Category Archives: wildlife tourism

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Friday’s news-Nov 10

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Today’s news: Public transport operators ready to welcome tourists/Kiteboarder Benyapa ‘Fawn’ Jantawan/PM summarizes achievements/Cyberattacks plague Thailand/Earthquake Shakes Mae Hong Son Province/Miss Universe files for bankruptcy/Thais slain in Israel return home/Beat fridge odors with toilet paper/Ranger killed by landmine/International Cannabis Reform in 2024/Economy: Digital Wallet Not For Services/Details of digital wallet scheme/Consumer confidence soars/Toyota Pushes Thailand To Become ASEAN EV Hub/Canadian Solar to Open Plant in Thailand/Shopping Center Embraces Rooftop Solar/Instagram sees itself as a necessity/Tourism: Thai travelers choose affordability/Phuket pushes for convention hall/Sex Tourism in Thailand/Thailand Experience: Explore Pranburi’s Fort Thanarat/Five places to (ethically) volunteer with animals/Three authentic Thai recipes/Best street food in Bangkok/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin public transport operators ready to welcome tourists during high season

Hua Hin’s transport operators are gearing up to offer top-notch services to tourists in the upcoming high season. Following a meeting on Thursday, local authorities and transport providers met to discuss operational strategies.

The meeting, hosted at the Hua Hin Grand Hotel and Plaza, was chaired by the district chief of Hua Hin, Plakrit Puangwalaysin. It brought together key players from both government and private sectors, including Ajchara Arunrat, a transportation expert from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Transport Office, and Malathira Seemek, head of the Tourist Assistance Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan (TAC). Continued …

From Hua Hin Beach to the Olympics: Kiteboarder Benyapa ‘Fawn’ Jantawan

An athlete based in Hua Hin recently won a silver medal at the Asian Games competition in Hangzhou, China.

Having begun her kiteboarding journey 15 years ago at SurfSpot in Hua Hin, Benyapa Jantawan, nicknamed “Fawn,” triumphed at the Games despite a challenging time both on and off the water. Continued …

PM’s summarizes achievements in first 60 days in office

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted a special TV program yesterday to announce the government’s initiatives over the past 60 days.

During the “Chance of Possibility: From Policy to Action within 60 Days” program, the PM highlighted urgent measures implemented during this period, such as reducing expenses, especially electricity rates, first from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht and then to 3.99 baht. This reduction aimed to alleviate the financial burden on the public. Continued …

Cyberattacks plague Thailand: Over 10 annual incidents cause significant losses

A recent survey reveals that more than half of Thai organizations have experienced over 10 cyberattack incidents in the past year, leading to significant financial losses. The report, released by U.S.-based cloud connectivity firm Cloudflare, highlights the urgent need for Thai businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure.

According to a data breach report commissioned by IBM, the global average cost of a breach this year reached an all-time high of US$4.45 million. Continued …

Earthquake Shakes Mae Hong Son Province

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 at a depth of 2 kilometers struck the district of Pai in Mae Hong Son province, causing tremors felt in four provinces. As of now, there are no reports of damage.

The earthquake is believed to have resulted from the movement of the Wiang Hang fault line. The tremors were felt in four provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang. – TNA-MCOT

New Thai owner of Miss Universe files for bankruptcy

JKN Global Group Plc (JKN), which acquired the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) last year, filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday due to a liquidity crunch.

JKN informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that its board of directors resolved on Tuesday to file for bankruptcy with the Central Bankruptcy Court to seek protection from creditors. Continued …

Final 8 bodies of 34 Thais slain in Israel return home

The last eight bodies of Thai workers killed in the Hamas attack returned from Israel on Thursday.

The bodies were flown on an El Al flight that left Israel at 3.30pm local time and landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.15pm. Continued …

Beat smelly fridge odors with toilet paper

A new trend is sweeping social media, with many people placing toilet paper in their refrigerators. This strange behavior has puzzled many, leading to questions about the potential benefits of such an act. The answer, surprisingly, lies in combating unpleasant odours and excess moisture.

Excessive moisture in a fridge often results in the growth of mold and undesirable smells. Most households occasionally grapple with foul fridge odors that tend to permeate beyond the fridge. Continued …

Ranger killed by landmine, 2 injured in Narathiwat

A ranger was killed and two others slightly injured in a landmine explosion in Rangae district on Thursday afternoon, police reported.

The incident occurred at about 1.05pm while a team of rangers from Ranger Company 4503 were patrolling in a forest near Hulu Pare, the Moo 1 village in tambon Tanyongmat. One of the team members stepped on a landmine, triggering an explosion. Continued …

Top Five Countries to Watch for International Cannabis Reform in 2024

While the cannabis industry in the United States awaits a marijuana scheduling decision from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), many countries around the world continue to move forward with liberalizing their cannabis policies as a superior method of promoting the health and welfare of their citizens.

Thailand

In June of 2022, Thailand surprised the world when it removed the marijuana plant from the country’s list of controlled substances and decriminalized consumable marijuana products (does not include flower) containing no more than 0.2% THC. Continued …

10,000-Baht Digital Wallet Not For Purchase Of Services

People will not likely be allowed to use the Pheu Thai-led government’s digital wallet to buy services anywhere, a government official said yesterday.

The eligible recipients will only be allowed to use their 10,000-baht digital wallet to buy goods but not any services under the populist handout campaign, according to the official who only spoke on condition of anonymity. Continued …

Government to reveal details of contested 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme

The Thai government is set to disclose the specifics of its contentious 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme distribution today. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in response to critics who argue the initiative could inflict more economic damage than benefit, will conduct a news conference at 2pm today to elucidate all aspects of the policy.

The Thai prime minister has also indicated that other coalition partners do not share the concerns raised over the Pheu Thai Party’s digital wallet scheme. When queried about potential positive announcements at the press conference, he replied, “I will explain everything all by myself.” Continued … 

Consumer confidence in Thailand soars to 44 month high

Last month witnessed a surge in consumer confidence for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest point in 44 months, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Factors contributing to this uplift include the government’s initiatives to curb living costs, a boost in foreign arrivals, and a revival in exports. The UTCC reported that the consumer confidence index rose to 60.2 in October, marking an increase from 58.7 in September, 56.9 in August, and 55.6 in July. Continued …

Toyota Pushes Thailand To Become The ASEAN EV Hub

Top managers such as Masahiko Maeda, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor’s Asian subsidiaries, and Kalin Sarasin, chairman of Toyota Motor Thailand, discussed investment opportunities with Srettha Thavisin, prime minister and Finance minister at the Government House on Thursday.

Srettha mentioned that the Thai government recognizes the importance of the Japanese automotive industry in the country and is seeking cooperation in future developments. Continued …

Canadian Solar to Open Plant in Thailand After US Tariff Ruling

Canadian Solar Inc. is planning to open a manufacturing plant in Thailand after U.S. regulators concluded the company was evading import tariffs on Chinese components.

The facility is expected to begin production in March and will eventually be able to make as much as 5 gigawatts a year of wafers for solar cells, according to a statement Thursday. – bloomberglaw.com

Shopping Center In Thailand Embraces Rooftop Solar Revolution

In a feat of environmental stewardship, Megabangna Shopping Center, sprawling over 400 rai, has invested a substantial 1 billion baht in embracing clean solar energy.

This colossal shopping center is making significant strides to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also create a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment for its patrons. Continued …

Instagram sees itself as a necessity for businesses to grow

Instagram is banking on its vibrant user network to push creativity, build communities, and drive growth for businesses and creators, Chawadee Wongphyat, director of Meta Business Group for Mid-Market, Southeast Asia, said.

Speaking on “Instagram Day Thailand”, the first celebration of its presence in the country, on Thursday, she said that online connections had become an everyday occurrence. As a result, brands and businesses require new ways to connect with and engage their audiences. Continued …

Thai travelers choose affordability amid economic instability

In the wake of an unpredictable global economy, travelers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious. A recent survey by online travel agency Booking.com revealed that the majority of Thai citizens are apprehensive about the escalating cost of living and are thus curtailing their expenditure on travel, opting for budget travel instead.

Michelle Gao, the regional manager for the Mekong region at Booking.com, suggested that this trend of thrifty travel expenditure is likely to persist due to the ongoing influence of economic instability, inflation, and global conflicts on consumer confidence. Continued …

Phuket pushes for free port, convention hall

Phuket tourism operators are pushing for an integrated plan to establish the province as an exhibition hub by dusting off a long-delayed project for an international convention center and making the island a free port city.

The plan should be accelerated before new environmental laws take effect, which would alter project design, said the operators. Continued …

A Shady Side of Paradise – Sex Tourism in Thailand

Since the coronavirus is no longer an obstacle to travel, hundreds of thousands of men from all over the world are again flocking to Thailand in search of women and sex.

Go-go bars, seedy massage parlors and plenty of open-air beer stalls with scantily clad young women: All this is part of the draw for sex tourists of all ages, here in the coastal metropolis of Pattaya on Thailand’s west coast. After a pandemic pause, sex tourism is returning to what passes for normal here. Continued …

Explore the unexpected at Pranburi’s Fort Thanarat

A military base is perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about tourist destinations in and around Hua Hin. But at the Fort Thanarat army camp, near Hua Hin, there’s loads to see and do, and it’s open to the public.

Located in Pranburi along Phetkasem Road, the expansive Thanarat Military Camp covers a vast territory spanning over 730,000 rai. Continued …

Five places to (ethically) volunteer with animals around the world

Getting up close and personal with a wild animal can be a thrilling and, sometimes, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine bathing an elephant in northern Thailand, using buckets to splash mud over the giant mammal’s rough skin. Or what about feeding indigenous Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos?

For wildlife lovers worldwide, these experiences can be highly sought after. And with more than 1,500 animal sanctuaries around the world, it can be challenging to choose which organization to volunteer with. But there’s a catch: not all animal sanctuaries are ethical. Continued …

Three authentic Thai recipes to try at home

In northern Thailand’s mountainous Khao Kho region, Saiphin Moore, the vivacious co-founder of London’s ubiquitous restaurant chain Rosa’s Thai, grew up cooking and eating some of her country’s most famous dishes.

From the seriously spicy som tam to the famously fiery pad kra prow, these recipes pack a punch – which also makes them the perfect winter warmer. Continued …

Where to find the best street food in Bangkok

Exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, one cannot help but be enticed by the aromatic symphony emanating from the myriad of street food hawkers. There’s something undeniably thrilling about the city’s streets that beckon food lovers to indulge in its rich culinary tapestry.

Here’s a curated list of some local favorites where the food not only tantalizes your taste buds but also tells a story of tradition, culture, and passion. Continued …

The Great Wall Of India

The 2nd-longest continuous wall on the planet, surrounds the fort of Kumbhalgarh that contains 360 Temples. Stretches over a distance of 38km, 15m wide which is enough for 8 horses to walk abreast. Video 

Biden, Xi Set To Steal APEC Spotlight With Talks To Steady Ties

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold summit talks in San Francisco next week as they seek to stabilize tense ties by meeting in-person for just the second time in nearly three years, but little bonhomie and no grand bargains appear in the offing. Continued …

China’s animal lovers fight illegal cat meat trade

When Han Jiali’s beloved cat Dabai was taken from her Shanghai home last year, she embarked on a hunt for her pet that took her deep into the bowels of China’s underground feline meat trade. Continued … 

Asia-Pacific sees the world’s highest real salary increases in 2023

According to the latest Salary Trends Report by ECA International (ECA), real wages in APAC, which are equal to nominal wage growth minus the rate of inflation, once again outperformed the rest of the world in 2023. Continued …

South Korean factory worker fatally injured by robot

Tragedy struck in South Korea as a robot misidentified a factory worker for a box of vegetables, causing fatal injuries. The incident involved a 40-year-old man who was inspecting the sensors of a machine at an agricultural distribution center in South Korea’s Gyeongsang Province. Continued …

US surgeons perform world’s first whole eye transplant

A team of surgeons in New York has performed the world’s first transplant of an entire eye in a procedure widely hailed as a medical breakthrough, although it isn’t yet known whether the man will ever see through the donated eye. 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-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

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, hua hin, immigration, phuket, retirement, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Wednesday’s news-Nov 1

We are sorry for the delay of today’s newsletter. Problems with the web hosting company.

Today’s news: Opinion: New PM2.5 standard/Farmers must stop the fires/Cabinet okays excise tax cuts/Thailand’s fitness deficit/Drug rules relaxed/Army land to be gifted/Thai officials more critical of Israel/No visa fees for Taiwanese, Indians/Chiang Mai airport 24/7 operations/Tourists Leap Off Elephant/Phuket traffic infrastructure crisis/Big Investment in Nong Khai/Copenhagen-Bangkok direct flights/How Thailand became the ‘new Benidorm’/Elephants smay help resolve wildlife conflicts/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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New PM2.5 standard will alarm public

PM2.5 has become a major environmental and health problem in Southeast Asia. To deal with the issue, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have put in place PM2.5 standards to measure air quality. These countries usually use the World Health Organization’s guidelines on PM2.5.

Under the WHO’s guidelines, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 particles should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), while over a 24-hour period, the concentration should not exceed 15µg/m3. Continued …

Farmers must stop the fires

Last week, the National Environment Board (NEB) approved an environment policy that, if implemented, can tackle PM2.5 at a fundamental level.

The good agricultural practice “GAP PM 2.5” proposes creating farming zones to prevent farmers from conducting “open burning” during harvest time. It is one of the two chief causes, along with forest fires, of PM2.5 pollution, especially in rural areas. Continued … 

Cabinet okays excise tax cuts on all gasohol fuel

Gasohol 91 and 95 will become 1 baht cheaper as of Nov. 7 for three months, according to a Cabinet resolution.

Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak said on Tuesday that excise tax for all types of gasohol (petrol combined with ethanol) will be reduced by 1 baht a liter. However, gasohol 91 will take a 2.50 baht cut, as it gets an additional 1.50 baht subsidy from the Oil Fuel Fund, Peeraphan said. – The Nation

Thailand’s fitness deficit: Running endorsed to get the nation moving

Recent statistics from this year reveal that only 62% of the Thai population engages in sufficient physical activities, while over 38% don’t. To encourage an active lifestyle, Social Marketing Thaihealth (SMT) and its network have endorsed running as an affordable and accessible form of exercise.

SMT and the Thai Health Day Run say that running can pave the way for a healthier and more active lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Running not only improves physical health but also releases endorphins, promoting happiness and well-being. Continued …

Possession of 10 or fewer meth pills no longer means jail time

A significant shift in Thailand’s approach to drug possession is underway, as the Justice Ministry and the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) are supporting an initiative by the Public Health Ministry.

This initiative aims to reclassify individuals found with 10 or fewer methamphetamine pills as users rather than dealers. Continued …

Army land to be gifted to landless farmers

More than 9,000 rai of army-owned land will be redistributed as a New Year gift to landless farmers in Udon Thani, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.

The premier commended the army for handing over its surplus land, totaling 9,276 rai, for redistribution under the so-called “Nong Wua So” development model in Udon Thani. Continued …

Thai officials more critical of Israel as Hamas uses Thai hostages as leverage in War

There is a rising fear for Thai nationals being held hostage in Gaza by the militant Hamas terrorist organization, with the government of Srettha Thavisin appearing increasingly uncomfortable with an emerging reality that Thailand seems to be among the nations to have suffered the most apart from Israel itself, a fact that is playing ducks and drakes with the Kingdom’s carefully calibrated foreign policy.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the Israeli envoy to the United Nations for publishing a video of a Thai victim of the Oct. 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas fighters in southern Israel. Continued … 

 

No visa fees for Taiwanese, Indian tourists from Nov 10

Indian and Taiwan passport holders will now be able to enter Thailand without a visa from Nov. 10 to May 10 next year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.

“Tourists from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said. Continued …

Chiang Mai airport starts 24/7 operations

Chiang Mai airport began around-the-clock services today with a Thai VietJet flight that left for Osaka at 12.30am. The airport had previousy operated 18 hours a day, from 6am to midnight.

The expanded service was marked by a ceremony at the airport late on Tuesday night attended by high-level government and airport officials. Continued …

 

American Tourists Leap 10 Feet Off an Out-of-Control Elephant

A Utah couple is lucky to be alive after their Thailand vacation went from joy to terror.

Nicole Siri and Mark Martin leaped from a carriage, 10 feet off the ground, after the elephant they were riding went rogue. Martin was left with a broken back and shattered pelvis while Siri broke her back. Video …

As Phuket tourism market recovers, traffic infrastructure crisis looms

Phuket hotels experienced promising momentum for the first half of 2023, which has set an optimistic path for the remainder of the year. At the mid-year juncture, international and domestic flight volume was already up 75% over total flights in 2022.

With Phuket’s hotel market roaring back this year and year-end forecasts likely to exceed pre-COVID19 levels, there is mounting concern over the resort island’s failing infrastructure. A surge in full and part-time residents – driven by a sharp uptick in tourism, an overheating property market and wholesale return of development activity – has created massive traffic issues that are a threat to long-term growth. Continued …

Big Investment by Chinese firm in Nong Khai to Boost Tourism

Bansha Asarairat, chairman of the Nong Khai Provincial Tourism Industry Council, reports that a major Chinese investor, Tencent, the leading IT company in China and owner of WeChat, is currently interested in investing heavily in the Nong Khai Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

This special economic zone covers an area of 718 rai and includes various projects, with a total value of several billion baht. These projects include the construction of a logistics center, the establishment of a university and much more. Continued …

SAS resumes Copenhagen-Bangkok direct flights after 10-year hiatus

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the return of direct flights by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on the Copenhagen-Bangkok route after a 10-year hiatus, which it hopes will revitalize the long-haul tourism market from Scandinavia.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s deputy governor for international markets, announced yesterday that TAT was delighted to welcome Scandinavian Airlines flight SK973 from Copenhagen to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the first since the service was suspended in 2013. This marked a significant milestone in the recovery of the long-haul tourism market, he noted, and would offer greater convenience to travelers from the European region during the current high season. Continued … 

How Thailand became the ‘new Benidorm’ for retiring and elderly Britons

Stretch, bend, lean, and shake – at 10am on a Friday morning, around 25 residents of a care home in the north of Thailand take part in a slow-moving exercise class. Many of the participants are British, having sought elderly care over 6,000 miles away from home.

Peter Mallard, a 75-year old retired hospital manager, and his wife Rita, 81, are among the growing British contingent here at Care Resort Chiang Mai. It’s an oasis of calm: quaint bungalows, lake-side walks, stunning mountain views – and plenty of sunshine. Continued … 

How wild elephants solve puzzles may help humans resolve wildlife conflicts

Opening doors may not seem that hard, but when you have a trunk instead of hands, things can get complicated. Researchers tested the problem-solving skills of wild elephants for the first time by tasking the jumbos with doing just that.

Elephants are brainy. An adult elephant’s brain weighs 5 kilograms (11 pounds), the largest of any terrestrial animal (and three times the size of the human brain). From living in complex social groups mourning their dead to finding elusive water sources, pachyderms display a range of intelligent behaviors. Continued …

Europe’s economic powerhouse tests a shorter working week

Maximilian Hermann’s weekend starts on Friday morning, when he puts his motorcycle helmet on and takes his bike out for a ride to the southern German Alps. Continued …

Company guilty over New Zealand volcano disaster

The New Zealand firm that managed a volcanic island that erupted killing 22 people in 2019, was on Tuesday found guilty of failing to adequately protect visitors. 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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

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, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, wildlife tourism

Tuesday’s news-Oct 31

Today’s news: Pumpkin time at WFFT/Anantasila to host events/Thai-Italian Chamber festivities/Charity run Nov 5/Lifesaving training held/British Chamber event Nov 10/Downpours for south/Prioritizing sleep is vital/Thailand’s fertility crisis/Bangkok improving its sidewalks/Digital wallet scheme delayed/Thai baht strengthens/Brakes On Sugar Price Hike/Bars to open until 4am/Thailand becoming a visa-free zone/US tourist stabbed to death/Foreign Tourist Attacked in Pattaya/Naga fireballs dazzle spectators/Scientist insists Naga fireballs are prank/Garden in Chiang Mai/Khao Phanoen Thung reopens/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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Trick or treat? It’s pumpkin time at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Pumpkin treats are on the menu this Halloween for some of the many animal residents at a wildlife rescue center in Thailand.

Tigers, primates, and elephants can be seen tucking into the “spooky” treats in photographs released by the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). Continued …

Anantasila Beach Resort to host two month-long events in November

Anantasila Beach Resort Hua Hin is hosting two month-long events, promising both local and international visitors a unique experience.

The first is the Contento Beach Anantasila, a pop-up collaboration with The Beach at Anantasila. This event sees the menu from Bangkok’s flagship Contento restaurant making its way to Hua Hin’s shores. Attendees can look forward to indulging in top-tier Italian comfort food, with the added ambience of a supper club right on the sandy beach. Continued …

Thai-Italian Chamber festivities this weekend

The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) (TICC) will host a series of events in Hua Hin from Nov. 3-5 under the banner “A long weekend at the Royal Coast Riviera.”

On Friday, Nov. 3, from 6:30-9pm, the Hua Hin Wine Expo will feature special guest speakers and live music at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11:30 am, there will be a brunch at Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, followed by a free digestif in Villa Suasana.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, from 6-8:30pm, experience the charm of Italy at Aperitivo Italiano, a networking event at Anantasila Villa by the Sea.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, all day, the Vine Vibes in Monsoon Valley, will be held. Enjoy a vineyard tour with an elephant meet and greet, premium wine tasting, and a sharing-style set menu.

Charity run Nov 5

Marriott International is presenting its annual running event with contributions going to “Save the Children”. There will be both 10-kilometer and 5.5-kilometer categories, with a limit of 1,000 runners. There is a 600-baht entrance fee per person.

To register or more information: 032-904-666 / 032-708-000 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), 065-221-1005 / 065-221-1006 (5:00 PM – 12:00 AM).

Hua Hin Women’s Club, Bangkok Hospital hold lifesaving training

Over 50 members of the Hua Hin Women’s Club and Varda by Sinee families gathered on Monday as Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin kicked off its 24th BDMS Lifesaving Training Project.

The workshop, dedicated to providing people crucial lifesaving skills, was led by Dr. Pongsak Boonyaleephun, assistant director of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin. Continued …

British Chamber to hold event Nov 10

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) has scheduled its BCCT Connecting Western Seaboard event for Friday, Nov. 10, from 6-9pm, at the Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. The Royal Coast Riviera Club and Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin are co-sponsors.

There is a THB 950 fee for BCCT/participating chambers and THB 1,900 for non-members, which includes food and free flow of Fuller beer and wine. To register to attend: email events@bccthai.com, or HERE.

Less rain for north, downpours for south

Upper Thailand will see less rain and only a few isolated thundershowers today, but the picture will be very different in the south, where downpours, heavy at times, are likely to dominate.

These conditions are brought by the high-pressure system from China extending to upper Thailand, and the easterly and the northeasterly winds prevailing over the Gulf, the south and the Andaman Sea. Continued …

Prioritizing sleep is vital in modern life

In an era of unyielding hustle culture, where long commutes, relentless job expectations, and an escalating cost of living have become the norm, the value of sleep has been increasingly relegated to the periphery of our concerns.

This collective dismissal of rest as a luxury rather than a necessity comes at a cost, not just to our physical well-being but to the intricate tapestry of our mental health, as well. Continued …

Fertility crisis set to halve Thailand’s population in six decades

Thailand’s population is predicted to plummet by half over the ensuing six decades due to a mounting fertility crisis. This alarming situation has spurred the Ministry of Public Health to instigate measures to encourage pregnancy and subsequently manage the drastic demographic shift that the country is poised to face.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew highlighted yesterday that every province in Thailand is susceptible to the repercussions of this demographic alteration. Currently, the fertility rate for Thai women stands at an average of 1.16, indicating that a woman has approximately 1.16 children throughout her lifetime. Continued …

How Bangkok is improving its sidewalks

Officials say Bangkok is fully committed to transforming into a more pedestrian-friendly and healthier city, with City Hall and experts continuing their ongoing efforts to enhance sidewalks and associated infrastructure.

Wissanu Sapsompol, deputy governor of Bangkok, opened the recent Goodwalk Forum Thailand 2023 with a presentation on the strategic initiatives aimed at making Bangkok a city conducive to pedestrians. This forum marked a decade of the Goodwalk Thailand project, which was initiated by the Urban Design and Development Center (UDDC). Continued …

Digital wallet scheme delayed until September

A seven-month delay is set to affect the government’s digital wallet scheme, with the expected launch now projected around September of next year, according to an adviser to the prime minister.

Pichai Chunhavajira, while addressing a Senate-organized forum on the scheme, voiced that the policy is a vital economic stimulant but doubted its implementation in February as initially planned. Continued …

Thai baht strengthens as investors sell dollars

The Thai baht has strengthened over the past six weeks, as investors sold U.S. dollars to make profits.

The baht opened at 35.92 baht per U.S. dollar this morning in a trend that has seen it retain its strength in recent weeks, Krung Thai Bank currency analyst Poon Panichpibul said. This is a result of the U.S. dollar facing strong selling pressure, as investors stepped in to make profits. The U.S. stock market, meanwhile, opened to more risk, receiving news that the performance of registered companies was better than expected. Continued …

Brakes Put On Sugar Price Hike

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday halted a four-baht increase in the ex-factory price of sugar nationwide for the 2023/24 production season, excluding VAT, as earlier announced by the Cane and Sugar Board.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services, Phumtham said it has been agreed to designate sugar as a controlled product, with the panel’s resolution to be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow and announced in the Royal Gazette tomorrow. Continued …

Bars to open until 4am in tourist areas from New Year

Entertainment places will be allowed to stay open until 4am in tourist provinces from this New Year festival onward, to help stimulate the economy, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday.

Anutin, a deputy prime minister, said it was Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy and would be initially implemented in provinces popular with tourists, especially foreigners. He cited Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Hua Hin was not mentioned. Continued …

Thailand on the way to becoming a visa-free zone for tourists

Following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s announcements to boost foreign tourism to Thailand, 80% of holiday arrivals no longer require a prior visa or a visa on arrival. They have become visa exempt, or visa free, travelers as far as Thailand is concerned.

Although the nationals of half the countries in the world still do need visas for any visit, they, by and large, provide miniscule numbers compared with the privileged giants. Continued …

US tourist stabbed to death in Phuket hotel

In Phuket, the body of a foreign male tourist was found stabbed to death inside a hotel room. The decomposing state of the body suggested he had been dead for 2-3 days. Notably, two passports were discovered, identifying him as a dual national of the United States and Costa Rica.

Yesterday, police and forensics teams inspected the crime scene at a hotel in the Thalang district. The victim, lying in a pool of blood, had suffered four stab wounds to his neck. Continued …

Foreign Tourist Attacked by Hostile Youngsters in Pattaya

A foreign tourist was physically assaulted by a group of teenagers for unknown reasons in Pattaya. The male foreigner, who asked to keep his identity confidential, was assaulted while walking on Soi Yensabai in South Pattaya with his friend.

The incident took place at night on an unspecified recent evening in the Nongprue subdistrict, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Continued …

Naga fireballs dazzle spectators at Buddhist Lent finale

The Naga Fireballs phenomenon, a highlight of the end of Buddhist Lent festivities in Nong Khai, did not disappoint the expectant crowd this year. The provincial statistics revealed a total of 289 fireballs observed by around 83,610 spectators.

The Naga fireballs, a mysterious and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, were seen along the Mekong River in Nong Khai province. The spectacle was observed from 6pm to 10pm, primarily in the districts of Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi. The event drew a large crowd of both locals and tourists. Continued …

Scientist insists Naga fireballs are prank by Laos villagers

The so-called Naga fireballs witnessed in Nong Khai on Sunday night were nothing but projectile bullets fired from the Lao side of the Mekong, a Chulalongkorn University academic said on Monday.

Jessada Denduangboripant, a professor at CU’s Faculty of Science, insisted that the mysterious phenomenon’s source was easily explainable without resorting to the story of a serpent spirit blowing fireballs from the Mekong River. Continued …

Garden in Chiang Mai bursts into a bright tapestry of color

Chiang Mai’s popular Pa Nok Iang Flower Garden has burst into a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, ready to welcome tourists with open arms. Located in Mae Rim district’s Muang Kaew area, this expansive 40-rai (6.4-hectare) garden has become a tapestry of blooming flowers, including Marguerite daisies, blue salvia, roses, cosmos, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. The garden is open to tourists from 6am to midnight daily. (The Nation)

Kaeng Krachan National Park’s Khao Phanoen Thung reopens

The Khao Phanoen Thung in Kaeng Krachan National Park is once again open to the public, as of tomorrow, after a three-month hiatus, welcoming tourists back to bask in its stunning views and diverse wildlife.

Situated at the park’s highest point, Khao Phanoen Thung offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views and a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Continued …

Archaeologists unearth secrets of Polands ‘Vampire’ burials

In the summer of 2022, a team of archaeologists from Poland’s Nicolas Copernicus University made an unsettling discovery – the 400-year-old remains of a young woman, buried in an unmarked graveyard on unconsecrated ground, with a padlock on her foot and an iron sickle across her neck. 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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

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, bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, wildlife tourism

Wednesday’s news-Oct 4

Today’s news: Hua Hin plans for future development/Fitness centers open in Hin Lek Fai/Charity dinner Saturday/More details on Thai taxation/Prices cut for 150,000 items/Espresso rules coffee enthusiasts’ hearts/Never keep your registration papers inside your car/Two dead in Bangkok mall shooting/Heroes of Siam Paragon/Officers Awarded for Bravery/This Time Must Be Different/Weapon Systems On Hold/Electric Poles Collapse, 2 Deaths/Foreign couple steals helmets/Giant python crashes lunchtime/Uncertainty over Thai digital welfare scheme/Weakening baht boosts exports and tourism/Future inflation risk/Thailand’s safety reputation hurt/Tourism confidence plummets/Racist Russians in Phuket/Elephant-riding accident/Pit Stop to Explore Phitsanulok/Culinary Excellence in Bangkok/

Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin municipality outlines plans for future development

Hua Hin municipality commemorated its 86th anniversary with a merit-making ceremony on Monday. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul led the ceremony, which was overseen by Phra Kru Wichitthamvibhat, the chief of Hua Hin District and the abbot of Wat Busayabunpot.

The event was not only to mark the anniversary but also to honor former mayors, council members, employees, and laborers who have departed. Continued …

Two fitness centers open in Hin Lek Fai

On Saturday, Hua Hin welcomed two new fitness centers – Elite Fight Club Hua Hin and CrossFit Hua Hin.

The two centers share a site in the Hin Lek Fai area, offering a mix of martial arts, boxing, yoga and a CrossFit-affiliated gym.

Also offered is an area for athlete recovery, ice baths, sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and massage facilities.

Charity dinner Saturday to benefit breast cancer group

The Pink Ribbon charity dinner will be held this Saturday at the Banyan Golf Club to raise money for the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation, during global Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The dinner features a raffle and auction with prizes from a large group of hotels, resorts, wellness and sports centers, and golf companies.

The buffet dinner starts at 6pm, with a 950-baht entry fee. Register through 032 616 200 or reservations@banyanthailand.com .

More details on Thai taxation of overseas income

The Thai Revenue Department has explained more about the taxation of income overseas, which will affect both some foreigners and some Thai people.

The basic idea is, that when money is transferred into Thailand it should be taxed in Thailand if it is income. If the income has been received in another country and later within the same tax year is being transferred to the taxpayer’s account in Thailand, it must be taxed in Thailand. If Thailand has a double tax agreement with the country where the money comes from, the tax paid in that foreign country can be deducted in Thailand according to the rules in the double tax agreement. Continued …

Prices cut for 150,000 items

The prices of more than 150,000 products and services will be cut by as much as 87%, effective immediately, until the end of December.

As a part of the government’s Quick Win policy to reduce expenses, increase income and expand business opportunities, 288 business operators yesterday agreed to reduce the prices of their goods and services covering 151,676 items across the country for three months until Dec. 31. Continued …

Espresso rules coffee enthusiasts’ hearts

Espresso is the most popular coffee among people globally, according to the Third Wave Coffee website.

Apart from the increased alertness, a sip of coffee in the morning also helps reduce stress and enables people to live longer. Coffee could reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, gout, liver and heart diseases. Continued …

Why you should never keep your registration papers inside your car

The original vehicle registration book or certificate is a document of paramount importance issued by the Department of Land Transport. This document holds critical information about the vehicle and its owner, making it necessary for any vehicle-related dealings with the department.

Additionally, it may be required for verification by police officers to establish ownership, especially in the case of lost vehicles or altered registration plates. Continued …

Two dead, five wounded in Siam Paragon shooting, suspect used modified BB gun

A Chinese tourist and a woman from Myanmar were killed at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon, by a teenager using a modified BB gun, according to Police Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief. Some media reported a third death.

Five other people were also injured, three of whom are being treated at Chulalongkorn Hospital, with two in a serious condition. The two others are being treated at the Police General and Bangkok Christian hospitals. Continued …

The Heroes of Siam Paragon

Yesterday’s chilling episode at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, where innocent lives were tragically lost and several more scarred, was a haunting reminder of the unpredictable nature of our world.

But even in the midst of such dark hours, we saw the very best of our society. The heroes of this narrative, beyond the swift response of our law enforcement, were the ordinary staff of Siam Paragon. Continued …

Officers Awarded for Bravery in Mall Shooting Incident

A wave of applause and appreciation enveloped the internet today as social media platforms lit up in commendation of three brave police officers who apprehended a shooter in the Siam Paragon mall shooting incident.

Assistant National Police Chief Nopphasilp Phulsawasdi and Police Lt. Gen. Nakarin Sukontavit, chief of police Region 6, presented awards to Dep. Lt. Col. Thanamorn Nuannat, deputy commander of Pathumwan Police Station, Police Capt. Korn Sriphrom, and Police Capt. Nantachai Suthum for their unwavering bravery and swift action. Continued …

This Time Must Be Different

There are facts that, by this time, are no longer new to Thai society.

Thailand, despite supposedly strict gun control laws, still has high firearm ownership rates due to the illegal trade. Mass shootings are rare, but gun violence itself not particularly so. These facts are repeated in news articles every time there is a deadly episode of mass shooting in the country. Continued … 

PM Puts Weapon Systems Procurement On Hold

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday suspended the procurement of any weapon systems during fiscal 2024, so that, he said, the government’s annual budget could be spent for optimum use.

The prime minister said he has instructed the Ministry of Defense to keep any otherwise-planned procurement of weapon systems and accessories on hold throughout fiscal 2024, beginning on Oct. 1, so an estimated 3.48 trillion baht budget worth of the taxpayer’s money will be used in optimum fashion. Continued …

13 Electric Poles Collapse During Installation, 12 Injuries, 2 Deaths

On Monday, Police Capt. Thongkham Phoyai, Saraburi Province, received a report that 13 14-meter-tall concrete poles with high voltage wires fell down during installation at the Ban Krua subdistrict, Ban Mo District. A rescue squad was urgently dispatched to aid the injured and send them to nearby hospitals.

On the accident scene, the rescue team performed first aid and transferred the wounded to nearby Tha Ruea Hospital and Ban Mo Hospital. Continued …

Helmet heist: Foreign couple’s brazen theft to dodge checkpoint fines

A security camera caught a foreign couple stealing two motorcycle helmets from a post office welfare house in the northern province of Chiang Mai in a bid to avoid being fined at a police checkpoint.

The director of the Mae Ping Post Office, Kraisri Thongwirat, discovered that two helmets belonging to the post office had gone missing Monday. The two helmets had been left at his welfare house near the post office. They were red and white and had the Thailand Post logo on them. Continued …

Giant python crashes lunchtime in Yala

A giant python, almost 5 meters long and weighing 7 kilograms, caused a stir yesterday when it slithered into a noodle shop in Yala. The reptile was discovered by the shop owner, Suhayna Beeing, who immediately alerted residents of the Gunung Janoang community, sparking panic and attracting a crowd of onlookers.

Suhayna noticed the giant python hiding under a pile of goods in his shop. The shop owner’s call for help was answered by Kanob, a local farmer and president of the local charity foundation. He was accompanied by the president of the Betong Social Assn., and a team of Sawang Betong rescuers. Continued …

Uncertainty over Thai digital welfare scheme sends baht plummeting

Lack of clarity over the new digital-wallet scheme is weakening the value of the baht and could eventually become a hidden cost for the Thai government.

Foreign investors have been selling Thai bonds and stocks since September, ahead of the anticipated distribution of 560 billion baht (US$15 billion) via 10,000-baht digital payments to every Thai over the age of 16. Continued …

Weakening baht boosts Thailand’s exports and tourism

Thailand’s prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, pointed out yesterday that the weakening baht, despite its potential negative impact on energy import costs, is actually proving to be a boon for the country’s exports and tourism. The baht had earlier plummeted to an 11-month low against the U.S. dollar, trading at 37.095.

According to Srettha, who also holds the finance minister portfolio, this depreciation isn’t entirely detrimental. It has a favorable effect on the country’s exports and tourism sectors – key contributors to Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP). Typically, exports account for 50%, while tourism makes up 20% of the GDP. Continued …

Economy may face future inflation risk – Bank of Thailand

Thailand’s economic recovery is intact but inflation risks could weigh on the country’s growth outlook, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said on Wednesday.

There was upside inflation risk brought on by the El Nino weather pattern pushing up food prices, plus higher oil prices, the central bank chief told a business forum. Continued …

Mall shooting dents Thailand’s safety reputation

According to World Population Review, Thailand ranked 15th globally in gun deaths, with 2,804 people killed by guns in 2019, or 3.91 people per 100,000 population.

The statistics, together with the shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok that caused at least two deaths and five injuries on Tuesday evening, renders this peaceful-looking country not so safe after all in the eyes of the global community. Continued …

Tourism confidence in Thailand plummets amid economic jitters

The tourism confidence index in Thailand has taken a hit, with figures sliding from 91 in the same period of 2019 to 69 in the third quarter of this year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).

The third quarter’s number also represents a decline from 74 and 72 recorded in the first and second quarters of 2021, respectively. Despite welcoming around 20 million foreign visitors from January to September, the tourism industry is yet to see a significant economic boost, largely due to global economic jitters and high household debt levels. Continued …

British man recounts shocking encounter with racist Russians in Phuket

A British man recounted an unsettling encounter with some racist Russians in Phuket. His unfortunate experience has led him to declare that he will never return to the island.

The British man, who shared his story online, started his narrative by stating he is a black British man with a Thai wife. “I have been coming to Thailand for the last 10 years and this is the first time I have experienced racism, not from my Thais but from Russians in Phuket.” Continued …

US couple home from Thailand after elephant-riding accident

A traumatic experience for a Utah couple vacationing in Thailand meets a first-of-its-kind mission for LifeFlight here in Utah. Nicole Siri and Mark Martin are currently at Intermountain Medical Center more than two weeks after jumping off an elephant when it became agitated and out of control in Thailand.

They arrived here Friday after staying in a Thailand hospital for about two weeks. Continued …

European Road Trip Group Makes a Pit Stop to Explore Phitsanulok

The Autoreizen-Car Challenge–Extraordinary Avontuur group from Belgium and the Netherlands stopped by to explore the beauty of Phitsanulok province in Thailand.

They visited and admired the exquisite Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in Thailand and a heartwarming center for the people of Phitsanulok. This visit took place on Monday. Continued …

Indulge in Culinary Excellence at Bangkok’s Best Fine-Dining Destinations

As the capital city’s vibrant streets come alive with the distractingly fragrant aromas of street food vendors, it’s easy to forget that Bangkok is also home to a realm of fine-dining establishments that are among the best in the world.

Whether you’re seeking traditional Thai cuisine in an opulent setting, indulging in contemporary fusion dishes that push the boundaries of flavor, or simply dining with an unforgettable view of the city’s skyline, Bangkok’s finest restaurants collectively rise to the occasion. Here are the venues you simply mustn’t miss. Continued …

Bride’s hidden career as porn star leaves groom in a reel shocker

A 32-year-old Japanese woman suffered a shocking revelation on her wedding day when a close friend exposed her past as a porn star, a secret she had never divulged to her husband. The surprising disclosure left her husband taken aback during their wedding celebrations. Continued …

‘Organs failing’: Russian activist’s poisoning ordeal

When Natalia Arno stands up for any length of time, her right side goes numb, as do her back and her face. That’s because five months ago she was poisoned, the activist said in an interview in Paris. 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, climate change, covid, hospitality, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Wednesday’s news-Sept 13

Today’s news: Monkey sterilization in Hua Hin/PKK park scoops award/What is Blue tea?/Turmeric’s ‘golden’ touch/Temple warns about life support/Cat gets man’s wife pregnant/Srettha vows to increase minimum wage/Optimistic about tourism recovery/Thai airlines expand fleet/More flights to China/Koh Samui seeks extended stays/Battleships sunk off Koh Tao/Russian Takeover of Phuket/Elephant Nature Park Named/Delight with a fatal bite/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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Monkey sterilization drive in Hua Hin aims to control escalating population

Hua Hin municipality has spearheaded a sterilization drive to curb the escalating monkey population in the area, aiming to sterilize approximately 300 primates. This determined effort is hoped to alleviate the persistent problems of residents and communities caused by the monkeys.

Deputy Mayor Busaba Choksucharti revealed details about the annual sterilization drive for the monkeys, stating that it is aimed at reducing the rapidly growing monkey population. The Hua Hin municipality, in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, allocated budgetary funds to support the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for this cause. Continued …

PKK’s Hat Wanakorn Park scoops Thailand Tourism Silver Award

The National Park of Hat Wanakorn, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan, has been honored with the prestigious Thailand Tourism Silver Award in the category of natural tourist attractions. The award was presented to Netnapha Ngamnet, the head of the park.

The park is renowned for its conservation efforts and commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. The park’s recognition was part of the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards 2023, an initiative that acknowledges high-quality products and services in the tourism sector. This award scheme encourages businesses to improve their services, aiming to elevate Thailand’s tourism industry to international standards. Continued …

What is Blue tea and why should you start drinking it?

Move over green tea, there’s a new player in town – blue tea! This trendy beverage, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is gaining popularity for its potential health benefits.

Blue tea, made from the petals or whole flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, is caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants are like little warriors in your body, fighting off harmful molecules called free radicals that can cause various health problems. Continued …

Turmeric’s ‘golden’ touch cures indigestion

Have you ever overindulged in food or drink, only to suffer the discomfort of indigestion afterward? Fear not, for a groundbreaking new study suggests that turmeric, the spice responsible for giving curry its distinctive yellow hue, might offer an alternative remedy as effective as conventional drugs for treating indigestion.

The study zeroes in on curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric. Researchers have uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that curcumin could match the effectiveness of omeprazole, a commonly prescribed medication used to reduce stomach acid, in alleviating indigestion symptoms, reported the StudyFinds platform. Continued …

Buddhist temple warns good people can go to hell for using life support

Wat Pa Kramathan, a famous temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, set up an educational center to disseminate Buddhist teachings. It has installed a sign with an intriguing Buddhist message: “Doing good deeds can lead to hell.” The temple head explained the reasoning behind this unusual warning – a condemnation of artificial medical life support.

Located in the Non-Saad district of Chokchai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Wat Pa Kramathan transformed its precincts into a learning center to impart the teachings and philosophies of Gautama Buddha. The Buddhist teachings center narrates stories of sin and virtue, rewards and punishments, aiming to serve as a reminder to those who visit. Continued …

Cat gets man’s wife pregnant – don’t worry, not the way you’re thinking!

There have long been stories of women or even men sabotaging condoms to cause a pregnancy (often called an anchor baby). But what if the saboteur is… a cat? A woman got unexpectedly pregnant due to the actions of a mischievous orange cat, according to a viral story on social media.

The cat reportedly gnawed through the packaging of contraceptives, causing the woman to unwittingly fall pregnant. The husband was taken aback, anticipating the day he would have to explain to his child that their birth was indirectly due to their pet cat. Continued …

Srettha vows to increase minimum daily wage to 400 baht as soon as possible

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to increase the minimum daily wage to 400 baht as soon as possible during a meeting in Parliament on Tuesday.

On the second day of the new Cabinet’s declaration of its policies, he said the government would negotiate with laborers and employers to increase the minimum wage to the appropriate level. Thailand is lucky to have less than 1% unemployment, he said. Continued …

Thai hospitality magnate ‘very optimistic’ about Thailand’s tourism recovery

Thailand’s tourism recovery is poised for recovery, as diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia normalize and Chinese tourists return, according to American-born hotel tycoon William Heinecke.

“We’ve seen the recovery of all Saudi tourism into Thailand. Now there’s two flights a day from Saudi direct to Thailand,” Heinecke, who is chairman of Thai hospitality company Minor International, said on the sidelines of the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore. Continued …

Thai airlines expand fleet, open new routes to ride post-Covid momentum

The Thai aviation industry is on the cusp of a strong comeback after the pandemic, with many airlines preparing to expand their fleet and regain their former glory days.

The upbeat sentiment follows three years of challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, forcing airlines to downsize their operations to survive during the global downturn. Continued …

More flights to China as visa policy takes off

After a discussion with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Thai Airways (THAI) is planning to increase its flights to China from 25 flights to 35 flights a week in response to the free visa policy for Chinese tourists.

Srettha announced after the meeting with the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) that the government planned to extend temporary visa exemptions to Chinese tourists during Thailand’s high tourist season. The policy is expected to start from Oct. 1, marking a first for Thailand in waiving visa requirements for Chinese visitors. Continued …

Koh Samui seeks extended stays for European travelers amid water crisis

Koh Samui’s tourism sector called for the government to extend stays for European travelers, arguing that the proposed visa-free travel for Chinese tourists will not significantly benefit the island.

This comes from Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, the president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, who noted that Chinese nationals only make up a small percentage (10%) of the island’s foreign tourist demographic. Continued …

Two Thai battleships sunk off Koh Tao for underwater tourism

The royal battleships Su Phairin and Han Hak Satru just took their last splash, as they were submerged undersea to form refinement ambassadors. Rear Admiral Charasakiat Chaiphan, commander of the 2nd naval area, led the initiative, all part of the underwater learning park project to take the plunge into underwater tourism.

The two decommissioned vessels found their new home off the picturesque coast of Koh Tao, nestled within Surat Thani province. This venture holds the promise of serving as a captivating diving site, while actively contributing to the preservation and rejuvenation of marine and coastal ecosystems in the region. Continued …

Officials Dispute Media Coverage of the Russian Takeover of Phuket

Thai authorities are investigating claims that Russians are taking over Thailand’s local businesses after Al Jazeera reported that Russian nationals have entered Phuket to engage in various businesses, including property purchases, tourism, ride-sharing apps, moonlighting and competing for jobs with Thai citizens.

Immigration authorities said that from January 2023 to August 2023, a total of 2,569,052 tourists visited Phuket, of which 487,504 were Russian tourists, accounting for 19.3%. Continued …

Elephant Nature Park Named Among Best Wildlife Parks in the World

For animal lovers who enjoy experiencing wildlife up close and personal in their natural habitat, visiting a wildlife refuge can be the ultimate travel experience. The best wildlife parks in the world offer the unique opportunity to have unforgettable interactions with endangered animals.

You also can learn about conservation efforts to help protect these important habitats for generations to come. From the jungles of Africa to the forests of South America, there are plenty of fascinating animal refuges around the world worth exploring. Continued …

A Thai culinary delight with a fatal bite

Food in Thailand is renowned worldwide for its rich and diverse flavors, combining elements of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in unique and harmonious ways – but there’s one dish that could be fatal.

Millions of tourists flock to the Land of Smiles every year to experience the nation’s country’s vibrant culture, blending influences from China, India, Malaysia, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Continued …

Thousands Dead And 10,000 More Reported Missing After Devastating Libyan Floods

Emergency workers uncovered hundreds of bodies as they dug through the wreckage of Libya’s eastern city of Derna on Tuesday, and 10,000 people were reported still missing after floodwaters broke through dams and smashed through the city, washing away entire neighborhoods. Continued …

Rice price spike offers preview of climate food disruption

A 15-year high in rice prices, prompted by top exporter India’s restrictions on overseas sales, should be a wake-up call on how climate change can disrupt food supplies, experts say. Rice prices jumped 9.8% in August, bucking decreases in other staples, the Food and Agriculture Organization said last week. Continued …

Singapore Airlines’ hot seat: Passengers fume over 8-hour ‘sauna’ delay

Singapore Airlines apologized to furious passengers for keeping them onboard for eight hours in suffocating “sauna” conditions, as the air conditioning was turned off as they tried to fix a technical problem on a flight bound for Singapore from Shanghai. Continued …

Indonesia to ban goods transactions on social media

Indonesia is planning to ban goods transactions on social media under new trade regulations, the deputy trade minister told a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday. Ministers have repeatedly said that e-commerce sellers using predatory pricing on social media platforms were threatening offline markets in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. Continued …

US Approves Updated Covid Vaccines To Rev Up Protection This Fall

The U.S. approved updated Covid-19 vaccines on Monday, hoping to rev up protection against the latest coronavirus strains and blunt any surge this fall and winter. The Food and Drug Administration decision opens the newest shots from Moderna and Pfizer and its partner BioNTech to most Americans even if they’ve never had a coronavirus vaccination. 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

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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