Bangkok Hospital opens clinic/Red Cross Fair in Pran Buri/Tourism information center opens/Hua Hin Championship Road race/The Hub Hua Hin opens/No alcohol sales Wednesday/Enforcement on Illegal Foreign Teachers/Hamas hostages return home/28,000 web threats per day/Thai solar panels, fuel seized/Authorities ban filling of gas/Police Freeze $2.5 Million/Anti-Myanmar-Worker Sentiment/Two Leopard Cubs Rescued/ECONOMY: Property market under pressure/Over 100 factories shut down monthly/Tariffs terrify Thailand/Chinese investments helping/China retaliating against US tariffs/Premier Global Financial Hub/WHAUP targets thirsty data centers/TOURISM: U-Tapao airport project/Pattaya Thailand’s second most visited-city/Pattaya Tourist Defecates on Police Car/Crackdown on foreign tourist offenses/Foreign Tourist Tensions Rise/Phuket gridlock worsens/Tourist Bus Catches Fire/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Dinso Road: Timeless charm of Bangkok/CLIMATE THAILAND: Big ice melt shocks Thai team/INTERNATIONAL/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
Bangkok Hospital opens Market Village clinic
Red Cross Fair opens in Pran Buri
Tourism information center opens in Pak Nam Pran
Hua Hin Championship Road race hosts 600 cyclists
The Hub Hua Hin opens in Hin Lek Fai
No alcohol sales Wednesday for Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha Day, a key Buddhist celebration, takes place on Wednesday. This holiday occurs during the full moon of the third lunar month, commemorating the day when 1,250 of Buddha’s followers gathered spontaneously to hear his teachings on moral conduct and mental purification.
On Makha Bucha Day, many Thais visit temples to participate in religious rituals, offer food to monks, meditate, and join candlelit processions. It is also a common practice to abstain from alcohol and other pleasures as a gesture of respect and mindfulness. Continued …
Thailand Steps Up Enforcement on Illegal Foreign Teachers
In a significant move to regulate foreign employment, Thailand’s Department of Employment (DoE) has intensified its inspections of language schools across Bangkok. This action follows the arrest of eight South Korean language teachers for working without the necessary permits.
DoE Director-General Somchai Morakotsriwan announced that these proactive inspections are part of the “Search, Arrest, Fine, Deport” initiative. This operation aims to address public concerns about foreigners working illegally in the Ratchada and Bang Na districts, particularly at well-known Korean language institutions. Continued …
Five former Hamas hostages return home
Five Thai nationals held captive by Hamas for over a year returned to Thailand yesterday, reuniting with their tearful families at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The five returnees were released by Hamas on Jan. 30 after being held hostage for over a year during the conflict with Israel. The returnees, dressed in winter jackets, were met with emotional embraces from their families. Continued …
More than 28,000 web threats per day in Thailand
Recent cybersecurity year-on-year report for Thailand in 2024 shows that Kaspersky products detected and blocked more than 10 million different web threats in the country, with an average of more than 28,000 threats per day.
Kaspersky logged 10,267,403 different web threats targeted users in Thailand, marking an average of 28,130 threats per day. It is 20.6% fewer than the previous year where Kaspersky detected 12,923,280 attempts against Thai users. Overall, 24.4% of Thai users were targeted by web threats in 2024. Continued …
Thai solar panels, fuel destined for Myanmar seized
Security officers yesterday intercepted the smuggling of solar panels and fuel to Myanmar in separate incidents in this border western province. The Thai government has cut off the power supply and suspended fuel exports to three border towns in Myanmar at the request of Chinese authorities to protect Chinese citizens from Myanmar-based scam gangs.
In the first incident, a combined team of soldiers, border patrol police and administrative officials were patroling a forestry area on the Thai-Myanmar border in tambon Mae Tao of Mae Sot district when they spotted two men carrying suspicious items. Continued …
Chiang Rai authorities ban filling of gas in fuel tanks, containers
Chiang Rai authorities on Saturday banned people from filling gas in fuel tanks and other kinds of containers in a bid to prevent call-center scammers from accessing fuel to generate electricity.
The announcement came after the National Security Council’s order on Wednesday to cut off power supply, internet connection and fuel export to five Myanmar border areas to disrupt scam call center operations there. Continued …
Thai Police Freeze $2.5 Million in Crypto Assets from Chinese Scam Bosses
In a dramatic operation reminiscent of a movie scene, Thai and Chinese police forces have successfully frozen cryptocurrency assets worth $2.5 million (approximately 84 million baht) from two alleged Chinese scam kingpins. The assets were discovered in hidden digital wallets following the suspects’ arrest.
The operation was a joint effort between Huamark Police Station and the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT). Officers apprehended two Chinese nationals who reportedly attempted to resist arrest and delete data from their phones before being subdued. Continued …
Rise of Anti-Myanmar-Worker Sentiment Among some Thais
Xenophobia, particularly anti-Burmese sentiment, is spreading in the past few months, particularly on social media in Thailand. Concerned Thai citizens should pause and think as to how we can be part of the solution in mitigating, if not neutraliszng, such negative bias.
If not handled properly and in a timely fashion, the situation could become more toxic and affect not just the relations between the people of the two neighboring nations but Thai society, as well. Continued …
Two Leopard Cubs Rescued After Being Found in Sugarcane Field
Two leopard cubs have been rescued after being found abandoned in a sugarcane field in Sub Yai District, Chaiyaphum Province. The kittens, both in good health, were handed over to wildlife authorities for care and rehabilitation.
Officials noted that the cubs were discovered in a sugarcane plantation where burning had been prohibited, a measure that likely saved their lives. In many agricultural areas, fields are often cleared by fire, posing a significant threat to local wildlife. The absence of such practices in this area allowed the kittens to survive long enough to be rescued. – aseannow.com
Thai property market under pressure from rising prices
Thailand’s property market is facing increasing pressure from escalating land and construction costs, leading to higher prices for new homes and condominiums, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) report.
Over the past few years, the housing sector has seen continuous price rises, influenced by several factors, including soaring construction expenses and land value in prime locations, particularly in Bangkok along the BTS and MRT lines. Continued …
Over 100 factories shut down monthly for 2nd year
Kasikorn Research Center reports that factories remain at risk of closure in 2025. In 2024, despite more openings than closures, an average of more than 100 factories per month shut down for the second consecutive year.
The overall outlook remains negative, as seen in the past two years (2023-2024). The net increase in new factories, after deducting closures, has dropped to 52 per month, down from 127 per month in 2022-2023. Continued …
Trump tariffs terrify Thailand
The stock market fluctuated, gold prices surged, and oil prices fell as global markets reacted to renewed trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, while the Thai bourse felt the ripple effects last week as it plunged.
While the U.S. delayed tariff hikes on Canada and Mexico, President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on China by 10% was met with an immediate retaliation from Beijing, which imposed equal tariffs on products from the U.S. Continued …
Chinese investments helping fuel Thailand’s industrial transformation
Chinese investments have played a crucial role in reshaping Thailand’s industrial landscape, driving growth in key sectors aligned with the nation’s strategic goals, said the head of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
In a recent interview, BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi highlighted China’s transformative role as a major foreign investor in Thailand’s target industries, such as electronics, smart appliances and digital data centers, with the automotive sector leading the charge. Continued …
How is China retaliating against US tariffs, and what impact will it have?
Within minutes of the United States hiking tariffs on all Chinese imports by 10%, Beijing announced a slew of retaliatory measures in a bid to gain leverage in any future trade negotiations with Washington.
The moves unveiled last week included a 10%-15% increase in tariffs on certain U.S. imports, export restrictions on some critical minerals, the addition of two U.S. companies to a Chinese government blacklist, and an antitrust investigation targeting American tech giant Google. Continued …
Bill to Position the Nation as a Premier Global Financial Hub
The Thai cabinet has approved the draft Financial Business Hub Act, a new law aimed at positioning Thailand as a global financial center.
The act focuses on creating a conducive environment for international financial institutions, offering tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and enhanced infrastructure to attract global investors. This initiative is expected to boost economic growth, foster innovation in financial technology, and strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market. Continued …
WHAUP targets thirsty data centers for revenue uptick
WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), an arm of WHA Corp., Thailand’s biggest industrial land developer and operator, plans to generate 35 billion baht in revenue by 2030 through business expansion, especially supplying more water to customers in the growing data center sector.
Resource-hungry data centers require a substantial supply of power to run servers and a huge amount of water to cool the systems. To achieve its revenue target, the company announced it will allocate an investment budget worth 29 billion baht for business development projects between 2025 and 2030. Continued …
U-Tapao airport project underway
Thailand’s ambitious aviation project is set to transform U-Tapao Airport into a world-class international hub. The revamped U-Tapao International Airport is projected to handle up to 75 million passengers annually, enhancing Thailand’s aviation industry and boosting tourism.
This project comes at a time when Bangkok has just been crowned the world’s top tourism city for 2024, welcoming a record 32.4 million visitors. As Bangkok’s two international airports are currently operating beyond capacity, the Thai government plans to transform U-Tapao into a third major aviation hub. Continued …
Pattaya ranks as Thailand’s second most visited-city by foreign tourists in 2024
The Economics Tourism and Sports Division has revealed that in 2024, Chonburi Province, including Pattaya, ranked as the second most-visited destination in Thailand by foreign tourists, with a total of 28,156,302 international visitors. Bangkok secured the top position with 57,698,307 foreign tourists.
Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, 2025, Thailand welcomed 3.7 million international tourists, marking a 19.46% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in tourism generated 1.82 trillion baht in revenue, representing a 31.96% growth year-over-year. The top five countries contributing to international tourist arrivals were China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India. Continued …
Pattaya Tourist Defecates on Police Car, Public Urination Outside Police Station
In yet another episode in Pattaya, tourists unable to hold it any longer have resorted to relieving themselves inappropriately, with one spotted defecating on the bonnet of a deputy superintendent’s car.
Reports have surfaced from Chonburi Province of tourists, both local and international, frequenting the vibrant beachfront area opposite Pattaya City Police Station. This location, known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere, often draws many visitors who sit by the beach to enjoy the scenery. Continued …
Thai police crack down on foreign tourist offenses after Pai hospital rampage
Tourist police and Immigration Bureau (IB) officers are cracking down on tourism-related offenses in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province following the deportation of four Israeli nationals involved in a violent rampage at Pai Hospital.
The Israelis broke into the hospital’s emergency room, caused chaos and vandalized public property after a motorcycle crash left a fellow Israeli injured. The four were subsequently fined 3,000 baht each, had their tourist visas revoked, and were deported back to Israel. Continued …
Foreign Tourist Tensions Rise in Pai as Locals Report Harassment
The conflict between Pai locals and foreign tourists who display disrespectful behavior toward locals has become prominent, especially this week when a group of Israelis disrupted medical personnel’s work at Pai hospital, Mae Hong Son province, leading to complaints on social media.
Although police have investigated the incident, leading to legal action and visa revocation for four Israeli tourists, the anti-foreigner sentiment, particularly toward Israelis, hasn’t subsided. One restaurant put up a sign saying “No Israel Here!”. Continued …
Furious Phuket residents demand action as gridlock worsens
Phuket’s once-idyllic Cherng Talay is now a gridlocked nightmare, with frustrated residents demanding urgent action as worsening traffic congestion grinds daily life to a halt. Residents and local officials are calling for immediate solutions to ease the never-ending traffic tailbacks plaguing the area.
The situation has spiraled out of control, with many blaming the surge in new residents, growing tourist numbers, and a flood of construction trucks navigating the narrow roads. Locals say traffic lights remain unchanged despite the rising population, and illegal parking, especially by taxis, is making matters worse. Continued …
Tourist Bus Catches Fire in Sattahip, Passengers Escape
A group of foreign tourists had a narrow escape when their tour bus caught fire on a highway in Chonburi province. The driver managed to stop the vehicle in time, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the engine.
On arrival, emergency crews found a tour bus with its engine compartment ablaze. Firefighters battled the flames for over 30 minutes before bringing the situation under control. Continued …
Dinso Road: Timeless charm of Bangkok
Dinso Road, a short but storied street in Bangkok’s Old Town, has stood the test of time, witnessing the city’s transformation over the centuries. Stretching just 850 meters, it links the Democracy Monument to the iconic Giant Swing, where history, culture, and daily life intertwine.
The road’s name, meaning “pencil”, offers a sense of its past as a hub for traditional pencil-making and paper production. Once teeming with craftsmen supplying stationery to royal scribes and scholars, Dinso Road was a cornerstone of Bangkok’s literary and administrative life. Continued …
Big ice melt shocks Thai Antarctic team
Ice in Antarctica has melted more than in previous years as a result of global warming, says a Thai research team.
The Thai expedition was conducted under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and supported by the Information Technology Foundation under the patronage of the princess. Continued …
More Australian retirees are struggling to pay rent
A growing number of Australian retirees risk falling into homelessness because they can’t afford to pay rent, said a new report. The rising cost of rent, falling rates of home ownership and inadequate rental assistance has pushed two thirds of retirees who privately rent into poverty. Continued …
EU to blacklist 25 more Chinese entities for flouting Russia sanctions
The European Union (EU) plans to add another 25 Chinese entities to a blacklist of companies for circumventing sanctions on Russia, as part of the next package of measures aimed at hobbling Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Continued …
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