Playground equipment for Soi 19/Free burgers at Arno’s/Cha Am kite festival/’Zero dropout’ school policy/Hotel regulatory requirements explained/Thailand braces for colder weather/Thailand’s Global Happiness Rank/PM2.5 levels soar/Bangkok 8th most polluted city/Pipe bomb attack in Pattani/Five Thai cat breeds that bring wealth/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Economy Projected to Grow 2.5%/Touted as casino alternatives/Billions for Bangkok casino/Urged to halt digital wallet handouts/Trade war a 2018 replay?/Samui property developers to cash in/KTB-TTB merger/TOURISM: Alcohol rules for officials, not tourists/Surge in Thailand Travel Insurance Sales/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Traditional or outgoing day for Songkran?/Thai Rice Whiskey/Hat Yai 3rd cheapest destination/Bangkok’s Ultimate Chilli Showdown/World’s rarest waterfall phenomenon/Walk Through Song Wat/Hidden Thai waterfall remains uncrowded/CLIMATE THAILAND: Online system to track solar cells-rooftops/Municipality saves on waste disposal/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
New playground equipment for Soi 19
Free burgers at Arno’s grand opening March 23
Cha Am kite festival this weekend
PKK adopts ‘zero dropout’ school policy
Regulatory requirements explained to Hua Hin hotels
Thailand braces for colder weather, strong winds, and heavy rain
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a significant weather change, with colder temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain expected in the coming days. Specific regions, especially in the south, should prepare for severe weather conditions.
The eastern and southeastern winds over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea are strengthening, resulting in increased rainfall and heavy precipitation in some areas. Continued …
Thailand’s Global Happiness Rank improves – but only to 49th
Thailand’s title as the Land of Smiles faces jeopardy as a new global happiness ranking places the nation at 49th. While this signifies a five-place improvement from last year, Thailand still lags behind regional peers like Singapore and Vietnam, casting concerns over the nation’s overall well-being.
Released on the United Nations International Day of Happiness, the World Happiness Report highlights a concerning global trend. In the United States and parts of Europe, happiness and social trust are on the decline, fueling political fractures. Continued …
PM2.5 levels soar across 37 Thai provinces
The Air Pollution Solutions Communication Center reported that PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard in 37 provinces across Thailand, with northern and northeastern regions experiencing the highest levels o air pollution. The situation is expected to worsen over the next seven days.
Yesterday’s report highlighted that PM2.5 levels in several provinces, including Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Prakan, exceeded safe thresholds. Northern provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Lamphun, as well as northeastern regions such as Nong Khai and Loei, are also significantly affected. Continued …
Bangkok chokes its way into world’s top 10 most polluted cities
Bangkok today landed among the world’s most polluted cities, ranking eighth in the latest IQAir report, with an air quality index (AQI) of 141. The city’s air pollution has once again raised health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups.
Bangkok wasn’t the only Thai location struggling with toxic air. Several provinces and districts recorded even worse air quality, with Samut Songkhram topping the national list at 163 AQI. Continued …
Pipe bomb attack injures five at Pattani police checkpoint
Two people disguised as Muslim women threw a pipe bomb at a police checkpoint in Pattani province Wednesday, injuring five residents, including a family of five.
Officers from the Sai Buri District Police Station were alerted to the attack at the Wat Lieb checkpoint in Taluban subdistrict. While police officers stationed at the checkpoint remained unharmed, the five injured residents were transported to Sai Buri Hospital, with initial reports indicating stable conditions. Continued …
Five Thai cat breeds that bring wealth, charisma to their owners
In Thai culture, five breeds of cats are believed to bring prosperity, including wealth and charisma, to their owners.
These cats are not only cherished as pets but also revered as sacred beings that bring good fortune and protect their owners from misfortune. Here are five such breeds of Thai cats: Continued …
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Israeli tourist defecates in Pattaya taxi – Continued …
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Former Yakuza Gang Member Arrested for Call Center Scam and Money Laundering – Continued …
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British man goes on tantrum in Thai restaurant – Continued …
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Chinese Scam Network Busted in Pattaya – Continued …
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Woman Escapes Foreign Attacker in Pattaya – Continued …
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Smelly foreigner limps away from Thai massage tab – Continued …
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Philippine couple busted over investment scam – Continued …
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Chinese dating scammer arrested for targeting foreign men in Chiang Mai – Continued …
Thai Economy Projected to Grow just Over 2.5% in 2025, Says Bank of Thailand
Thailand’s economy is expected to grow just over 2.5% this year, below earlier forecasts, according to the BoT’s latest meeting minutes.
Thailand’s economy is facing challenges from weaker global demand and slower-than-expected recovery in the tourism sector, key factors contributing to the downward revision in growth forecasts. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) also highlighted concerns over rising household debt levels and global economic uncertainties, which may further weigh on domestic consumption and investment. Continued …
Secondary cities touted as casino alternatives
In a move aimed at alleviating overtourism in Thailand’s bustling major destinations, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), advocated on Wednesday for the development of entertainment complexes in secondary cities.
Speaking at a roundtable organized by Krungthep Turakij, Thienprasit underscored the necessity of securing local consensus via referendums before such projects can proceed, highlighting potential sites like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya in Chonburi. Continued …
Galaxy mulls investing billions for Bangkok casino
Galaxy Entertainment Group is considering investing billions of dollars in the proposed casino and entertainment complex in Bangkok. The group is headquartered in Macau and owns a number of casinos in the Chinese city.
Kevin Clayton, chief brand officer at Galaxy Resorts Thailand, said government initiatives such as the plan to host Formula One and build an entertainment complex show its ambition to leverage tourism, with foreign arrivals potentially rising from 36 million to 50 million, increasing the targeted revenue to 5 trillion baht from 3 trillion, while contributing 30% of GDP, up from 20%. Continued …
Government urged to halt digital wallet handouts, focus on economy
The government should suspend the next round of digital wallet handouts and address long-term economic issues, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said.
Somchai Jitsuchon, TDRI’s research director for inclusive development, said yesterday that digital wallet handouts for teenagers aged 16-20 would have a weaker economic impact than the first phase, which targeted state welfare cardholders and vulnerable groups. Continued …
Will Trump’s trade war be a 2018 replay in Asia?
While the unfolding tariff war has many similarities with Donald Trump’s first trade skirmish in 2018 – including levies on aluminium and steel and a “stop-go” trajectory – that’s where the resemblance ends.
That could be bad news for much of Asia. First, the scale is far higher this time around, and more countries are likely to come under the tariff net. In 2018, the average tariff revenue of the U.S., as a proportion of goods imports, increased from 1.5% to 2.9%, according to the Yale Budget Lab. If all of the currently proposed tariffs are implemented and remain in place through 2025, U.S. tariff revenue would increase to 9.5%. Continued …
Samui property developers to cash in on hit TV series
Koh Samui, the resort island in Surat Thani province, is expected to enjoy increasing demand for condominiums and villas this year, thanks to the popularity of hit American TV series “The White Lotus”, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand.
Season 3 of the popular series was primarily filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and various locations in Phang Nga and Bangkok. Continued …
KTB-TTB merger set to form Thailand’s ‘Super Bank’
All eyes in the Thai banking industry are on the merger talks between the state-owned Krungthai Bank (KTB) and TMBThanachart Bank (TTB). When finalized, the deal will create a new “super bank” and become Thailand’s no.1 bank in terms of total assets.
KTB is a state-owned bank established in 1966, with the Finance Ministry being the largest shareholder. It has total assets of 3.64 billion baht, ranking in fourth position behind Bangkok Bank (BBL, 4.55 trillion baht), Kasikornbank (KBANK, 4.33 trillion baht), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB, 3.49 trillion baht), respectively. Continued …
Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organized groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol.
The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public feedback on the draft regulations for accessing national parks. Key updates include clarifications on the use of park spaces, the regulation of unmanned vehicles such as drones, and guidelines for holding sporting events for governmental benefit. Continued …
The White Lotus Effect Fuels Surge in Thailand Travel Insurance Sales
Thailand has rapidly become one of the world’s top travel destinations, thanks in part to the global success of the hit HBO series The White Lotus, whose current season takes place there.
Recent travel insurance comparison data from Squaremouth, a top travel insurance marketplace, shows that Thailand has climbed into the 15 most popular global destinations for 2025, with a 12% increase in popularity since 2024. Similar to the tourism boost Sicily saw from the second season of the show (32% rise in searches), Thailand is on track to break tourism records this year. Continued …
Traditional or outgoing day for Songkran in Thailand?
The beloved Thai New Year’s Songkran holiday is fast approaching and it is time to unplug, take a step back, and take a well-deserved time off. Out of every major holiday in Thailand, Songkran holds the title for being the one most looked forward to, both by locals and tourists.
Is a Songkran holiday in Thailand really complete without diving into the core traditions of such a sacred period of the year? Of course, all the festivals are a must, but there’s something innately unique about experiencing the culture first-hand. Continued …
Thai Rice Whiskey Is All Grown Up
From the famous islands in the south to the hill towns in the north, Thailand has long been considered a party destination, despite having some of the highest alcohol prices in Asia. To avoid the high cost of premium alcohol, both locals and tourists often turn to cheaper Thai brands of whiskey and rum.
As the country develops its own gourmet standards, some restaurants and bars are working to elevate the often-mocked reputation of its traditional moonshine, lao khao, in boutique cocktails. Continued …
Hat Yai ranks 3rd cheapest destination in Asia this summer
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its list of the most affordable destinations for summer travel in April and May 2025. From serene beaches to bustling cities, these destinations offer budget-conscious travelers a chance to explore without breaking the bank.
Phong Nha, Vietnam, tops the list with an average room rate of just 950 baht per night, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and natural beauty this summer. In Thailand, Hat Yai is the cheapest destination this summer, ranking third among Asia’s cheapest destinations. Continued …
Heat Seekers Unite At Bangkoks Ultimate Chilli Showdown
The city’s most daring culinary adventure returns this April as Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok hosts its third annual “Chilli Fest” on Saturday, April 5. This fiery food celebration promises to push spice boundaries with an impressive roster of acclaimed chefs, a thrilling chilli-eating competition, and entertainment guaranteed to make you sweat.
Set within the hotel’s verdant Urban Oasis, this year’s festival has expanded to showcase fiery cuisines spanning multiple continents, from Myanmar and India to New Orleans, South Korea, Spain, the Middle East, China, Sri Lanka, and naturally, Thailand. Continued …
This natural hot spring in Thailand creates the world’s rarest waterfall phenomenon
Phu Sang National Park in Thailand harbors an extraordinary natural wonder that few international travelers ever discover: a waterfall that flows with warm water year-round. Unlike the chilly cascades typically found in mountain regions, this unique phenomenon offers visitors a geothermal surprise in northern Thailand’s verdant wilderness.
Tucked away in Thailand’s northernmost reaches near the Laos border, Phu Sang National Park features a geological marvel that defies expectations. The park’s signature waterfall is fed by natural hot springs that maintain a constant temperature of approximately 93°F (33°C), creating a perfect natural spa environment regardless of season. Continued …
A Walk Through Song Wat
Tucked away in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, Song Wat Road is a journey through time. Once known as the city’s Spice Road, it was a vibrant hub where Indian, Chinese, and Thai communities lived and traded together.
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, this storied district seamlessly blends the charm of old-world commerce with a fresh wave of artistic and culinary innovation. Continued …
This hidden Thai waterfall sits steps from a highway, and remains uncrowded
Thailand’s hidden gem, Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, offers an enchanting escape from the tourist crowds that flock to Kanchanaburi’s more famous cascades. While Erawan National Park draws visitors by the busload, this lesser-known natural wonder provides a serene alternative where you can experience Thailand’s lush beauty without fighting for space to snap the perfect photo.
Known to locals as “Tok Khao Pung” or “crumbled mountain,” Sai Yok Noi tells a story through its very name. The cascade tumbles gracefully over limestone formations that appear to have crumbled away over centuries, creating a picturesque scene that feels intimately connected to the surrounding landscape. Continued …
EGAT opens online system to track applications for solar cells-rooftops
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has opened an online channel for entrepreneurs who have applied for a license for the installation of solar cells and solar rooftops for electricity production from 200-1,000 kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
The service tracks the status and progress of the consideration of the license application, both in the license application process under the responsibility of the ERC and in the responsibility of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) at a single point. Continued …
University helps municipality save Bt2.3 million on waste disposal
Walailak University has helped a tambon municipality in Nakhon Si Thammarat save 2.3 million baht annually by implementing waste-separation and reuse measures.
The public university in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has been working with Tambon Pak Poon Municipality in mueang district to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal from 18 tons per day to just 1.8 tons. Continued …
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
- Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
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
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590