Soi 94 resurfacing/PKK drought risk/PKK logistics/industrial hub/Pranburi hosts cycling event/Gambling website busted in Hua Hin/Tour guide fined at Kaeng Krachan/Shady Massage Parlors/Smog blankets 57 provinces/Co-payment health insurance/Bangkok to complete upgraded footpaths/Arrested for Possessing AK-47s/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Casino Concerns: Poll/Tackle illegal daily condo rentals/Bill to support land bridge/Thailand’s digital race/TOURISM: Tourism And Real Estate Boom/Poor Israeli behavior could spoil relations/Israeli Tourism to Pai Plummets/Pattaya Struggles With Indian Tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Exploring Chatuchak Market/Gen Z Reshaping the World/CLIMATE THAILAND: Tourism goes green/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
Delays continue on Soi 94 resurfacing project
PKK drought risk areas identified
PKK has plans to become logistics/industrial hub
Pranburi hosts cycling event
Startup gambling website busted in Hua Hin
Six Thai nationals have been arrested in Hua Hin on charges of operating a website for a major gambling network, with more than 8 million baht in circulation over the past eight months.
Police officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on Saturday launched the “Operation Hua Hin Strike” across three locations in the beach resort town in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and arrested administrators of the website connected to the LAVAMAX1688 gambling network, which has over 1,000 members. Continued …
Tour guide fined for alleged violation of safety regulations at Kaeng Krachan
A Thai tour guide has been fined by the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province for alleged violation of safety regulations by allowing tourists to get off a vehicle to take photos of a black panther at close range.
The guide was fined 5,000 baht for violating the park regulations, plus another 1,000 baht for not cooperating with park officers, Mongkol Chaipakdee, chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, said on Friday. Continued …
Thailand Cracks Down on Shady Massage Parlors
The Thai government is ramping up efforts to restore the esteemed reputation of nuad Thai massages, as concerns grow over shady establishments tarnishing its reputation.
Facing a significant shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners, the Ministry of Public Health is taking decisive action to uphold the integrity of this cultural practice, which is often improperly linked to brothels due to inconsistent standards and the presence of disreputable businesses. Continued …
Smog again blankets Bangkok and 57 provinces
Bangkok and 57 of the 76 provinces were shrouded with red levels of PM2.5 dust this morning.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) report at 7am showed red (hazardous-to-health) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) in the north, the northeast, the central plain, and the east, while safer levels of air pollution were recorded in the south. The government-set safe level of PM2.5 is 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. Continued …
Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues.
Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an increase in unreasonable claims for common ailments have prompted the insurance regulator and companies to take action to control costs. Continued …
Bangkok to complete 1,000 kilometers of upgraded footpaths by 2026
Bangkok is stepping up its game, with major changes underway to improve the city’s footpaths and make them safer, more accessible, and better suited to local character. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on track to deliver 1,000 kilometers of high-quality footpaths by 2026, and they’re already over 70% of the way there.
Yesterday, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA, led a group of journalists to inspect the progress at Phran Nok Market and Itsaraphap MRT Station in the city’s central districts. These locations are part of a broader plan that will see 87 routes, covering 774 kilometers, upgraded by April 2025. Continued …
Four Men Arrested in Phang Nga for Possessing AK-47s
Four men from Thailand’s southern provinces were apprehended in Phang Nga province while attempting to transport four AK-47 assault rifles and accompanying ammunition to Phuket.
The arrests were conducted by local law enforcement on the Phang Nga-Thap Put road, where the suspects were intercepted at a police checkpoint while traveling in a pickup truck and a sedan. Continued …
- Bangkok Police Nab Chinese Fugitive Linked to B11 Billion Fraud – Continued …
- Police Raid Illegal Poker Game in Bangkok – Continued …
- Phuket Police Hunt Foreigner Who Smashed Through Wall to Steal Cannabis – Continued …
Casino Concerns: Vice and Doubts on Economic Gains Dominate Poll
Most Thais are anxious about increased vice and gambling addiction, raising doubts on the economic benefits of the government’s proposed casino-entertainment complexes, as revealed in a Nida Poll survey.
The poll gathered the public’s concerns following the cabinet’s recent approval of a draft bill that paves the way for casino-equipped entertainment centers. Respondents expressed several apprehensions: Continued …
Call for law amendments to tackle illegal daily condo rentals
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has called on the government to amend existing laws, as well as employ stricter legal enforcement, to tackle the issue of daily condo rentals by foreign investors.
The issue is primarily related to condominium owners, often Chinese nationals, who purchase several units and list them on online platforms (such as Airbnb) for short-term rentals at significantly lower prices than hotels can offer. Continued …
Bill drafted to support southern land bridge
The Ministry of Transport has unveiled draft legislation to create a special southern economic zone that would pave the way for a multibillion-dollar land bridge transport project linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
The bill would establish a commission to speed up development of the southern economic corridor (SEC) in the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, according to a statement from the ministry. Continued …
Thailand’s digital race: Is your business ready to win?
Thailand’s ambition is clear: A 50% digital economy by 2030. The government’s initiatives, including “Thailand 4.0” and the National Digital Blueprint, are laying the groundwork, and it demands immediate action from businesses.
Globally, 55% of organizations rely on digital innovation to power their most profitable initiatives, while 76% of business leaders worldwide recognize that digital transformation is essential for achieving both sustainability targets and broader business objectives. Continued …
Thailand’s Tourism And Real Estate Boom Projected For 2025
Thailand’s tourism industry is poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by various factors including government initiatives, the rise of “workation”, and evolving preferences among domestic travelers.
According to Nairanuch Traijakwanit, the CEO of MakaLeisure Thailand, the country is predicting continuous growth in its tourism sector, which could surpass last year’s performance. Factors contributing to this optimistic outlook include government measures to promote tourism, the global trend of combining work with vacation, and a noticeable shift in Thai travelers’ lifestyles that emphasizes unique experiences. Continued …
As war-weary Israeli reservists head to Thailand, poor behavior could spoil relations
With its natural hot springs, jungle waterfalls, and lush green valleys, northern Thailand’s serene mountain town of Pai has for years been a peaceful destination for travelers seeking respite. But this season, a dramatic surge in disruptive tourist behavior — primarily attributed to Israeli visitors — has brought local business owners to their wits’ end and led to calls to limit the number of Israelis permitted to visit Thailand.
“They come together, eat a lot, order more… and then they run away,” alleges Rennie, the owner of a small café in Pai who has been running her business for over a decade. With visible frustration, she recounts multiple incidents in which Israeli tourists consumed food worth hundreds of baht and then refused to pay. Continued …
Israeli Tourism to Pai Plummets
In northwestern Thailand’s tranquil Pai, unsettling rumors have led to a notable dip in Israeli tourism, stirring palpable concerns in the local industry.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich temple heritage, Pai, nestled in Mae Hong Son province, relies heavily on visitors for economic sustenance. However, misinformation regarding a significant influx of Israelis has overshadowed this picturesque town. Continued …
Pattaya Struggles To Manage Explosive Growth In Indian Tourism
Pattaya has seen a significant rise in Indian tourists over the past few months, following Thailand’s newly introduced free visa policy for Indian nationals. The initiative, aimed at boosting tourism, has nevertheless led to a range of issues for both locals and visitors.
A large portion of these Indian tourists have flocked to Pattaya’s beaches, where a growing number are engaging with service women for companionship. This trend has, unfortunately, coincided with a troubling uptick in thefts and violent incidents, sparking concerns within the community. Continued …
The Largest Outdoor Market in the World: Exploring Chatuchak Market
Join in an unforgettable adventure through Chatuchak Market, the largest outdoor market in the world! Experience the vibrant colors, delicious aromas, and endless treasures waiting to be discovered. Video …
How Gen Z in Thailand is Reshaping the World Through Technology
Generation Z, commonly known as Gen Z, is the first true generation of digital natives, and nowhere is this more evident than in Thailand’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
With Thailand’s digital economy growing at an impressive rate, young Thais are at the forefront of adopting and adapting technology. They’ve grown up using laptops, smartphones, social media, and on-demand access to information, creating a unique relationship with digital tools that’s reshaping the nation’s technological future. Continued …
Tourism goes green
Tourism is not only a major driver of Thailand’s economy, but also an avenue to transform the country into a sustainable destination for locals and visitors. According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s total carbon emissions.
As Thailand aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, local tourism operators and global companies are ramping up measures to elevate their practices. Continued …
Parisians vote in referendum on ‘pedestrianizing’ 500 city streets
Parisians voted in a referendum on Sunday to decide whether an additional 500 city streets should be “pedestrianized”, in a new push by the French capital’s left-leaning town hall to curb car usage and improve air quality. Video …
Tourists turning away from Trump’s America
In just a few weeks, the U.S. tourism outlook has clouded as a result of some of President Donald Trump’s policy decisions, which have angered some foreign visitors and prompted fear of a surge in prices and a stronger dollar. Foreign traveler arrivals in the United States are expected to decline by 5.1% in 2025 compared to last year, against a previously projected increase of 8.8%. 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