bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Jan 20

  • Thailand Open returns to Hua Hin/
  • How to register for the Hua Hin Marathon 2023/
  • Government to keep a close eye on food prices before Chinese New Year/
  • Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station opens to passengers/
  • With station change, commuters face railway confusion/
  • Charges filed against Chinese ‘gray’ organization members/
  • Rare clouded leopard struts its stuff in new wildlife haven/
  • JPMorgan sees Thai stocks as the most attractive in Southeast Asia/
  • Thai oil firm targets 7,000 EV charging units by 2030/
  • Tourism: Flexible visas to boost the economy as business confidence falters/Over 900,000 Foreign Tourists Came To Thailand During Jan 1-15/Dusit suffering from lack of long-haul hotel guests/Financial worries keep many Chinese at home/Thailand’s tuk-tuks go green amid rising demand for electric models/
  • Thailand Experience: Hua Hin: A golfer’s paradise/Bangkok’s best floating markets become much more accessible/This Is Where You Can Find Thailand’s Biggest Buddha/
  • International: Executives gloomy about global outlook/Star visibility eroding rapidly as night sky gets brighter/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Thailand Open returns to Hua Hin

Australian three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic is among high-ranked players competing in the WTA “Thailand Open 2023 by E@”.

The event will be held at True Arena Hua Hin Sport Club in Prachuap Khiri Khan province from Jan. 31 to Feb. 5.

It is the most lucrative WTA event in Southeast Asia, offering a total prize money of US$250,000 (9.37 million baht). Continued …

How to register for the Hua Hin Marathon 2023

Registration for the Hua Hin Marathon on May 14 is available in English on the event’s website.

The event, which returns after being canceled due to the pandemic and then being abruptly moved to Cha Am in 2022, will see up to 5,000 runners take to the streets of Hua Hin.

The registration fee for each is as follows:

Marathon, 42.195km, (1,200 THB application fee)
Half Marathon, 21km, (900 THB)
Mini Marathon, 10.5km, (700 THB)
Fun Run, 5km, 5.45am, (500 THB)

Everyone running in the race will receive a t-shirt and medal, while trophies will be given to the winners and runners-up overall and across each age category.

Official Hua Hin Marathon Facebook page. Continued … 

Government to keep a close eye on food prices before Chinese New Year

State agencies will closely monitor prices of foods and products in the countdown to Chinese New Year to prevent unfair price hikes, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Thursday.

Anucha said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered related agencies to survey the markets to prevent sellers from taking advantage of consumers during the Lunar New Year festival, which started on Sunday.

Anucha added that on Tuesday the Commerce Ministry launched the “Special Discounts for the Year of the Rabbit” campaign, under which participating manufacturers sell specially priced foods and consumer products at over 4,600 retail shops, discount stores and fresh markets nationwide. The campaign aims to help reduce people’s cost of living and will run until Friday. Continued … 

Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station opens to passengers

Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station officially began operations yesterday, a potential new age of train travel in Thailand.

The cost of the new terminal, including the station, tracks and a connecting station for Bangkok’s mass transit system, was around US$1 billion (30 billion baht).

Officially, the station’s name is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, a name bestowed by the king, and the center of some controversy. To most people, it will likely continue to be known as Bang Sue Grand Station, after the part of Bangkok it’s in. Continued … https://thethaiger.com/news/national/southeast-asias-biggest-railway-station-opens-to-passengers

With station change, commuters face railway confusion

The State Railway of Thailand made a big change in its 126-year history on Thursday when the SRT moved the operation of long-distance train services to the north, northeast and south of the country from Hua Lamphong station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, formerly known as Bang Sue Grand Station, in Chatuchak district.

The aim is to fully utilize the 34-billion-baht central grand station and reduce traffic congestion around a number of railway crossings near the old rail hub in Bangkok, according to Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob.

The ministry plans to renovate the 121-rai Hua Lamphong area for commercial purposes, while the old terminal, which was constructed more than a century ago, will become a museum that is accessible via public transportation, he said. Continued … 

Charges filed against Chinese ‘gray’ organization members

The attorney general filed a string of charges against a key Chinese gray capitalist suspect and 40 others yesterday with drug-related offenses carrying maximum death penalty.

Naree Tantasathien, the attorney general, ordered the Office of Narcotics Litigation to submit the 332-page indictment of Chaiyanat “Tu Hao” Kornchaiyanan and 40 others to Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, with the police told to chase and arrest those suspects still on the run.

Among the charges the suspects face are setting up an organized crime to distribute category one narcotics and categories two and four psychotropic substances, money laundering, holding firearms, operating a transnational network to commit serious crime, running entertainment venues without permit, and allowing foreigners without work permit to work in their business. Continued …

Rare clouded leopard struts its stuff in new wildlife haven

In the mountains of Kanchanaburi in western Thailand, hidden cameras are capturing more and more clouded leopards, Indo-Chinese tigers, gaurs, and other wildlife.

Recognizing the importance of the conservation of Thailand’s wildlife, Thailand’s Treasury Department is preparing to declare an area of land covering 219,000 rai of land a non-hunting area.

The huge conservation area – covering Si Sawat and Bo Phloi district – is comprised of steep mountains and dense jungle home to millions of species of flora and fauna. Continued … 

JPMorgan sees Thai stocks as the most attractive in Southeast Asia

The strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism, with an expected influx of Chinese visitors, and strong domestic demand for consumer products have made the Thai stock market the most attractive in Southeast Asia, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co, an American multinational financial services company.

Jakkapun Pornpunnarath, JPMorgan’s head of Thai equity research, said that the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has become the top pick for JPMorgan in Southeast Asia.

He pointed to robust trading of Thai stocks ahead of the next general election later this year and the strong operating performance of many listed companies. Continued …

Thai oil firm targets 7,000 EV charging units by 2030

PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) has vowed to become Thailand’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider, with the number of charging outlets projected to increase to 7,000 by 2030 under the company’s “Rise OR” concept.

The plan was announced by OR’s new Chief Executive Disathat Panyarachun, who was introduced to the public yesterday.

At present, the company operates 139 EV charging outlets. Continued …

Flexible visas to boost the economy as business confidence falters

Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the government’s key economic agency, has called on ministers to make visa provisions for foreign tourists more flexible and user-friendly, while also marketing the kingdom’s legalization of medical marijuana or pot in a bid to boost the still slow recovery of the country’s critical foreign tourism industry.

It comes as Thai exports have plummeted, with the chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), this week, revealing that business confidence fell in December for the first time in seven months as the country’s industrial confidence index fell due to faltering output.

The chairman of FTI has issued a stark warning to the government that confidence in the manufacturing sector has been undermined, with the country’s industrial confidence index for December falling for the first time in seven months. Continued …

Over 900,000 Foreign Tourists Came To Thailand During Jan 1-15

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said altogether 913,013 foreign tourists came to the country the first 15 days of 2023, with Russians topping the list, followed by Malaysians, South Koreans, Indians and Laotians.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn revealed that during Jan. 1-15 there were 99,593 Russians arrivals, followed by 89,461 Malaysians, 76,057 South Koreans, 47,471 Indians and 41,863 Laotians. Just on Jan. 14, 58,528 foreign tourists arrived.

“In terms of incoming foreign tourists, it was found that Chinese nationals ranked tenth, totaling 28,643. This is in line with expectation that the Chinese market will gradually improve in 2023,” he said. Continued …

Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Dusit suffering from lack of long-haul hotel guests

Hotel operator Dusit International is experiencing an ongoing shortage of long-haul guests because of limited flights and high airfares, although last year’s fourth quarter saw its best performance in three years with a 75% occupancy rate.

Siradej Donavanik, vice president of global development at Dusit International, said long-haul guests could reach pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter of this year, as Thailand remains a popular destination for them.

He said the government should focus on increasing high-spending tourists and promoting Thailand as a high-end destination, such as by utilizing health and wellness concepts – serenity, sustainability and spirituality – rather than just being a sea-sand-sun destination. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Financial worries keep many Chinese at home

About 40% of Chinese travelers aren’t planning to venture overseas this year despite the sudden easing of restrictions, mainly because of the financial impact of Covid, according to a survey published yesterday.

Health concerns, the inconvenience of applying for travel documents, busy work schedules, worries over safety and destinations seen as unfriendly to Chinese were also among factors deterring overseas travel, the Dragon Trail International survey of 1,058 people in 49 cities found.

The survey was conducted from Jan. 4 to 7, just before the lifting of curbs such as mandatory quarantine came into effect. Continued …

Thailand’s tuk-tuks go green amid rising demand for electric models

Thailand’s iconic, gas-guzzling tuk-tuks are being replaced by a greener, more energy-efficient model, offering travelers a more environmentally friendly way of getting around what is one of the world’s worst countries when it comes to air pollution.

“The benefits are quite clear in terms of the environment”, says Krisada Kritayakirana, co-founder and CEO of start-up Urban Mobility Tech. “When you use traditional tuk-tuks, you can smell the gas and it sometimes could be unpleasant. With the electric tuk-tuks, basically you don’t have any noise and you don’t have any emission from tailpipes.”

In 2021, the levels of the pollutant PM2.5m in Thailand were four times higher than World Health Organization guidance. Inhalation of PM2.5 can cause respiratory problems and heart issues. In 2019, pollution was to blame for more than 31,000 deaths in the country. Continued …

Hua Hin: A golfer’s paradise

Hua Hin is a coastal town that lies 200km to the southeast of Bangkok and is a popular destination among expats, tourists, and Thai holiday makers alike. This region has a wealth of stunning beaches and scenery to offer, with a host of excursions and distractions to be enjoyed; however, what really stands out about Hua Hin is its golf courses. In fact, many people argue that Hua Hin is a golfer’s paradise – and with good reason.

Hua Hin, or “stone head” was named after the large rocks that were formed at the north end of the famous powdery sand beach. This renowned holiday destination was initially developed as a retreat for Thai royalty and the wealthy elite back in the 1920’s.

As the years have gone by, the region has gone through many changes and is now considered as being the number one golfing destination in all of Thailand. Continued …

Bangkok’s best floating markets become much more accessible

In today’s digital age, shopping can be done with a click of the mouse. However, there is no substitute for a visit to a local market.

That has become a whole lot easier thanks to the BMA putting on a feeder bus service from the MRT Blue Line station to Bangkok’s four best floating markets, serving as a link between urban dwellers and local farmers. If you are looking for a unique street food adventure and shopping spree, then head to these floating markets on a weekend.

Four brand-new electric buses with USB charging ports and modern facilities provide a free ride from/to the MRT Bang Khun Non Station to Wat Saphan Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, and Song Khlong Floating Market. Continued …

This Is Where You Can Find Thailand’s Biggest Buddha

One of Southeast Asia’s gems is the Land of Smiles. Thailand is well-developed and offers a wide range of modern conveniences due to a growing tourism sector, but it is also still wild enough to provide off-the-beaten-path adventure and once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities.

Thailand will not disappoint its visitors, whether they come for the enchanting mountain villages in the north or the world-class beaches in the south.

Cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok are hives of activity and business, but until tourists have gone on a mountain walk, interacted with elephants, or seen brazen monkeys who are always ready to take their food or their cameras, tourists have not really experienced the nation.

Each of Thailand’s attractions is unique and offers a pleasurable and memorable experience. However, the statues of Buddha in Thailand shine among the other attractions for their splendors and sizes. Here is where tourists can Thailand’s biggest Buddha. Continued …

Executives gloomy about global outlook

Chief executives of companies around the world are planning to cut operating costs, as nearly three-quarters of them anticipate a decline in global economic growth over the next 12 months, according to a recent survey by PwC. Continued … 

Star visibility eroding rapidly as night sky gets brighter

Light pollution is growing rapidly and in some places the number of stars visible to the naked eye in the night sky is being reduced by more than half in less than 20 years, according to a study released yesterday. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Jan 19

  • An updated drone video of the train track construction/
  • Thai police checkpoint on-the-spot fines jumped to 1000 baht/
  • FTI predicts growth in 17 industries will drive Thai economic rebound/
  • ADRA Canada Helps Protect Girls in Thailand/
  • Eight bodies found after oil tank fire, one man missing/
  • Manufacturers urged to adopt renewables/
  • Reward of 100,000 Baht Offered For Missing Cat in Phuket/
  • Displaced Karen threaten to return to Phetchaburi park/
  • Cannabis Bill second reading House meeting collapses – again/
  • Tourism: Lunar New Year holiday spending forecast at Bt21.3 billion/Tourism fee back on the table, to be decided next week/Tourism workers run short/Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year/Northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air/
  • Thailand Experience: Ganesha statue with Buddhist element brings worshippers and tourists to Udon Thani/
  • International: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepping down/Polar bear chases residents in Alaska town, kills woman and boy/Ancient Maya cities, ‘super highways’ revealed/Most rainforest carbon offsets ‘worthless’/Microsoft To Cut 10,000 Jobs As Tech Layoffs Intensify/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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An updated drone video of the train track construction – Video

Thai police checkpoint on-the-spot fines jumped to 1,000 baht

An increasing number of foreigners are being targeted by police for fines, usually in late morning checkpoints on busy west coast roads. And the fine appears to have increased, too.

While in the past the checks were mostly about wearing a bike helmet, lately, according to sources, the checks are for legal motorbike licenses, which most foreigners don’t have. The fines are now, routinely, 1,000 baht. In the past, tourists going through checkpoints without a helmet or the correct license could usually expect an on-the-spot fine of 500 baht.

These payments are all required in cash only. Exactly what happens to all the cash collected at these pre-lunch checkpoints is not clear. Continued …

FTI predicts growth in 17 industries will drive Thai economic rebound

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed confidence that Thailand’s economic recovery will continue this year as the Covid-19 situation improves, prompting higher domestic consumption and a tourism rebound.

The tourism sector is expected to welcome at least 20 million foreign arrivals this year thanks to pent-up demand during Covid-19, China lifting travel restrictions, and government measures to boost tourism, said FTI Vice President Kriangkrai Thiannukul on Wednesday.

Exports this year are slowing in line with the slumping global economy. However, benefits of free trade agreements under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and new FTAs with countries in the Middle East would help keep the Thai export sector afloat this year, he said. Continued …

ADRA Canada Helps Protect Girls in Thailand

For some villages in the northern region of Thailand, modern amenities are inaccessible. People in these villages often struggle to maintain a decent quality of life.

Thantong is one such village. Located in Maengen, Chiangsean district, Chiang Rai province, Thantong sits near the Thai-Laos border, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Chiangsean District Office. The remote location of this village translates often to harsh conditions that are ripe for exploitation.

A young girl from this village was rescued from exactly this kind of situation by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Keep Girls Safe Project. Having been neglected by her parents, and with no other relatives to take care of her, the girl was forced to live on her own, which quickly exposed her to risks of trafficking and exploitation. Continued …

Eight bodies found after oil tank fire, one man missing

Rescue teams recovered five out of six bodies found on Wednesday in the Mae Klong River, bringing the confirmed death toll in the oil tanker fire and explosion to eight. One person is still missing.

Dozens of rescue workers, including divers equipped with underwater scanners and jet skiers, resumed the search within a 100-meter radius of the oil tanker, which caught fire and exploded Tuesday morning in the Ruam Mitr Dockyard in Mueang district of Samut Songkhram province.

An official from a rescue team said that divers are having to exercise extreme caution, because there is a lot of steel debris from the tanker under the water. Continued …

Manufacturers urged to adopt renewables

Higher power bills will be a key factor awakening businesses in the manufacturing sector to a need to seriously adopt renewable energy to relieve an increase in their production costs, estimated at 4.88% on average, says the Industry Ministry.

The Energy Regulatory Commission can only slightly reduce a planned increase in the power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills, from 20.5% to 13%, although the business sector demanded a larger reduction in order that they might better control their financial burden.

The new tariff is effective as of January to April this year. Continued …

Reward of 100,000 Baht Offered For Missing Cat in Phuket

A Chinese expat has offered a 100,000 baht reward for anyone who can find her missing cat, a white Persian cat.

Xiong, 40, Chinese national, said the missing cat, Garfield, is a male two-year-old white Persian cat. Garfield has been taken from China with Xiong. Garfield went with her everywhere. Continued …

Displaced Karen threaten to return to Phetchaburi park

Karen villagers evicted from Bang Kloy Bon and Chai Phaendin forest villages in part of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi in 1996 are threatening to return to the villages.

A government panel has been asked to fix land grievances. The villagers want to be updated on its progress by the end of this month or are threatening to return.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha formed it on Feb. 3 last year. The panel is investigating the land dispute between the Karen villagers and the national park authorities. Continued …

Cannabis Bill second reading House meeting collapses – again

A Palang Pracharath Party MP said Wednesday that there is no chance that the Cannabis Bill will ever pass its second reading in the House, because of stiff opposition to it from the Democrat, Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties.

The MP, Pichet Sathirachaval, said that even within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party some MPs do not agree with the bill, due to stiff resistance from Muslim communities and parent groups.

Personally, he said he would prefer MPs to vote in support of the bill in the second reading and to reject the bill in the final reading, and then let the next government decide whether it should be revived or dropped. Continued …

Lunar New Year holiday spending forecast at Bt21.3 billion

Tourism spending during the Lunar New Year is estimated to reach 21.3 billion baht, 48% of the total in 2019, mostly driven by foreign visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The Lunar New Year holiday, which started this week in many countries, is forecast to tally 588,900 foreign arrivals, generating 16.7 billion baht in receipts between Jan. 19-27, said TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn.

Of the total, tourists from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia are expected to dominate the market, totalling 332,500 arrivals generating 11 billion baht. Continued …

Tourism fee back on the table, to be decided next week

Officials will meet next week to once more discuss a possible “tourism arrival fee”, whose introduction has been repeatedly postponed since being proposed at the start of last year.

According to a report, the National Tourism Policy Committee will meet on Jan. 24 to discuss a proposal to levy a 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists.

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, says officials will be asked to approve the levy for all international tourists, whether arriving by land, sea, or air. Continued …

Tourism workers run short

More than 9,000 workers are still in demand in the tourism industry as foreign arrivals continue to arrive in large numbers, according to the Labor Ministry.

Boonchob Sutthamanaswong, permanent secretary for the Labor Ministry, said labor offices in 60 provinces had recently surveyed labor demand among 32,359 operators in the tourism sector.

Of them, 1,817 businesses still needed 9,763 workers, he said. Continued …

Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year

The first planeload of 195 Chinese tourists touched down in Chiang Mai on Wednesday after China scrapped travel restrictions last week.

Juneyao Airlines Flight HO1325 landed at Chiang Mai Airport at 3.30pm and was welcomed by representatives from the provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office, Tourism Council, and tourism operators in the province.

China was Thailand’s biggest overseas tourism market before the pandemic, with around 11 million Chinese arrivals in 2019. However, Thai tourism authorities expect less than half that number, or about 5 million, to visit the country this year. Continued …

Northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air

One northeast Thai farmer is ‘selling’ fresh air. The farmer, 52-year-old Dusit Kachai, charges visitors 1,000 baht per person for the first hour they stay at his farm.

The farm is located on the edge of Chaiyaphum province’s Phu Laen Kha National Park, which has clean air, forests, and mountain streams. Dusit said, “The first hour costs 1,000 baht, but then visitors can stay for free, including food and camping.”

Three meals are provided for free, along with a tent for camping. Children and elderly people can enter the farm entirely for free, Dusit said. Continued …

Ganesha statue with Buddhist element brings worshippers and tourists to Udon Thani

A unique statue of Ganesha in Udon Thani province is drawing worshippers from all over the country seeking blessings, in addition to tourists.

The Sri Suk Ganesha statue has been installed behind Udon Thani Vocational College in Muang district. Built in 2019 by the famed sculptor Rachan Saengthong, the statue mixes Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

The statue portrays the Hindu god of luck with eight hands perched on Naga, the nine-headed king cobra who protected Gautama Buddha from the elements after his enlightenment. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepping down

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today she is stepping down as New Zealand’s leader and will not contest this year’s general elections. Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 will be her last day in office. Continued … 

Polar bear chases residents in Alaska town, kills woman and boy

A polar bear that chased residents around a small Alaska town attacked and killed two people before being shot and killed Tuesday, authorities said. Continued … 

Ancient Maya cities, ‘super highways’ revealed

A new high-tech study has revealed nearly 1,000 ancient Maya settlements, including 417 previously unknown cities linked by what may be the world’s first highway network and hidden for millennia by the dense jungles of northern Guatemala and southern Mexico. Continued … 

Most rainforest carbon offsets ‘worthless’

A system that allows big corporations to buy carbon offsets in rain forests to cancel out their harmful emissions is essentially “worthless,” an analysis by several media organizations showed Wednesday. Continued … 

Microsoft To Cut 10,000 Jobs As Tech Layoffs Intensify

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it would eliminate 10,000 jobs and take a $1.2-billion charge as its cloud-computing customers dissect their spending and the company braces for potential recession. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

covid, hua hin, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Jan 18

  • Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival Feb 18-26/Hua Hin Marathon May 24/Driving license renewal? DLT takes walk-in applications from now on/Eastin Estates hotel coming to Hua Hin/Cabinet extends diesel excise cut for four more months/Hua Lamphong Station to Partially Transfer Services/Free shuttle buses to start linking Bangkok’s two main train stations/DCD predicts a fourfold jump in dengue and malaria victims this year/New rules target deceptive advertising/Thailand turns to China in 2023 for GDP growth/Southeast Asia food delivery market slows in risk to Grab/Corruption scandal in Thai parks agency has far-reaching impacts, activists say/
  • Sea nomads take struggle over alleged landencroachment to Bangkok/Thai farmer makes 1 million baht per month selling buffalo semen/Search for HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crewmen continues/
  • Tourism: Hotels struggling with staff shortage/In Thailand, tuk-tuk apps spare tourists the hassle of haggling/Beauty clinic for foreigners, illicit silicone implant factory raided/
  • Covid: China back to ‘normal’, says vice-premier/
  • International: India set to overtake China as world’s most populous nation/Vietnam president submits resignation over corruption accusations/Economists slice growth outlook for ASEAN+3/45 dead, 20 missing as Ukraine ends tower block search/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Driving license renewal? DLT takes walk-in applications from now on

Driving licenses can be renewed at Department of Land Transport offices nationwide from now on without the need to book an appointment.

Similarly, those looking for new licenses and changing the category of their license can walk in for service.

People doing extensions should have evidence of their test results on the online “e-learning” course so that they can process their licenses quickly at the DLT. If you have to do the learning at a test center it can take much longer.

Rules about walk-in applicants were all changed during the pandemic but are no longer necessary. – Thai Rath

Eastin Estates hotel coming to Hua Hin

Jonathan Wigley, CEO of the Absolute Hotel Services Group, has signed an agreement with SMC Land Co. to launch the first Eastin Estates-branded property, Eastin Estates Hua Hin.

The 140-key luxury pet-friendly residential development provides an extended stay residential community experience to meet the growing needs of the active senior market, with services and facilities for residents that encourage health and social connections.

Eastin Estates Hua Hin will feature a resident’s lounge, restaurant, convenience store, swimming pool, gym, walking track and wellness clinic, and is just 30 minutes away from Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin and 30 minutes from the bustle of downtown Hua Hin. Continued …

Cabinet extends diesel excise cut for four more months

The Cabinet on Tuesday extended the diesel excise relief of 5 baht per liter for four more months, Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat said.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Santi said the Cabinet reached the resolution to extend the cut from January for four more months to help reduce the cost of living and to prevent consumer product prices from rising.

The latest round of diesel excise cut would cost the Excise Department around 40 billion baht in lost revenue, or about 10 billion baht a month. Continued … 

Hua Lamphong Station to Partially Transfer Services

The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) in Thailand has announced that starting from Thursday there will be fewer long-haul trains departing and arriving at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station.

According to the DRT, as many as 52 special-express, express and rapid services will depart from Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station. The remaining 62 trips on “public service” trains, including excursion trains and subsidized long-haul services, will continue to depart from Hua Lamphong Station for the time being.

The agency said the reduction in the number of services originating and/or terminating at Hua Lamphong Station will help reduce traffic congestion in and around downtown Bangkok. Continued …

Free shuttle buses to start linking Bangkok’s two main train stations

Free shuttle buses between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station) and Hua Lamphong Station will start running from Thursday to ensure a seamless commute for people in Bangkok.

The shuttle bus service, provided jointly by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), aims to make travel easier for train commuters after 52 long-distance trains will start terminating at the new station from Thursday.

Six low-slung NGV buses will run between the two stations daily, with the first bus departing Krung Thep Aphiwat at 4.30am and the last bus at 11pm. Continued …

DCD predicts a fourfold jump in dengue and malaria victims this year

The government’s Disease Control Department (DCD) predicts Thailand will see a huge jump in malaria and dengue fever cases this year.

The director-general of the DCD, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, said the number of malaria and dengue fever sufferers will increase significantly by at least three or four times more than last year.

“There were 10,174 cases last year, three times the cases in 2021, and 45,145 dengue fever cases, an increase of 4.5 times the figure in the same year. Continued …

New rules target deceptive advertising

The Royal Gazette has published an announcement restricting the use of certain phrases in advertisements, as they can mislead customers when purchasing products or services.

Under the rules which go into force today, phrases that can cause confusion or misunderstanding are prohibited. They include the use of superlatives such as “best”, “finest”, and “the one and only” and terms that guarantee satisfaction such as “money back guaranteed”.

The announcement also requires written advertisements to be clearly displayed in Thai, and announcers in radio and television commercials need to speak clearly and not too fast. Continued …

Thailand turns to China in 2023 for GDP growth

Sentiment regarding the economy has been rising since the return of Chinese tourists last January. However, with geopolitical tensions and indeed a trade war between the United States and China, now working with countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as elevated energy costs, a dangerous ongoing war in Ukraine and rising interest rates, this choppy world economy presents Thailand with many challenges that must be navigated and tackled in real-time.

China’s economy, despite registering record-low growth in 2022 and being currently in the grips of its largest virus wave, is expected to rebound in the second quarter of 2023. It cannot come too quickly for Thailand, which has suddenly, just in recent months, been left struggling against declining exports and competitiveness driven by a falling U.S. dollar and a dearth of high-spending western tourists this year, with the country’s foreign tourism high season coming to an end in March. Continued …

Southeast Asia food delivery market slows in risk to Grab

Southeast Asia’s food delivery spending grew at the slowest pace in at least four years in 2022, highlighting the challenges faced by regional internet giants Grab Holdings Ltd and GoTo Group.

Online food delivery spending rose 5% to US$6.3 billion, according to an annual report by Singapore-based consultancy Momentum Works. That was the smallest gain since 2018, when the company started tracking data. Growth in the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam offset declines in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Continued …

Corruption scandal in Thai parks agency has far-reaching impacts, activists say

A graft scandal involving the head of Thailand’s national parks department has raised questions about the effects of institutional corruption in the agencies charged with protecting the country’s biodiversity.

Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), was arrested on Dec. 27 in a joint operation of the anticorruption police, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Officers found 4.94 million baht (about $150,000) in 16 envelopes and gift boxes in his office, which he’d allegedly extorted from officials from the forest reservation units under his control. Continued …

Sea gypsies

Sea nomads take struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok

Sea nomads are taking their struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok. The nomads are part of the Moken minority, a group of semi-nomadic Austronesian group that lives in Thai coastal provinces and inhabits over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea.

Today, a group of Moken people from Koh Lipe rallied in front of the Treasury Department, demanding justice over alleged land encroachment and intimidation.

A coordinator for the Moken of Andaman Network said that a land occupation right issued to an influential figure encroaches on the land of a school on Koh Adang. The coordinator, Wittawat Thepsong, said the encroachment blocks access to beaches and the sea. Continued … 

Thai farmer makes 1 million baht per month selling buffalo semen

A farmer in Kalasin province in northeast Thailand makes 1 million baht every month by selling semen from one special water buffalo named “Big Billion.”

Water buffalo (“kwai”in Thai language) breeders all around the kingdom pay high prices for the semen of Big Billion, a “textbook” Thai water buffalo worth 30 million baht.

Breeders use Big Billion’s seed to artificially inseminate female buffalo in hopes of giving birth to a new generation of beautiful buffalo that will grow up to sell for millions like their father. Continued … 

Search for HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crewmen continues

A search for the five crewmen of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai who remain missing is still continuing, navy commander Adm. Choengchai Chomchoengpaet said on Wednesday.

On Dec. 18, high winds and strong waves caused seawater to flow into HTMS Sukhothai, a corvette of the Rattanakosin class of the Royal Thai Navy operating in the Gulf of Thailand off Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The flooding caused the engines to fail and the pumps became inoperable. The warship continued to take on water until the warship eventually sank. Continued …

Hotels struggling with staff shortage

Workers remain reluctant to return to the hospitality industry, even though employee revenue from hotel service charges has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, as Chinese travelers start to return to Thailand.

According to a survey of Phuket and Samui hotel service charges in December, the highest average rate of 61,145 baht was at the Twinpalms Montazure Phuket, while hotels in the top 20 saw average monthly service charges surge to more than 26,000 baht, of which most were five-star properties or managed by international brands.

Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said revenue from service charges was almost at pre-pandemic levels across all hotel segments, partly because the workforce is 30% lower than before the viral outbreaks. Continued …

In Thailand, tuk-tuk apps spare tourists the hassle of haggling

Ride-hailing apps are making Thailand’s ubiquitous three-wheeled tuk-tuk taxis more accessible to foreign tourists by eliminating the need for cumbersome price negotiations with drivers.

Urban Mobility Tech, which launched its MuvMi ride-hailing service four years ago, offers larger electric tuk-tuks that can carry up to six people, compared with three or four passengers for regular-sized ones. MuvMi has served 3.5 million riders.

Tuk-tuks, which resemble motorized rickshaws, offer better maneuverability than cars on congested streets and are the go-to option to avoid traveling on foot in Thailand’s year-round heat. Continued …

Beauty clinic for foreigners, illicit silicone implant factory raided

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) teamed up with police on a raid of several plastic surgery clinics and a manufacturer’s warehouse to confiscate a large number of counterfeit silicone pieces. The joint operation was announced on Monday by the FDA secretary-general and the deputy chief of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD).

Previous raids had been carried out in December. The latest raid took place last Thursday, Jan. 12. During the raid, it was revealed that fake silicone pieces were used in 1,621 surgeries at the Korawin Clinic’s five branches last year. These surgeries included 1,436 nose jobs, 154 chin implants, and 31 surgeries for both the nose and chin. Continued … 

China back to ‘normal’, says vice-premier

China has returned to normal after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, Vice Premier Liu He told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday as he invited “international friends” to visit the country.

China abruptly dropped its “zero-Covid” approach last month after three years of enforcing some of the harshest anti-pandemic restrictions in the world. Continued …

India set to overtake China as world’s most populous nation

India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country this year, even though its population growth has been slowing down, the United Nations says. India estimates its population at 1.38 billion, compared to China’s 1.4 billion. Continued … 

Vietnam president submits resignation over corruption accusations

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submitted his resignation after being found guilty of committing violations and wrongdoing against officials under him. The 68-year-old former prime minister only held the presidential position for two years. Speculation mounted after two deputy prime ministers were dismissed earlier this month. Continued … 

Economists slice growth outlook for ASEAN+3

China’s reopening should provide a timely boost to the ASEAN+3 region as the area’s economic growth was downgraded because of continuing weakness in China, Japan and South Korea, according to economists. Continued … 

45 dead, 20 missing as Ukraine ends tower block search

Rescuers called off the search Tuesday for victims of the Russian missile strike on an apartment building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, with 20 people still missing and funerals being held in the grief-stricken community. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, covid, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Jan 17

  • Thailand plans to extend 45-day visa-free stays until year end/
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan beach was the most searched for in Thailand in 2022/
  • EXAT ramps up Koh Samui bridge plan/
  • Will the driver’s license point system work?/
  • Three generals among 80 immigration police charged in triad visa scam/
  • Why house lizards have adapted to your home/
  • Thailand among 25 countries with least paid leave days/
  • Video: School teacher taken down by female gold shop staff after failed heist/
  • Southern Thai man strikes gold with rare cobra encounter/
  • Tanker explodes, 8 dock workers missing/
  • Gold price to reach eight-month high/
  • Tourism: China market poised to surge in Q4/This Is How Much Money You’ll Need Per Day In Thailand/Phuket’s new year tourist surge levels off/Dental tourism’s top destinations around the world/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand’s Dragon Temple Is Real, & Here’s How To Get There/Carpet of lilies lures visitors to Nong Han lake in Udon Thani/What Will You Learn At Thailand’s Sanctuary Of Truth?/
  • Covid: Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalizations drop, but deaths rise in 2nd week of 2023/Video: Will the Lunar New Year worsen China’s COVID surge?/
  • International: 73% of CEOs around the world say global economic growth will decline this year/Italy arrests Sicilian Mafia boss after 30 years on the run/Russian Strike On Ukraine Apartment Building Kills At Least 40/China’s population shrinks for first time since 1960/Runaway West Antarctic ice sheet collapse not ‘inevitable’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Thailand plans to extend 45-day visa-free stays until year end

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will propose extending the 45-day visa exemption on arrival policy until the end of the year to boost tourism recovery.

In September last year, Thailand’s Cabinet approved the temporary extension of visa on arrival and visa exemption on arrival for the high season.

Between Oct. 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023, foreign tourists arriving in Thailand are eligible to stay in the kingdom as follows depending on their passport country. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan beach was the most searched for in Thailand in 2022

Bo Thong Lang Bay beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan has been revealed as the most searched for in Thailand, according to data released by Google. The bay, which is located in Bang Saphan, received more direction requests than beaches located in provinces such as Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket. Part of the attraction of Bo Thong Lang Bay are the tiny islands located in the middle of the bay that appear during low tide, which also reveals the vast white sand beach. According to reviews, Bo Thong Lang Bay has a 4.5-star rating from more than 900 reviews. (HHT)

EXAT ramps up Koh Samui bridge plan

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is preparing to study the feasibility of building a bridge linking the mainland to Koh Samui.

EXAT Gov. Surachet Laophulsuk has visited the island to review information and inspect the proposed site for the bridge.

If the project clears the study and wins public approval, work is expected to begin in 2028 and finish two years later. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

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  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

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Will the driver’s license point system work?

A new hope in the effort to make Thailand’s roads safer, a demerit point system has been introduced by the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department.

These two major organizations will eventually connect their systems and attempt to curb traffic violations and dangerous driving, in the hope of increasing driver discipline on Thailand’s infamous roads. Video 

Three generals among 80 immigration police charged in triad visa scam

Over 80 Immigration police, including three holding the rank of major general, will be summoned for questioning for allegedly helping a group of Chinese gray capitalists reside in Thailand.

Deputy National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, whose nickname is Big Joke, said a meeting will be held this week on this case with two of the three major generals being fellow officers of the Royal Police Cadet Academy, Class 47, the same class as a deputy commissioner of police.

Initially, they will be charged with violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code for allegedly demanding or agreeing to accept assets or other benefits for oneself or others and wrongfully acting or not acting in keeping with their position. Continued …

Why house lizards have adapted to your home

House lizards that once lived in forests but now occupy urban areas are very familiar to anyone who lives in Thailand. House lizards are common throughout the tropics, but what makes one species into a house lizard and another … dead?

The Puerto Rican crested anole, a brown lizard with a bright orange throat fan, unique to the island, has sprouted special scales like a gecko to help cling to smooth surfaces like walls and windows and its legs have grown longer, making it faster across open areas, and harder for a cat to catch.

Kristin Winchell, a biology professor at New YorkUniversity, said, “We are watching evolution as it’s unfolding.” Continued …

Thailand among 25 countries with least paid leave days

Thailand is among a list of countries offering the least amount of days of paid leave and paid public holidays in the world, according to a new study by Resume.io.

No East/Southeast Asian country whatsoever made it into the top 25 countries with the most amount of paid public holidays and paid annual leave days.

Resume.io‘s study found out how much annual leave and paid public holidays are available on average in every country in 197 countries around the world. Continued …

Video: School teacher taken down by female gold shop staff after failed heist

Dramatic CCTV from two angles show a primary school teacher in Roi-Et, northeastern Thailand, trying to rob a gold shop.

It happened at the Yaowarat gold shop at the Rajabhat Roi-Et University at 10.30 am yesterday, a day off for many teachers being Teachers’ Day in Thailand.

CCTV from inside the shop showed a woman in lots of clothing. She then runs off with an item before CCTV from outside the shop shows a woman staffer kick the would-be robber off her escape motorcycle. Continued …

Southern Thai man strikes gold with rare cobra encounter

A rare golden cobra slithered into a rubber plantation in Satun province in southern Thailand on Thursday.

Sitthinai Soisuwan was walking in the rubber plantation behind his house in Satun province when he spotted an unusual golden snake. Sitthinai said the snake flared its hood and threatened him.

Captivated by its beauty, Sitthinai didn’t think about the snake’s potentially deadly venom and wrangled the snake, put it in a sack, and carried it home. He said he planned on raising the golden snake as a pet. Continued … 

Tanker explodes, 8 dock workers missing

Eight workers were missing and houses damaged after an empty oil tanker caught fire and exploded at a dockyard on the Mae Klong river in Muang district on Tuesday morning.

The explosion aboard the tanker Smooth Sea 22 was reported to police about 9.17am.

The tanker, which has a capacity of 6,500 deadweight tons, was undergoing regular maintenance at Ruammitr Dockyard in tambon Laem Yai. Its tanks were empty. Continued …

Gold price to reach eight-month high

The price of gold is expected to reach an eight-month high of US$950 an ounce this week on looming fears of a global recession after the latest U.S. inflation rate fell to 6.5%, said SET-listed Hua Seng Heng Gold Futures.

Gold prices closed $23.50 higher on Friday, touching their highest level since April 2022 at $921.80, thanks to a weak dollar.

As U.S. inflation eased to 6.55% in December, from 7.1% previously, the market expects the Federal Reserve (Fed) to slow down interest rate hikes. Continued …

China market poised to surge in Q4

Luxury hotel operators are expecting the Chinese market to pick up stronger late this year, as there were no notable bookings from the mainland in the first quarter.

Ho Ren Yung, senior vice president of brand and commercial at Banyan Tree Group, said the company has seen an increase in bookings driven by Chinese tourists from February, particularly the high end and luxury segment, as well as business travelers.

However, Ho, the daughter of Banyan Tree’s founders, said the group still maintains a conservative forecast that the Chinese market will come back strongly in the fourth quarter. Continued …

This Is How Much Money You’ll Need Per Day In Thailand

Thailand is a travel destination that doesn’t disappoint. It’s a place where one can expect to experience a total cultural immersion through its sumptuous local dishes, majestic Buddhist monasteries, and pompous festivals like the Songkran.

There are also stunning white beaches, turquoise waters, and never-ending parties. Whether one is looking for luxurious or budget travel, Thailand has it all. Mostly, it’s a destination known to be popular among backpackers looking to explore the countries of Southeast Asia.

It is definitely a pocket-friendly country, where one can expect to find cheap or free activities. Also, the transportation system is pretty convenient, and there are always many options to look at when moving around. Continued …

Phuket’s new year tourist surge levels off

Figures from Phuket’s Immigration Office indicate that the huge surge of tourists into Phuket has leveled off after the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

From Dec. 25 to this week, the daily arrival numbers have hovered between 9,500 and 12,900 people. But the average has “flatlined” since Dec. 15 last year, although there is no clear sign of the daily arrivals dropping at this stage, although the graph at the bottom of the information suggests a mild softening in demand since New Year.

Again, the Russian arrivals are, by far, the most numbers of the nationalities flying into Phuket at this time, almost three times more numerous as the second highest population of arrivals from India. The figures, below, show arrival numbers from the start of November up to Jan. 14. Continued …

Dental tourism’s top destinations around the world

Due to the high cost of dental treatments in some countries, many people can’t have access to appropriate oral health and that reflects in the number of cases of tooth loss and other oral diseases. This is the main reason why people have decided to travel to another country to get the oral care they need but spend less money.

Of course, this has also been an opportunity for the countries that receive tourists that are seeking medical attention. Some countries are now well-known for the great service they offer and the prices of the different treatments, which are usually considerably less expensive than in the patient’s local dental clinic.

Thailand has always been an amazing destination to enjoy a good vacation on its beautiful beaches, but when tourists discovered the quality and great prices of its dental clinics, it became one of the most popular countries for dental tourism. Continued …

Thailand’s Dragon Temple Is Real, & Here’s How To Get There

Travelers have always enjoyed a love affair with Thailand — a country famed for its delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, breathtaking palm-lined white-sand beaches, and glistening turquoise waters.

Whether visiting the country’s famed southern islands of Koh Phi Phi to savor their paradisical experiences or adventuring in the Thai capital, Bangkok, “The Land of Smiles” ticks every tourist box, from relaxing island pastimes and immersive cultural activities to action-packed extreme sports.

There’s plenty to experience for travelers visiting Bangkok, from eating one’s way through the city and sampling the energetic nightlife to visiting the bustling local markets full of delicious delicacies, handicrafts, and apparel. However, out of the many things to do in Bangkok (especially if visitors only have a couple of days), touring the city’s numerous beautiful temples always comes top of the list. Continued … 

Carpet of lilies lures visitors to Nong Han lake in Udon Thani

Pink lilies that blanket Nong Han lake in Kumphawapi district of Udon Thani province are in full bloom to welcome visitors until March this year.

The lake has seen a surge in visitors after CNN included it on its list of the 15 strangest lakes of the world in 2014.

The lake covers more than 22,500 rai (3,600 hectares) and is the second-largest freshwater lake in the Northeast. The lake also is a nurturing habitat for a range of fish, birds and aquatic plants. Continued …

What Will You Learn At Thailand’s Sanctuary Of Truth?

There are many interesting tours to experience when visiting Thailand, like taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok to relish some mouth-watering Thai dishes or indulging in extreme sports such as skydiving, which is not necessarily the typical thing to do when visiting this popular destination.

But those who wish to learn more about the cultural side cannot skip visiting Thailand’s Sanctuary of Truth, since it’s a place where one can experience the aesthetic side of Thai architecture and history.

Nestled in the north of Pattaya, facing the Gulf of Thailand in Naklua, the magnificent Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden structure that comprises a temple, a museum, an art gallery, and a workshop. There are some intricate wooden designs of fine figures, and what makes it unique is that not even a metal nail was used in its construction. The highest point of the structure is 105 meters high and stands against the backdrop of the sea, making it a perfect place to visit and take wonderful pictures. Continued …

Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalizations drop, but deaths rise in 2nd week of 2023

Though fewer people have been hospitalized for Covid-19 during the second week of this year, the number of deaths has risen, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Monday.

According to DDC, 969 people were hospitalized for Covid between Jan. 8 and 14, averaging 138 patients per day. This was slightly lower than the 997 patients hospitalized in the week of Jan. 1-7, which averaged about 142 patients per day.

So far this year, 1,966 patients have been admitted to hospital for Covid-19 symptoms. Continued …

Video: Will the Lunar New Year worsen China’s COVID surge?

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. But with droves of city dwellers finally heading back to their rural hometowns for the holiday after three years of lockdowns, there are fears that the COVID outbreak raging in that country will overwhelm those smaller communities. – Reuters

73% of CEOs around the world say global economic growth will decline this year

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of CEOs say global economic growth will decline over the next 12 months, according to PwC’s 26th annual Global CEO Survey, which polled 4,410 CEOs in 105 countries and territories in October and November 2022. Continued …

Italy arrests Sicilian Mafia boss after 30 years on the run

Italy’s No. 1 fugitive, convicted Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, was arrested on Monday at a private clinic in Palermo, Sicily, after 30 years on the run, Italian paramilitary police said. Continued …

Russian Strike On Ukraine Apartment Building Kills At Least 40

The death toll from a weekend Russian missile strike on an apartment building in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro has risen to 40, authorities said Monday, as Western analysts pointed to indications the Kremlin was preparing for a drawn-out war in Ukraine after almost 11 months of fighting. Continued ,,,

China’s population shrinks for first time since 1960

China’s population shrank last year for the first time in more than six decades, official data showed Tuesday, as the world’s most populous nation faces a looming demographic crisis. Continued …

Runaway West Antarctic ice sheet collapse not ‘inevitable’

The runaway collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet — which would trigger catastrophic sea level rise – is not “inevitable”, scientists said Monday following research that tracked the region’s recent response to climate change. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 16

  • Cool temperatures in most of Thailand forecast for next week/
  • Starting a Business in Thailand: Legalities, Financing, and Market Research/
  • Thais warned against becoming foreigners’ nominees in businesses/
  • All you need to know about Thailand’s Education Visa/
  • Don’t Rush To Open A Legal Casino In Thailand: Academic/
  • China’s reopening lifts Thai export sector, but recovery is fragile/
  • Evaluating the China effect on Thailand’s economy/
  • Infrastructure outlays to underpin growth/
  • PTTEP commits to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050/
  • Tourism: Suvarnabhumi Expects 140,000 Daily During Chinese New Year/First Cruise to Koh Samui in 2023 Expected to Generate 5 Million Baht/Bangkok’s most famous weekend market – Chatuchak – is bustling again/No Suspected Sex Workers Found During Pattaya Inspection, Say Police/Foreign tourist goes on rampage in Pattaya 7-Eleven/TAT introduces “The Michelin Experience@Isan/This year, eat your way through Thailand and Southeast Asia/
  • Covid: China reports nearly 60,000 Covid-related deaths in a month/
  • International: At least 68 dead in Nepal plane crash/NATO hints at more heavy weapons for Ukraine/Americans are flocking to Mexico/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Cool temperatures in most of Thailand forecast for next week

A high-pressure system from China and the South China Sea will bring cold, strong winds to upper Thailand, pulling the temperature down by several degrees for most of next week.

“The temperature will drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in the Northeast,” the Thai Meteorological Department said on Sunday. Temperatures in the North, East and Central regions, including Greater Bangkok, will drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, isolated heavy rain has been forecast for the South, as the northeast monsoon across the Gulf of Thailand and the South will strengthen. Flash floods and runoffs have also been predicted, while waves in the upper Gulf are expected to be about 2 meters high and higher in thundershowers. Continued … 

Starting a Business in Thailand: Legalities, Financing, and Market Research

Starting a business in a foreign country can be an exciting but daunting task. Thailand is no exception, with its unique laws and regulations that must be adhered to before any business can begin operations.

This article will provide an overview of the process for starting a business in Thailand, including researching the business environment, identifying your target market, securing financing, choosing a business structure, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits.

The first step in getting started is to do some research on the business environment in Thailand. This includes understanding the legal and regulatory framework that governs businesses in the country. It is important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to the type of business you plan to set up and make sure you are compliant. Additionally, it is helpful to identify opportunities for entrepreneurship in the Thai market, such as potential partnerships or investment opportunities. Continued …

Thais warned against becoming foreigners’ nominees in businesses

Thai people who allow their names to be used by foreigners as nominees to open businesses reserved for Thai nationals may face prison terms of three years and/or a fine of between 100,000 baht and a million baht, said Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Business Development Department.

He said that foreigners are not allowed to open businesses selling food or drinks, as he responded to reports that Chinese businessmen had purchased a number of food shops in the Chinatown area.

He explained that foreigners who want to open a food shop must get a permission from the Business Development Department, adding that Thai people who co-invest with foreign partners in such business must show their bank accounts, to prove that they have the financial resources to invest and are not just acting as a nominee. Continued …

All you need to know about Thailand’s Education Visa

There are many ways to stay in Thailand legally for an extended period of time. One way is through the Education Visa or ED Visa. Video 

Don’t Rush To Open A Legal Casino In Thailand: Academic

A prominent academic warned that there are both pros and cons to the proposal to open a legal casino in the country but this project should not be rushed and only implemented after effective law enforcement and reforms are in place.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a full report by a special committee on setting up a casino and entertainment complex in the country by a 310 to nine vote.

Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor were cited in the final report as suitable sites for the casino and entertainment complex, but earlier Pattaya, Koh Samui and elsewhere in the provinces were also mentioned. Continued …

China’s reopening lifts Thai export sector, but recovery is fragile

The reopening of China will benefit Thailand’s key export sector but the recovery remains fragile, experts say.

China, Thailand’s second-largest export market after the U.S., lifted border restrictions on Jan. 8, spurring hopes of economic and trade recovery.

Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) Director Poonpong Naiyanapakorn expects the country’s reopening to boost Thailand’s export sector, led by shipments of fruit, food and beverages, and fashion items. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Evaluating the China effect on Thailand’s economy

One-third of the world economy may slide into a recession this year, but the outlook for China remains murkier.

The gloomy economic forecast was made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), based on concerns over an economic slowdown in the U.S., the EU and China, but some analysts say 2023 will be a year of economic recovery for the world’s second-largest economy.

A mélange of factors, including a surge in Covid-19 infections in China and Beijing’s monetary policy and decision to reopen the country for cross-border travel, have analysts predicting Thailand will both gain benefits and face new challenges this year. Continued … 

Infrastructure outlays to underpin growth

The government aims to accelerate state investment this year to provide a tailwind to propel economic growth momentum.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he expects the economy to expand 3%-4% in 2023, with growth driven by the government’s plan to speed up state investment in key infrastructure projects.

According to Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-general Pornchai Thiraveja, state agencies set a combined investment budget of 664 billion baht in fiscal 2023, accounting for 20.9% of total state spending. Continued …

PTTEP commits to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

PTTEP aims to reduce the intensity of GHG emissions by 30% in 2030 and 50% in 2040, with the ultimate target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 from 2020 base year.

In Q1/2022, PTTEP achieved the previous target of 25% GHG emissions intensity reduction from 2012 base year, equivalent to one-year CO2 sequestration of 3.15 MM Rais of medium-sized slow-growing native trees, which is eight years ahead of the set target. – Bangkok Post

Suvarnabhumi Expects 140,000 Daily During Chinese New Year

Suvarnabhumi Airport is preparing for higher passenger numbers ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays, projecting up to 140,000 daily arrivals.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said the airport anticipates around 1.8 million people to use its services during Chinese New Year celebrations from Jan. 16-28, or about 139,000 passengers per day. During that time, some 1.3 million people are expected to use the airport’s international terminal, along with 454,000 domestic passengers.

The general manager noted that the airport has integrated with related agencies in anticipation of the increase in travelers during this period in order to efficiently facilitate the influx. Officials will implement measures to accommodate the higher numbers, such as adding check-in stations to reduce airport congestion for departures. Continued …

First Cruise to Koh Samui in 2023 Expected to Generate 5 Million Baht

The luxury liner Mein Schiff 5 recently arrived in Koh Samui, becoming the first luxury cruise ship to the island this year. Over 3,000 tourists from Europe visited the island from the ship in a single day for sightseeing and shopping, generating an estimated 5 million baht for the island.

Koh SamuiMayor Chayapon Intarasupa said tourism businesses had the opportunity to welcome the passengers of the Mein Schiff 5, which sailed from Vietnam and docked at Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier on Jan. 14. The passengers visited local communities and tourist attractions on the island, as locals were celebrating Children’s Day, making for a lively atmosphere. Continued …

Bangkok’s most famous weekend market – Chatuchak – is bustling again

The number of shoppers at Bangkok’s Chatuchak weekend market is rising every weekend and vendors are stocking up in anticipation of a surge of Chinese shoppers next weekend.

Shoppers are still pouring in despite an expected drop following the New Year break, a clothing vendor said on Saturday.

The market will see more shoppers, including many Chinese tourists, next weekend, the vendor said, noting that it coincides with the Chinese New Year on Jan. 22. Continued …

No Suspected Sex Workers Found During Pattaya Inspection, Say Police

Pattaya Tourist Police were satisfied after finding no illegal prostitutes during yesterday’s tour around risky spots.

The inspection, which aimed to stifle illegal prostitution and came after complaints from concerned citizens claiming prostitutes were operating in Pattaya, took place at midnight on Jan. 14 and was led by Lt. Col. Pichaya Kheawpluang.

The police patrolled around risky spots such as Beach Road and Walking Street to look for suspects and put flyers on venues’ front gates to warn tourists to “Be aware of their belongings and don’t trust strangers.” Continued …

Foreign tourist goes on rampage in Pattaya 7-Eleven

A foreign national was arrested after he went on a convenience store rampage early this morning in the beachside city Pattaya and has so far refused to cooperate with police.

At 4am, Pattaya police were alerted to a tourist who entered a 7-Eleven on Walking Street, where he proceeded to destroy merchandise and ran into the glass door, shattering it with his body.

The man also injured store cashier Kanya Inpanon, who was cut with the broken glass. When a motorbike taxi named Naranon tried to stop him, the tourist head-butted him. Continued … 

TAT introduces “The Michelin Experience@Isan

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is introducing “The Michelin Experience@Isan” activity to promote Thai-Isan food culture and congratulate 33 entries from four representative cities of the Northeast or “Isan” region included in the Bib Gourmand list in the new MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 edition.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said, “Thailand’s fantastic culinary scene indeed helps strengthen the kingdom’s status as a world-class dining destination. Food also forms part of the kingdom’s soft-power foundations that continue to be highlighted in the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023 Amazing New Chapters’ campaign.”

With Northeast Thailand featured for the first time, The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 now features 441 dining venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phuket and Phang-nga, and four in the Isan provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani. Continued … 

This year, eat your way through Thailand and Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries have always had vibrant gastronomic scenes. This is evident in the never-ending stream of tourists who visit Southeast Asian countries, particularly for the food.

In 2023, gastronomy tourism is said to be one of the big trends in travel. Let’s check out what’s in store for tourists who come to Thailand, as well as some of our neighboring countries, to feast on our delicious fare.

Thai food has been a top destination choice for foodies for many years now. There’s a wide variety of cheap, fresh and delicious food available throughout the country – you can never go hungry in Thailand! The vibrant and dynamic street markets offer curious foodies a chance to feast on many delicacies, including deep-fried insects (if you’re into these kinds of things, that is). Continued …

China reports nearly 60,000 Covid-related deaths in a month

China’s health authorities on Saturday reported almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released by the government since the loosening of its virus restrictions in early December.

China recorded 59,938 Covid-related deaths between Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 12 this year, Jiao Yahui, head of the Bureau of Medical Administration under the National Health Commission, told a press conference.

The figure refers only to deaths recorded at medical facilities, with the total toll likely to be higher. Continued … 

At least 68 dead in Nepal plane crash

Sixty-eight deaths were confirmed and four people were missing after a plane crashed Sunday in a Nepal ravine, the wreckage burning so hot that rescue workers were unable to aid at least one screaming victim. Continued … 

NATO hints at more heavy weapons for Ukraine

Kyiv can expect more deliveries of heavy weapons from Western countries soon, NATO said Sunday, as President Vladimir Putin praised his forces after their claimed capture of a Ukraine town. Continued … 

Americans are flocking to Mexico

For more than a decade, Marcos Del Rosario Santiago has lived in la Roma — at the time an up and coming neighborhood in the west side of Mexico City. But Del Rosario has seen a shift in his neighborhood. More Airbnbs are popping up after those living in apartments, some who have had to already have three or four roommates, could no longer afford to live there. At his local panadería, where he often orders a coffee and pan dulce, he used to only hear people order in Spanish, even if they were not Mexican. Now, he said he’s seeing and hearing more foreigners order in English. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s News-Jan 14

  • Today is Chilrden’s Day in Thailand/
  • Bangkok urologist at Be Well Clinic Jan 18/
  • Chiva-Som Hua Hin Appoints Patience Sangwa as Resident Naturopath/
  • Will Thailand’s new residency visa achieve results?/
  • Thai lawmakers endorse study on legalizing casinos/
  • Nearly 9,000 Holiday Traffic Offenders To Be Put on Probation/
  • Thai beauty queen wows with gown made from pull tabs/
  • Pension for elderly raise proposed to 3,000 baht a month/
  • Thailand to nominate King Bhumibol as a UNESCO World Eminent Personality/
  • Bangkok taxi fares increase for first time in 8 years/
  • Electric tuk-tuk innovator MuvMi to triple fleet as demand soars/
  • Thai power generator to adopt green fuels, technologies/
  • From Ancient to Modern: The Cannabis Tale of Thailand/
  • US weed giant to open Bangkok store/
  • Tourism: PKK to focus on places of worship, sacred religious sites in new tourism campaign/Will Thailand’s 300-baht tourist fee apply to expats?/TAT working on increasing flights, longer visa on arrival/
  • Thailand Experience: Exploring the Chinese New Year/Sustainability In Action: The Karen People’s Farming System/
  • International: Ant farms turn from science project to new agri-business in Cambodia/Steven Spielberg wins big as Golden Globes make comeback/Promised tanks a logistical challenge for Ukraine/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Today is Chilrden’s Day in Thailand’s

Today is Thai Children’s Day. Bumper crowds are expected after the popular event, which sees state organizations fling open their doors to parents and their kids, was canceled for the last two years in the pandemic.

A police spokeswoman said they were concerned about parents losing their children in the big crowds and had five recommendations for the public, including advice on “sharenting”. Continued …

Bangkok urologist at Be Well Clinic Jan 18

Hua Hin’s Be Well Clinic will host visiting urologist Dr. Isares Saisorn from Samitivej Hospital Bangkok on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

He will be scheduling appointments for those suffering from changes in bladder functionality or urine, and lower abdomen or pain in the groin region.

To make an appointment: Tel. 02 111 6644; email – info@bewell.co.th, web.

Chiva-Som Hua Hin Appoints Patience Sangwa as Resident Naturopath

Chiva-Som Hua Hin has launched an online naturopathic and nutritional consultation program specifically for children.

The program, which will be headed by naturopathic doctor Patience Sangwa, has been designed to provide parents much-needed information on anything that concerns their child, such as nutrition and sleep, as well as mental and physical development.

Patience, a board-certified naturopath with the Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa, completed dual bachelor’s degrees in complementary ehalth sciences and naturopathy at the University of the Western Cape before undergoing clinical training in Cape Town.

As resident naturopath at Chiva-Som, Patience will investigate the hindrances to the well-being of guests and enable them to get closer to their health goals by looking at nutrition, mental health, sleep practices, physical activity and lifestyle habits. – travelnewsasia.com

Will Thailand’s new residency visa achieve results?

On Sept. 1, 2022, Thailand introduced a new long-term resident (LTR) visa program. The program offers a 10-year renewable visa and a range of tax and non-tax benefits to four distinct categories of foreigners. These are wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals.

Thailand’s Board of Investment contends the LTR program will attract wealthy, “high-potential” and talented individuals, who, in turn, will stimulate economic growth, through innovation, investment and domestic spending. Thailand’s government has set a target of attracting one million foreigners into the program over the next five years.

This target seems overly optimistic. The LTR visa enters a highly competitive global industry of long-term and second-home visa programs because of its focus on attracting wealthy global citizens. But it is difficult to envisage why applicants would invest at least US$500,000 in Thai property or low-yield Thai government bonds to be approved for this visa if they are expected to hold US$1 million in assets. Continued … 

Thai lawmakers endorse study on legalizing casinos

Thailand’s lower House endorsed a feasibility study on legalizing casinos on Thursday, as the country seeks tax and tourism revenue to boost economic recovery from Covid-19.

The study report was produced by a special House committee and will now be sent to Cabinet for consideration.

The committee plans to ask the government to legalize casinos in five regions, aiming to increase state income from tax while suppressing illegal gambling dens. The five locations targeted for legal casinos are: Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Phang-nga or Krabi. Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani or Khon Kaen. and Greater Bangkok. Continued … 

Nearly 9,000 Holiday Traffic Offenders To Be Put on Probation

Thai police announced that they will put traffic offenders in 8,923 cases caught nationwide during the New Year period on probation, said Weerakit Hanpariphan, director-general of the Probation Department.

Weerakit revealed that the majority of the offenses recorded during the Seven Days of Danger road safety campaign from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 were related to drink driving, which accounted for over 8,567 cases or 96%, followed by driving under the influence of illegal drugs, with 335 cases or 3.8%, and reckless driving with 21 cases or 0.2%.

The three provinces with the highest number of road accidents were Roi Et with 469 cases, Samut Prakan with 388 cases, and Nonthaburi with 364 cases. Continued …

Thai beauty queen wows with gown made from pull tabs

Anna Sueangam-iam, who won the Miss Universe Thailand crown last year, was a sparkling sensation as she sashayed out on stage in a dress fashioned from pull tabs. The dress for the 2022 Miss Universe preliminary round was created as a tribute to her parents, who worked as waste collectors, and to showcase her eco-activism. The “Hidden Precious Diamond Dress”, fashioned from pull tabs and embellished with Swarovski diamonds, was created by Thai designer Arif Jehwang. The preliminary and national attire rounds for the 71st Miss Universe 2022 were held on Thursday in New Orleans. The 2022 Miss Universe will be crowned on Sunday at 8am Thailand time. (The Nation)

Pension for elderly raise proposed to 3,000 baht a month

Senior citizens should receive a universal pension of 3,000 baht per month to ease their financial burden, activists and academics said at a forum.

Four Regions Slum Network representative Nuken Inthachan was one of those calling for the government to revise its old age monthly allowance as a universal pension and lift it to 3,000 baht a month.

“The existing 600 to 1,000 baht subsidy for senior citizens is barely enough, even with them finding supplementary income themselves,” he said. Continued …

Thailand to nominate King Bhumibol as a UNESCO World Eminent Personality

Thailand’s Ministry of Education is preparing to propose His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the ninth monarch of Thailand, to the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s world eminent personalities, coinciding with the centennial anniversary of King Bhumibol’s birth in 2027.

The nomination aims at honoring his countless achievements, which impacted not only the country but also the world community.

A committee will be set up in charge of collecting all relevant information regarding King Bhumibol’s royal projects, in accordance with the UNESCO criteria, before submitting it to UNESCO by Dec. 1, 2024. Continued …

Bangkok taxi fares increase for first time in 8 years

A taxi fare rise for the first time in eight years took effect for taxis in Bangkok on Friday as Prime Minister Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha ordered relevant agencies to assess its impact on people.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the prime minister was concerned about impacts on the general public, so he instructed many agencies, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, to monitor the impacts on people and the economy in general. and to propose proper economic measures to alleviate those impacts, particularly during the transition period.

At the same time, he realized the hardship of taxi drivers, affected by the rising cost of living and energy prices. It is the first fare rise in eight years to help them, the spokesman said. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Electric tuk-tuk innovator MuvMi to triple fleet as demand soars

Thai startup MuvMi will nearly triple the number of its electric tuk-tuks this year from 350 to 1,000 due to rising demand for rides in vehicles, said the CEO of its parent company, Urban Mobility Tech.

Krisada Kritayakirana, who is also the co-founder of Urban Mobility Tech, told a press conference on Friday that demand for rides in electric tuk-tuks is growing in tandem with the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand.

“Our initial goal is to provide environmentally friendly vehicles for city dwellers who struggle to find public transportation after departing skytrain, subway, and bus stations,” he said. Continued …

Thai power generator to adopt green fuels, technologies

Electricity Generating Plc (Egco), a power generation arm of state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is planning to adopt green fuels and technologies to better manage electricity generation, part of efforts to achieve a carbon neutrality goal by 2050.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday with JERA Asia Pte, a subsidiary of JERA Inc. – Japan’s largest power company – to jointly conduct a study on ways to decarbonize Egco’s businesses by using hydrogen and ammonia as fuels, as well as adopting carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology. Continued … 

From Ancient to Modern: The Cannabis Tale of Thailand

On June 9, 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia — and only the third in the world, after Canada and Uruguay — to decriminalize cannabis nationwide. But did you know that cannabis was not always illegal in Thailand? In this video, we give you a brief history of cannabis in Thailand, as well as experts giving us more information on the present situation of cannabis in Thailand. Continued …

US weed giant to open Bangkok store

After months of delay, one of America’s most popular weed brands is landing in Bangkok later this month.

Jan. 21 has been set for the opening date of Cookies in Bangkok’s Soi Ruamrudee, about four months after it was originally expected.

The San Francisco-based weed giant even invited a Buddhist monk to come over and bless the new storefront, where visitors will be able to buy cannabis alongside clothing and fashion accessories such as smell-proof backpacks, sweaters, and baseball caps. Continued … 

PKK to focus on places of worship, sacred religious sites in new tourism campaign

Some of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s most sacred buildings and religious sites are to take center stage in the province’s latest tourism campaign, officials have announced.

The new campaign will offer tourists information on places of worship that they can visit and pay their respects to, while at the same time experiencing local cultures and traditions in each district of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The year-long promotional campaign will shine a light on the province’s most spectacular and significant religious sites and centuries-old temples, as well as some little unknown cultural attractions and far-flung places of worship. Continued …

Will Thailand’s 300-baht tourist fee apply to expats?

After years of false starts, Thailand is about to start slapping fees on every arriving tourist, a measure being adopted in the post-pandemic era in countries ranging from Brussels and Oslo to the Maldives.

While various fees have been considered and rejected over the years, officials began beating the drum last year for a THB300 fee that would offset tourist healthcare costs and be reinvested in tourism development. That’s now set to take effect in June.

There are still five months for them to reconsider: Arrival fees for travelers have been proposed numerous times in years past, only to be abandoned or shelved under criticism, such as a THB360 “tourism maintenance fee” proposed by the tourism authority in 2016. Indeed, the fee was supposed to happen nine months ago. Continued …

TAT working on increasing flights, longer visa on arrival

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to increase the number of flights in a bid to boost tourism during the high season.

“The flight load capacity must reach 90 percent during the high season this year,” TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Friday. The high season in Thailand is from November to March.

He added that Chinese authorities have requested information from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to boost the number of flights to 2019 levels, before the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued … 

Exploring the Chinese New Year traditions in Thailand

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, has been celebrated in Thailand for centuries by the country’s Chinese-Thai community. The festival typically takes place in January or February and is a time for families to come together, clean their homes, and decorate with red lanterns and other symbols of good luck.

Traditional activities include lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money to children. Chinese New Year is also an important time for businesses, as it is considered a peak shopping season.

In recent years, Chinese New Year celebrations have become more popular among the general population in Thailand and are now celebrated by people of all backgrounds. Continued … 

Khao Sok National Park

3 Thailand locations for the eco-conscious travelers to explore this year

Sustainable tourism is predicted to be the biggest trend for the global travel industry in 2023. This is due to the environmental and social pressures calling for responsible living in communities worldwide.

According to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand London office, Sadudee Sangnil, Thailand is fully on board with the global shift toward more responsible travel practices.

“Eco-tourism reaps multiple benefits for travelers, local communities and the environment. It also provides countries like Thailand with the opportunity to build its economy in a way that will preserve its natural resources, landscapes, wildlife and people for future generations to experience and enjoy,” said Sangnil. Continued …

Sustainability In Action: The Karen People’s Farming System

For 2,000 years, the Karen people in northern Thailand have practiced a form of long-term rotational farming that allows the land to recover, then thrive, ready for the next harvest.

This practice lies at the heart of the way the people of the Hin Lad Nai community in the hills of Chiang-rai province manage natural resources. The philosophy of sustainable management is captured in a poem that says, “Auf hti K’tau hti, auf kauj k’ tauz kauj, auf deif k’ tauz lei, auf nyaf k’ tauz kwiv” (use water care of rivers, use land care of forest, use/eat frogs care of cliff and use/eat fishes care of water sources).

The system of fallow, or “rational farming cycle”, allows an area to regenerate for seven to 10 years, then the farmers cultivate it again for one year. After harvesting, they let the field become fallow again for another seven to 10 years while it regenerates. Continued …

Ant farms turn from science project to new agri-business in Cambodia

Forest-dwelling weaver ants are a common species in Cambodia and are often employed as a tasty addition to many traditional dishes like some sour soups, or prahok. They are usually collected wild from the countryside, but one enterprising woman has discovered how to raise them commercially. Continued … 

Steven Spielberg wins big as Golden Globes make comeback

Steven Spielberg claimed top honors, including best drama, at the Golden Globes on Tuesday for his deeply personal film “The Fabelmans,” as Hollywood’s A-list stars flocked to the first major awards show of the year despite a series of scandals swirling around its organizers. Continued … 

Promised tanks a logistical challenge for Ukraine

The imminent arrival in Ukraine of Western-made light tanks and armored vehicles, as well as possibly heavy tanks, means Kyiv will need to quickly train up troops to use and maintain the sometimes complex equipment, analysts say. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

baht, bangkok, cha am, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Jan 13

  • Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain tomorrow/Foreign husband in Cha Am dies after saving Thai wife learner driver/Illegal pork import gets destroyed in Cha Am/Chula develops blood test for markers of Alzheimer’s 10 years before onset/Parliament study a blueprint for legalizing casinos minus controls: NGO/Corruption investigation leaves some Thai immigration officials in hot water/Thai economy up against it in 2023 despite the Chinese tourist hype/Merged True-DTAC to be called True Corp/Baht surges to its strongest level in 10 months/Australian Woman Runs Over, Kills Street Painter in Pattaya/Thailand’s birth rate falls to 71-year low, sparking alarm/2-meter tapeworm found in Thai man who eats raw meat/
  • Tourism: Hua Hin: City of Happiness?/PKK names 8 districts for tourism promotion/Foreigners Sought Who Allegedly Attacked Thai Tourists on Samui Island/Foreign Doctor on Vacation Rescues Russian Lady from Drowning at Patong Beach/5 foreign tourists injured as vehicle topples down ravine in Chiang Rai; driver dead/Foreign tourist breaks back at Pai waterfall/Phuket officials quash plans for floating beach club/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai herbs and natural remedies for common ailments/Where to shop for affordable healthy food in Bangkok/
  • Covid: Thailand clarifies all measures to control Covid as tourism surges/Seniors urged to get two booster jabs this year/
  • International: Study linking asthma and cooking gas stirs debate/Scientists sound alarm as ocean temperatures hit new record/Putin signals impatience over Ukraine war in commander switch/Chinese cities to pay people to have children/Tell-all book ‘Spare’ sells record 1.4M copies on day one/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Swedish group to play free concert at Black Mountain tomorrow

Popular Swedish band Duo Jag will perform in a free concert at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday.

The group will perform favorite hit songs from all genres of music from recent years.

Foreign husband in Cha Am dies after saving Thai wife learner driver

A husband from Myanmar has died after helping his Thai wife escape death after she reversed into a 10-meter deep pond in front of their house at a Cha- Am housing estate.

Naimo, 39, had decided to let his learner driver wife Noranat, 41, reverse out of their home in Ban Nong Yao, Khao Yai subdistrict.

She later admitted she was not a good driver and she accidentally panicked in reverse by stepping on the accelerator. Continued …

Illegal pork import gets destroyed in Cha Am

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives buried more than 700,000 kilograms of smuggled pork meat and entrails in Petchaburi province’s Cha Am district yesterday.

According to Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, the 723,786kg of smuggled pork — worth 123 million baht — was the largest load of illegal meat ever destroyed by the authorities.

The idea of burying pork came from the World Organization for Animal Health. The method was touted as the safest, cheapest, and most effective eco-friendly method that the authorities can use. Continued …

Chula develops blood test for markers of Alzheimer’s 10 years before onset

The Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Center at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, has unveiled research on a blood test for markers of Alzheimer’s that can give a 10-year warning. The test may enable people to slow the development of dementia in old age.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that many people pray that they or their loved ones do not experience. But looking at today’s social context, there’s no denying that the disease is more relevant to us than it seems because it usually manifests itself when we are 60 years old and above. The fact that we are in an aging society, dementia, therefore, becomes more common.

Currently, 50 million people are suffering from dementia around the world. In Thailand, there are 700 thousand such patients, 500 thousand of which suffer from Alzheimer’s. Continued …

Parliament study a blueprint for legalizing casinos minus controls: NGO

An NGO has slammed the Thai Parliament’s study on entertainment complexes as a blueprint for legalizing casinos that ignores damage to society from legalized gambling.

Thanakorn Khomkris, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, said that about 95% of the report focuses on how to legalize and collect revenues from casinos, while only 5% is devoted to other entertainment-complex businesses such as hotels, theme parks, sports arenas, and shopping malls.

“This shows that the study aims to highlight the pros of legalizing casinos in Thailand, while many important topics have been omitted, such as prevention of money laundering and other criminal activities, and the impact of legalized gambling on society,” he said on Thursday. Continued …

Corruption investigation leaves some Thai immigration officials in hot water

A corruption investigation has left some Thai immigration officials in hot water over their alleged involvement in helping Chinese businessmen. Senior Immigration Bureau investigators say they found clear evidence that some officers are helping foreign criminals by serving as owners of foundations that provided visas to Chinese nationals.

According to reports, one of the foundations had its headquarters in a chicken coop, which is clearly the wrong location for a foundation office. Further findings revealed schools applying for visas for such Chinese nationals, as well as falsification of signatures by a deputy governor.

The investigation found some IB officers using a fake foundation to hire agents to falsify visa documents. Police are expected to summon the accused officers, who range from station heads and commanders to officers. Continued …

Thai economy up against it in 2023 despite the Chinese tourist hype

Thailand’s economy in 2023 is already facing challenges and mired in difficulty despite the resumption of the Chinese tourist trade, with the country recording a current account deficit in November. A sharp drop in exports in the last three months of 2022 culminated in a 7.5% dive in December.

These latest figures have led to a revised GDP growth for the last quarter of the year, down from 4.5% to 2.5%. The downturn in the manufacturing and export sector, which accounts for 60% of the economy, is coming with the government seeking to fund a ฿3.34 trillion budget announced on Thursday for the year ahead, while seeking to control public sector debt, including short-term liabilities of ฿250 billion incurred to tamp down inflation last year, money that is owed to the country’s oil fund and electricity generation firms.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and key ministers attended a ceremony at Government House on Thursday where the budget to 2024 was unveiled totaling ฿3.34 trillion in expenditure. General Prayut pointed out that the government would have to find the tax revenue to fund the budget and referred to the ongoing economic recovery, particularly in the foreign tourism sector. Continued …

Merged True-DTAC to be called True Corp

The boards of the telecom operators True Corp.oration and Total Access Communication (DTAC) have agreed to call their merged company True Corporation.

A joint shareholders’ meeting will be held on Feb. 23 to approve the new corporate structure and other details related to the amalgamation, the companies said in statements to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Thursday.

The merger, to be completed within the first quarter of this year, will result in the creation of a telecom giant with a total of 55 million mobile subscribers, compared with 45 million for the current market leader Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS). Continued …

Baht surges to its strongest level in 10 months

The bath strengthened to 33.06 per United States dollar this morning, the highest level in 10 months, according to Kasikorn Research Center (KRC).

The Thai currency appreciated from 33.36 to the dollar when the market closed on Thursday, center research executive Kanchana Chokpaisarnsilp said. Continued …

Australian Woman Runs Over, Kills Street Painter in Pattaya

An Australian driver accidentally ran over a street painter on the job and killed him in Pattaya Wednesday.

The victim, Prasit Kabphet, was painting the road at the entrance of Wongamat Residence Condominium in Soi 16 in the Naklua subdistrict, Banglamung district, Chonburi.

CCTV footage discovered that the 62-year-old Australian, Michelle Ann Eddy, seemed to be totally unaware of Prasit when she turned her vehicle around the corner to enter her condo’s front gate where the 45-year-old victim was working. The driver then ran over the victim and kept driving to her parking lot, where someone rushed to tell her that she had run over a man. Continued …

Thailand’s birth rate falls to 71-year low, sparking alarm

Thailand is becoming a graying society as the number of children born last year hit a 71-year low, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry announced on Thursday.

Only 502,000 children were born in Thailand last year, about 30% below the target of 700,000 and the lowest birth rate in 71 years, Anukul Pidkaew, permanent secretary at the ministry, told a press conference.

He was joined by Dr. Somchai Jitsuchon, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute. Both described the low birth rate as a “crisis”. Continued …

2-meter tapeworm found in Thai man who eats raw meat

A Thai man posted a video on social media to warn people to avoid eating raw meat after a two-meter tapeworm was found in his body.

Amarit Chuetamuen posted videos to share his deworming experience. In the first video, Amarit told his followers that his anus had become itchy and then felt something slipping out of his bottom.

He thought it was his intestine at first but found that it was moving. Then, a 10-centimeter parasite worm slipped out of his back end. The cause of parasites like this is believed to be consuming raw beef. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Hua Hin: City of Happiness?

Hua Hin government officials have devised a new local development plan for 2023-2027, with the theme “Hua Hin, the City of Happiness”, which includes five strategies:

  1. Promotion of tourism, infrastructure and economy development.
  2. Promote the development of education, religion, culture and recreation.
  3. Promote the development of public health and the environment
  4. Promote development of social welfare, community and quality of life
  5. To promote the development of administration and services

PKK names 8 districts for tourism promotion

The “Hidden Wow Prachuap Khiri Khan” project will promote tourist attractions or tourist resources in eight districts with high potential to increase the depth of travel experiences in the province.

The campaign aims to distribute tourists both locally and during travel time to reduce the concentration of tourists in any particular area. Tourists will also be encouraged to travel on weekdays and focus on the advantages of travel year-round.

The eight identified districts for the Hidden Wow campaign are:

  • Hua Hin District: Khao Tao and Khao Tao Reservoir
  • Pranburi District: Kung Sai Beach and Khao Kalok Beach
  • Pranburi District: Phraya Nakhon Cave, Nom Sao Island, and Khao Daeng Canal
  • Kui Buri District: Kui Buri Safari National Park
  • Amphoe Mueang including the 3 bays (Ao Prachuap, Ao Manao, Ao Noi) and Khlong Bueng Reservoir.
  • Thap Sakae District: Koh Chan – Koh Thai Si Ban Thung Pradu Tourism Community and Khao Lan Waterfall
  • Bang Saphan District, including Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakak Bo Thong Lang Bay and gold pan culture courtyard
  • Bang Saphan Noi District: Pha Fang Daeng and Khao Pho – Hua Hin municipality

Foreigners Sought Who Allegedly Attacked Thai Tourists on Samui Island

Foreigners who allegedly attacked a group of Thai tourists on Samui Island reportedly relocated to Phuket. Thailand’s most famous cop, “Big Joke”, has personally ordered for the suspects to be found.

The Bo Phut Police said they have identified a group of foreigners who allegedly attacked Thai tourists on New Year’s Eve. A summons for assault has been issued for them and the foreigners, who are believed to be expats, have been encouraged to turn themselves in. Thai police have also contacted the Immigration Bureau in regards to the visa status of the suspects.

Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn went to the Bo Phut Police Station on Samui Island to make urgent progress on the case. Continued …

Foreign Doctor on Vacation Rescues Russian Lady from Drowning at Patong Beach

A foreign tourist, who is a licensed medical doctor, rescued a Russian tourist from drowning at Phuket’s Patong Beach.

Patong lifeguards said that on Wednesday a female Russian tourist was struggling in the seawater. Foreign tourists who saw the incident helped to pull her up to the beach.

The female Russian tourist was unconscious and had no pulse. A male foreign tourist and Patong lifeguards provided help and CPR to the Russian woman before her pulse was detected again. Continued …

5 foreign tourists injured as vehicle topples down ravine in Chiang Rai; driver dead

An accident on the hill leading up to Moo Ban Akha Pang Klang, a popular tourist area in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, resulted in one death and five injuries.

A Toyota Fortuner was driven off the dirt track and toppled 30 meters down a ravine, flipping many times. It ended up in the Mae Sat creek.

The driver Weerawat, 51, from Chiang Mai, was reportedly thrown out of the vehicle, then crushed and drowned under its weight in the creek. Continued …

Foreign tourist breaks back at Pai waterfall

A foreign tourist broke his back in a motorbiking accident at a waterfall in the backpacking hotspot of Pai, Mae Hong Son province on Thursday.

Issam Messaoudi, a dual Belgian-Moroccan national, was rescued and rushed to Pai Hospital after his motorcycle lost control while he was riding up a path next to Mor Paeng waterfall in Pai district.

X-rays taken at the hospital showed his spine was broken, prompting medics to transfer him to the better-equipped Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai – an agonizing 130-kilometer journey. Continued …

Phuket officials quash plans for floating beach club

Phuket Gov. Narong Woonsiew and a number of other officials have put a stop to plans to launch a floating beach club, or party boat, in the Andaman Sea. Narong says he “does not approve” of Yona Beach Club’s plans and has ordered officials to carry out inspections and meet with the club’s owners.

The vessel has spent the past two weeks on a PR charm offensive, inviting media and influencers to visit the boat while it’s been moored in Patong Bay.

Meanwhile, Capt. Krit Kluebmat of the Maritime Enforcement Command Center says officials from Kathu District Office and Patong Municipality Office also oppose the idea, claiming the boat will cause environmental damage and create too much noise. Continued …

Thai herbs and natural remedies for common ailments

Thailand is known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of natural remedies. Historically, Thai herbs and natural remedies have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments.

From digestive problems to skin issues, Thai herbs and natural remedies can help provide relief and promote better health overall. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used Thai herbs and natural remedies for common ailments.

Kaffir Lime

Kaffir lime is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a distinct, strong aroma and flavor that is used to add a unique taste to dishes. It is often used as an ingredient in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Continued …

Chatuchak weekend market

Where to shop for affordable healthy food in Bangkok

Bangkok is an amazing city with a variety of delicious and healthy food. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, organic items or just some good deals, there are many great places to shop for affordable healthy food in Bangkok. From bustling street markets to large supermarkets, you are sure to find something that fits your needs and budget.

Some of the best places to shop for affordable healthy food in Bangkok include Chatuchak Market, Makro, Big C, Tesco Lotus, the Tops Supermarket, and the Natural Food Market. With these great options, you can find everything you need for a healthy and affordable diet in Bangkok.

Chatuchak weekend market

This market is a true Bangkok experience – a shopper’s paradise with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to food. With its bustling atmosphere and endless variety of goods, it is no wonder the Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok. Continued …

Thailand clarifies all measures to control Covid as tourism surges

The National Communicable Diseases Committee on Thursday approved the government’s revised measures for controlling Covid-19, including tests on arriving tourists with obvious symptoms of the disease, and charging fees for vaccinating tourists who voluntarily request shots.

The decisions were made at the committee’s first meeting of the year, which was chaired by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

It followed an earlier decision by the government to reimpose proof of vaccination for all foreign tourists ahead of the imminent return of tourists from China. That decision was, however, quickly scrapped. Some confusion resulted, so the committee provided a detailed list of its preparations for ensuring Covid-19 remains under control as tourism surges. Continued …

Seniors urged to get two booster jabs this year

The Department of Disease Control is urging senior citizens and individuals with chronic diseases to get two doses of Covid-19 vaccine this year as a precaution against coronavirus infections.

DDC chief Tares Krassanairawiwong said the elderly and those living with chronic conditions should get a booster ahead of the upcoming rainy season, and another before the cooler weather arrives toward the end of the year. Continued … 

Study linking asthma and cooking gas stirs debate

New research that links cooking with natural gas to around 12% of childhood asthma cases has sparked debate about the health risks of kitchen stoves, as well as calls in the United States for stepped-up regulation. Continued … 

Scientists sound alarm as ocean temperatures hit new record

The world’s oceans, which have absorbed most of the excess heat caused by humanity’s carbon pollution, continued to see record-breaking temperatures last year, according to research published Wednesday. Continued … 

Putin signals impatience over Ukraine war in commander switch

President Vladimir Putin’s move to replace his top commander in Ukraine is a sign of military disarray and his growing impatience in a war Russia is not winning, analysts said. Continued … 

Chinese cities to pay people to have children

With China on track to record its first population decline in more than six decades, cities across the country have announced new cash incentives to encourage couples to have more children. Continued … 

Tell-all book ‘Spare’ sells record 1.4M copies on day one

Prince Harry’s memoir sold a “record” 1.4 million copies in just 24 hours, its publisher said on Thursday, as his father and brother kept calm and carried on with public visits. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

 

climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Jan 12

  • Stamford International Charity Night Jan 25/
  • Market Village Food Festival and concerts/
  • Vendors want to add more sunbeds and seating to Khao Takiab beach/
  • Navy Wants To Raise Sunken Warship For Return To Service/
  • Rise of online payments accelerates march to cashless society/
  • Ministry extends price controls on five products/
  • Phase 2 of Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach widening set to begin/
  • Trendsetting Thai company adds CBD line of lotions/
  • Tourism: 300 THB Tourist Fee to be Imposed in June/TAT aims to make the whole year high season for travel in Thailand/Tourism Ministry Eyes 80M International Tourists In 2027/Thailand’s tour package prices bump up for Chinese visitors/Englishman ‘crawled for half a mile’ after moped crash in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: Exploring How to Travel Thailand/
  • Covid: DDC Affirms Chinese Travelers Pose Low COVID Risk/Face-mask makers asked to increase output as tourists from China surge/
  • International: ASEAN pushes back against King Dollar/Alibaba Unveils Top Technology Trend Forecasting for 2023/Should fossil fuel firms be forced to clean up carbon pollution?/Graves sink, fisheries shrink as climate change hits Fiji/Space junk, not meteorites, remains biggest threat to spacecraft/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Market Village Food Festival and concerts

Market Vilae is hosting a food festival from Jan. 18 to Feb. 5 at 5-10pm in its open-air front court. There will be a variety of food vendors and a beer garden.

The festival also includes Thai artist concerts on Jan. 21 and Feb. 3.

Vendors want to add more sunbeds and seating to Khao Takiab beach

Beach vendors have submitted a request to expand the seating areas available to tourists on Khao Takiab beach.

The written request was submitted to the mayor and discussed by the Hua Hin Beach Organizing Committee from approximately 20 vendors who operate on Hua Don beach in Khao Takiab.

The vendors said they wanted to extend the area currently allocated for sunbeds by a further five meters to accommodate more foreign tourists who like to come to the beach to sunbathe. Continued … 

Navy Wants To Raise Sunken Warship For Return To Service

The navy’s committee on salvaging HTMS 442 Sukhothai corvette that sank in the Gulf of Thailand on Dec. 18 is now choosing a company to urgently raise and return the warship to service, with the estimated budget of 100 million baht.

The committee, chaired by Adm. Adung Phan-iam, commander of the Thai fleet, would have to follow the procedure and get final approval from the Defense Ministry for the expenditure on salvaging the corvette, which sank to a depth of 50 meters about 19 nautical miles from Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

There are 12 companies that meet navy’s criteria on raising the warship, with the key one being that its condition be maintained so that it could return to service. This means it must not be disassembled or cut up. Continued …

Rise of online payments accelerates march to cashless society

Former magazine editor Kaysinee Sutthavarangkul never used to give much thought to making cashless payments, as it seemed unlikely to her that every transaction could be made online. But she has changed her buying behaviour since the pandemic.

After seeing her 25-year-old daughter use mobile banking applications, the 61-year-old began making online payments. She has now realized that online channels allow her to explore and connect with sellers whose products were normally difficult to acquire. Continued … 

Ministry extends price controls on five products

The Commerce Ministry has extended price controls on five products comprising hygienic face masks, synthetic fibers for face-mask production, alcohol gel, paper for recycling, and chicken for another year.

A meeting of the Central Committee on the Prices of Goods and Services, chaired by Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, yesterday agreed to place a total of 56 items on the price control list, 51 of which are products, including the five products accorded an extension. The five other items on the list are services. The list would later be put forward for cabinet approval.

The price control list covers essential items for daily use such as food, consumer products, farm-related products (fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed, tractors and rice harvesters), construction materials, paper, petroleum and medicines. Continued …

Phase 2 of Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach widening set to begin

The Marine Department is accelerating the widening of Jomtien Beach in Pattaya to tackle coastal erosion and attract tourists to the city.

The project was begun in 2020, and the first phase of 3.5km was completed on Dec. 29, 2021.

The department is working on the second phase of 2.6km of beach. Continued … 

Trendsetting Thai company adds CBD line of lotions

Thai-owned British Dispensary Group is launching a line of skin-care products using cannabidiol, or CBD, marking the first time the more than 130-year-old company will use a hemp extract in its products, it announced on Wednesday.

Group President Anurut Vongvanij told media that the new product line, named “HerbaCeutic”, will start with four lotions using CBD produced by Salus Biocutical (Thailand), a subsidiary of one of Canada’s largest cannabis companies, MPX International.

Anurut said the collaboration with Salus would guarantee Canadian expertise, as well as large-scale production of hemp extract. The new products use medical grade, high-quality CBD that meets standards in Canada, as well as Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, Anurut said. Continued … 

300 THB Tourist Fee to be Imposed in June

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced plans to begin collecting a 300-baht fee from foreign tourists arriving in the country starting in June.

According to Phiphat, the funds raised from this fee will be used to support visitors involved in accidents and to develop tourist destinations in the country.

Minister Phiphat noted, however, that the fee will not be collected from foreigners with work permits and border passes. Continued … 

TAT aims to make the whole year high season for travel in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to make the whole year a high season for travel, to boost both domestic and inbound tourism, according to Parichart Boonclai, TAT executive director of advertising and public relations. The strategy is to promote the identity of each region, to encourage domestic tourists throughout the year.

Northern Thailand will present the beauty of the old days, which aims to persuade people in the north travel to other provinces in the region.

Central Thailand will present the brand new experience of traveling under the theme of “Trendy C2”s, to resonate with Gen Y and Z tourists. Continued … 

Tourism Ministry Eyes 80M International Tourists In 2027

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports hopes to drive up the number of international visitors to Thailand to 80 million over the next five years.

This optimistic target will see the number of international visitors doubling the pre-pandemic figure, and exceeding the country’s current population of 70 million.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said this target, once achieved, could raise the country’s tourism revenue from 1.93 trillion baht in 2019 to 5 trillion baht. Continued …

Thailand’s tour package prices bump up for Chinese visitors

Thailand’s tour package prices are being bumped up for Chinese visitors to the Land of Smiles. This news comes after China lifted travel restrictions on its citizens on Jan. 8.

There are now fewer flight connections between Thailand and China, and unprepared tour agents in China, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s regional director for marketing in East Asia. The director, Chuwit Sirivejkul, said the result of this is a limited amount of tour packages.

Due to the high demand and few tours, Chuwit said the price of packages is 20% higher on average than the rate before the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that many airlines are working to increase flights in the first quarter. Continued … 

Englishman ‘crawled for half a mile’ after moped crash in Thailand

A moped crash on Koh Yao Noi island in southern Thailand has left an Englishman in need of urgent surgery.

Arron Rouse, from Worcestershire in England, sustained several broken ribs and a gaping wound on his leg when he was thrown off his moped on the night of Dec. 16.

Far away from a proper hospital, Arron couldn’t access the right treatment at first, causing his leg wound to get infected. As a result, he needs surgery that will cost 180,000 Thai baht (£4,537.75). Continued … 

Exploring How to Travel Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and ancient temples, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this beautiful country.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you need to know how to prepare. This article will explore how to travel Thailand, from planning your route to understanding transportation options and preparing for emergencies.

Plan Your Route

The first step in planning your trip to Thailand is to decide where you want to go. You can take a classic route that includes popular tourist spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. Or, if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider exploring some of the lesser-known provinces such as Nan or Prachuap Khiri Khan. No matter which route you choose, make sure to include plenty of time to relax on the beach or explore the bustling night markets. Continued …

DDC Affirms Chinese Travelers Pose Low COVID Risk

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has stated that an increase in the number of Chinese tourists will not lead to a spike in new Covid-19 infections.

According to DDC Director-General Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, the agency plans to assess the situation regarding coronavirus infections in two weeks’ time. Currently, the average daily caseload is 900, and the number of Covid-19 patients in critical condition who require a respirator is decreasing.

The DDC director-general stated that tourism businesses have also been preparing for a potential influx of tourists from China, with many fully vaccinated and practicing universal prevention measures. Continued …

Face-mask makers asked to increase output as tourists from China surge

Manufacturers of face masks have been asked to increase production as demand is expected to increase, as the number of Chinese tourists surges since Beijing removed restrictions on international travel on Monday.

Department of Internal Trade Director-general, Wattanasak Sur-iam, said on Wednesday that the department had notified face-mask manufacturers to prepare for a sudden spike in demand and to increase their output to prevent a shortage.

A shortage of face masks could contribute to a new wave of infections in Thailand, Watanasak said. Continued … 

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

ASEAN pushes back against King Dollar

Southeast Asia, like much of the rest of the world, is losing patience with King Dollar. The weaponization of the world’s reserve currency, for example, through sanctions on those deemed to be bad actors — such as Russia for its war in Ukraine — has pushed even typically diplomatic Southeast Asians to warn the United States of the consequences. Continued … 

Alibaba Unveils Top Technology Trend Forecasting for 2023

Alibaba DAMO Academy, the global research initiative by Alibaba Group, has shared its annual forecasting of the leading technology trends that could shape many industries in the years ahead. Among the leading technology trends, Generative AI, which has already gained considerable traction, is expected to make further strides with its growing applications set to transform how digital content is produced. Continued …

Should fossil fuel firms be forced to clean up carbon pollution?

Could fossil fuel companies be forced to remove planet-heating carbon pollution from the atmosphere? Researchers argue in a new paper that would be a cheaper, fairer solution to the climate crisis. Continued … 

Graves sink, fisheries shrink as climate change hits Fiji

The sea has already swallowed the village graveyard in Togoru, Fiji, and long-time resident Lavenia McGoon is dreading the day it claims her house. Continued … 

Space junk, not meteorites, remains biggest threat to spacecraft

Dodging the kind of meteorite strike that forced Russia to plan a space station rescue mission is nearly impossible, yet the greater threat to spacecraft is actually the man-made debris in orbit, experts say. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Jan 11

  • The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023/World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy/Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow/SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station/Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools/Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat/Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening/List of top herbs eyed for export/ID soon required to buy cannabis buds/
  • Tourism: Compulsory health insurance now not required/Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023/May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday/Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai/
  • Thailand Experience: Fancy Thai desserts with odd names/7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss/Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore/
  • Covid: Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023/China targets Korea, Japan over Covid curbs/Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines/
  • International: French pension reforms potentially explosive/Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022/NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine/Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

Click on image above for more information or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023

As we enter the new year, the latest results from the Henley Passport Index provide fascinating insights into a world characterized by extraordinary upheaval and offer a revealing look at what lies ahead.

For the fifth year running, Japan crowns the index, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA) and ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Japanese citizens can now visit an astonishing 193 destinations out of 227 visa-free, while those of South Korea and Singapore, which are tied in second place, enjoy a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192. Continued …

World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy

The global economy will come “perilously close” to a recession this year, led by weaker growth in all the world’s top economies — the United States, Europe and China, the World Bank warned on Tuesday.

In an annual report, the World Bank, which lends money to poorer countries for development projects, said it had slashed its forecast for global growth this year by nearly half, to just 1.7%, from its previous projection of 3%.

If that forecast proves accurate, it would be the third-weakest annual expansion in three decades, behind only the deep recessions that resulted from the 2008 global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Continued …

Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow

A report by a special House committee studying the feasibility of allowing an entertainment complex to be built that includes legal casinos is expected to be deliberated tomorow, a member of the committee said yesterday.

Aimed at raising tax revenue from legalizing gambling businesses in a yet-to-be-designated area, the project has been studied by the House committee since late last year, added the source.

If approved, the report will be forwarded to the government for consideration, the person said. Continued … 

SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) abruptly suspended the scandal-hit 33-million-baht project to change signboards at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station on Tuesday.

SRT Gov. Nirut Maneephan signed the order to suspend the project, which includes changing the main signboard at Thailand’s new rail hub to “Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal”, the official name granted by His Majesty the King in September last year.

The order was addressed to the managing director of Unique Engineering and Construction Plc, which won the contract bidding with a proposed price of 33.16 million baht. The SET-listed company signed the contract with SRT on Dec. 29. Continued … 

Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools

With a belief that “Learning is the Power of Change and Development”, Banpu NEXT is making continuous progress in its “Light & Learn” project by bringing solar power systems to electricity-deprived schools in remote areas to help light up learning opportunities and benefit the children.

Most recently, the company took its employees on a field visit to join forces with highland teaching volunteers on the solar power system and storage battery installation for Ban Po Por Kee HACLC in Tak Province and hold edutainment activities for the children, which creatively taught them to appreciate nature and clean energy.

Over the past five years, it has already installed solar power systems for 73 schools in Tak, Mae Hong Son, and Kanchanaburi provinces. Continued …

Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat

Mosquitoes that transmit dengue and other viruses have evolved growing resistance to insecticides in parts of Asia, and novel ways to control them are desperately needed, new research warns.

Health authorities commonly fog mosquito-infested areas with clouds of insecticide, and resistance has long been a concern, but the scale of the problem was not well understood.

Japanese scientist Shinji Kasai and his team examined mosquitoes from several countries in Asia, as well as Ghana, and found a series of mutations had made some virtually impervious to popular pyrethroid-based chemicals like permethrin. Continued …

Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening

The Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Myanmar reopens tomorrow, much to the delight of eager traders who have waited three years for the resumption of border trade stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provincial authorities held a meeting yesterday to prepare for the reopening of the bridge, which crosses the Moei River at Ban Rim Moei in Mae Sot district opposite Myawaddy in Myanmar.

Surapol Wongsukpisal, Tak deputy governor, led the meeting, also attended by Somchai Traithipchartsakul, Mae Sot district chief, and heads of the security and administrative agencies. Continued … 

List of top herbs eyed for export

The Public Health Ministry has unveiled its list of so-called “herbal champions”, but cannabis, hemp and kratom have been omitted, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department chief, said yesterday the government plans to promote local herbs under the list and ideally develop them for export. Herbs on the list include turmeric, krachai dam or black galingal, and fah talai jone or green chiretta.

He said cannabis, hemp and kratom have not yet made the cut after a policy committee on national herbs led by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agreed recently that their use must be limited, adding further research and development is required. Continued … 

ID soon required to buy cannabis buds

Thai nationals seeking to purchase cannabis buds will soon have to show their ID cards, with sales information recorded on a government database, according to the Department for the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).

Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department’s director-general, said he had signed the directive and it would take effect as soon as it is published in the Royal Gazette.

It is not known whether foreigners seeking to buy cannabis buds will have to show ID such as a passport. A recent health ministry publication, “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand”, makes no mention of any requirement. Continued …

Compulsory health insurance now not required

The public health minister, via the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, has canceled the requirement for foreign arrivals, from countries which require PCR tests on return, to have at least US$10,000 health insurance coverage for the duration of their holiday, plus seven days.

The requirement for proof of Covid vaccinations, to present while checking in for your flight to Thailand, has also been scrapped. It was in response to complaints from Thai tourism associations, foreign embassies and travel groups who say the measures, originally imposed on Jan. 7, would discourage many people from visiting Thailand.

Social media has been full of people being turned away at check-in, concerned travelers canceling trips and people just confused about the original regulations and then the sudden reversal of policy. Continued …

Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023

Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank, expects foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 to more than double the number recorded last year, estimating it will take two years to return to the level posted in 2019.

The research house forecasts foreign arrivals this year to tally 22.5 million, up from 10.2 million expected for 2022.

Of the total, Krungthai Compass anticipates 4.8 million visitors will be Chinese nationals, a 20% increase from its previous forecast of 4 million, attributed to China’s reopening since Jan. 8 this year, said chief economist Patcharaphot Nuntramas. Continued …

May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday

The government has announced May 5 as a special public holiday, creating a 4-day weekend break. The government hopes the long holiday will help boost the economy through various tourism activities.

During their weekly meeting, Cabinet members approved the decision to bridge the holiday gap between Coronation Day on Thursday, May 4, and the weekend.

Government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said the combined 4-day break is expected to help push forward economic activities, particularly in the business and tourism sectors. Continued …

Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai

Both Chiang Mai and Phuket are expecting to see a significant rise in air travel on direct flights from China from Jan. 18, according to local airport authorities.

There will be one direct flight daily from China to Chiang Mai and three a day to Phuket, with non-stop air links to keep rising between the two countries.

A flight between Shanghai and Chiang Mai is due to begin operating on Jan. 18, with another from Guangzhou to Chiang Mai to start two days later, Wichit Kaeosaithiam, the director of Chiang Mai airport, said yesterday. Continued …

Fancy Thai desserts with odd names

If you like unnecessarily posh names, you’ll love Ban Nong Bua, an old community in Thailand’s East.

The canal-side village in Chanthaburi province is drawing visitors and those with a sweet tooth for its desserts with strange names, including “Monkey Willy” (a mung bean rice crepe in a phallic shape). It’s a funny but tasty sweet that will have you searching for more idiosyncrasies of old-school cooks.

Located 10 kilometers south of Chanthaburi, the village of Ban Nong Bua has been home to Hainanese descendants for over 200 years. Their forefathers, seafarers, sailed from Hainan Island in Southern China to the horizon and eventually settled down along the mouth of the Chanthaburi River. Continued …

7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss

Songkran, Loi Krathong, Yi Peng, Loy Krathong Yipeng, Chak Phra and Rocket Festivals are some of the most popular traditional festivals celebrated in Thailand. Each festival has its own unique history and meaning and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy by both locals and tourists.

From the water fights of Songkran to the magical sight of sky lanterns during Yi Peng, each festival offers something special and memorable. At the Rocket Festival, the launching of handmade rockets is a symbol of asking the gods for bountiful rains and a good harvest. Celebrate the culture of Thailand and join in the festivities of these traditional festivals.

Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival is an important event in Thailand and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by locals and tourists alike. The festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated with a variety of activities. Continued …

Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture, but it also has a dark side. Thai culture has long believed in ghosts, some good, some bad.

A large percentage of people in modern life are still afraid of ghosts in Thailand and, as such, the country has some infamously haunted and eerie places. Here are a few of the ghostliest places in Thailand, where you might catch a glimpse of a phantom apparition:

The Old Phuket Town Ghost House

Located in the Old Phuket Town area, this abandoned house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who committed suicide there. Visitors to the house have reported strange noises, unexplained movements, and even the feeling of being watched. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghost herself, often described as a woman with long, flowing hair and a sad expression on her face. Continued …

Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023

Thailand’s Covid-19 situation appears to have improved, with the number of hospitalizations during the first week of this year falling by half from the previous week.

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Tuesday that 997 Covid patients had been hospitalized in the first week of January, averaging at about 142 per day. He said this was half the daily average compared to the last week of 2022, without elaborating.

As of press time, 382 Covid patients were in hospital for lung infections, while 242 of them were on ventilators. However, Tares said the number of lung infections and patients requiring ventilators has dropped by 28% and 30%, respectively, compared to the previous week. Continued …

China targets South Korea, Japan over Covid curbs

China has suspended issuing some visas for South Korea and Japan in Beijing’s first retaliation against Covid-related curbs on Chinese travelers.

Chinese consulates in South Korea will stop issuing short-term visas for visits, business, tourism, medical care, transit and personal matters from Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul said in a statement.

The suspension will be adjusted if South Korea removes its “discriminative inbound restrictive measures” targeting China, it added. Continued …

Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines

Mainland China’s move away from its zero-Covid policy has led to a sharp surge in infections, and the resumption of travel means some are looking farther afield for vaccines.

In mid-December, China’s full Covid vaccination rate stood near 87%, with 54% boosted. The main Covid vaccines approved for use in China are from Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Mainlanders have been flocking to Macao in recent months for Western mRNA vaccines, which are widely administered around the world but not endorsed by China. Continued …

French pension reforms potentially explosive

The French government is set to announce its proposals for overhauling the pension system on Tuesday, in a potentially explosive reform fraught with danger for President Emmanuel Macron. Continued … 

Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022

Major hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, drought and a fierce winter storm caused more than $165 billion in damage in the United States last year, with climate change “supercharging” some extreme weather, a government report said Tuesday. Continued … 

NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine

NATO and the EU vowed Tuesday to bolster their backing for Ukraine to fight off Russia’s invasion and ramp up cooperation between Europe and the U.S.-led alliance. Continued … 

Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits

Russian strikes hit eastern Ukraine’s city of Kharkiv late Tuesday, the regional governor said, just hours after a surprise visit by the German foreign minister with her Ukrainian counterpart. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Jan 10

  • Thailand reverses course: no vaccination required for tourist entry/

  • Thailand causes global confusion after reinstating then dropping vaccination requirements/
  • Calendar: WTA Thailand Open at True Arena Jan 30-Feb 5/Muay Thai Festival Day at Rajabhakti Park Feb 2-6/Pranburi half marathon Feb 12/Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival Feb 18-26/Sunset Beach Music Festival March 4/Hua Hin Bikini Run March 25
  • Thailand ushers in new education era, but will rich-poor gap close?/
  • Elephant herd leaves sanctuary, raids crops/
  • Tax incentives to encourage reduction in plastic usage/
  • Tourism: Prachuap Khiri Khan is ready to welcome Chinese tourists/First group of 200 Chinese tourists lands in Thailand/Two Foreigners and Captain Survive After Krabi Long-tail Boat Capsizes/Consuming cannabis in Thailand: what tourists need to know/
  • Thailand Experience: Unleash the power of Thai Cuisine: 7 health benefits of a Thai diet/Wat Phra Kaew: Home to Thailand’s most sacred deity/
  • Covid: Where to get booster vaccines in Hua Hin/Bangkok Tightens Covid Measures as City Expects Tourist Influx/
  • International: Researchers dig up secrets of ‘self-healing’ Roman concrete/Brazil upheaval spark deja vu? It already happened in US/Japan culls record 10M birds as avian flu spreads/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Thailand reverses course: no vaccination required for tourist entry

On Monday morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed reports that a controversial entry restriction to Thailand for unvaccinated foreign tourists had been rescinded and that the country was now open without restriction to visitors from all countries on an equal footing including China.

The move followed an emergency Monday morning meeting after a weekend of chaos and urgent calls from the foreign tourism industry to avoid disruption to a recovery underway now buoyed by Chinese arrivals.

The Thai government on Monday reversed its controversial measures requiring that all arrivals to the country have proof of vaccination just under 24 hours after the requirement took effect on airlines flying into its international airports. Continued … 

Thailand causes global confusion after reinstating then dropping vaccination requirements

Travelers, airlines and tour operators had a roller coaster few days after Thailand reinstated its Covid-19 vaccination entry requirement, only to drop it again just hours later.

On Saturday, Thailand officials announced international visitors would have to provide proof of full vaccination before arriving in the country from Monday, Jan. 9.

The decision was made in response to China reopening its borders on Sunday, Jan. 8. To avoid discrimination, all international travelers would be asked to follow the requirement. Continued …

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Thailand ushers in new education era, but will rich-poor gap close?

Thai education is about to enter a new phase as Parliament prepares to vote on the National Education Bill. Yet, experts do not expect the bill and its reforms to bring big improvements for Thailand’s much-criticized education system.

“Once the National Education Bill becomes law, Thailand’s education sector will shift to a new era,” said Dr. Sompong Jitradub, an education expert at the Equitable Education Fund (EEF).

The education draft law advocates decentralization and paves the way for schools to have more power over their operations, he said. The idea is to allow them to respond faster and better to the needs and concerns of students, parents and other stakeholders. Continued …

Elephant herd leaves sanctuary, raids crops

A herd of 100 wild elephants has been foraging away from the confines of the Ang Rue Nai sanctuary in the Tha Chang subdistrict of Prachinburi incentral/eastern Thailand. The animals have been feasting on sugar cane and cassava fields. Locals pushed the herd back toward the sanctuary but acknowledged it was a hopeless task, since the animals needed food. The locals want more help from the authorities to help in protecting their crops that are well outside the area of the sanctuary. (Thai Rath)

Tax incentives to encourage reduction in plastic usage

The Industry and Finance ministries are using a new corporate income tax reduction program to encourage businesses to use more biodegradable plastic products, in a move to reduce waste.

“The tax reduction amounts to around 25% of what companies paid to buy biodegradable plastic products between 2022 and 2024,” said Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan is ready to welcome Chinese tourists

After a bumper New Year, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s tourism industry is hoping the arrival of Chinese tourists to Thailand will be a further cause for optimism.

Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan Office Achawan Kongkanan said the New Year holiday was a busy period for the local tourism industry. Throughout the province’s eight districts, the average hotel occupancy rate was around 80%, he said.

In Hua Hin, the busiest district in the province, hotel occupancy rates peaked to between 90% and 100%. Continued …

First group of 200 Chinese tourists lands in Thailand

The first direct flight from China since the pandemic shut borders arrived in Thailand on Monday, a day after Beijing dropped COVID border controls that had largely prevented its 1.4 billion residents from traveling for three years.

Passengers of Xiamen Airlines flight MF833, carrying 269 Chinese travelers, were given a warm welcome upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul handed out garlands, while airport officials distributed bags of souvenirs to the arriving visitors. Continued …

Two Foreigners and Captain Survive After Krabi Long-tail Boat Capsizes

Two foreign tourists and a boat captain have been rescued after a long-tail boat capsized in Krabi.

The Than Bok Khorani National Park Office said it was notified over the past weekend that a long-tail boat that was carrying foreign tourists was capsized between Hong Island and Hang Nak Cape.

Rescue teams arrived in the area in question to find the long-tail boat being towed and rescued by two other tour boats. Continued …

Consuming cannabis in Thailand: what tourists need to know

Since the delisting of parts of the marijuana plant as a narcotic last year, cannabis cafes and weed dispensaries have become common in Thailand.

But confusing government amendments to the laws and continued debate about what should be permitted has created what has become known as “a weed Wild West” that could land tourists in trouble.

“Since legalisation, no one really (knows) whether we have the correct information”, says Kitty Chopaka, an independent cannabis advocate based in Bangkok. Continued …

Unleash the power of Thai Cuisine: 7 health benefits of a Thai diet

The Thai diet is a healthy and nutritious way to eat. It is full of flavorful dishes that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It is also low in sodium, bad cholesterol, and fat, making it a great choice for anyone looking to lose weight or improve their overall health.

The Thai diet also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, and healthy fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support heart health.

Eating a Thai diet can also help boost the immune system and promote weight loss. All of these benefits make the Thai diet an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health. Continued …

Wat Phra Kaew: Home to Thailand’s most sacred deity

The Emerald Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Kaew, is one of Bangkok’s most venerated sites, housing many objects deemed sacred in Thailand.

The temple, also known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, lies within the Grand Palace compound and is home to the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as Thailand’s protector.

Construction of the temple began in 1783, under the auspices of the Chakri dynasty’s first king, King Rama I. Since then, each successive king has been personally involved in adding, restoring and embellishing the temple as a way of making merit and glorifying the dynasty. Continued …

Where to get booster vaccines in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Hospital and the Red Cross Hua Hin have announced an update to the schedule for booster vaccines in Hua Hin.

Free booster vaccines are available at Hua Hin Hospital every Tuesday between 8:30am and 11:30am. The vaccines are available to ages 5-11 (Pfizer dose 1, 2) and the over 12s (Pfizer dose 1,2,3,4,5).

Anyone who wishes to receive a booster vaccine should go to the 10th floor of the car park building at Hua Hin Hospital. Continued …

Bangkok Tightens Covid Measures as City Expects Tourist Influx

Bangkok City Hall has announced it is making all preparations necessary to control the spread of COVID-19, as more visitors will be making their way to the Thai capital this year.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said he has instructed deputy governors to assess the preparedness of the city’s public health system, including available personnel, bed, medication, and vaccine.

The city hall will be closely monitoring the situation at tourist hotspots such as Yaowarat Road, Khaosan Road, hotels, temples, and floating markets, which could see an increase in transmission risks with a higher number of visitors. Continued … 

Researchers dig up secrets of ‘self-healing’ Roman concrete

How have Rome’s ancient aqueducts and architectural marvels such as the Pantheon, which features the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, endured the test of time? Continued … 

Brazil upheaval spark deja vu? It already happened in US

A charismatic right-wing leader refuses to concede an election, boycotts his successor’s inauguration, then sits back as supporters storm the seat of government. As in so many aspects of its politics, Brazil is following the U.S. example down to a T. Continued … 

Japan culls record 10M birds as avian flu spreads

The number of birds culled at poultry farms in Japan has exceeded 10 million, as cases of avian flu continue to spread nationwide, the farm ministry said Tuesday. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

Hua Hin Expat News