattaya and the nightly show is just beginning.

“They go round and round like this until 3am or 4am,” says Ammy, a masseuse who has a free ringside seat to the motorized mayhem jump-started by Kuwaiti students visiting the country’s most popular resort city. Continued …

How Chinatown restaurants and food are evolving and redefining their place in the world

Take a walk down Gerrard Street in London’s Chinatown today and it looks, at first glance, as it did in decades past. The pagoda-topped gates still mark the entrance to the street, and red lanterns, the symbol of Chinatowns everywhere, criss-cross above, draped from second-story shopfronts. Continued … 

Korean Air to measure passengers’ weights for better safety, efficiency

South Korean carrier Korean Air said Sunday it would be measuring the body weights of its passengers in a bid to strengthen aviation safety and minimize excessive fuel use. Passengers on domestic flights will be asked to weigh in from Aug. 28 through Sept. 6, while international flight passengers will be weighed from Sept. 8 to 19. Continued …

Tens of thousands flee western Canada wildfires

Residents of western Canada scrambled to evacuate Saturday as raging wildfires encroached on two metropolitan areas — separate blazes that have sent tens of thousands fleeing over the course of just days. Continued …

Russian space agency says its Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the moon

Russia’s robot lander the Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the moon after it had spun into uncontrolled orbit, the country’s space agency Roscosmos reported on Sunday. “The apparatus moved into an unpredictable orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the surface of the moon,” read a statement from the agency. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
chiang mai, hua hin, solar, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Saturday’s news-Aug 19

  • Big sex-for-sale website shut down by police in Hua Hin/
  • Rainfall forecast for most of Thailand until Thursday/
  • Dengue Fever Cases Climb To 5,000-6,000 a Week/
  • Car seats for kids are now mandatory in Thailand/
  • Thailand election: PM vote doubts persist/Changing Thailand: New Ideology, Old Politics/
  • Economy: Thai, ASEAN solar firms face US penalty duties/
  • Tourism: Ranong among four finalists for planned Andaman mega-cruise-ship port/Small tourism operators face high season staff woes/Haven Launched by the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai Hotel Exposes Hotel Booking Scams/Thailand’s first sniffer dog training center unleashed for battling narcotics/
  • Thailand Experience: Experience the Rich Heritage of Thailand Through These UNESCO World Heritage Sites/
  • International: Manila doubles down on casinos/China Appears To Be Building Runway on Disputed South China Sea Island/US to sign strategic partnership deal with Vietnam/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Big sex-for-sale website shut down by police in Hua Hin

Police this week arrested an American/Thai couple in Hua Hin after they suppressed the operation of what they believed to be Thailand’s leading prostitution website catering to foreign tourists in the kingdom. A press conference in Bangkok was told that ฿40 million in assets were seized, including a pool villa and 9 million baht in bank deposits in a joint task-force raid last Sunday morning.

The website, according to a police briefing given by Deputy Immigration Bureau Chief Police Panthana Nuchanart, was the leading site on Google and had nearly 430,000 visits per month, according to police cyber experts. Continued …

Rainfall forecast for most of Thailand until Thursday

A moderate southwest monsoon will bring rainfall to most of Thailand from today until next Thursday, with isolated heavy rains in some areas, the Meteorological Department forecast on Friday.

Isolated heavy rains are likely today in the east and the south’s west coast. From Sunday to Monday, a moderate monsoon trough will move down from Laos to lie across the north, northeast, central, and upper east regions, while the moderate southwest monsoon will lie over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

Dengue Fever Cases Climb To 5,000-6,000 a Week

The Public Health Ministry said Friday the number of dengue fever patients has risen to around 5,000-6,000 a week over the past four weeks, and to cope with the situation emergency operation centers have been opened in 31 provinces and seven other districts.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, also revealed that the cumulative total of dengue fever cases has risen to 65,552, while the cumulative death toll is 58, of which 40 were older children and adults. Continued …

Car seats for kids are now mandatory in Thailand

Children under six years old must be placed in car seats that have proper harnesses and have passed the safety standards of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, or the drivers of the vehicles they are in will face fines of up to 2,000 baht, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) have announced.

The announcement was a reminder that the 13th amendment of the Land Traffic Act of 1879 has been effective since Aug. 17, after being published in the Royal Gazette in May last year. Continued …

PM vote doubts persist

Questions remain over whether the country’s 30th prime minister can be elected on Tuesday, as the political situation is still highly volatile, according to observers.

The Pheu Thai Party, which is in charge of forming a new government, now has the backing of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which has agreed to join a Pheu Thai coalition and vote for its prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin. Continued …

Changing Thailand: New Ideology, Old Politics

The victory of the opposition parties, the Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai Party (PTP), at Thailand’s May 14 election marked the end of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s eight-year-long administration. Prayut, a military general who came to power after the 2014 coup and maintained his position after the highly disputed 2019 election, has recently announced his retirement from politics.

The overwhelming votes for the MFP in the election highlight a clear ideological divide and the mainstreaming of a hitherto radical stance among the Thais, considering the party’s intention to revise the lese-majeste law (Article 112 of the criminal code). But following a concerted effort to block the MFP from taking part in the governing coalition, it is unclear if the voters’ cries for change will be met. Continued …

Thai, ASEAN solar firms face US penalty duties

The United States is preparing to impose steep penalty duties on solar panel makers who finished their products in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, to avoid tariffs on Chinese-made goods.

The duties threaten to push up the cost of renewable power and slow the development of clean energy in the United States if solar power developers cannot find other sources of supply. Continued …

Ranong among four finalists for planned Andaman mega-cruise-ship port

Ranong tourism operators are upbeat, as the southern province has been selected as one of the four candidates for constructing a port for mega-cruise ships on the Andaman coast.

Nit Uitekkheng, deputy chairman of Ranong Chamber of Commerce, said on Friday that the other candidates were Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga provinces. Continued …

Small tourism operators face high season staff woes

As the tourism sector remains buoyant, small operators are likely to face labor shortages during the high season as larger businesses offer more competitive salaries.

Krod Rojanastien, board adviser for the Thai Spa Assn., said about 30% of more than 8,000 spas and Thai massage venues nationwide lack the necessary amount of therapists, particularly small operators, as the number of foreign arrivals keeps increasing. Continued …

Haven Launched by the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai

The Elephant Freedom Project recently launched the Premiere Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. The sanctuary is nestled in the heart of northern Thailand’s mountains and is dedicated to rescuing and protecting abused elephants.

The Elephant Freedom Project is a pioneering organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting elephants. Its new project, The Premiere Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand, is nestled deep in the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand, an hour’s ride from Chiang Mai City. Known to locals as the “Jurassic Park of Thailand,” the sanctuary is set to revolutionize the ethical elephant sanctuary tourism industry. Continued …

Chiang Mai Hotel Exposes Hotel Booking Scams

A renowned hotel in Chiang Mai has filed a complaint to the police against scammers creating a fraudulent Facebook page to deceive individuals into making accommodation bookings and transferring money.

The manager of R1 Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai filed the complaint at the Phu Ping Police Station after a cybercriminal gang took images from the hotel’s official Facebook page, created a counterfeit page, and posted messages claiming to offer room reservations. Continued …

Thailand’s first sniffer dog training center unleashed for battling narcotics

 

The Thai Customs Canine Training Center (TCCTC) was officially inaugurated yesterday in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan. This is Thailand’s first facility for training sniffer dogs, set to become a vital tool in combating narcotics smuggling. Roughly five dogs are anticipated to be enlisted for a program focusing on the identification of illicit substances concealed within imported and exported goods. (thethaiger.com)

Experience the Rich Heritage of Thailand Through These UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Thailand is quite famous for its Michelin-rated street food, shopping and nightlife; however, it also has a rich cultural heritage associated with it. And, if you want to delve deeper into this side of The Land Of Smiles, then this list of heritage sites can be your guide.

Historic City of Ayutthaya

Founded in 1350, the historical city of Ayutthaya thrived between the 14th and 18th centuries. In 1767, the Burmese army attacked and burned it down, but the ruins still speak of its glorious past and make for an important archaeological site with its monasteries, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Continued …

Manila doubles down on casinos

The Philippines’ gambling industry expects to double its gross gaming revenue by 2028, as the country attracts more tourists such as wealthy Chinese gamblers, the gaming regulator’s chief said on Wednesday. Continued …

China Appears To Be Building Runway on Disputed South China Sea Island

China appears to be constructing a runway on a disputed island in the South China Sea claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan in its latest move to claim sovereignty in the contested waters, a Hong Kong newspaper reported Friday, citing satellite images. Continued …

US to sign strategic partnership deal with Vietnam

United States President Joe Biden will sign a strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam during a state visit to the Southeast Asian country in mid-September. The agreement will allow for new bilateral collaboration that will boost Vietnam’s efforts to develop its high technology sector in areas including semiconductor production and artificial intelligence. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
bangkok, climate change, hua hin, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-Aug 17

  • Three new water-management measures adopted to cope with El Niño/
  • Kru Kai Kaew believers reportedly sacrifice puppies and kittens to the diety/
  • Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns/
  • Inside Thailand’s ‘endless’ battle against hazardous waste/
  • Thailand election: Aug 22 likely date for PM election/Voting for next PM to go ahead, with growing turmoil likely to end with General Prawit as PM/
  • Economy: Five fast-food giants that crashed and burned in Thailand/Thai Private Sector Seeks Help As Chinese Products Flood Market/
  • Tourism: Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure/Finnair Adds More Flights to Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Video showcases abuses in training elephants for tourists/Echoes of the past in Suphan Buri/
  • International: How Asia can invest in averting a food crisis caused by climate change/Videos Put Scrutiny On Downed Power Lines As Possible Cause Of Deadly Maui Wildfires/
  • 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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Three new water-management measures adopted to cope with El Niño

Three new water-management measures were adopted at a meeting of the National Water Command Center yesterday in anticipation of a prolonged drought after the rainy season this year, due to the effects of El Niño.

Attending the meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, were representatives from the Meteorological, Water Resources and Royal Irrigation departments, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Hydro Informatics Institute. Continued …

Kru Kai Kaew believers reportedly sacrifice puppies and kittens to the diety

Thai believers in the supernatural power of the Kru Kai Kaew deity rocked social media this week after they reportedly sought puppies and kittens for a sacrificial ceremony in the pursuit of luck and prosperity. The practice has taken a dark turn, as some followers hope to receive lucky lottery numbers in exchange for innocent lives.

Kru Kai Kaew, portrayed as an anthropomorphic entity adorned with resplendent wings and gleaming golden talons, recently gained even more notoriety when a colossal sculpture of the deity caused a major traffic jam on Bangkok’s Rachadapisek Road. The statue’s towering height hindered its passage through an underpass, sparking rumors that this was a calculated move to seize public attention. Continued …

Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns

Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns center around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society.

Teera Watcharapranee, director of the office of the Alcohol Watch Network, stated yesterday that despite the responsibility of enforcing the law falling on the Ministry of Public Health under the Alcohol Control Act of 2008, the network and its allied sectors have publicly supported the cause, closely monitoring any acts of defiance related to alcohol advertising. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s ‘endless’ battle against hazardous waste

First it was the stench, then the changing color of the ponds that made residents of eastern Thailand’s Nong Phawa community realize that something had gone seriously wrong in their neighborhoods.

Since at least 2012, the Nong Phawa community had observed the nearby recycling factory with suspicion. Its close proximity to the community center and the noticeable odor it emitted raised serious concerns. But their understanding of the plant’s activities was limited, preventing them from speaking out. Continued …

Aug 22 likely date for PM election

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has called a meeting of Senate whips and representatives of major political parties to discuss the date for the election of the prime minister, parliamentary officials said.

The officials said Wan Noor would hold a meeting of Senate whips and representatives of the Pheu Thai-led coalition and those outside the bloc at 10am. Continued …

Voting for next PM to go ahead, with growing turmoil likely to end with General Prawit as PM

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday cleared the way for the parliamentary process to elect Thailand’s 30th prime minister to continue when it rejected petitions made against the blocking of Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination on July 19. A new vote on the nomination of Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin is likely within the week but there are doubts as to whether it will succeed, opening up the possibility of a Bhumjaithai Party-led effort to form a government and the eventual election of Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan as Thailand’s next PM.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court in Bangkok threw out petitions submitted to it via the Office of the Ombudsman questioning the legality of the decision in Parliament on July 19 not to debate the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat for the office of prime minister. Continued …

Five fast-food giants that crashed and burned in Thailand

Five popular international food brands, Gardenia, Carl’s Jr, Roti Boy, A&W and Baskin Robbins, suddenly disappeared from Thailand after suffering heavy losses during economic downturns and the Covid-19 crisis.

Gardenia, known for its fragrant and buttery bakery treats, entered the Thai market in 1987. Gardenia is famous for its diverse range of flavors, including buttered scones and bread varieties like milk oat, whole wheat, banana-infused whole wheat, pumpkin, chocolate, raspberry, coconut pandan, and more. Its unique and delicious flavors quickly gained popularity in Thailand. Continued …

Thai Private Sector Seeks Help As Chinese Products Flood Market

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) today yesterday called for help as Chinese products are now flooding in from every direction, with Thai entrepreneurs unable to compete anymore.

Kriangkrai Thiennukul, FTI’s president, said 20 industrial groups out of a total of 45 have been severely impacted by the heavy flow of Chinese products into Thailand, from only five to six groups previously hit. Continued …

Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the provincial governor’s office of Nakhon Si Thammarat are working together to increase tourism promotion to the southern Thailand province.

Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a well-kept secret by the locals and features an abundance of natural wonders – it has been nicknamed “the green lungs of Thailand’”, where travelers come to simply unplug from their daily lives. Continued …

Finnair Adds More Flights to Thailand

Finnair is adding more flights between Helsinki and Bangkok this winter, in response to increased demand for travel to Thailand.

The airline – celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – will go from 11 per week to an increased double daily service. Flights will depart Helsinki at 1:50pm and 4:30pm each day this winter, arriving into Thailand at 6:20am and 9:05am the following morning. Continued …

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

Video showcases abuses in training elephants for tourists

Collaborating with Tang Tawanwad Wanavit, aka TangBadVoice, renowned Thai Hip Hop artist, street photographer, and director of photography, World Animal Protection Thailand has released the music video “No Elephant Show.”

Video 

The upbeat song is inspired by the famous Thai elephant song (เพลงช้าง) while peeling back the layers to expose the distressing violence and cruelty involved in elephant training. Continued …

Echoes of the past in Suphan Buri

We were mesmerized by vast lush paddy fields on either side of the road, where equestrians expertly rode their horses as we gazed out of our van en route to Suphan Buri. However, ancient temples and historical ruins remain powerful attractions for travelers to discover Thailand’s rich history and fascinating cultural heritage.

Based on artifacts found here that date back between 3,500 and 3,800 years, this settlement is thought to have been on the east banks of the Tha Chin River as early as the New Stone Age. During the Ayutthaya period, it’s here that King Naresuan and Burmese Crown Prince Maha Uparaja fought a fabled royal battle on elephant back that resulted in Siam’s independence. Continued …

How Asia can invest in averting a food crisis caused by climate change

After Covid-19 disruptions resulted in increasing concerns about manufacturing supply chain vulnerabilities, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted markets to adopt a laser-like focus on energy costs and their implications for industry. Yet, markets’ focus on disrupted and costlier industrial energy have left a far more worrying prospect largely forgotten: food shortages. Continued …

Videos Put Scrutiny On Downed Power Lines As Possible Cause Of Deadly Maui Wildfires

Awakened by howling winds that tore through his Maui neighborhood, Shane Treu went out at dawn and saw a wooden power pole suddenly snap with a flash, its sparking, popping line falling to the dry grass below and quickly igniting a row of flames. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
baht, covid, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Aug 16

  • Bangkok Hospital to hold a free seminar for expats Aug 24/
  • Weather officials forecast downpour throughout Thailand/
  • Bird watching at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae/
  • Hua Hin hotels eager for 10,000-baht handout to have tourism category/
  • FoodPanda delivery rider surrenders to police after robbing Hua Hin gold shop/
  • Covid-19 survivors have 24% higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes/
  • Thailand Elite cancels visa change at the last minute/
  • Uncertainty Looms Thai Politics in the Week of the New PM Nomination/
  • Economy: Baht leads Asian currency downturn amid China’s economic worry/Economic recovery intact, says Bank of Thailand/Chinese EV manufacturers ramp up investment in Thailand/Thai durian shipments to China surge as China-Laos Railway boosts trade/Digital economy continues its forward march/EEC’s Map Ta Phut port to see third phase by 2027/
  • Tourism: Tourists flock to Khao Lom Muak for the views in Prachuap Khiri Khan/High tourism season to see 2,600 flights a day: AeroThai/
  • 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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Weather officials forecast downpour throughout Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department said today that across Thailand, intense rain is anticipated for 60% to 80% of the country, with some regions expected to experience heavy downpours. Particularly for Bangkok, afternoon to evening rain showers are expected.

This weather prediction points toward an acute southwesterly monsoon, currently strong over the Andaman Sea and Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, where it’s starting to weaken. Continued …

Bird watching at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae

Twenty-five tourists recently experienced a “Bird Walk @Hatwanakorn National Park” event at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae. Participants walked along a nature trail that is home to a variety of birds, including the black-winged stilt, hoopoe, yellow-bellied sunbird, common green pigeon, spotted owlet, blue-throated bee-eater, paradise flycatcher, Eurasian magpie, greater coucal, common barbet, swiftlet, and Chinese bittern. The park also provided binoculars, telescopes, and a bird guide to help participants identify the birds they saw. Hat Wanakorn National Park is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Hua Hin. (HHT)

Hua Hin hotels eager for 10,000-baht handout to have tourism category

As the Pheu Thai Party promises a 10,000-baht digital wallet giveaway, tourism operators are hoping the scheme will extend its spending range from a 4-kilometre radius to enable hotels to benefit. Continued …

FoodPanda delivery rider surrenders to police after robbing Hua Hin gold shop

A FoodPanda delivery rider who robbed a gold shop in Hua Hin has surrendered to police.

The suspect, 25-year-old Narinphat (surname withheld), was identified by police after they collected evidence from the crime scene and interviewed witnesses. He was arrested on Aug. 15 at Hua Hin Police Station. Continued …

Covid-19 survivors have 24% higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes

Research has revealed that people who test positive for Covid-19 are at an increased risk of developing Type-2 diabetes. The disclosure came from Dr. Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, who referred to a study recently unveiled on the MedRxiv.org portal.

This research incorporated a sample size of 15 million people from the United Kingdom, Dr. Woratanarat explained. It found that individuals who contracted the Covid virus run a 24% higher risk of falling victim to Type-2 diabetes, in comparison to those unaffected by the virus. Continued …

Thailand Elite cancels visa change at the last minute

On the last enrollment day, Aug. 15, that holders of the five-year Elite “easy access”, five-year visas had been instructed to submit an application for a 15 years upgrade to 20 years in total, they have received an email from Thailand Privilege Card Co. informing them the new rule has suddenly and abruptly been scrapped.

They can, after all, update their five-year visa just three months or more before their personal expiry date. Just like before. But it is still ambiguous whether the transfer fees will remain the same in the future as they are now. Continued …

Uncertainty Looms Thai Politics in the Week of the New PM Nomination

In Thai politics, a full three months elapsed in mid-August since the May 14 general election without a new prime minister and government being elected, as constitutional irregularities hampered the democratic process.

Opposition from senators and former ruling party MPs prevented Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party from becoming prime minister. Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party, which ranks second in terms of the number of MPs, had to cooperate with the former ruling parties and faced opposition from Move Forward Party supporters and democracy advocates. Continued …

Baht leads Asian currency downturn amid China’s economic worry

Asian currencies experienced a downturn yesterday, led by Thailand‘s baht, as concerns heighten surrounding the recovery status of the global economy’s second-largest player, China.

The baht plunged by a substantial 0.8%, marking it as the largest depreciation against the U.S. dollar in half a dozen weeks. Across the waters of offshore markets yesterday afternoon, it was changing hands at approximately 35.30 to the dollar. Continued …

Economic recovery intact, says Bank of Thailand

Thailand’s exports may be weaker than expected but the overall economic recovery was intact, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said today.

“The economy as a whole was recovering on consumption and tourism,” Sethaput told a central bank seminar. Continued …

Chinese EV manufacturers ramp up investment in Thailand

Changan Automobile, China’s fourth largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has set a target of manufacturing 100,000 EVs in Thailand per year, both for the domestic market and export to countries with right-hand drive such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa, a news source revealed on Tuesday.

The source said the state-owned company recently received the green light from the Chinese government to apply for investment promotional privileges from the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI). Continued …

Thai durian shipments to China surge as China-Laos Railway boosts trade

Thailand’s durian exports to China through the China-Laos Railway expanded 365% in the first five months of this year, thanks to shorter transit time and advantages under the free trade agreements, Thai media reported on Tuesday.

The train route brings opportunities for Thai products to enter the Chinese market, as it greatly reduces the transit time to less than 15 hours from two days by road. Continued … 

Digital economy continues its forward march

The digital economy contributed 2.1 billion baht to Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, marking a 1.9% increase from the 2.04 billion baht the previous year.

Putchapong Nodthaisong, secretary-general of the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE-Thailand), said this week that Thailand’s digital economy GDP in 2022 grew by 3.49% compared to the 4.44 billion baht the previous year. This growth was the result of the improving situation following the pandemic, leading the overall economy to return to a state of normalcy and resulting in the expansion of the digital economy. Continued …

EEC’s Map Ta Phut port to see third phase by 2027

Reports indicate the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) remains optimistic about presenting the third phase of development of the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port in Rayong by the year 2027. The port, a notable part of ongoing development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), is seen as an essential addition to Thailand’s infrastructure.

Map Ta Phut port progress is reportedly well underway, with key milestones reaching noteworthy completion levels. The governor of the IEAT, Veeris Ammarapala, offered an update on this progress: “The construction of a sand dam has progressed by 71%; land reclamation is 61% finished and the building of an embankment to protect the shoreline against waves is 39% done.” Continued …

Tourists flock to Khao Lom Muak for the views in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hundreds of tourists flocked to Khao Lom Muak, the hill in Mueang Prachuap that offers some of the most spectacular views in the province.

The hill offers stunning views of Ao Manao and the surrounding area, and the climb is a popular activity for both Thai and foreign tourists. Continued …

High tourism season to see 2,600 flights a day: AeroThai

The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AeroThai) projects that some 2,600 flights per day will land at Suvarnabhumi during this year’s high tourism season, which would result in a figure of over one million flights for this entire year.

According to Nopasit Chakpitak, president of AeroThai, the figures are expected to approach the levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. The projection takes into consideration the upcoming Chinese National Day, which would likely bring in more Chinese tourists, as well as Christmas and New Year. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
hua hin, immigration, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Aug 15

  • More double-track railways to open this year/
  • Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities/
  • Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge/
  • Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa/
  • Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance/
  • Thailand election: House speaker chooses to wait for court’s ruling before setting date for PM vote/Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate/Prayut’s Party To Decide Shortly Whether To Jump Onto Pheu Thai Bandwagon/Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges/
  • Economy: Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases/Drought limits electricity imports from Laos/Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries/Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities/
  • Tourism: Thailand tops Top 10 foreign tourism destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023/How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling/
  • Thailand Experience: The Two Types Of Rice You’ll Find In Nearly Every Thai Meal/Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’/
  • International: Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia/Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row/At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide/
  • 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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More double-track railways to open this year

More double-track sections in the national railway network are set to open this year. These new facilities are expected to greatly shorten travel times for commuters, as well as reduce costs for logistics operators. Included is the Bang Saphan Noi-Chumphon section on the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon route passing through Hua Hin.

The caretaker government has announced its roadmap to open more sections of double-track railroads on the northern, northeastern, and southern lines operated by the State Railway of Thailand. Continued …

Scholars of Sustenance: Rescuing food and nourishing Hua Hin communities

Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) is leading the charge against food waste and hunger, while raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and community engagement.

SOS, a non-partisan and integrity-driven environmental organization, has been working to prevent food going to waste and reducing the number of people going hungry in the area. Continued … 

Kayakers tackle Sam Roi Yod River challenge

The inaugural Sam Roi Yod River Audax — Thailand’s first unsupported 60-kilometer kayaking challenge – was held Sunday with 32 kayakers taking on a 60-kilometer route that meandered close to five of Sam Roi Yod’s idyllic islands: Koh Kroram, Koh Nomsao, Koh Rawing, Koh Rawang, and Koh Satkut. Out of the 32 participants who embarked on the journey, only six managed to complete the challenge. (HHT)

Why you should consider getting a Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is possibly one of the most underrated visas in Thailand because people tend to lose interest once they hear about the application fee. However, the special visa program actually offers lots of convenience and benefits.

Whether you are an investor, a retiree, or a digital nomad, the Thailand Elite Visa is available for anyone who lives or regularly comes to Thailand but doesn’t want to deal with the complex immigration bureaucracy. Besides, there are many other things you can enjoy by being an Elite Visa member. Let’s take a closer look at the main benefits. Continued …

Elderly face limits on who gets meager welfare assistance

Critics have slammed the outgoing government for issuing a new regulation imposing income limits on the elderly receiving monthly allowances.

They say it should be left to the incoming government to decide on the matter, while accusing the outgoing government of inefficiently categorizing income groups. Continued …

House speaker chooses to wait for court’s ruling before setting date for PM vote

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has said he will wait for the Constitutional Court’s decision on the ombudsmen’s petition before scheduling the next round of PM voting.

Wan Noor, also the House speaker, was on Monday referring to a comment made by Sen. Wanchai Sornsiri that the next round of voting should be held on Friday, as it is an astrologically auspicious date for the country to have a new PM and end the political impasse. Continued …

Srettha Not Being Replaced As PM Candidate

Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin will not be replaced with anyone else as pressed by the Bhumjaithai, according to Pheu Thai Secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong.

Prasert confirmed only the real estate mogul-turned-prime ministerial candidate will be named and voted in a joint House/Senate meeting later this month and that he will certainly not be replaced with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of a trio of Pheu Thai candidates for prime minister. Continued …

Prayut’s Party To Decide Shortly Whether To Jump Onto Pheu Thai Bandwagon

The Ruam Thai Sang Chart will be invited for informal talks with the Pheu Thai and decide for themselves whether they may join a Pheu Thai-led coalition government, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai yesterday.

Known as a right-hand man for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, the partisan wheeler-dealer confirmed Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew and Pheu Thai Secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong and himself will shortly discuss with their Ruam Thai Sang Chart counterparts whether the pro-military camp will jump onto the bandwagon and help strengthen the Pheu Thai coalition government. Continued …

Thaksin and Pheu Thai have burned their bridges

Thailand’s political crisis has already obliterated the unity and support behind the Pheu Thai Party’s “family”, following the decisions taken by the party’s executive in Bangkok in recent weeks, first in withdrawing from a coalition with the Move Forward Party and now for cementing a deal with the Bhumjaithai Party, while preparing to accept the participation of two parties associated with the military junta in a “cross polar” government.

The moves have outraged Pheu Thai and Redshirt supporters nationwide, who up to recent days could scarcely believe the conflicting media reports. Now, they are burning their shirts in spontaneous and numerous displays of anger just as the country’s second-largest party and the Shinawatra family appear to be on the verge of burning its bridges with its support base and power on the ground as a political movement. Continued …

Chinese buyers gradually cool on Thailand property purchases

Thailand dipped to fifth among destinations for Chinese property buyers, down one spot from last year and the top ranking in 2021, attributed to a sluggish recovery of travel and pricey flights.

Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group chief executive of Juwai IQI Group, a real estate marketing firm targeting the Chinese market, said Chinese buyers with smaller budgets who previously were the key market for Thailand now make up a reduced share of all travelers. Continued …

Drought limits electricity imports from Laos

The renewable power supply in Thailand could be affected by drought, as the country imports electricity generated by hydropower from Laos, which has reduced water volume in its rivers, says the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

If the drought becomes more severe, hydropower plants in Laos will generate less electricity, resulting in reduced imports, said Boonyanit Wongrukmit, governor of EGAT. Continued … 

Excise Dept mulls carbon tax on oil refineries and EV batteries

The Excise Department aims to promote ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals through the implementation of a carbon tax facility, along with the establishment of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) team, to develop a globally standardized tax structure.

This initiative targets taxing carbon emissions released by oil refineries and proposing a carbon tax on EV batteries to address EV waste disposal issues in the future. Continued …

Taiwanese target Thailand for overseas opportunities

More than 20 Taiwanese companies, particularly in the skincare, food and drink, hair care and lifestyle product sectors, are exploring new business opportunities in Thailand.

Among the notable firms are Beauty Essentials Ltd., the marketer of Naruko skincare and beauty products; K2-Medical (Thailand) Co., the distributor of the NHH skincare brand; and Shaan Honq International Cosmetics Corp., the manufacturer and exporter of HH-RD hair care and styling products. These firms took part in the recent 2023 Taiwan Expo Thailand, aimed at identifying product distributors. Continued …

Thailand tops Top 10 foreign tourism destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023

Thailand and Japan were the most popular foreign tourism destinations in the first half of this year, according to the China Tourism Academy. Among these places, more than 60% of tourists visited the Asia-Pacific region.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 foreign tourism destinations for the first half of this year. Continued …

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How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences While Traveling

One of the most cherished aspects of travel is encountering wildlife in its natural habitat, whether it’s from a Jeep on safari in Africa or on a beach in Thailand. However, as responsible travelers, it is our duty to ensure that our interactions with wildlife are doing more good than harm by knowing how to choose ethical wildlife experiences.

There’s no doubt that the rise in the popularity of wildlife tourism has led to concerns about the welfare of animals and the preservation of their habitats. Ten years ago, our Instagram feeds were filled with people riding on the backs of elephants, something you don’t often see today and, thankfully, something that is not idolized anymore. Instead, the only elephant photos we want to see are the ones where they’re in open fields, bathing in watering holes, and enjoying life without bars or cruelty. Continued …

 

The Two Types Of Rice You’ll Find In Nearly Every Thai Meal

Thailand is a major rice exporter worldwide, so it shouldn’t be surprising that rice is at the heart of its culture and food. Aside from noodle plates, rice is an integral element in most Thai cuisine, from curries and stir fry to larb salad and soups such as Kao Tom Goong (a breakfast rice soup).

But none of these recipes call for plain old rice. Rather, there are two specific types — Thai jasmine rice and sticky rice — that are found in nearly every Thai meal, lending a distinct and essential quality to whatever dish they enhance. Continued …

Awakening Singburi with ‘Sang See Sing’

Amidst the constant hustle and bustle of daily life, there are often hidden treasures that escape our notice. Singburi, a small province with a population of around 200,000, has long been a place most of us pass by without a backward glance, rather than a destination in its own right.

And that’s a shame, as Singburi harbors a multitude of stories from the past to the present just waiting for visitors to explore. Now, the province is inviting the public to uncover the charm that has gone unnoticed for too long. Continued …

Donald Trump indicted on 2020 election fraud charges in Georgia

A Georgia grand jury indicted 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump and several allies Monday on conspiracy charges of trying to steal Georgia’s electoral votes from President Joe Biden after the 2020 election. Continued …

Bikinis in downtown Seoul spark ‘indecent exposure’ row

Incidents of women dressed in bikinis in central Seoul areas have sparked criticism online, with the authorities considering charging them with indecent exposure. On Friday, a woman riding an electric scooter dressed in a bikini was spotted in Hongdae district. Photos taken by citizens quickly spread across online communities and social media. Continued …

At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide

At least 25 people are missing after a landslide at an unregulated jade mine in a remote region of Myanmar, rescue workers said Monday. The incident on Sunday outside northern Kachin’s Hpakant township — near where hundreds of miners were entombed in a landslide in 2020 — comes days after much of the country was swamped by torrential rain and floods. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490