Saturday’s news-June 1 -

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Today’s news: Our newest sponsor: Pacific Care Insurance/Massive Phuket crackdown on Russian business network/Keto diets and premature aging/British Pensioner Struggles with Frozen Pension/Heavy rainfall warning/Singapore Airlines emergency landing/Two shot dead in Songkhla/Pattaya’s underpass crackdown/Backlash over free pet offer/Economy: Land bridge project draws interest/Digital wallet at risk/Increase in diesel prices/‘Investors to lose Bt10 billion/’IGNITE Agriculture Hub’ Initiative/Light at the end of tunnel/Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits/Tourism: 300-baht tourist tax/60-day visa exemption starts/Medical tourism in Thailand/China’s pent-up outbound tourism demand/First direct flight from Kazakhstan/Thailand Experience: The rise of Thai food trucks/Three communities in northern Thailand/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

Hua Hin Expat News is pleased to announce our newest sponsor:

Pacific Care Insurance

Pacific Care is the Insurance Authorized Intermediary, we are the insurance broker and partner of many insurance companies in Thailand.

Pacific Care is not tied to any specific insurance company. Therefore, after understanding our clients’ needs, we can explore policies from various insurance companies within Thailand. This allows us to find the best options for our client. Tel: 080-500-2222 or 080-500-2244; Web; email: info@pcfcare.com; Location.

Massive Phuket crackdown sweeps away vast Russian business network, with Bt1.5 billion seized

Thai police have dismantled a vast network that illicitly assisted foreigners, primarily Russians, in securing long-term stays in Thailand through fraudulent means involving shell companies, officials reported on Friday.

The operation, spearheaded by a 45-year-old Russian woman and a Thai accomplice, facilitated foreign residency by setting up bogus companies. This network, based in Phuket, involved the Thai woman being listed as an executive or shareholder in over 270 companies. Under Thai law, while foreigners can operate businesses, they must do so as part of a joint venture with Thai nationals, holding no more than 49% ownership to protect local economic interests. Continued …

Keto diets can cause premature aging of the organs

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity due to its efficacy in rapid weight loss. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the diet involves a high intake of fats and a significant reduction in carbohydrates.

While many people achieve their desired weight loss outcomes through this diet, recent research suggests that the long-term effects may not be as beneficial as previously thought. In particular, a study by researchers from the University of Texas Health San Antonio-USA has shed light on the potential for the keto diet to accelerate the aging of vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. Continued …

British Pensioner in Thailand Struggles with Frozen Pension

An 87-year-old British woman is grappling with her move to Thailand, as she struggles to survive on a UK state pension frozen at just £300 per month, equivalent to approximately 14,000 baht.

Christine Gloria Fox relocated to Thailand’s east coast near Pattaya 24 years ago to be closer to her family. Instead of enjoying her retirement, nearly all her pension is consumed by healthcare costs. Due to a UK policy, Fox’s pension has remained static since her move, as the UK does not uprate pensions in certain countries. Continued …

Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces

The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff.

Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over the upper northern region. This weather pattern will bring heavy to very heavy rain in certain areas, particularly in the eastern region. Continued …

18 units praised for handling Singapore Airlines emergency landing

Suvarnabhumi Airport has commended all agencies joining hands in an operation to assist passengers and crew members of Singapore Airlines following an emergency landing due to severe turbulence.

A total of 18 units from Suvarnabhumi Thai Airways International (THAI), hospitals and police were involved in the operation after flight SQ321 requested to land at the airport in Samut Prakan on May 21. Continued …

Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla

Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday.

Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task Force and local administrative officers, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Continued …

Pattaya’s underpass crackdown on motorcycles sparks debate

In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents.

Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done consistently and should have been implemented long ago. It should be enforced daily with heavy fines.” Continued …

Real estate giant faces online backlash over free pet offer

A renowned real estate company suffered online backlash after launching a campaign offering a free pet with the purchase of a luxury home. The campaign, which allows buyers to choose from five different breeds of dogs or cats, sparked widespread criticism.

A Facebook user publicly addressed the company in an open letter, expressing concerns over the potential negative impacts on animal welfare. She highlighted that such promotions could lead to increased instances of pet abandonment or neglect, as new homeowners might not be ready for the long-term responsibility of caring for a pet. Continued …

Land bridge project draws interest from over 100 companies

More than 100 Thai and foreign companies have shown interest in investing in the government’s ambitious land bridge project that would serve as a link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the south of Thailand, the Transport Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning hosted a market-sounding event in Bangkok on Thursday and invited those who were interested to express their opinions and concerns about the 1-trillion-baht project. Continued …

Political turmoil could put digital wallet at risk

Rising political uncertainty poses significant risks to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s plan for a 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout to stimulate the economy, say analysts at Citigroup and Nomura Holdings.

New legal cases against both Srettha and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggest that Thailand is facing a fresh bout of political unrest that could potentially put some economic policies on the back-burner, Citigroup economist Nalin Chutchotitham wrote in a note this week. Continued …

Oil Fuel Fund approves 50-satang-per-liter increase in diesel prices

Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee has approved a 50 satang/liter increase in diesel prices to 32.94 baht/liter from yesterday, due to global oil price volatility caused by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This decision maintains the diesel subsidy cap at 1.40 baht/liter.

The increase in diesel prices is expected to have a significant impact on the Thai economy, as diesel is widely used in the transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Continued …

‘Investors to lose Bt10 billion if cannabis, hemp relisted as narcotics’

The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Assn. has warned that operators in CBD-related industries could lose combined investments of over 10 billion baht if the government goes ahead with the plan to relist cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a crucial compound found in both cannabis and hemp plants that has medical benefits. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not cause consumers to feel mental euphoria. Continued …

PM Unveils Ambitious ‘IGNITE Agriculture Hub’ Initiative

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday outlined the vision and strategic guidelines to drive IGNITE THAILAND at the Santimaitri Building (Outer Wing), of the Government House. The initiative, which seeks to ignite collective power and unite the nation’s efforts, aspires to elevate Thailand to the forefront of the global agriculture and food sectors.

Srettha announced the vision of “IGNITE Agriculture 2025” to awaken the power of Thai farmers and stakeholders and cultivate world-class excellence. Continued …

Light at the end of the tunnel for global economy

Entering the middle of the second quarter, the world economy has begun to signal a more coordinated recovery. Preliminary composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) readings for May recovered in the U.S., the Euro zone, Japan and other large economies, indicating global economic growth is expanding more broadly.

In the U.S., PMI numbers accelerated after slowing in the previous three months, while growth in the Euro zone picked up for a second month. The S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI rose to a 25-month high of 54.4 in May from 51.3 in April. Continued …

Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits from collecting mushrooms

Mae Hong Son villagers are seizing the annual opportunity to gather mushrooms known as the barometer earthstar, earning up to 2,000 baht per day. These mushrooms, known for their white flesh and sweet, crunchy taste, have become a significant economic driver in the region.

Throughout the early rainy season, Mae Hong Son’s forests yield an abundance of barometer earthstar mushrooms, fetching prices as high as 100 baht per liter. This has prompted local villagers, many of whom are economically disadvantaged, to venture into the forest to collect the mushrooms and sell them, significantly boosting their household income. The thriving business of exporting these mushrooms has subsequently expanded. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax

Thailand’s new Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, has hinted at the impending introduction of a tourist tax, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din, translating to a landing fee. Although no specific timeline was provided for its implementation, the newly appointed minister emphasized the unlikelihood of abandoning the proposed tax.

The measure was greenlit by the Cabinet in February last year, proposing a fee of 300 baht (US$8.17) for foreign arrivals by air and 150 baht for those entering by land or sea. Continued …

60-day visa exemption starts today

Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days, effective today. This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time.

The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from these countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. You can extend your stay with an additional 30 days at the nearest immigation office. Continued …

Medical tourism in Thailand: facts, figures and services on offer

The combination of quality healthcare and the country’s popularity as an exotic tourist destination with beautiful beaches and a tropical climate conducive for post-treatment rest and recovery makes it easy to understand why Thailand continues to lure medical tourists. The country is considered one of the world’s great development success stories, both economically and socially.

During periods of rapid change, healthcare was never overlooked and steadily improved in terms of quality and access from the mid-1970s onward. The rise of the private healthcare sector was key to this success. Continued …

China’s pent-up outbound tourism demand hit by visa, flight issues

Visa delays and insufficient flight capacity have held back a full recovery in China’s outbound travel after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the CEO of Trip.com Group, the country’s largest online travel agency.

“There are two major hurdles for the recovery – the first is visa restriction, and the second is flight capacity,” Jane Sun said at a media briefing in Shanghai on Thursday. “I am hoping these two bottlenecks ease and we are able to bring more (Chinese) customers to different countries.” Continued …

First direct flight from Kazakhstan arrives in Surat Thani

This morning marked a significant moment for Thailand’s tourism industry, as the first direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, landed at Surat Thani International Airport. This inaugural flight carried 212 passengers, arriving at 7.30am, signaling a new era of connectivity between the two countries.

The occasion saw a warm welcome from local officials, including Surat Thani’s Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan, Airport Director Suksawat Sukhawanno, and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Among the passengers were the Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, Kazakhstani travel operators, and media personnel. Continued …

The rise of Thai food trucks

Think about hanging out at a lively, energetic food truck festival where the delicious scent of Thai foods steals your senses, pulling in both residents and travel explorers. A warm welcome to Thailand’s foodie tourism sensation, where the humble street food is being cheered on to a star-like status.

What’s more, it’s not just for the outright joy of pleasing your palate, but it’s also part of an amazing idea to boost local businesses and champion travel based on local communities. Continued …

A study of women in three communities in northern Thailand

In-depth interviews with Indigenous Karen, Lahu, and Tin women in three communities in northern Thailand shed light on how women view their traditional ability to access the land and resources necessary to secure the physical and spiritual well-being of their communities.

In all three communities, land, forest, and water resources were traditionally used and managed collectively through community-based governance, ancestral knowledge, and territorial management practices. The women play central roles in achieving balance between their communities and the surrounding environment through spiritual beliefs, rituals and ceremonies. Continued …

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