Saturday’s news-Dec 7 -

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Alarming PM2.5 pollution spike/Stop farmers burning sugarcane/Construction to be halted on Rama II Road/Cop with a cause/Upper Thailand cold spell/Thailand’s pharmacy healthcare experiment/Gold prices nosedive/ECONOMY: No plans to increase VAT/BYD bucks the trend/Great housing loan debate/TOURISM: Bangkok crowned/Using foreign pilots domestically/Challenges tourists face/Paragliding Activities Halted/Russian Tourist Drowns/Arrested for Public Indecency/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: White Lotus series in Thailand/Nasi kerabu more than a dish/Bangkok’s female chefs/CLIMATE THAILAND: PTT outlines path to net zero/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Bangkok faces alarming PM2.5 pollution spike, 32 districts affected

Bangkok is suffocating under a cloud of smog as PM2.5 pollution levels surge, forcing 32 districts to breach safety thresholds.

Satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) casts a spotlight on Nong Khaem, clocking the most dangerous levels at a 61.3 micrograms per cubic meter. Such pollution spells disaster for our lungs, with the respiratory system at the sharpest end of this toxic spear. Continued …

Bt7-billion budget urged to stop farmers burning sugarcane

To curb PM2.5 pollution levels, the government has been urged to allocate a 7-billion-baht budget to encourage sugarcane farmers to harvest their crops while they are fresh rather than burn them.

The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) Secretary-general Bainoi Suwannachatri said the OCSB set yesterday as the start date for the sugarcane purchasing period of the 2024-2025 production season, with Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary and OCSB Chairman Nattapol Rangsitpol having signed the official declaration. Continued …

Construction to be halted on Rama II Road for new year travel ease

The Transport Ministry has announced the suspension of all construction activities along Rama II Road from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2 next year. This decision aims to ease travel for those heading south during the new year holiday period. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit highlighted that the focus of the suspension is to aid travelers using this major route.

“We also ordered the return of the road surface, as much as possible, to facilitate people using the route. We also want people to study the route before traveling to avoid traffic congestion during the new year festival.” Continued …

Cop with a cause: Chon Buri officer’s goodwill patrol warms hearts

For the past eight years, a Chon Buri police officer has been a silent hero, making waves with his goodwill philanthropic gestures across the Klong Phlu subdistrict.

Leading the Nong Yai police patrol, Wallop Tasanathanapong has been spending his own hard-earned cash to bring relief to bedridden patients and struggling families who need a helping hand. Month after month, as soon as his pay check clears, Wallop hits the shops for essentials: adult nappies, milk, rice, and blankets. Continued …

Upper Thailand to be in the grip of a cold spell from Sunday

The north, northeast, and central regions of Thailand will experience cool to cold weather on Saturday, with fog in the morning, as a weak high-pressure system covers upper Thailand, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast this morning.

People in these areas should take care of their health amid the changeable weather and beware of fires caused by dry air, the department said, adding that motorists should exercise caution due to poor visibility. Continued …

Medics push to end Thailand’s pharmacy healthcare experiment

Millions of Thais are holding their breath as the Medical Council battles with two other healthcare giants over universal healthcare scheme services at pharmacies. “I am very worried and keeping my fingers crossed that the clash won’t end with these services being cancelled,” said one female pharmacy customer.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said it was convenient for her to get medicines from a nearby pharmacy and advice from the pharmacist, rather than waiting for hours to see a doctor. Continued …

Gold prices nosedive as market loses glitter

A shockwave hit the gold market yesterday as the Gold Traders Assn. (GTA) announced a drop in prices, sending buyers and sellers into a flurry. Gold jewelry is now going for a 42,950 baht per baht weight, marking a plunge of 350 baht from the closing figures Thursday.

The value of gold bars, boasting a purity of 96.5%, saw buying prices at 42,350 baht per baht weight, with sellers pegged at 42,450 baht, in the first announcement of the day reflecting a bearish turn in the local market. Continued …

No plans to increase VAT to 15%, PM assures

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday denied reports that the government intended to raise value-added tax (VAT) to 15%, taking to social media to address public concerns. She said that she had discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, along with the PM’s policy advisory team.

She reassured the public that VAT will not be increased to 15% and that the Finance Ministry was studying reform of the tax structure with a comprehensive and fair approach to reduce inequality and enhance the country’s competitiveness. Continued …

BYD bucks the trend as Thailand’s auto sales slide

Thailand’s auto market encountered significant challenges in the first 10 months of 2024 (January-October), with 476,350 units sold, a sharp 26.2% decline compared to the same period last year.

October sales totaled 37,691 units, marking the lowest monthly figure in 54 months. For the year to date, the breakdown shows passenger cars at 185,421 units (down 23.3%) and pickups at 166,851 units (a steep 40.2% decline). Continued …

Details behind the great housing loan debate

Amid slowing demand and economic uncertainty, residential developers are urging regulators to ease loan-to-value (LTV) rules, saying more flexible measures could revitalize the housing market, enhance affordability and propel an economic recovery.

The call comes as developers struggle with weakened domestic demand and increased borrowing costs, prompting concerns about long-term housing affordability and market stability. Continued …

Bangkok crowned world’s top tourism city in 2024

Euromonitor International named Bangkok the world’s top tourism city in 2024 after it welcomed a record-breaking 32.4 million visitors. This figure far exceeds that of Istanbul, the second-ranked city, with 23 million foreign arrivals.

Bangkok’s success is attributed not only to its visitor numbers but also to Thailand’s tourism policy and general appeal. The kingdom’s traveler-friendly visa policies, including a 60-day visa exemption for citizens of 93 countries and expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for 31 countries from 19 have played a significant role in boosting its appeal. Continued …

Thai pilots ask for rethink of using foreign pilots domestically

The Thai Pilots Assn. submitted a letter to the Labor and Transport ministries yesterday requesting a revision of the cabinet’s approval of foreign pilots being allowed to fly domestic routes via wet lease contracts.

Last week, the cabinet approved a temporary measure allowing foreign pilots to fly domestic routes for six months, aiming to combat a commercial pilot shortage amid a tourism boom. Continued …

Challenges tourists face at Pattaya and Jomtien beaches

Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, known for their vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, are some of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. However, visitors occasionally encounter challenges that detract from their experience. These issues, often stemming from local regulations, over-commercialization, and occasional misunderstandings, can leave tourists feeling disappointed.

Instances of conflict between tourists and beach vendors have been reported, such as cases where families with young children are scolded for activities like playing in the sand near rented sunbeds. These interactions can be intimidating, especially when vendors use harsh tones. Continued …

Paragliding Activities Halted After Chinese Tourist’s Fatal Crash

Authorities have suspended paragliding activities at Phu Thap Boek following a crash that claimed the life of a Chinese tourist. The incident, which involved a 56-year-old paragliding enthusiast from Jiangsu Province, China, occurred Thursday when his parachute failed mid-flight, causing him to plummet to the ground.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the paragliding operations at Phu Thap Boek had not received the necessary permissions from relevant authorities. The deceased entered Thailand on a tourist visa and was part of a group of more than 10 international paragliding enthusiasts participating in recreational flights. Thai organizers facilitated these activities by arranging transport, accommodations, and flight logistics, despite the lack of proper authorization. Continued …

Russian Tourist Drowns on Pattaya Beach

Yesterday, a 54-year-old Russian tourist drowned after swimming off Pattaya Beach, Chonburi Province. At approximately 00:45 am, police received a report of a foreign female tourist found unconscious on the shore near the A-One Hotel at Soi 3, Pattaya Beach Road.

Emergency responders, including local police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered the woman lying face down and unresponsive on the beach. Continued …

Chinese Man and Thai Woman Arrested for Public Indecency on Jomtien Beach

Pattaya police apprehended a Chinese man aged between 50-60 years and a 53-year-old Thai woman for engaging in sexual acts in public on Jomtien Beach. At 23:05 pm last night, officers responded to reports from concerned bystanders. The pair had reportedly been seen having sex both on the beach and in the sea, oblivious to the presence of numerous onlookers.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as brazen, with the woman taking turns mounting the man and vice versa, ignoring shouted warnings from the crowd. Their explicit behavior continued unabated for over 30 minutes. Continued …

Warning issued on eve of White Lotus series in Thailand

White Lotus mastermind Mike White’s quest across Thailand in search of the ultimate location to capture the magic for the show’s upcoming season has been well documented.

Video

His journey led him to the stunning island of Koh Samui, where he found himself mesmerized by the heavenly allure of the Four Seasons Resort. Nestled amid lush mountains and overlooking a shimmering ocean, this paradise flaunts opulent US$9,000-a-night villas and promises a vision like no other. Continued …

In Thailand’s far south, nasi kerabu is much more than a dish

For the past two decades, Pattani food vendor Abdulloh Yusoh has been perfecting his signature dish nasi kerabu, earning local acclaim and using its profits to support his three daughters’ education.

Abdulloh, 60, has won four consecutive Local Food Identity Awards in Yaring, a district of Pattni province, underscoring his expertise in this deep south specialty. Continued …

What’s a big reason for Bangkok’s thriving dining scene? Female chefs

When the lights dimmed on the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand awards in Bangkok last December, history had been made. Chudaree Debhakam of Baan Tepa had become the first Thai female chef to lead a two-Michelin-star restaurant, and Garima Arora the first female Indian chef to clinch two stars for her dining room Gaa.

Both women are very much in the minority, not just within Bangkok’s culinary community but in the international food world. Just over 6% of Michelin-starred establishments globally — one, two and three stars combined — are currently helmed by female chefs. Continued …

PTT outlines path to net zero at Sustainability Forum

PTT Plc has unveiled its business strategy aimed at achieving net zero emissions and other sustainability goals. The national oil and gas conglomerate outlined the strategy at the “Sustainability Forum 2025: Synergizing for Driving Business” organized by Krungthep Turakij newspaper, a media arm of Nation Group.

PTT aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, 15 years earlier than Thailand’s target, Rathakorn Kampanathsanyakorn, PTT’s senior executive vice president of corporate sustainability, said during the event on Wednesday. Continued …