hua hin, immigration, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-July 19

  • Hua Hin Profile: Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya at Be Well Medical Center/
  • Anantasila’s Got Talent event set today/
  • The latest drone video of Hua Hin railway construction/
  • Bright Dawn Foundation holds kids sports day/
  • Charter court suspends Pita/
  • Pita faces Hamlet’s dilemma – To be or not to be?/
  • Pita renominated for PM, immediately opposed/
  • US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’/
  • Thai cave survivor reunites with British rescuer at high school graduation/
  • Warning issued against personal use of dengue testing kits/
  • Diesel retail price to be held at 32 baht per liter/
  • Over 1,000 drug suspects nabbed in major Thai southern provinces/
  • Economy: Recovery intact, tourism rebounding – central bank/Why foreigners are acquiring Thai property/HP to move laptop production to Thailand/
  • Tourism: Thailand Aims to Attract 25.8 Million Asian Tourists in 2024/Thailand announces 2024 strategic direction toward high-value, sustainable tourism/
  • Thailand Experience: Aspiring veterinarian volunteers at Thailand elephant sanctuary/Two herds of elephants forage for food in fruit orchards in Trat province/
  • International: Singapore passport replaces Japan’s as world’s most powerful/ADB cuts inflation forecast for developing Asia/Australian Man and Dog Rescued by Mexican Tuna Boat After Drifting 3 Months/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya at Be Well Medical Center

By Felicitee Lawrie

Dr. Mowae Apisuttipanya, or simply Dr. Mo, as he is known to many, told me he feels blessed by god, but I think it is also accurate to say that his family, his community and his patients are blessed to have him in their lives.

This is a young, friendly, highly energetic man, still in his 30s, who not only commits fully to life, but has survived and flourished through sheer tenacity and resilience, and who has been prepared to make considerable personal sacrifice for those he holds dear. If this man is on your side, you are already a winner. Continued …

The latest drone video of Hua Hin railway construction

The latest video documenting the progress of the new train line in Hua Hin has been shared on the Mike’s Tropical Tech YouTube channel. Video 

Bright Dawn Foundation holds kids sports day

The Bright Dawn Foundation recently held a sports day for the schools it supports in Hua Hin, including Nong Hieng, Wang Both, Nong Kra Toom, Huay Sai Ngam, and Nong Kra schools. There were about 700 students in attendance. The Bright Dawn Foundation provides healthcare and educational support to primary school children in or near Hua Hin. (HHT)

Charter court suspends Pita

The Constitutional Court this morning suspended Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from duty as an elected member of the House of Representatives.

The court made the announcement after accepting for consideration a complaint involving Pita’s inherited shareholding in defunct media company iTV Plc. Continued …

Pita faces Hamlet’s dilemma – To be or not to be?

Most readers are probably familiar with the quote “To be or not to be” from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. The same dilemma now faces Pita Limjaroenrat and his fandom: does he struggle on against a sea of troubles in a bid to become prime minister, or give up the battle and allow another to take his place?

Two months ago, Pita and his Move Forward Party scored an unexpected election victory over Pheu Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra’s brainchild that transformed into an effective weapon against the military junta that ousted him from power two decades ago. Continued …

Pita renominated for PM, immediately opposed

The eight-party alliance seeking to form Thailand’s next government proposed Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as their candidate for prime minister as the joint sitting of parliament began today.

It is his second attempt to win the endorsement of the bicameral legislature after losing in his first attempt last Thursday. Continued … 

US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’

As Thailand faces the second round of decisive votes to elect the kingdom’s next prime minister, there is growing concern about a Constitutional Court petition that could see the Move Forward Party dissolved. This was referenced on Monday night by the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, where a spokesman said the United States was concerned about the situation in the kingdom and respect for the democratic will of the people.

The U.S. State Department in Washington has gone on record expressing concern at the situation in the aftermath of the May 14 general election in Thailand. A top spokesman for the State Department, Matthew Miller referred to the pending legal cases being reviewed since last Wednesday by the Constitutional Court. Continued …

Thai cave survivor reunites with British rescuer at high school graduation

Five years ago, Adul Samon was rescued from a cave along with his 11 Thai soccer teammates and their coach. Now, he’s graduating from an American high school – and has reunited with one of his rescuers.

(The link includes a video news report you might find interesting.)

On June 23, 2018, the Wild Boars soccer team set out for an excursion to the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Thailand after a practice session. Only expecting to be gone for an hour, they didn’t pack food or water. Continued …

Warning issued against personal use of dengue testing kits

In an urgent public appeal, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against personal use of dengue testing kits. These kits, while acknowledged for their efficacy, have been approved for use by healthcare professionals only due to the complexity of dengue detection.

Lertchai Lertwut, the deputy secretary-general of the FDA, underscored that accurate diagnosis of dengue fever demands more than just the isolation of the virus. It requires a comprehensive medical examination and clinical assessment conducted by trained medical doctors. Continued …

Diesel retail price to be held at 32 baht per liter

The Office of the Oil Fuel Fund on Tuesday resolved to use the fund’s mechanism to maintain the current diesel retail price at 32 baht per liter when the diesel excise cut expires on Thursday.

The office director, Wisak Watanasap, said the Fuel Fund executive committee on Tuesday approved the use of the fund mechanism to maintain the diesel price at the current rate. Continued …

Over 1,000 drug suspects nabbed in major Thai southern provinces

In a sweeping operation against Thai drug crime, spanning seven southern provinces, over a thousand suspects have been put behind bars. The large-scale sting, dubbed “Sayob Andaman (Defeating Andaman) 7/66,” was conducted by the team of Provincial Police Division 8.

The detailed brief pertaining to the Thai drug crime operation was presented at a press conference in Phuket yesterday by the special adviser to the Royal Thai Police, Sompong Chingduang. Continued … 

Recovery intact, tourism rebounding – central bank

Thailand’s economic recovery is intact, with growth of 2.9% likely in the first half of this year and 4.2% in the second half, Bank of Thailand (BoT) Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said today.

The BoT would continue to gradually normalize interest rates to help the economy grow at its potential and keep inflation in check, the central bank chief told a media briefing. Continued …

Why foreigners are acquiring Thai property

Thailand maintains its appeal as an attractive destination for foreign property buyers, especially for those seeking a second home, despite specific limitations on property ownership.

As the situation gradually stabilizes and returns to normalcy post-Covid, the allure of Thailand’s real estate market is growing stronger. Continued …

HP to move laptop production to Thailand

According to a Nikkei Asia report published on July 18, HP is working with suppliers to shift the production of millions of consumer and commercial laptops to Thailand and Mexico this year to diversify its personal computer supply chain beyond China.

According to Nikkei Asia, sources briefed on the matter told the publication that HP, the world’s No.2 PC maker by shipments, is planning to shift some commercial notebook computer production to Mexico, while a portion of its consumer laptop production will go to Thailand. Continued …

Thailand Aims to Attract 25.8 Million Asian Tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to attract 25.8 million tourists from short-haul countries next year, 2024. TAT Deputy Gov. Thanet Petchsuwan said TAT is targeting tourists from the Asian and South Pacific markets aka the short-haul markets.

The goal of attracting 25.8 million tourists from these markets was set during the recent meeting of TAT. This number represents 74% of the overall next year target of 35 million international tourists. The objective is to generate revenue of 1.2 trillion baht, which accounts for 63% of the total foreign market revenue target of 1.92 trillion baht. Continued …

Thailand announces 2024 strategic direction toward high-value, sustainable tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the 2024 strategic direction that will continue to elevate the tourism supply and sustainable standards, as well as leverage Thai soft powers to promote and develop high-value and sustainable tourism in Thailand.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said, “2024 will be the year of accelerating resilience, transforming Thailand’s tourism into high-value and sustainable tourism that emphasizes elevating and moving forward to a better tourism ecosystem. Continued …

Aspiring veterinarian volunteers at Thailand elephant sanctuary

Surrounded by scalpels and bandages, aspiring medical students work hard to care for their ailing patients. Taking vitals, drawing blood and measuring heartbeats, they’re dedicated to their future professions. But not every doctor has to measure a patient’s trunk length.

As a Loop Abroad Veterinary Service participant, biology senior Brycelyn Ramirez spent two weeks in Thailand helping animals, discovering Thai culture and gaining hands-on veterinary experience. Ramirez and her team volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, working directly with the giant animals and learning about large-scale animal rescue and conservation efforts. The Elephant Nature Park houses over 100 elephants rescued from trekking, logging or forced breeding programs. Continued …

Two herds of elephants forage for food in fruit orchards in Trat province

Wildlife officials in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat have been trying to push two herds of wild elephants back into the forest, after they emerged to search for food on farmland and in fruit orchards on Monday night.

According to officials at Khlong Kaew Waterfall National Park in Bo Rai district, a herd of about 40 elephants, including several calves, are now foraging for food in cultivated areas along the road from Ban Nong Mai Hom to Ban Nong Bon. Continued …

Singapore passport replaces Japan’s as world’s most powerful

Singapore has replaced Japan as the country with the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest ranking published by Henley Passport Index on Tuesday. It allows visa-free entry to 192 out of 227 global destinations. Continued …

ADB cuts inflation forecast for developing Asia

The Asian Development Bank cut its inflation forecast for developing Asia today, as food and fuel prices eased, supply chain disruptions waned and interest rate hikes started to bite. Continued …

Australian Man and Dog Rescued by Mexican Tuna Boat After Drifting 3 Months

An Australian sailor who had been adrift at sea with his dog for three months has been rescued by a Mexican tuna boat in international waters, the fishing vessel’s owner said Monday. Continued …

 

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, hua hin, real estate, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s News-July 18

  • Anantasila’s Got Talent event set Wednesday/
  • Hua Hin Beach Life, July 21-23/
  • Officials in Hua Hin brief Night Market traders against selling counterfeit goods/
  • Major Muay Thai tournament coming to Hua Hin/
  • Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot/
  • Storm Talim advances on Thailand/
  • Coalition decides to propose Pita as its PM candidate in second round/
  • Senators plan moves to derail people’s choice PM/
  • The promises and perils of crowdfunding hospital bills in Thailand/
  • Chon Buri resident’s lucky escape from giant lizard lurking in toilet/
  • Economy: Home buyers looking to resell properties/Thailand now world’s 2nd largest exporter of canned/processed fish/
  • Tourism: International tourism set to fall short next year/
  • Thailand Experience: Bangkok’s Chef Ton: The face of Thailand around the globe/
  • International: Vietnam implements unlimited re-entry 90-day e-visa/After bridge attack, Russia halts participation in Black Sea grain deal/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Officials in Hua Hin brief Night Market traders against selling counterfeit goods

Officials have briefed traders at Hua Hin Night Market about selling counterfeit goods to locals and tourists.

The move is part of a concerted effort to combat intellectual property infringement,
and comes after a meeting was held on July 14 in the Hua Hin municipal office. Continued …

Major Muay Thai tournament coming to Hua Hin Sunday

On Sunday, July 23, Hua Hin will play host to a Muay Thai tournament aimed at promoting Thailand’s cultural prowess and boosting its economy and tourism sector.

Organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Hua Hin Sports Development Assn., this event aims to showcase the country’s soft power and reinforce the positive image and attitude of Thai citizens. Continued …

Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot

Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors, including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more.

In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, and France. Notably, Thailand is the only Asian country featured in this esteemed group. Continued …

Storm Talim advances on Thailand

Several provinces are likely to be hit with heavy to very heavy rain from today to Thursday due to the influence of severe tropical storm Talim, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning issued today.

The department said the storm is hovering over Guangxi region in southern China, with wind speeds at the eye of about 100 km/hour. It is moving west at 20 km/hour and is expected to make landfall in upper Vietnam today or tomorrow and will downgrade into a depression and a severe low-pressure area, respectively. Continued … 

Coalition decides to propose Pita as its PM candidate in second round

The Move Forward-led eight-party coalition has decided to propose Pita Limjaroenrat as its candidate for prime minister in the second round of voting on July 19. The decision was made at a meeting of the eight-party coalition on Monday at Thai Summit Tower in Bangkok, Pita revealed.

The 42-year-old candidate said that he would still run for the coalition, but added that if he did not see a “significant” improvement in support, he would be prepared to back Pheu Thai’s nominee. Continued …

Senators plan moves to derail people’s choice PM

On Monday, a group of Thai senators announced they would oppose the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat to parliament as prime minister on Wednesday. The move comes as concerns also grow about the potential intervention of the Constitutional Court on the same day. The court has a petition before it which could ultimately see the Move Forward Party dissolved.

The week is expected to see significant development in the political arena, with all the signs pointing toward a plot by conservative elements to derail the democratic agenda of the Move Forward Party. Continued …

The promises and perils of crowdfunding hospital bills in Thailand

For the 67 injured Brits who have appealed for cash to pay hospital bills in Thailand since the beginning of 2023, charity giving is both the first stop and a last resort. The British government and insurance companies will instantly recommend the route to distraught families, but the relatives in question can’t find mega-cash anywhere else in any case.

Commercial funding platforms such as the highly popular GoFundMe handle most of the campaigns. A review of the ads suggests that the average amount requested was around 25,000 GBP, with about 40% of the cash actually donated by the time the ad was cancelled or, more commonly, simply fell into disuse. Continued … 

Chon Buri resident’s lucky escape from giant lizard lurking in toilet

A resident of the Bang Nang community in Chon Buri’s Phan Thong district encountered an outsized lizard in his toilet. He was fortunate enough to evade a potential bite after doing his business as usual and alerted others of the lurking danger with detailed posts on social media.

Late at night, when Tiwa Kheawsom was using his bathroom, he noticed an eerie image after flushing the toilet. Much to his amazement, it was the head of a giant lizard lodged in the toilet. Despite his repeated attempts at flushing, the lizard refused to retire into the drainage system. Continued …

Home buyers looking to resell properties

With more people struggling to repay home loans, the number of second-hand homes and condos posted for sale is on the rise. The increase in non-performing assets (NPA), or foreclosed homes in the real estate market appeals to foreigners seeking residential properties. in prime locations.

According to Anchana Vallipakorn, co-founder and CEO of Baania (Thailand), the overall second-hand property market in Bangkok has seen a significant increase in the number of listings in five districts, namely Huai Khwang, Wattana, Chatuchak, Khlong Toei, and Ratchathewi. Continued …

Thailand now world’s 2nd largest exporter of canned/processed fish

Thailand has emerged as the world’s second-largest exporter of canned fish and processed fish products, after China, and the top exporter in ASEAN.

The expansion is being driven by free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries such as Japan, Chile, Peru and China, the Commerce Ministry said. Continued …

International tourism set to fall short next year

Tourism revenue from the international market in 2024 will not be able to match the level recorded in 2019, as the target has been downgraded to 1.92 trillion baht from an earlier target of 2.29 trillion baht due to the impact of a “polycrisis”, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

However, the overall target has been maintained at 3 trillion baht, as the agency will push the domestic market to reach 1.08 trillion baht next year. Continued …

Bangkok’s Chef Ton: The face of Thailand around the globe

Easily one of the more approachable and friendly chefs, chef Ton isn’t just a pretty face. The first Thai chef to take home the coveted No.1 spot, chef Ton is also the only chef to achieve the top spot and have two restaurants in the top five on the Asia’s 50 Best 2023 list. His other fine dining restaurant, Nusara, is No.3.

“The day after we won, Le Du’s inbox had almost 1,000 emails for reservations, which is something we have never seen before. This led to us to open reservations three months in advance. Everyday we have about 80 people on the waiting list and we haven’t added any more seats. Le Du can seat around 36 people and can only do about 60 covers, maximum. Though we don’t actually do two covers a night because we want people to enjoy and take their time. We don’t want to rush them through the experience,” says chef Ton. Continued … 

Vietnam implements unlimited re-entry 90-day e-visa

An extension of the E-visa to 90 days is expected to lure more oversea tourists to Vietnam. Starting on Aug. 15, upon being granted an e-visa, a visitor can enter and exit unlimited times within 90 days without obtaining a new visa. Continued …

After bridge attack, Russia halts participation in Black Sea grain deal

Russia said on Monday that it had halted participation in a landmark UN-brokered deal, which allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported through the Black Sea, just hours after Moscow said Ukraine had attacked the Crimean Bridge. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
climate change, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-July 17

  • Weather warning issued for Hua Hin, PKK/
  • Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand/
  • Little Saigon: Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Flavors to Hua Hin/
  • Local Rotary clubs elect new officers/
  • Most People Still Prefer Pita For PM Regardless Of How Long It Takes/
  • Why section 272 is becoming a new focus/
  • Senators who abstained from voting told to quit/
  • Opinion: Thailand is at a crossroads because of unelected, unaccountable groups/
  • How to sell your car in Thailand/
  • Malaysia best place to retire in Asia?/
  • Reservoir ‘golfer’ charged with damage to national park/
  • Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tons of waste collected/
  • King Cobra Handler Retires After Kissing Snakes For 30 Years/
  • Probe ordered into large amount of missing Navy ammunition/
  • Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar sheltering in Mae Hong Son/
  • Economy: Egg Prices Soar Once Again, Hurting Low-Income Households/Economic damage to Thai economy from El Nino could hit 40-60 billion baht/Outlook for Thai export growth revised downward/Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China/
  • Tourism: Tourism needs a Plan B to hit its target/Thailand Expects to Welcome 1.6 Million Indians This Year/Phuket bounces back/
  • Thailand Experience: Anthony Bourdain’s Top Tips For Navigating A New Street Food Scene/Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists/
  • International: Dangerous heatwaves strike globe as wildfires rage/Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky/49 dead or missing in downpour in South Korea/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Weather warning issued for Hua Hin, PKK

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a weather warning for parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan, in effect from today to July 20 (Thursday). The warning covers the districts of Hua Hin, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan, and Bang Saphan Noi.

The weather conditions are expected to bring heavy to very heavy rains, the warning stated.

Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand

Heavy rain and flash flooding is forecast to hit the northeast, east, and southern regions over the next few days, while Bangkok and its surrounding areas will also experience rain, heavy at times, over 60% of the total area.

The monsoon trough passing through the upper northern and upper northeastern regions, along with the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the southern Gulf of Thailand, is responsible for the increase in rainfall. Residents of the eastern and northeastern regions, as well as those living along the western coast of the southern, should be prepared for flash floods. Continued …

Little Saigon: Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Flavors to Hua Hin

Nestled in the heart of Hua Hin, Little Saigon is a culinary haven that aims to transport diners on a delightful journey through the vibrant streets of Vietnam. With a passion for authenticity and a commitment to recreating the rich flavors of Vietnamese street food, this charming restaurant brings a slice of Vietnam’s culinary heritage to the waiting diners of Hua Hin.

Video 

The journey began when the founders of Little Saigon, driven by their love for Vietnamese cuisine, embarked on a mission to share the true essence of Vietnam’s culinary treasures. After exploring numerous Vietnamese restaurants in London, Koln, and other major cities, they realized that something was missing – the genuine flavors and the distinct “personality” of Vietnam’s street food experience. Continued …

Local Rotary clubs elect new officers

Three local Rotary clubs have elected new presidents. Dr. Helmut Shepers was named president of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, Nuttapon Phanjoy was selected president of the Rotaract Club of Stamford International University, and Stephen Noton takes over as president of the Rotary Club of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Most People Still Prefer Pita For PM Regardless Of How Long It Takes

Most people still endorse Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat’s attempted rise to power, no matter how many rounds of voting in his support from legislators it could possibly take.

According to the latest NIDA Poll conducted between July 11 and July 12 with a total of 1,310 people from all walks of life and all regions of the country, 43.2% of the respondents prefer Pita be eventually voted prime minister regardless of how many rounds of voting in joint House/Senate sessions is necessary. Continued …

Why section 272 is becoming a new focus

The Move Forward Party has shifted its focus to the amendment of Section 272 of the constitution, to exclude senators from the prime minister voting process, after leader of the party, Pita Limjaroenrat, failed to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister on Thursday.

Section 272 empowers the 250 senators to join the 500 members of the House of Representatives to vote for prime minister between 2019 and 2023. In the first bicameral vote in parliament, 159 senators abstained. It is, therefore, in Move Forward’s interest to remove senators from voting for prime minister. Continued …

Senators who abstained from voting told to quit

Supporters of the Move Forward party have issued a statement urging senators who abstained from voting in last Thursday’s joint sitting of the parliament to select the prime minister, to resign, and calling on the eight coalition parties to remain united to fulfill their pledges to the people.

The statement also calls on the Thai people to join forces with them in their struggle to effect change in Thai society. Continued …

Thailand is at a crossroads because of unelected, unaccountable groups

We stand at a pivotal juncture in our political journey. The triumph of the Move Forward party, a manifestation of our collective will, finds itself precariously on the brink of being undone. It’s an audacious subversion by unelected groups that seem to consider Thailand their personal chessboard.

Our Senate, our Election Commission, and our Constitutional Court have audaciously sought to stifle our democratic voice. These institutions, once meant to serve us, now contemptuously pull at the strings of our governance like unaccountable puppeteers. Continued … 

How to sell your car in Thailand

Considering letting go of your reliable car in Thailand? Maybe you’ve got your eyes on a newer model, or perhaps you’re seeking a quick way to boost your cash flow.

Or, just maybe, it’s nearing time for you to bid goodbye to the exquisite sandy shores and bustling city streets of Thailand. Whatever the reason that has you mulling over a sale, let us walk you through the ins and outs of selling your car in Thailand. Continued …

Malaysia best place to retire in Asia?

Malaysia ranks first in a list of the 10 safest places to retire in Asia, according to U.S.-based financial services corporation Nasdaq.

In an article in its GoBankingRates section recently, the firm said the finding was based on data from the United Nations Pacific-Asia Region Group and gross domestic product (GDP) from WorldPopulationReview. Continued …

Reservoir ‘golfer’ charged with damage to national park

Khao Yai National Park will press charges against a golfer who plays golf near the Sai Sorn reservoir, located in the national park, as his action is against the park’s rules and could harm not only wildlife but also visitors.

Kittichai Roongpaiboonwong, a senior forest officer of the park, led an inspection team to the reservoir yesterday after receiving a report regarding the golfer using the reservoir area for sports practice. Continued …

Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tons of waste collected

Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and 507 tons of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee Taisaranakul. Continued …

King Cobra Handler Retires After Kissing Snakes For 30 Years

Thongkham Lukthongcahi, 62 years old, has announced his retirement from the King Cobra show, with which he made a name for himself worldwide for 30 years, as he no longer wants to risk his life after his senior died at the same age.

Video 

Thongkham welcomed the media at his home on Friday in Moo 6, Ban Khok Sangha, Sai Moon subdistrict, Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen province. This village is the only snake village in Thailand. On July 14, he welcomed the media to announce his retirement from the snake business after 28 years, starting in 1995. Continued …

Probe ordered into large amount of missing Navy ammunition

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has ordered an investigation into tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and grenades missing from a Marine Corps armory at the Sattahip naval base.

Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, said the disappearance of the ammunition, including M855 and M856 rounds and 40mm grenades, was discovered on July 5 during a routine inventory check at the barracks of the First Marine Regiment. Continued …

Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar sheltering in Mae Hong Son

Over 9,000 refugees from Myanmar who have escaped the ongoing fighting are now taking shelter in five villages in Mueang, Mae Sariang and Khun Yuan districts of Thailand’s northernmost province of Mae Hong Son.

According to the Mae Hong Son border command center, the Karenni refugees are scattered across five temporary shelters being provided by Thai authorities. Continued …

Egg Prices Soar Once Again, Hurting Low-Income Households

Egg prices have risen to the highest level once again, as farms have increased prices from 3.80 baht to 4 baht each since July 14 due to various factors such as El Niño and electricity costs. This affected low-income households.

The Padriw Egg Cooperative Network, the Chonburi Egg Cooperative Network, the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Egg Cooperative Network, and the Noi River Egg Cooperative Network announced another price increase of 20 satang per egg or 6 baht per tray, effective immediately, raising the farm-gate price of eggs from the previous 3.80 baht to 4.00 baht per egg. Continued …

Economic damage to Thai economy from El Nino could hit 40-60 billion baht

Economists are concerned about the impact of El Nino on the Thai economy, noting that the damage could reach around 40 billion baht, or even 60 billion baht if the situation is prolonged.

Kiatnakin Phatra Bank predicts a severe and prolonged impact that may extend into the next year, while the Thai Meteorological Department sees similarities with the El Nino events of 2015 and 2019. Continued …

Outlook for Thai export growth revised downward

Export growth this year is at risk of remaining at zero percent or lower due to the volatile global economy, which is putting pressure on purchasing orders.

The private sector does not expect Thai exports to expand this year in view of the uncertain global economic conditions affected by geopolitical tensions, which are impacting all sectors, including finance, production, exports, raw materials, and energy. Continued … 

Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China

Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

As of Aug. 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products composed of gallium and germanium. These two elements play a crucial role in the manufacturing of chips and EVs. With this move, fears mount for potential disruptions to global supply chains and an escalation of the trade war with Washington. Continued …

Tourism needs a Plan B to hit its target

Thailand’s key economic driver has cruised past the first six months but it could see a big speed bump ahead on the road to year’s end.

Foreign visitors entering Thailand reached 11.4 million from Jan. 1 to June 11, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The figures already surpass the total number of arrivals last year when the country registered 11.15 million. Continued …

Thailand Expects to Welcome 1.6 Million Indians This Year

Indian tourists are streaming into Southeast Asia, cementing the world’s most populous country’s position as a key growth market for the travel and tourism sector.

From airlines like IndiGo and Thai Airways to hospitality chains offering thousands of rooms, executives and analysts say companies are tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-class and growing spending power. Continued …

Phuket bounces back

Phuket is targeting over 14 million international and domestic tourists, with tourism-related revenue expected to exceed 200–300 billion baht by the end of this year, according to the Phuket Tourist Assn. (PTA).

Phuket was hit heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020–2021 but tourists started returning once the Sandbox scheme kicked off in July, 2021. Continued …

Anthony Bourdain’s Top Tips For Navigating A New Street Food Scene

When it comes to navigating street food stalls, the late chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain has the perfect advice for adventurous eaters. In an interview with Bon Appétit, Bourdain states that it’s best to follow the crowd. If a stall or food truck has a long line, there’s a good chance that there’s something worthwhile waiting on the other side.

Furthermore, the author of “Kitchen Confidential” says to pay attention to the people in line. “I look to see if locals are willing to inconvenience themselves and wait in line for a long time to get something that only costs a dollar fifty, especially if it’s a mixed bag of different incomes.” Continued …

Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists

Nature enthusiasts and flower fans have been flocking to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province to witness the breathtaking sight of a vast field of blooming pink Siam tulips. The influx of tourists began over the weekend, with visitors eagerly capturing photos and selfies amid the stunning display.

Spanning four districts – Nong Bua Rahaew, Thep Sathit, Phakdee Chumphol, and Nong Bua Daeng – the 319-square kilometer Sai Thong National Park offers a picturesque setting for the Siam tulips to flourish. Park officials have noted that the Siam tulips at Sai Thong bloom later than those at the nearby Pa Hin Ngam National Park, providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of tulips in bloom twice. Continued …

Dangerous heatwaves strike globe as wildfires rage

Scorching weather gripped three continents on Sunday, whipping up wildfires and threatening to topple temperature records as the dire consequences of global warming take shape. Continued …

Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky

Travelers know to expect trouble when severe weather strikes, but it’s not just limited to hurricanes and blizzards. Excessive heat can also impact flights. Continued …

49 dead or missing in downpour in South Korea

Four more bodies have been recovered from a once-flooded underground road in central South Korea, bringing the number of people dead or missing in recent storms to 49, officials said Monday. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, climate change, hua hin, medical tourism, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-July 15

  • Move Forward MPs File Bill To Rid Senators Of PM-Picking Power/
  • General Prawit may emerge next week to clinch prime minister’s job/
  • Political experts see no path for Pita to become PM/
  • Business community hoping for a quick political resolution/
  • Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok ranked among world’s best hospitals/
  • Tourism: Tourism sector anxious over possible protests in wake of failed PM vote/A beginner’s guide to the rainy season in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: The best things to do in Phrae/
  • International: Prolonged heatwaves grip US and Europe, raising health concerns/Israeli doctors reattach Palestinian boy’s head in pioneering surgery/Oil Prices Predicted to Recover Amidst Global Economic Rebound/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Move Forward MPs File Bill To Rid Senators Of PM-Picking Power

Move Forward MPs yesterday filed a renewed bill to put an end to the constitutional power of the military-appointed senators to pick a prime minister.

The Move Forward legislation was lodged in pursuit of amendment to Section 272 of the military-designed constitution to the extent that the senators be no longer empowered to vote for prime minister alongside the elected MPs. Continued …

General Prawit may emerge next week to clinch prime minister’s job

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the leader of the Palang Pracharat Party, may emerge as a surprise new candidate for prime minister next Wednesday, with sources within the eight-party coalition increasingly concerned after Thursday’s polarized debate in parliament, that the avuncular party leader may gain the support of the 188 MPs in the House who voted against Pita and swing undecided senators to come in behind his bid, which could lead to him securing well over the 375 votes required under Section 272 to be legally confirmed as government leader.

On Friday, the day after the vote in Parliament which saw Pita Limjaroenrat fail to reach the minimum votes required, 375 in a joint session of Parliament to be elected Thailand’s 30th prime minister, the eight-party coalition behind him met to discuss its future strategy. Continued …

Political experts see no path for Pita to become PM

Many Thai experts and political analysts say that the Move Forward-led coalition may have to consider fielding a prime minister candidate other than Pita Limjaroenrat. They spoke on Friday, a day after Pita failed to win in the first round of parliament’s vote for prime minister.

Despite being the lone candidate, Pita was unable to secure majority support from parliamentarians, falling short of the 375 votes required. Continued … 

Business community hoping for a quick political resolution

Whichever faction of parties comes together to form a new government, the business sector insists there is an urgent need to swiftly establish an administration.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, an honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Assn., said the likelihood Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat will become the next prime minister seems murky, and Thailand’s political situation could be tense for a while. Continued …

Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok ranked among world’s best hospitals

Newsweek and Statista, a news magazine and a website for statistical information, recently published the World’s Best Hospitals list, ranking 250 of the top global hospitals. Bumrungrad International Hospital, in Bangkok, ranks 182nd overall, with a 93% score, while the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is the top-ranked hospital.

The result is a good sign for Thailand’s plans to make the country into a global medical and wellness hub by 2026, which is expected to generate more employment, boost investment, and contribute to various related businesses, as well as promoting alternative medicine. – Pattaya Mail

Tourism sector anxious over possible protests in wake of failed PM vote

Yesterday’s political fiasco, where Pita Limjaroenrat failed to become PM despite his party winning the most votes in the general election, has left Thailand’s tourism sector on edge.

The risk of political protests if Pita Limjaroenrat fails to secure the votes needed to become PM in round 2 or 3 of voting (on July 19 and 20) is worrying tourism operators. Continued …

A beginner’s guide to the rainy season in Thailand

If you’re planning to pay a visit to Thailand when the rainy season is in full swing, these are the things you need to know.

Those of us who live in Thailand know that every year we alternate between enduring the scorching heat and the eventual torrential downpour and the floods that go along with it. Sure, there’s the extremely brief sweet spot where it’s cold (kinda), but other than that, it’s either hot or wet. Continued …

The best things to do in Phrae

Eat, Phrae, Love. It’s seems distracting, disrespectful almost, to admit to myself just how often the words slip through my mind on the sticky streets of Phrae.

Yes, the pronunciation of Phrae shimmies over the h and half notices the r. So it kind of sounds like pray. But that’s really where the similarity ends with the novel about a woman who sets out to travel the world to forget about her problems. Continued … 

Video

Prolonged heatwaves grip US and Europe, raising health concerns

A prolonged heatwave prompted an urgent warning by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) for over 115 million citizens. Notably, the city of Phoenix, Arizona, has endured consecutive high temperatures over 43 degrees Celsius for 13 days, with signs of breaking a record of over 18 days of consecutive heat, starting Tuesday, July 18. Continued …

Israeli doctors reattach Palestinian boy’s head in pioneering surgery

In a remarkable medical achievement, Israeli physicians have successfully performed a reattachment operation on a child’s head, following a collision with a vehicle while he was cycling that left him with an almost severed neck. The pioneering surgery was conducted at a hospital in Jerusalem. Continued …

Oil Prices Predicted to Recover Amidst Global Economic Rebound

The average price of ICE Brent crude oil in the second quarter of 2023 (April 1-June 30) remained stable at $77.75 per barrel, indicating tighter supply in the market compared to the previous quarter. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Friday’s News-July 14

  • Move Forward Party’s Thai PM Candidate Pita Fails First Round of Voting/
  • Thailand is facing a deep political crisis as Pita loses key vote/
  • Police Prepare For Nationwide Protests/
  • Hua Hin Heroes Foundation to help those in need/
  • Heavy rain forecast for most on the country from Sunday/
  • Comprehensive Guide for foreigners interested in studying Thai Language/
  • Pattaya residents urge authorities to put an end to foreign motorbike gangs/
  • Economy: Election delay poses risks to the economy/Consumers upbeat for 13th month/
  • Tourism: Tourism operators jittery over possible election protests/Thailand’s new weed laws draw tourists from across Asia/
  • International: Record-breaking heat bakes US, Europe, China/Europe braces for ‘Cerberus’ heatwave: Italy issues heatstroke red alerts/Rain-ravaged India grappling with floods and landslides/Hollywood actors strike, shutting down the US film, TV industry/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Move Forward Party’s Thai PM Candidate Pita Fails First Round of Voting

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, has failed to gather sufficient votes of 375 from the joint sitting Parliament, resulting in him failing the first round of the prime ministerial vote.

Pita needed at least 375 out of 749 votes from the upper and lower houses to take the Thai prime minister office. However, the official results are that the PM-hopeful was only able to gather 324 votes, which was not half of the parliament. Moreover, only 674 parliamentarians were present at the time of voting. Continued …

Thailand is facing a deep political crisis as Pita loses key vote

Thai politics took a step further into what could be a serious political crisis on Thursday when parliament failed to elect list MP Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, even after he was the only nominee before parliament supported by an eight-party coalition representing 72% of voters and 62% of seats in the House of Representatives.

In an often ill-tempered and fiery debate, opposition to Pita came from the Senate and MPs aligned with the outgoing government, which decisively lost the May 14 general election. Continued …

Police Prepare For Nationwide Protests

National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat early this morning ordered police nationwide to prepare for possible protests, with Parliament strongly guarded following prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat failing to get enough votes to take the helm of the government at a joint House/senate meeting yesterday.

The pro-Pita votes cast by the lawmakers yesterday only accounted for 324 votes, 13 of which came from senators, but it was 51 votes short of a minimum of 375 accounting for more than half the combined total of MPs and senators as required by law. Continued … 

Hua Hin Heroes Foundation to help those in need

The Hua Hin Heroes Foundation was formally launched on Thursday. The foundation is an independent charity organization founded by a team of young Hua Hin-based entrepreneurs, with the mission to bring together ideas, people, and resources to provide assistance to those in need.

Adam Clark, president of the foundation, brings his expertise in financial services and business, while Henrik Fagersson, vice president, is an Osteopath D.O and the owner/founder of Spine Clinic. Ploy Sakdapheysiri, the co-founder of the foundation, is the owner of Wine Bubble and Berry Club & Wholesale.

The foundation’s first major initiative is expected to be one of the biggest golf charity events of the year. – HHT

Heavy rain forecast for most on the country from Sunday

Most of Thailand will see heavy rain from Sunday to next Thursday (July 16-20) due to the influence of a strong monsoon trough, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning issued today.

The department said that from Sunday onward, the strong monsoon trough will move from the north to the northeast and the upper central region of Thailand before turning into an active low-pressure cell over the upper South China Sea. Meanwhile, the rather strong southwest monsoon prevails across the Andaman Sea, the south and the Gulf. Continued …

Comprehensive Guide for foreigners interested in studying Thai Language

Thailand has a lot of charms to indulge in, but one of the appeals one cannot deny is the “Thai language”, which, in any shape or form, is so melodious and pleasing to the ear.

“Lately, we are seeing more and more people from many countries around the world become interested in learning the Thai language. With this booming interest comes the advent of many things: the digital world, the end of language barriers, easier travel, the export of goods and drama series, and various soft power trends,” said Assistant Professor Kiat Thepchuaysuk, irector of the Center for Thai as a Foreign Language (CTFL), Chulalongkorn University. Continued …

Pattaya residents urge authorities to put an end to foreign motorbike gangs

Residents of tourist city Pattaya in Chonburi province have urged police to investigate gangs of motorcycle riders in the sois off South Pattaya Road in Bang Lamung district, whose behavior at night has become a noisy nuisance.

The gangs, mostly made up of Arabian tourists aged 17 to 25, have been racing bikes at high speed in Soi VC Residence Hotel and Soi Yensabai from around midnight onward, a Pattaya resident said Thursday. Continued …

Election delay poses risks to the economy

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) expects a prolonged delay in the selection of a prime minister and formation of a new government, leading to protests that, if violent, will significantly affect tourism revenue, causing a loss of 500 billion baht, or a one percentage point decline in GDP.

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, said on Thursday the vote to select the prime minister is considered a crucial indicator of Thailand’s economic recovery, citing recent business surveys by the university that reflect concerns about the prolonged formation of the government, which could delay the implementation of new economic policies for recovery. Continued …

Consumers upbeat for 13th month

Consumer confidence rose for a 13th straight month in June and posted the highest level in 40 months since March 2020, driven by a resilient tourism sector and increasing agricultural product prices. However, there is still concern about uncertainty in the political arena, said the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

The UTCC reported yesterday the consumer confidence index rose to 56.7 in June, up from 55.1 in May, 55 in April, 53.8 in March, 52.6 in February and 51.7 in January. Continued …

Tourism operators jittery over possible election protests

Tourism operators are worried about possible protests that could harm the image of the country, while hoping a government is formed as soon as possible.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), said if there are any protests following yesterday’s vote for prime minister, they should be peaceful demonstrations the authorities monitor without violence to avoid creating negative perceptions among the international community. Continued …

Thailand’s new weed laws draw tourists from across Asia

A Japanese tourist reaches into a baggie of cannabis he’s just bought in a central Bangkok weed shop, pulling out a gram of buds to chop down in a small black grinder, before rolling them neatly into a joint.

Only the slight spillage onto the smoking lounge’s table — and his cough as he lights up and inhales deeply — betray the fact that until two weeks ago, he’d never tried marijuana. Continued …

Record-breaking heat bakes US, Europe, China

Summer has just begun in the Northern Hemisphere but a brutal heat wave is already gripping parts of Europe, China and the United States, where record temperatures expected this weekend are a stark illustration of the dangers of a warming climate. Continued …

Europe braces for ‘Cerberus’ heatwave: Italy issues heatstroke red alerts

A severe heatwave, dubbed “Cerberus” after the three-headed dog from Greek mythology, is spreading across Europe and North Africa, with possible record-breaking temperatures. Countries including Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, are anticipated to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Continued …

Rain-ravaged India grappling with floods and landslides

India is grappling with a heightened disaster situation following continuous heavy rainfall that has led to extensive flooding and landslides. The fatality count has tragically risen to at least 66, with severe damage reported across multiple states in the northern part of the country. Continued …

Hollywood actors strike, shutting down the US film, TV industry

Hollywood actors have voted to strike, joining already-striking writers in a move that shuts down the production of countless movies and TV shows. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

 

chiang mai, hua hin, pattaya, solar, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-July 13

  • Political showdown for Pita/
  • Pita’s chance of becoming next prime minister shrinks on eve of vote/
  • The Old Order’s Last Gasp/
  • Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays/
  • Thailand ranked among the 10 best countries for expats/
  • Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces/
  • Third Suspect In Murder Of German Businessman Nabbed In Kanchanaburi/
  • Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand/
  • About 5,000 Myanmar evacuees flee to Thailand after airstrike on civilians/
  • Household ‘net energy metering’ plan put on hold/
  • Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not wax candles, for Lent/
  • Burger King Thailand launches ‘Real Cheeseburger’ with 20 layers of cheese/
  • Tourism: Thailand sets goal to attract 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028/Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest/North of Thailand showcased as global MICE destination for tea, coffee/Four new airlines preparing for take-off in Thailand/
  • International: Championing sustainable solutions/NATO summit ends on a ‘big positive’ note/122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019/Longest Burmese python ever measured caught in Florida/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Political showdown for Pita

The much-anticipated prime minister vote occurs today, and the odds are not in favor of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat emerging as the country’s next leader.

Backed by eight prospective coalition partners, Pita, who is the MFP’s sole prime minister candidate, needs 64 votes to secure the premiership. But two major developments on Wednesday are believed to have dealt a severe blow to his bid to contend for the position. Continued …

Pita’s chance of becoming next prime minister shrinks on eve of vote

The chance of Move Forward Party chief Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next prime minister shrank on Wednesday as Parliament prepared for Thursday’s vote to select the country’s leader.

The Election Commission asked the Constitutional Court to rule if Pita, who is the top PM candidate by virtue of Move Forward’s election win, had violated election law. Continued …

The Old Order’s Last Gasp

There is in Thailand a vestige of an epoch that is fast losing its relevance. I speak of Thailand’s conservative establishment, an obdurate machine anchored in antiquated conceptions of power, inept at moving with the currents of democratic evolution, and balefully terrified of a new political dawn.

The Constitutional Court and the Electoral Commission form the steely backbone of this historic relic, more adept at conspiring in hushed tones than honoring the clarion call of the ballot box. Consider, if you will, the electoral triumph of the Move Forward Party in the recent polls. The populace spoke, the establishment quaked, and the results were — overlooked. Underneath the veneer of formality, these institutions’ penchant for autocracy unfolds with startling clarity. Continued …

Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays

Protests and potential political instability are causing growing unease within Thailand‘s private sector, chiefly due to the impact of delays in forming the country’s new government. The possible effects are multifaceted, potentially touching areas such as new investments and the tourism industry.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s vice chairman, Poj Aramwattananont, expressed concern yesterday in light of recent moves by the local Election Commission (EC). Continued …

Thailand ranked among the 10 best countries for expats

Thailand has been ranked among the top 10 places for expats to live, according to the annual Expat Insider Survey carried out by InterNations. The latest rankings see Thailand move up to 6th place from 8th place in 2022 and 14th place in 2021.

Each year, InterNations, a global community for people who live and work abroad, conducts its Expat Insider survey. Now in its 10th year, the survey quizzes over 12,000 expats to generate a ranking of 53 countries across the world. It analyzes factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance, and more. Continued …

Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of a southwest monsoon causing thunderstorms throughout the country. The alert specified significant rainfall projected across 46 provinces, both north and south, covering 40% of the country’s north and south. The population should be vigilant due to the inherent danger at this time.

The southwest monsoon now covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand leading to continuous bouts of thunderstorms, primarily on the side facing the monsoon. Continued … 

Third Suspect In Murder Of German Businessman Nabbed In Kanchanaburi

the third suspect in the murder and dismemberment of a German businessman in Chonburi last week was arrested yesterday in Kanchanaburi while trying to flee across the border to Myanmar.

Police arrested Shahrukh Kareem Uddin, 27, a Pakistani holding Thai nationality, while traveling in a taxi to Kanchanaburi city. He was taken to the provincial police station to record his arrest and then to be sent to Nong Prue police station in Chonburi for interrogation. Continued …

Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand

A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Policymakers from both nations are keen on bolstering cooperation in dealing with significant instances of Chinese criminals fleeing from China to Thailand to evade apprehension.

High-ranking officials of the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB), directed by Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, visited China with the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to international crimes involving Chinese nationals. Continued …

About 5,000 Myanmar evacuees flee to Thailand after airstrike on civilians

More than 5,000 displaced people fled across the border into Mae Hong Son on Wednesday after the Myanmar military launched an airstrike on the evacuation center where they were living in Kayah State. They are now being housed in an evacuation center in the province’s Mueang district.

Karenni National Progressive Party’s Culture Minister Tor Rae said the airstrike on the evacuation center occurred at 1.30am, killing one and injuring 10 others. The evacuation center, which is located near the resistance group’s barracks, also comprises a school and health center. Continued …

Household ‘net energy metering’ plan put on hold

A study commissioned by government to examine the implementation of a solar power project for households known as net energy metering has concluded that Thailand is not yet ready for such a scheme. Instead, the government will continue to allow consumers to sell the excess electricity to the utility at a rate of 2.20 baht.

Net energy metering (NEM) is a billing mechanism that credits households that have installed rooftop solar panels for the electricity they supply to the electricity grid. For example, if a residential consumer has a rooftop solar panel system, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. The NEM scheme serves to promote renewable energy use and conservation of non-renewable energy at the consumer level. Continued …

Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not wax candles, for Lent

A temple in Songkhla province put up a sign requesting that instead of offering traditional wax candles for the upcoming Buddhist Lent, supporters should donate solar cells. The use of local language on the signage has added a touch of levity and sparked conversation among the community.

Lieb Temple has grabbed attention with its unique request showcased on banners placed around the temple’s four-way red light zone and some parts of the interior. The messages are written in the local dialect, enhancing understanding and generating sparks of amusement among patrons and community members. Continued … 

Burger King Thailand launches ‘Real Cheeseburger’ with 20 layers of cheese

Burger King Thailand got innovative and launched a new burger without meat called the “Real Cheeseburger”, offering cheese lovers burger buns with 20 slices of pure American cheese. The burger is now available for 109 baht, down from the original price of 380 baht. The new burger almost immediately went viral on Thai social media platforms due to the thick layers of cheese. Initially, many Thai customers assumed that the fast food chain had just created the burger for fun, but the brand confirmed that the cheeseburger is real. (thethaiger.com)

Thailand sets goal to attract 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028, which will generate an estimated total revenue of 5.6 trillion baht, equivalent to 25% of Thailand’s GDP.

TAT officials say that they are also finalizing marketing plans for Thailand’s tourism in 2025, which expect to generate a total revenue of 3.1 trillion baht, accounting for 16% of the country’s GDP, with 74% coming from international tourists, equivalent to 2.29 trillion baht, and 26% from domestic tourists, equivalent to 805.6 billion baht. Continued …

Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest

The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travelers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the Eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects.

The slow recovery marks it as a testing time for places like Pattaya, particularly with a quiet Chinese market yet to bounce back and local visitors not returning en masse, said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, the former president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council and group executive director of Sunshine Hotels and Resorts. Continued …

North of Thailand showcased as global MICE destination for tea, coffee

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is working to make the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai international centers for tea and coffee. To achieve this, the bureau is implementing three major projects this year.

The first is to expand creative economy and local community products by sponsoring events like the “World Tea and Coffee Expo”, which has been held in Chiang Mai for two years running. Continued … 

Four new airlines preparing for take-off in Thailand

Four new Thai airlines are preparing to take to the skies in coming months, propelled by resurgent tourism in the post-pandemic era and spurring an increase in competition in local and regional markets.

The new carriers are relatively small and will serve niche traveler markets. But they add depth to the Thai aviation industry and are an indicator of the sector’s improving health as economies recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Continued …

Championing sustainable solutions

El Niño. Drought. Wildfire. Massive flooding. Pollution. Water shortage. Loss of biodiversity. Environmental issues are endless and they pose a real threat not just in Thailand but around the world. Continued …

NATO summit ends on a ‘big positive’ note

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the meeting with NATO leaders was positive despite his disappointment about the lack of a timetable to receive an invite to join, he said in Vilnius on Wednesday. Continued …

122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019

Over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due to the pandemic and repeated weather shocks and conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published today. Continued …

Longest Burmese python ever measured caught in Florida

Hunters in south Florida caught the largest Burmese python ever measured, and the lengthy beast is currently being examined at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

cha am, covid, hua hin, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-July 12

  • Hua Hin-Cha Am Golf Festival July 30/
  • Prayut bows out, nods to a new era dawning/
  • Senators Under Pressure Over Imminent Vote For PM /
  • Thailand will become ‘super aged’ society by 2036, predicts Dept of Health/
  • Two Germans Arrested In Murder Of Businessman/
  • First week of July sees 1,193 hospitalized, 25 deaths from Covid-19 complications/
  • Tourism: Airlines advise Pita on steps new govt can take to revive Thailand’s tourism industry/
  • Thailand Experience: Top 6 Beaches in Thailand for the Perfect Retirement by the Sea/
  • International: World job market on brink of ‘AI revolution’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Prayut bows out, nods to a new era dawning

An emotional departing statement from outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ocha suggested he was proud of leaving behind a record of stability, financial prudence and care for the vulnerable. It comes just hours before a decisive parliamentary meeting to elect the kingdom’s 30th prime minister with a stark choice between a new era or a potential political crisis.

Prayut highlighted his government’s record of stable management of the country and financial prudence, while always paying attention to the need to protect the vulnerable when it came to policy and decisions, including at times of crisis. Continued …

Senators Under Pressure Over Imminent Vote For PM

A number of senators have remained under pressure as a phenomenal voting of Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister is approaching on Thursday, said Move Forward secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon Tuesday.

Some of the unelected legislators have been psychologically intimidated or even threatened to get blackmailed, while others have been offered concrete interests in exchange for their abstention from voting in a desperate bid to avert Pita’s elected premiership during Thursday’s joint House/Senate session, according to the Move Forward secretary-general. Continued …

Thailand will become ‘super aged’ society by 2036, predicts Dept of Health

Up to 30% of Thailand’s population is expected to cross the “elderly” barrier by 2036, placing it on the list of “super-aged societies”, the Department of Health said.

Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the department’s director general, made the announcement to mark World Population Day on Tuesday. The United Nations chose July 11 to celebrate World Population Day every year in a bid to draw attention to the urgency and significance of population concerns. Continued …

Two Germans Arrested In Murder Of Businessman

Two Germans wanted in the murder and dismemberment of a German businessman in Chonburi last week have been arrested, with the third suspect, a Pakistani who holds Thai nationality, still being hunted.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn had asked Pattaya Provincial Court to issue arrest warrants for three suspects in the murder and dismemberment of Hans-Peter Mack, 62, namely Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann and Petra Christl Grundgreif, both German nationals, and Sahruek Kareem Uddin, a Pakistani holding Thai nationality. Continued …

First week of July sees 1,193 hospitalized, 25 deaths from Covid-19 complications

The number of Covid-19 patients hospitalized in the first week of July rose by 38.9% from the previous week to 1,193 patients, though the number of deaths dropped by 40%.

The Covid-19 Information Center announced on Tuesday that an average of 170 patients per day were admitted to hospital from July 2-8, compared to an average of 122 patients daily for the week of June 25-July 1, which saw 859 patients hospitalized. Continued …

Airlines advise Pita on steps new govt can take to revive Thailand’s tourism industry

Executives from seven airlines presented three measures to Move Forward leader and PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat that they believe will help strengthen Thailand’s airline industry.

The chief executive officers of Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Smile Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet met Pita on Tuesday at Mercure Makkasan Hotel in Bangkok. Continued …

Top 6 Beaches in Thailand for the Perfect Retirement by the Sea

Do you want to retire in one of those places that looks like a postcard? I know you’ve seen those picture-perfect cards with the turquoise waters, white sands, and a single palm tree stretching toward the bluest sky. Those places do exist, even without the aid of Photoshop.

Not only are they real, but there are many countries in Asia where you can find those beaches. I spent weeks exploring some of the best beaches in Thailand and found six beach areas where you could send home those kinds of postcards, but with pictures you’ve taken yourself. Continued …

World job market on brink of ‘AI revolution’

The world’s wealthiest nations must urgently prepare for the impact of an imminent “AI revolution” that will change jobs, create new ones and make others disappear, the OECD said Tuesday. The rapid development of artificial intelligence — with tools that can generate essays, create images and even pass medical exams — has raised concerns that it could replace whole sectors of the workforce through automation. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, thai economy, thai food, thailand

Tuesday’s News-July 11

  • Pak Nam Pran to host Allianz Ayudhya World Run Nov 26/
  • Outgoing Thai PM found guilty of neglect of duty over PM2.5 pollution/
  • Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok/
  • El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change/
  • Thailand braces for 150,000 dengue fever cases/
  • Missing German Businessman Hans Peter Mack Found Dismembered in Freezer/
  • Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported/
  • Survey shows progress in adolescent births, worrying trends in education, child development/
  • University sets its sights on tackling Thailand’s food waste problem/
  • Economy: Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry/Fitch affirms Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+/PTT puts renewable strategy into overdrive/How small businesses in Thailand can thrive with the rise of Web3 technologies/Thai rice exports poised to hit 9 million tons amid climate anxieties/
  • International: Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN meeting/Turkey gives green light to Swedish NATO membership bid/Germany sends troops to Australia as Berlin shifts focus to Indo-Pacific/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Pak Nam Pran to host Allianz Ayudhya World Run Thailand Series Nov 26

The Allianz Ayudhya World Run Thailand Series 2023 will be held near Hua Hin in November and registration is now open.

The event takes place over two days, with a mini-concert and bib collection taking place on Nov. 25 ahead of the actual race on Nov. 26. The run will see participants compete over distances of 10km or 21.1km. Continued …

Outgoing Thai PM found guilty of neglect of duty over PM2.5 pollution

The Chiang Mai Administrative Court ruled against the prime minister and the National Environmental Board yesterday for neglecting their duty to deal with the annual dense smog in Chiang Mai.

Both defendants were found to have ignored their duties as stipulated in the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992). Continued …

Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok

The Thai Department of Meteorology has alerted residents in 42 provinces to expect heavy rainfalls, including in the capital, Bangkok, with 70% of the southern region particularly affected. Citizens are cautioned to take necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards.

This 24-hour forecast, valid from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, is due to a southwest monsoon prevailing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change

Although the rainy season has begun in Thailand, the threat of prolonged drought and water shortages is hovering on the horizon because of El Nino.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which monitors sea temperatures at over 200 locations, forecasts that El Nino – a change in the weather system that increases global temperatures – will drag on from now until at least February next year. Continued …

Thailand braces for 150,000 dengue fever cases

Health authorities in Thailand issued a warning about a potentially significant outbreak of dengue fever in the country. Predicted figures from the Department of Disease Control (DDC) suggest that up to 150,000 instances of infection may occur by year-end.

Opas Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary for public health, yesterday confirmed that this year has already seen a significant rise in dengue cases, with numbers exceeding 30,000 and resulting in 33 fatalities. Dr. Opas was speaking at a seminar titled “Dengue: Effective Action for Treatment and Prevention,” held at Rajavithi Hospital. Continued …

Missing German Businessman Hans Peter Mack Found Dismembered in Freezer

The body of missing German businessman Hans Peter Mack, 62, was found in a rental home in Pattaya last evening and was confirmed early this morning, around 12:30 AM by Banglamung officials.

Mack’s body was found in a large freezer in a rental home in the Chokchai Garden Home 1 Village in Pattaya, which police targeted following reviewing leads they had been investigating throughout the last 24 hours and CCTV that showed the freezer being transported in a black pickup truck by what appeared to be foreign nationals. Continued …

Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported

An under-construction overpass bridge located at the On Nut-Lat Krabang Road in Bangkok collapsed near dusk yesterday evening, killing at least two people and injuring eight more.

Wisanu Subsompol, deputy governor of Bangkok, said the under-construction bridge appeared to have flipped over while significant traffic was in the area under the bridge construction. Continued …

Survey shows progress in adolescent births, worrying trends in education, child development

The largest national survey on the situation of children and women in Thailand, released on Monday by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and UNICEF, shows improvement in many areas, such as breastfeeding, adolescent birth rates and less violent discipline used against children at home.

However, it also reveals worrying trends in early childhood development, education, nutrition, and child marriage. Continued …

University sets its sights on tackling Thailand’s food waste problem

With food waste in Thailand continuing to increase due to excessive sales and over-purchasing, Thammasat University has stepped in with a plan to counter the climate-damaging methane gases polluting the atmosphere from decomposing organic matter in landfills.

According to Dr. Racha Thepsorn, lecturer at the university’s Department of Science and Technology, the food waste situation is becoming more severe, with Thailand generating 17 million tons of food waste in 2022 alone. Continued …

Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry

Investment attraction to Thailand has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of this year. The nation registered a 70% year-on-year increase to an impressive 364 billion baht, according to the Board of Investment (BoI).

This boost, particularly contributed by an astonishing 141% soar in foreign direct investment, serves as a testament to Thailand’s status as a preferred manufacturing hub for international firms. Continued … 

Fitch affirms Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, citing external strengths, GDP growth and recovery of the tourism sector as the key rating factors, while also pointing out structural constraints.

Thailand’s ratings balance its strong external finances and sound macroeconomic policy framework against weaker structural features, such as lower per capita income and World Bank governance scores, compared with its BBB category peers, the report noted. While ongoing political uncertainty weighs on Thailand’s credit profile, this may be partially alleviated in the near term after the Thai parliament agrees on a new prime minister. Continued …

PTT puts renewable strategy into overdrive

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is stepping up efforts to use more renewable power and further develop its hydrogen fuel business, part of a move to grow the company in a sustainable manner.

PTT’s current plan is to produce 12 gigawatts of electricity from renewable sources and limit power generation from fossil fuels to 8GW by 2030, but this target will be upgraded to better reflect the company’s clean energy campaign, said Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, senior executive vice-president for innovation and new ventures. Continued …

How small businesses in Thailand can thrive with the rise of Web3 technologies

The Internet has radically changed over the past 30 years, becoming increasingly visual and massive. As we approach the next generation of the Internet, known as Web3, iStock a leading ecommerce platform, revealed new research to help SMBs and SMEs in Thailand navigate the impact new technologies are having on people across the globe, especially as consumers continue to prioritize their personal well-being.

According to iStock’s visual research platform, VisualGPS, over the past year, people in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia are placing greater focus on regaining more balance and control in their lives, with 64% (versus 54% globally) expressing that a successful life is one which my physical, mental and emotional needs are being met. Continued …

Thai rice exports poised to hit 9 million tons amid climate anxieties

Thailand stands on the cusp of a hugely promising year in terms of rice exportation, which, forecasts suggest, could reach up to 9 million tons. Making the most of a climate-induced market fervor, the Thai industry anticipates shipping masses of what is an integral commodity to many.

The increase in demand is believed to be rooted in anxieties about the potential fallout of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Continued … 

Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN meeting

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Indonesia today, with Myanmar’s deadlocked political crisis expected to dominate discussions. Continued …

Turkey gives green light to Swedish NATO membership bid

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday agreed to forward to parliament Sweden’s bid to join the NATO military alliance, appearing to end months of drama over an issue that had strained the bloc as war has raged in Ukraine. Continued …

Germany sends troops to Australia as Berlin shifts focus to Indo-Pacific

Germany will, for the first time, send troops to Australia for joint drills with some 30,000 service members from 12 other nations, underlining Berlin’s increased focus on the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China in the region. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-July 10

  • Road closures this week/
  • Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose/
  • Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16/
  • Kolour music festival coming to Hua Hin Aug. 19/
  • What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?/
  • Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist/
  • Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system/
  • Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children/
  • Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue/
  • Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease/
  • A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’/
  • Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over/
  • Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery/
  • What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?/
  • Economy: Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell/
  • Tourism: Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says/Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign/Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green/
  • Thailand Experience: Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos/Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall/Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok/
  • International: Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing/Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers/Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose

By Felicitee Lawrie

Given the name Thomas at birth, this man is now called Tom by his family and friends in England and other parts of the world, but is pretty much universally known as Tommy Taylor by his Thai friends and his many contacts in wildlife protection and conservation.

This nickname was bestowed upon Tom by a dear Australian friend, during his time as a WFFT volunteer. Tommy Taylor in the second-in-charge at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, and trusted lieutenant and heir-apparent to WFFT’s founder and head honcho, the renown Edwin Wiek. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16

One of the region’s most eye-catching running events will be held in Prachuap Khiri Khan Saturday, July 16. The Tipco Prachuap Khiri Run 2023 will take participants along the stunning Prachuap Bay and the Wing 5 military base.

Runners will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, with the route boasting some breathtaking views along the bay and across the runway at the military base. Continued … 

What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?

On Thursday morning at 9am, parliamentarians will vote to select the new prime minister, and Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat’s future will become clear, if not clearer.

Last-minute lobbying for more junta-appointed senators to endorse Pita in the next three to four days aside, a rough and initial contingency plan has already been partly made public. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Second Deputy House Speaker Pichaet Chuamuangpan have made it clear earlier this week that Pita’s name will at least get to be tabled for a second and even a third vote if he kept failing to get at least 376 votes – the magic number required to make him Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Continued … 

Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist

Thailand continues to experience heavy rainfall in various regions due to eastward-moving monsoon air currents and southwestern monsoon winds that still cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the need for vigilance against potential danger from intense and accumulated rainfall, which might lead to sudden floods and landslides, particularly in steep terrain near water courses and low-lying areas. Continued …

Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system

A surge in dengue patients has been recorded in the first half of this year, with numbers almost triple that of the same period last year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The dengue outbreak continues to challenge the healthcare system, as the number of infected individuals soars.

From Jan. 1 to June 28, 27,377 dengue cases were identified, marking a near tripling of the numbers from the corresponding period the previous year. Furthermore, the DDC reported that 33 patients have tragically lost their lives in these cases due to the severe dengue outbreak. Continued …

Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children

Thailand is host to the second-largest refugee population in Asia. There are over 150,000 stateless children in the system, plus an estimated 50,000 who are not registered.

Though Thailand has made a lot of progress in the past 10 years, especially in terms of policies, there is still room for improvement in accelerating the process and reaching the goal of zero stateless children in the near future. Continued …

Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue

A religious ceremony was held this morning in front of Tham Luang cave, in the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Mai, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the dramatic search and rescue mission for 12 members of the “Wild Boar” school footballer team and their coach, trapped inside the flooded cave from June 23 to July 10, 2018.

The ceremony was also held to pay respects to two members of the Thai Navy SEAL team who died during the rescue, Saman Kunan and Beirut Pakbara, the late Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn, who supervised the search and rescue operations, and Duangphet Promthep, one of the footballers who died in February this year while studying in Britain. Continued …

Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease

The Thai elephant brought back from Sri Lanka has tested negative for six communicable diseases common among pachyderms in his first seven days of quarantine. The elephant is being quarantined at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang.

Saran Chansittivej, a veterinarian tending to the elephant, said on Sunday that blood and stool tests found Plai Sak Surin free of the following diseases: Continued …

A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’

When thinking about sending Thai elephants abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is the time when His Majesty King Rama IV attempted to gift elephants to former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

Silpa-Mag and Siammanussati websites stated that HM King Rama IV contacted the former president on multiple occasions. In 1856, a royal letter and gifts were sent to President Franklin Pierce and then to James Buchanan in 1859. Continued …

Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over

In Sisaket, a province in northeastern Thailand, a tragic turn of events led to the death of four individuals and left 27 others with injuries of varying severity. The Sisaket bus accident took place yesterday morning when the vehicle ferrying marathon runners toppled over and plunged into the dense forest on a steep mountain road.

The runners, affiliated with Luang Pu Suang Wat Phrai Phatthana Technological College, embarked on their journey around 9.30am. The bus was in the process of climbing a mountain road near the Phaya Krupri Viewpoint when it fell off the steep road. Continued …

Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery

The son of the Thai woman who lost her leg in a faulty airport escalator believes she will be running faster than him in no time as she took her first steps on the road to recovery.

Suphannee Kittirattana yesterday took her first tentative steps since her leg was amputated after it got tangled in a dodgy travelator at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on June 29. Continued …

What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?

Stone Age, iStoned, High Got You, and Wake N’ Bake are just a handful of the endless weed puns popping up on shop signs across Thailand.

Over the past year, thousands of marijuana businesses have flooded the streets since the country decriminalized cannabis to help boost the tourism, agriculture and wellness industries. Continued …

Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell

When central bankers line up almost daily to assert their commitment to fighting inflation, it makes me think of Thailand. Not the fine resorts and great food. The country’s untrumpeted success is seriously taming prices to the point where officials might want to think about easing up, lest the economy slows too much.

Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been blindsided by the modest nature of China’s rebound. Tourism, a key industry, is gradually recovering. The number of Chinese visitors is heading in the right direction, but nothing like the surge that was anticipated when Beijing canceled Covid Zero. Thailand’s divisive politics aren’t helpful: Two months after an election, the country is without a prime minister. Continued …

Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says

Tourism remains the engine of growth for the Thai economy, and with the number of foreign visitors continuing to rise, economic growth will pick up, according to the Bank of Thailand monetary policy department Director Sakkapop Panyanukul.

Consumption will also rise due to the recovery in the labor market, Sakkapop said. Government spending also increased in both operational and capital expenditures, he added. Continued …

Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign

The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year.

This initiative is a concerted effort by the government, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and over 130 healthcare, wellness businesses and service providers including hotels, spas, health resorts, hospitals, and clinics. Continued …

Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green

Tourism in Mae Hong Son province confirms the need to suspend tube rafting, a popular tourist activity in Pai district, due to high water levels during the rainy season. The risks of forest water and flash floods pose a danger to tourists.

Panuwat Khadnak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mae Hong Son Office, said that, according to the measures to promote rubber rafting tourism on the Pai River, all entrepreneurs are required to stop rubber rafting activities on the Pai River for the safety of tourists. Continued …

Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos

Video 

Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall

The wet season is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit the Kroeng Krawia waterfall in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Located near the Khao Laem National Park’s Protection Unit 1, the beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush forests also offers stunning misty mornings.

Though offering unspoiled views, the surrounding area has been developed as a camping site, with facilities like toilets, electricity, wi-fi and food outlets. Continued …

Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok

There are many reasons why people visit Bangkok: a change of pace, or the nightlife, or indeed, even the food. No one can deny how irresistible pad thai looks as you’re down the streets, or how curious the cravings for some khao tom pla can get after a few drinks.

From gai yang to som tum and boat noodles, here’s where to find some of the most famous street food in Bangkok. These neighborhoods are known for their good food, with a few standout stalls you should check out, too. Continued …

Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing

A larger fleet of driverless taxis will soon be available for hire in the capital city as the Office of the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone has decided to launch the commercial operation of autonomous vehicles and expand their serviceable area. Continued …

Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers

An audacious, yet futile robbery attempt at a nail salon in Atlanta, United States, has left not only the perpetrator in disbelief but also the public, as both the staff and patrons seemed to be unfazed by the incident. Continued …

Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens

When aliens or our distant progeny sift through layers of sediment 500,000 years from now to decode the Earth’s past, they will find unusual evidence of the abrupt change that upended life half-a-million years earlier – chicken bones. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

climate change, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, thai economy, thailand

Saturday’s News-July 8

  • Move Forward claims to have enough  senator votes for Pita to become PM/
  • What is healthcare for retirees in Thailand like?/
  • Pharmacists may be the cure for hospital overcrowding/
  • Loose Bolts Led To Horrific Accident At Don Mueang Airport/
  • Kiwi feared for his life during ‘nightmare’ stay in a Thai detention center/
  • Economy: Economy may not be able to withstand a political stalemate/Chinese EV maker will invest 6 billion baht in Thai plant/French firms eye big ticket investment in Thailand’s EEC/Hurdles must be overcome for Thailand to become a MICE hub/
  • Thailand Experience: 10 Things To Do In Pattaya City/Toddy palm farming in Phetchaburi/
  • International: Dutch government collapses over bitter migration row/US To Send Ukraine Cluster Bombs, NATO Makes Membership Pledge/Russia’s war in Ukraine reaches day 500/For the Third Time This Week, Earth Sets an Unofficial Heat Record/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Move Forward claims to have enough senator votes for Pita to become PM

A key figure in the Move Forward Party, which is leading an eight-party coalition that expects to form the next government, claimed on Friday to have secured sufficient senator votes for the party’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to become Thailand’s new prime minister.

Move Forward deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun said that she believed the parliamentary vote to select the prime minister, scheduled for next Thursday (July 13) would see Pita getting enough support in the first round. Continued …

What is healthcare for retirees in Thailand like?

If you’re considering spending your golden years abroad, Thailand has likely popped up on your radar. It’s an enticing proposition – a gentle climate, vibrant culture, and an excellent standard of living, often for far less than you’re accustomed to spending.

But as your thoughts turn toward sunny vistas and beachfront views, it’s important to pause for a moment and consider something a bit less glamorous but equally significant: healthcare. Here, we’ll delve into what healthcare looks like for retirees in Thailand. Continued …

Pharmacists may be the cure for hospital overcrowding

At 59, Wan needs to visit a doctor every four months to keep her hypertension and high cholesterol under control. So, she ends up being a factor in hospital overcrowding and has to suffer long queues for treatment.

“I turned up at 7am today and waited until 1.30 to see a doctor. Then, I had to wait till nearly 3pm to get my medicines,” she said. Continued …

Loose Bolts Led To Horrific Accident At Don Mueang Airport

A Kasetsart University academic said the accident at Don Mueang Airport, whereby a female passenger’s left leg was severed at the knee after it was swallowed by a moving walkway, was caused by loose bolts holding down a metal plate at the end of the conveyor belt.

At around 8.30 a.m. on June 29, the unidentified 57-year-old female passenger, who was traveling to Nakhon Si Thammarat, was proceeding through the southern corridor between piers 4-5 in Terminal 2 when hit by the accident. Continued …

Kiwi feared for his life during ‘nightmare’ stay in a Thai detention center

When Ari Michael Salinger left his hotel in Patong for a stroll around the town, he never thought he would end up living his worst nightmare. Salinger, who returned home to Auckland this week, said he was finally able to breathe.

After a gruesome seven months of surviving what he described as never-ending hell in Thai detention, the 45-year-old is now trying to rebuild his life. Continued …

Economy may not be able to withstand a political stalemate

A vote that delivers a new government led by Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat would lift investor sentiment immediately next Thursday but all the political signs suggest this may not be the case.

Another potential positive is good news this week from the Ministry of Commerce, with Thailand on target for the 6th lowest rate of inflation in the world and the lowest cost of living rise in the 10-member ASEAN bloc in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Chinese EV maker will invest 6 billion baht in Thai plant

China’s third-largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, GAC AION New Energy Automobile, will invest more than 6 billion baht to build a manufacturing plant in Thailand, the Board of Investment said on Friday.

Narit Terdsathirasak, the board’s secretary-general, said the deal followed negotiations with seven agencies: the Excise Department, Customs Department, Office of Industrial Economics, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Department of Business Development, Department of Land Transport, and Thai Subcontracting Promotion Assn. Continued …

French firms eye big ticket investment in Thailand’s EEC

In a bid to fortify its economy, the Thai government is extending an invitation to French corporations to make significant investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Identified as an ideal zone for the development of a high-tech industrial park, the EEC comprises sections of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong.

The authorities have identified aviation alongside 11 other S-curve industries as prime investment opportunities within the economic corridor. “EEC officials met executives from French companies and they are interested in investing in the corridor,” revealed Chula Sukmanop, the secretary-general of the EEC office. Continued …

Hurdles must be overcome for Thailand to become a MICE hub

Some people are questioning the capability of the country to become an international exhibitions and events hub in the region.

Of the total value of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry in last year’s fourth quarter, which was 28.5 billion baht, exhibitions generated the most income at 6.88 billion baht. This amount was more than twice as much as corporate meetings, which generated 3.24 billion baht, according to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Continued …

10 Things To Do In Pattaya City

For the wanderlust tourist, Pattaya City has it all: pristine beaches, picturesque views, and countless historical treasures. Situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, the city got its start as a humble fishing village in the mid-1800s. But fast-forward to today and Pattaya City is now famed for its stunning golf courses and myriad luxury attractions.

The popular beach town is undoubtedly a tourist haven, from its upscale restaurants and five-star hotels to its thrilling water parks and lush botanical gardens. But, for all of its family-friendly fun, the city also has bustling clubs and bars for those looking to enjoy a night on the town. Known as the City of Sins, head to the infamous Walking Street red-light district area, and tourists will find a pulsating nightlife scene unlike any other. Continued …

Toddy palm farming in Phetchaburi

During King Rama IV’s reign, Phetchaburi thrived with toddy palm farming. The province’s fertile soil and minerals enriched its sugar’s distinct taste. Though unintended, toddy palm cultivation led to a curriculum teaching local production. However, the occupation is labor-intensive, risky, and declining. Genuine Phetchaburi sugar is now a prized commodity. Video 

Dutch government collapses over bitter migration row

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s coalition government collapsed Friday over “insurmountable” differences on how to tackle migration, with elections expected in November. Continued …

US To Send Ukraine Cluster Bombs, NATO Makes Membership Pledge

The United States announced on Friday that it would supply Ukraine with widely banned cluster munitions for its counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces, and NATO’s leader said the military alliance would unite at a summit next week on how to bring Ukraine closer to joining. Continued …

Russia’s war in Ukraine reaches day 500

The United Nations (UN) condemned the civilian cost inflicted by Russia’s war in Ukraine as the fighting passed the 500-day mark, with no end to the conflict in sight. Continued …

For the Third Time This Week, Earth Sets an Unofficial Heat Record

Earth’s average temperature set a new unofficial record high on Thursday, the third such milestone in a week that already rated as the hottest on record. The planetary average hit 63 degrees Fahrenheit, 17.23 degrees Celsius, surpassing the 62.9 and 17.18-degree marks set Tuesday and equaled Wednesday. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

Hua Hin Expat News