Tag Archives: ais

bangkok, climate change, exports, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s news-Dec 4

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Rainmaking flights over Hua Hin/Worsening air quality crisis/Flooding claims 25 lives/Elephant shooting suspected surrenders/Baby elephants’ trunks caught in snares/AIS expects consolidation next year/40% of fathers smoke/Betong road collapses/Surprise drug tests for officials/ECONOMY: Thailand considers tax reforms/Benefit for elderly on hold/Economy Faces Strain/Impact of Trump tariffs/Declining competitiveness dents GDP/Export performance improving/38.58 billion baht for rice farmers/To harness Airbus’ expertise/Trade talks with EU/Thailand’s cannabis boom at risk/Japanese companies transferring production/TOURISM: Relaxation, family trip to shape travel/Cobra caught on Phuket beach/Stray Dogs Attack Tourists/Saudia Arabia flights to Phuket/No hope for global peace/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: UNESCO Recognizes Tom Yum Kung/Southeast Asia’s traditional headpieces/CLIMATE THAILAND: Land Reclamation for Bangkok/Cabinet to consider carbon tax/Technology key to sustainable future/Dow Leads Mangrove Cleanup/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

Rainmaking flights over Hua Hin give air quality instant boost

The air quality index (AQI) in Hua Hin, Bangkok, its adjacent provinces and some northern provinces has reportedly improved following the first day of rainmaking flights by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA).

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itthi Sirilathayakorn said on Tuesday that the Royal Rainmaking Operation Units in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district and Kanchanaburi province began their mission in the afternoon on Monday. Continued …

Thailand faces worsening air quality crisis, health warnings issued

Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality.

(Editor: Expat News daily posts a link to air quality reports for the Hua Hin area in the sidebar on the right.)

Bangkok and its surrounding areas, including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram, are among the affected provinces. Continued …

Severe flooding in south claims 25 lives

Severe flooding in the south has claimed 25 lives and affected more than 660,000 households in 10 provinces, with large areas of six provinces still inundated as the water drains slowly off.

Phatsakorn Bunyalak, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said on Tuesday that from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3, flooding triggered by days of heavy rain was reported in 10 southern provinces – Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Continued …

Kaeng Krachan elephant shooting suspect surrenders

Continued …

Baby elephants’ trunks caught in snares, rescue underway

Authorities from the Department of Conservation Area 2 (Sriracha) mobilized a team of veterinarians and wildlife officers to rescue two injured baby elephants trapped in snares. Concerns have been raised over the potential danger posed by the protective elephant herd during the operation.

The injured elephants were first spotted on Sunday in the forest around Kaeng Hang Maew, Kaeng Hang Maew District, Chanthaburi. One elephant has a snare wound on the middle of its trunk, while the other is injured near the trunk’s tip. Both calves remain with their herd of approximately 40 wild elephants. Continued …

AIS expects consolidation with TTTBB by next year

Advanced Info Service (AIS) targets completion of the consolidation of its own fixed broadband internet system with that of Triple T Broadband (TTTBB) by the end of 2025. AIS took over TTTBB in November 2023. The consolidation covers operations, billing, services and back-up systems.

According to Tee Seeumpornroj, chief executive of broadband business at AIS, AIS fiber business operated under the brand AIS 3BB Fiber 3 since last year following the takeover. Continued …

40% of fathers smoke, survey shows

Almost four in 10 fathers in Thailand smoke cigarettes, which mostly has a negative influence on their children, especially as more young people are now vaping while the average age of people who vape drops each year, according to new survey findings.

The survey, conducted recently on 1,159 fathers and other male relatives who have a key role in raising a child from birth until six years of age, found that 39.8% of respondents are smokers. Most (77.22%) smoke cigarettes, 12.36% vape and the rest both smoke both, he said. Continued …

Road Leading to Betong Bus Terminal collapses

A stretch of road leading to the Betong District Bus Terminal in Yala Province has developed significant cracks and partially collapsed, causing concern for public safety. The damage, which spans over 50 meters, has prompted local authorities to take action to prevent potential accidents. The road collapse was likely caused by continuous rainfall, which caused the underlying soil to erode. (aseannow.com)

Buri Ram district chief orders surprise drug tests for officials

Sekson Janwongsa, chief of Ban Mai Chaiyaphot district, Buri Ram province, on Monday, ordered a surprise drug test for all village headmen and subdistrict headmen.

The order was made during the monthly meeting of village headmen, subdistrict headmen, subdistrict medical practitioners, village head assistants, and other officials of Ban Mai Chaiyaphot district at the District Hall on Monday. Continued …

Thailand considers tax reforms to boost investment, economic equity

The Finance Ministry has announced ambitious plans to overhaul Thailand’s taxation system, with proposed reforms targeting corporate income tax, personal income tax, and value added tax (VAT) to enhance economic competitiveness and reduce income inequality.

In a keynote address at Sustainability Forum 2025 on Tuesday, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined the government’s comprehensive tax-reform strategy. The proposed changes include significant reductions in both corporate and personal income-tax rates, alongside a potential adjustment to the current VAT rate. Continued …

Cabinet puts Bt10,000 benefit for the elderly on hold

The cabinet instructed the Finance Ministry today to review the second phase of the digital wallet scheme, under which about four million people over 60 would have received a 10,000 baht cash benefit next January.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra asked the Finance Ministry to study the legal aspects of the scheme in more detail and to resubmit its findings to the cabinet for consideration. He offered an assurance, however, that the cash will be distributed within January. – Thai PBS

Economy Faces Strain from Chinese Goods Influx: BoT

The influx of Chinese goods has put pressure on Thailand’s manufacturing growth and has hindered loan expansion within the banking sector, according to Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput yesterday. He addressed these concerns at the “Thailand Next Move 2025: Resiliency for an Uncertain World” seminar held by Money and Banking magazine.

Since 2014, Southeast Asian countries have witnessed a consistent rise in Chinese imports, with a noticeable acceleration starting in 2020. This surge is largely attributed to escalating geopolitical and economic fragmentation, Sethaput noted. By 2023, Thailand’s imports from China reached $71.1 billion (roughly 2.53 trillion baht), making Thailand the second largest importer of Chinese goods in Southeast Asia, just after Vietnam. Continued …

 

Thai manufacturers brace for impact of Trump tariffs

More trade barriers and hindrances to campaigns against carbon dioxide emissions are major concerns among Thai manufacturers who need to adapt to changes expected from the Donald Trump administration, according to the latest survey by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

All 150 respondents, who are executives and members of the FTI, say Trump’s economic policy will certainly affect the Thai manufacturing sector, with 56.7% expecting a moderate impact, 25.3% warning of a high impact, and 18% anticipating a limited impact. Continued …

Declining competitiveness, loan growth dent GDP outlook

The deteriorating competitiveness of Thai automotive companies, coupled with contracting loan growth and uncertainty regarding U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s trade policies, pose threats to the Thai economy next year, say economists who downgraded the nation’s GDP growth outlook.

Pipat Luengnaruemitcha, managing director and chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), said the contribution from the manufacturing industry decreased following the pandemic, with the automotive, electronics and petrochemical sectors losing competitiveness. Continued …

Thai export performance improving steadily

Thai exports have performed better than expected this year, says the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), which expects 2024 forecasts to be upgraded as the year draws to a close.

The group now expects the U.S. dollar value of Thai exports to rise by 4% from 2023, compared with earlier estimates of 1%-2%. It predicts further growth of 1%-3% in 2025. Continued …

Cabinet approves 38.58 billion baht for rice farmers’ subsidies

The Cabinet on Tuesday earmarked 38.58 billion baht to cover subsidies for 4.68 million rice-farming households nationwide this year, Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said. She said the funds would be spent on providing a 1,000 baht per rai subsidy, capped at 10 rai per family.

Once the budget is formally approved by the Cabinet, the Agricultural Extension Department will send the list of eligible farmers to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to remit the money within this year, Narumon said. Continued …

Thailand to harness Airbus’ expertise in becoming aviation hub

Thailand’s Transport Ministry is to work closely with European aerospace corporation Airbus to develop aviation infrastructure and enhance air safety standards to achieve its ambition to turn the country into an aviation hub in the region.

Thai officials and Airbus discussed collaboration to expand the capacity of aviation infrastructure to support the future growth of the aviation industry, as well as enhance Thailand’s aviation safety standards to international levels. Continued …

Latest trade talks with EU gain ground

The fourth round of negotiations for the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement (FTA) finished with conclusions on the good regulatory practices and transparency chapters.

Good regulatory practices include the dissemination of information and public hearings on rules and regulations. Transparency is aimed at creating transparent laws, regulations and relevant processes. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis boom at risk amid legal and political uncertainty

Thailand’s cannabis industry continues to expand rapidly, yet faces an uncertain future due to the lack of clear legislation and ongoing political disputes. This uncertainty has left businesses and investors in a state of limbo, hindering long-term planning and growth.

Despite these challenges, the industry has seen a surge in innovation, with entrepreneurs exploring diverse products ranging from medicinal oils to cannabis-infused foods. Nonetheless, the absence of a well-defined legal framework raises concerns about regulation, safety standards, and market stability. Many stakeholders are eager for government action to clarify the rules. Continued …

Japanese companies transferring production from China to Southeast Asia

An increasing number of Japanese companies operating in China are transferring their production bases to countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This comes as Chinese economic growth slows and concerns rise over the risks of doing business in China, where foreign residents have been arrested on vague grounds.

The Chinese economy is stagnating, and this can be seen in production, consumption and investments. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter (April-June) of 2024 grew 4.7% year over year, which was 0.6 points lower than the first quarter (January-March). Economic data from August shows that retail business sales, an indicator of consumption trends, grew only 2.1% year over year. Continued …

Relaxation, family trips, and new destinations to shape travel next year

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year.

The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travelers. Additionally, 6% of Thai travelers plan to work remotely in order to travel more. Continued …

Cobra caught on Phuket beach

Tourists at Kata Beach in Phuket were startled when a cobra was spotted swimming near the shore, leading to a chaotic yet successful capture. The incident, which occurred yesterday, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, causing quite a stir.

Video 

The video shows tourists at Kata Beach, located on the western side of Phuket Island, in a state of panic as they noticed a snake slithering along the beach. Amidst the commotion, a courageous young man, assisted by another tourist, stepped forward to catch the snake. Continued …

Stray Dogs Attack Tourists Daily on Koh Muk

Residents and business owners on Koh Muk, a popular tourist destination in Trang province, have called for urgent government action to tackle a worsening stray dog crisis. The issue has escalated, with reports of tourists being attacked daily.

The latest incident involved a tourist from Sukhothai. She and her Russian husband were visiting the island when she was attacked by a pack of 5-6 dogs while walking near her resort. She suffered multiple bite wounds and was rushed to Koh Muk’s local clinic before being transferred to Kantang Hospital for further treatment. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Saudia Arabia flights to Phuket begin

Thailand’s tourism sector is poised to welcome an influx of Saudi Arabian tourists, thanks to new direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah to the resort island of Phuket. Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has initiated three services a week to Phuket, starting with its inaugural flight SV852 from Riyadh, which landed on Monday. Another service, SV850, from Jeddah, followed suit on Wednesday.

The ambition behind these direct flight routes is to diversify Saudi Arabian tourism beyond Bangkok, facilitating easier access to the beaches and nightlife of Phuket. Continued …

No hope for global peace as ‘merchants of death’, mostly American, rake in billions

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a leading think tank tracking global military expenditure, on Dec. 2 released new data on revenues earned by the 100 largest companies dealing in weaponry and military services. What’s that got to do with travel and tourism? Everything.

The shocking statistics and trends unveiled in the report show clearly that global wars and conflict, led by the ongoing hot wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, plus simmering tensions in Asia, have now become a mainstream business, an economic driver, job creator and generator of corporate shareholder value. They all but guarantee that there will be no global peace for at least another decade. Continued …

UNESCO Recognizes Tom Yum Kung as Cultural Heritage

UNESCO has officially recognized Tom Yum Kung prawn soup as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This accolade highlights not only the dish’s culinary significance but also its cultural importance, reflecting the rich traditions and lifestyle of Thai communities. Tom Yum Kung now joins the ranks of other Thai cultural heritages on UNESCO’s Representative List, such as the Khon mask dance, Nora dance, Thai massage, and the Songkran festival.

Hats off to Southeast Asia’s traditional headpieces

Many historians believe that the wearing of headpieces started in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago. University professor Jake Victoria agrees. “I think headdresses were necessary during those times because many upper-class Egyptians had shaved heads,” he says.

Thai farmer’s hat called ngob

Indeed, traditional hats and headpieces are very much part of both history and heritage. In Southeast Asia, traditional headdresses portray rich and diverse cultures, particularly in various indigenous communities. These traditional headdresses reflect ways of life, beliefs, and social structures. Continued …

Land Reclamation: A New City and Flood Protection for Bangkok, Is It Worth It?

Land reclamation has become a popular method by many countries worldwide to expand urban areas, create new residential spaces, prepare for economic development, and tackle flooding issues caused by climate change. While such projects open new doors for urban development, they also bring significant environmental challenges that cannot be overlooked.

Over the past two decades, land reclamation in Thailand for artificial islands or coastal expansion has grown substantially. Reclaimed land now totals over 2,500 square kilometers, an area roughly the size of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Continued …

Cabinet to consider carbon tax next week

The Finance Ministry is set to propose a carbon tax for cabinet approval on Dec. 11. Speaking at the Sustainability Forum 2025 seminar on Tuesday, Kulaya Tantitemit, director-general of the Excise Department, said the implementation of the carbon tax would not affect operators or consumers of oil and petroleum products because the overall tax burden on oil and petroleum products will remain the same.

The department will simply adjust the proportion of the tax on oil and petroleum products and incorporate the carbon tax into the oil and petroleum tax structure, she said. Continued …

Technology key to sustainable future, says Siemens Thailand CEO

Siemens Thailand’s leadership has outlined a comprehensive vision for technological solutions to sustainability challenges, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in addressing complex environmental and social issues.

In a keynote address at the Sustainability Forum 2025 on Tuesday, Ross Conlon, president and chief executive of Siemens Thailand, identified five pivotal mega trends reshaping the nation’s technological landscape: demographic change, urbanization, supply-chain localization, environmental challenges, and digitization. Continued …

Dow Leads Mangrove Cleanup, Recycling Over 2.2 Tons

Dow Thailand Group has conducted its second annual “Save the Mangroves, Reduce Waste” campaign. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Thailand Mangrove Alliance and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, brought together government agencies, employees, and over 400 community volunteers to restore mangroves in Rayong Province.

The cleanup efforts, carried out across six events from June to November 2024, successfully removed over 2.2 tons of waste from mangrove areas in Prasae Estuary, Klaeng District, and the Kaoyod fishery group near Laem Charoen Beach. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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 Highways – 1586
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Saturday’s news-Nov 11

Today’s news: WFFT Welcomes New Arrival/Electricity tariffs: 6 baht/unit increase/AIS-3BB merger approved/Thundershowers forecast/Air Pollution Soars/Barbeque, grilled pork and colon cancer/Massive Seizure of E-cigarettes/Elephant calf finds new family/Keys to beating cancer, Alzheimer’s/32 Million Tons Of Rice/300 baht for stir-fried noodles/Thais devoted to mobile/Economy: Tax refunds for well-to-do/Digital wallet to be financed with with loan/EV progress aids green transition/Grab delivers first-ever profit/Tourism: Thailand as world festival destination/Van Overturns In Chiang Mai/Thai Airways reports profit/Airbnb adds new features/Phuket: A luxurious new playground for rich Russians/Thailand Experience: Thais reclaim ‘elephant pants’/Smarter Than We Knew/Tuk-Tuk Rides and Railway Wonders/Famous palaces in Bangkok/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

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

WFFT Sanctuary Welcomes New Arrival: the World’s Rarest Otter

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) has welcomed a new arrival, a species of otter so rare that it was once believed to be extinct.

The Hairy-nosed otter is known by experts as the ‘miracle’ otter, having been declared extinct in 1998 before camera traps later provided evidence of the species still roaming in parts of Southeast Asia. Continued …

Electricity tariffs: Potential 6 baht/unit increase expected next year

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) proposed three options for determining electricity tariffs for the first quarter of next year. The electricity tariffs could potentially increase to a peak of 6 baht per unit. The ERC disclosed that if there are proposals lower than these three options, it would have to reconvene for further discussions today.

Komkrit Tantravanich, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission, stated that the ERC approved the calculation of the estimated automatic tariff adjustment (FTA) for the quarter of January to April. Continued …

AIS-3BB internet merger approved

The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) voted on Friday evening to approve the takeover of the broadband internet service provider Triple T Broadband (TTTBB) by Advanced Info Service (AIS).

After the acquisition is completed, AIS would become the biggest player in the fixed broadband market with 4.69 million users, exceeding the 3.8 million of the current market leader True. State-owned National Telecom is the only other major provider. Continued … 

Thundershowers forecast for most parts of Thailand

Isolated thundershowers are forecast for the lower northeast, the east, the lower central and south regions of Thailand today, while isolated heavy rains are likely in the south.

The Thailand Meteorological Department said these conditions were brought by the moderate high-pressure system over upper Vietnam and the South China Sea, which is expected to reach the upper northeast of Thailand today, as well as the easterly winds prevailing over the east, the lower central and the south. Continued … 

Air Pollution Soars Across Most Of Bangkok

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) said yesterday satellite data appearing on its “Dust Check” application showed that dangerous particles in the air known as PM 2.5 had soared in 48 of 50 Bangkok districts and exceeded the red code, which is 90 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), in 34 of them.

According to Thailand’s color-coded air-pollution-warning system, green means moderate or no risk at all; yellow means the air is unhealthy for those suffering from respiratory illnesses, with children and the elderly urged to limit time spent outdoors; orange means it’s unhealthy for all; and red means hazardous. Continued …

Barbeque and grilled pork over-consumption may lead to colon cancer

A warning has been issued to fans of barbeque and tabletop grilled pork to limit their consumption to no more than once a month. Additionally, they are advised to always consume organic vegetables.

This caution comes from Associate Professor Dr. Surat Tanprawate, a neurologist, who posted the warning on his page, Brain with Dr Surat, on Friday. According to the doctor, over-consumption of these popular foods may lead to severe diseases such as colon cancer, which could result in a colostomy bag. Continued …

Massive Seizure of E-cigarettes in Ayutthaya

Thai Anti-Trafficking In Persons (ATP) officers confiscated E-cigarettes, E-liquids, and other equipment, a total of 60,500 units worth over 10 million Baht, at a private distribution center in Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

According to the report from the ATP officers, an anonymous source reported to the police that there was a contraband smuggling operation involving e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and other equipment from abroad to a private distribution center. Continued …

Lost elephant calf Kanya finds new family in Chiang Mai

The tale of Kanya, the lost wild elephant calf, has come to a joyful conclusion. Found wandering in a rice field in the Bueng Kan province, she has now joined a new family in Chiang Mai. The journey of Kanya, from Bueng Kan to Chiang Mai, is one worth revisiting.

Kanya’s story began on the morning of Sept. 12, when villagers found her alone in a rice field near the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan province. Local officials, alongside the central inspection officers of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, located a two-month-old female elephant calf, with no signs of her mother nearby. Continued …

Bangkok expo offers keys to beating cancer, Alzheimer’s

Rising awareness of how lifestyle can lower the risk of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s is driving the current trend for health and wellness, said experts at a Bangkok expo on Thursday.

The “Health & Wealth Expo 2023” is showcasing the latest information, products and services at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center until Sunday. Continued …

Thailand Tipped To Produce 32 Million Tons Of Rice

Thailand is forecast to produce some 32 million tons of rice in the 2023/2024 season, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics.

The estimated 32 million tons of rice include 25.5 million tons of single-harvest crops in varied parts of the country and 6.7 million tons of multiple-harvest crops, which are mostly produced in the central region. Continued …

Man billed 300 baht for stir-fried noodles in Don Mueang

A young man was taken aback when he was charged 300 baht for a plate of stir-fried noodles at a restaurant in Don Mueang. The restaurant justified the cost by stating they used three packets of instant noodles, each costing 12 baht.

The customer questioned the hefty price, insisting that each packet of noodles cost only 5 baht. The restaurant replied, stating that each packet costs them 12 baht. The customer continued to express disbelief at the 300 baht price for three packets of noodles, asking repeatedly where the high cost was coming from. Continued …

Thais devoted to mobile

Thais continue to embrace mobile devices to manage the cost of living and increase revenue, while some are optimistic about generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to a Telenor Asia study.

People from Thailand also have less security concerns than those from other countries in South and Southeast Asia, noted the study. Continued …

Tax refunds for well-to-do

An e-refund project has been freshly launched by the Pheu Thai-led government for the well-to-do in parallel to the populist digital wallet project for other people.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed yesterday that the e-refund project will be provided to those who may not be entitled to the 10,000-baht digital wallet so they could, as well, help promote domestic consumption and spur the national economy. Continued …

Digital wallet scheme to be financed with 500-billion-baht loan

The Thai government has plans to secure a loan of 500 billion baht in order to finance a digital wallet scheme, revealed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

This digital wallet scheme is targeted toward Thai citizens who are 16 years and older, earning less than 70,000 baht per month, with less than 500,000 baht in bank deposits. Continued …

EV infrastructure progress aids green energy transition

The electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure should be ready in time to contribute to the green transition in Thailand, according to Kelvin Lim, group CEO of Singapore’s energy solution provider Durapower Holdings.

Thailand is getting ready for a green energy transition, thanks to government policies to promote the use of EVs, he said. “Many Thai companies are now beginning their transition to deploy EVs and charging stations.” Continued …

Grab delivers first-ever profit

Grab Holdings Ltd. posted its first-ever profit on adjusted basis, a milestone for the decade-old Southeast Asian ride-hailing and food delivery company trying to convince investors of its earnings potential.

The shares rose 3.1% in New York trading, the most since Aug. 23, after Grab said adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached US$29 million in the quarter through September. Analysts expected US$9.5 million on average. Continued …

Thailand aims to become a world festival destination

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his government’s intention to promote Thailand as a global festival destination, in the hopes of boosting tourism across the country and attracting more foreign tourists over the New Year period.

Srettha announced that Thailand will host two major events, namely the “Thailand Winter Festival”, which consists of 3,000 festivals and local events across the country, and the “Colorful Bangkok Winter Festival 2023”, which includes 200 festivals and events in the capital. All of these will all take place in November and December this year. Continued …

Van Overturns In Chiang Mai, Killing 2 Foreigners, Injuring 10

Yesterday, a tourist van traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai overturned on the Chiang Mai-Pai route, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they found two foreign tourists dead outside the vehicle.

In addition, 10 injured tourists were taken to Mae Taeng Hospital in Chiang Mai. The Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office reported that the van was traveling at a speed of 83 kilometers per hour according to GPS data. Continued …

Thai Airways reports THB16-billion profit

Thai International Airways (THAI) is riding the revival in tourism, reporting a profit of 16 billion baht for the first nine months of operations this year.

The national carrier reported net profit of 16.31 billion baht for the period January to September, as the tourism sector continues its steady recovery process, THAI’s chief financial and accounting officer, Cherdchome Therdsteerasukdi, said. Continued …

Airbnb adds three new features amid increasing demand from guests

Airbnb introduced three new core features to improve its services on Thursday, aiming to increase service flexibility and enhance technology to enable business efficiency.

The move is part of its business strategy to continue investing in its platform in order to meet demands from both guests and hosts. Continued …

Phuket: A luxurious new playground for rich Russians fleeing Vladimir Putin’s war

An influx of Russians is transforming the holiday island of Phuket, driving up property prices, as well as fueling local resentment over the flow of money into the country.

While Western countries have sought to isolate Russia with sanctions, Thailand has welcomed Russian visitors as it tries to rebuild its tourism industry post-COVID. Continued …

Thais reclaim ‘elephant pants’ popular with backpacking tourists

Thailand’s so-called elephant pants, which have been long favored by foreign backpackers, are ubiquitous in stores along tourist areas. The thin cotton trousers have rarely been worn by Thais, but fashion influencers are now reclaiming the style. Video

Elephants Are Smarter Than We Knew

Opening doors may not seem that hard, but when you have a trunk instead of hands, things can get complicated. Researchers tested the problem-solving skills of wild elephants for the first time by tasking the jumbos with doing just that.

Elephants are brainy. An adult elephant’s brain weighs 5 kilograms (11 pounds), the largest of any terrestrial animal (and three times the size of the human brain). From living in complex social groups and mourning their dead to finding elusive water sources, pachyderms display a range of intelligent behaviors. Continued …

Tuk-Tuk Rides and Thailand’s Railway Wonders

There are two unique ways to travel in Thailand that come to mind: taking the country’s old-fashioned trains and riding on the bumpy tuk-tuks. Thailand’s train lines, which go from busy Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Mai, give tourists a look into the country’s history.

The colorful three-wheeled vehicles called tuk-tuks that move through city streets are a nice contrast and make for an exciting ride through the city. All of these ways of getting around connect you to Thailand’s lively culture, from the calm train ride to the lively tuk-tuk rides. Continued …

Exploring the famous palaces in Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is noted for being home to myriad beautiful and famous palaces. These reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. These palaces are not only architectural wonders but also hold great cultural and historical importance.

Those visiting Bangkok, these palaces are a must visit! Here are some of the most notable palaces in Bangkok: Continued …

Myanmar risks breaking apart amid attacks by rebel militias

Myanmar’s ruling military junta has said the country could break apart if it fails to control the latest surge of attacks by ethnic minority militias and pro-democracy armed forces in the country’s east, according to a state media report released Thursday after anti-junta forces seized several towns. Continued …

Indonesia inaugurates Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power plant

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo on Wednesday inaugurated a 192-megawatt peak (MWp) floating solar power plant on a reservoir in West Java province, the largest in Southeast Asia, as part of a drive to increase renewable energy sources and switch away from coal. Continued …

Why Malaysia recognizes Hamas and what it means for US ties

Malaysia unexpectedly jumped into the fraught politics of the Israel-Hamas war when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim vowed to maintain ties with Hamas even if his government were to come under outside pressure. Anwar has become one of the most vocal leaders in publicly criticising Israel, calling its military operations in Gaza the “height of barbarism”. Continued …

How China can save the world – as well as itself

China’s model of economic growth has been a resounding success. With its focus on export promotion, capital investment, and technological catch-up, it has lifted some 800 million people out of poverty over the past 40 years. Continued …

Australia offers Tuvalu citizens climate refuge

Citizens of climate-threatened Tuvalu will have the right to live in Australia under a landmark pact unveiled Friday – an offer of refuge as their Pacific homeland is lost beneath the seas. Continued … 

Sugar prices in global market soar to 12-year high

The prices of sugar have surged past 28 cents per pound in the international market to touch a 12-year high, as the sweetener is seen in short supply due to a sharp decline in Indian exports and logistics problems in Brazil. Continued …

1.2kg snow crab in Japan auctions off for almost $90k

A 1.2kg snow crab auctioned off for 10 million yen (S$89,800) on Monday was the priciest ever sold in Hyogo prefecture in Japan. The sale happened at Shinonsen town’s Hamasaka fishing port on its first auction day of the season. Continued …

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.

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-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

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
hua hin, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-June 13

  • Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July/
  • Pita inches closer to PM post/
  • PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South/
  • British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children/
  • Top Thai military brass visits Beijing/
  • Economy: AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB/Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy/Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland/Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record/
  • Tourism: End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy/Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America/Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island/
  • International: Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive/
  • 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

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

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

Rainy season? No rain forecast for most of Thailand in July

Despite the fact that it is now the rainy season in Thailand, no rain is forecast for most of July, returning in August. The Royal Irrigation Department has instructed its officials to adjust their water-management plans to ensure optimum use of water and to maintain as much as possible in the reservoirs.

According to Thaweesak Thanadachopol, deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, the total volume of water in Thailand’s four main reservoirs, namely behind the Bhumibol, Pasak Jolasid, Sirikit and Kwae Noi Bumrung Dan dams, is at 45% of full capacity, or 11.301 billion cubic meters, with only 15% at Pasak Jolasid. Continued …

Pita inches closer to PM post

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become prime minister moved a step closer to reality on Monday after the chairman of a recent meeting of iTV shareholders said the media company is currently not operating pending a legal case.

As a result, Pita could be spared from legal wrangles that could lead to him being disqualified as an MP if it is proven that the media company has shut down. Continued …

PM pushes ambitious land bridge project in South

Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to expand transportation infrastructure to enhance the economic development of the southern region, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Sunday. This includes connecting transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, he added.

This project is intended to further enhance the advantages of Thailand’s geographic location in Southeast Asia, which is conducive to transportation and trade. Relevant agencies have been instructed to study and develop the southern land bridge project as part of the basic infrastructure development efforts to integrate seamless transportation service between the two seaports in Ranong and Chumphon provinces. Continued …

British expat’s 1,050km charity walk aims to raise 1M baht for abused children

James Lee Valentine, a 59-year-old British expat, has demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050km walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand.

The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. Continued …

Top Thai military brass visits Beijing

Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongpan Jitkaewthae is in China this week at the invitation of China’s Defense Ministry to discuss military cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of enhancing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the first visit to China by the Thai army chief, who left Bangkok on June 8 and will return on June 16. Continued …

AIS faces hurdles in bid to buy 3BB

The ongoing takeover of fixed broadband service 3BB by Advanced Info Service (AIS) may face tough consumer remedies from the telecom regulator because of the dominant position of their combined market share.

Rival True Corp. reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that in the first quarter this year it had 3.84 million household subscribers. That figure accounts for 31.5% of the fixed broadband market share, said Pisut Ngamvijitvong, senior equity research analyst at Kasikorn Securities (KS). Continued …

Biomass power giant turns its sights to solar energy

After seeing a big jump in revenue this year, biomass power producer National Power Supply (NPS) is all set to establish the country’s largest private floating solar farm with a capacity of 150 megawatts capacity.

The company enjoyed a 24.4% jump in revenue to 5.64 billion baht in the first quarter of 2023 over the same period last year, NPS Executive Director Yothin Dumnernchanvanit said on Monday. Continued …

Kraft Heinz’s Journey into Thailand’s Culinary Wonderland

Here’s a look at how Kraft Heinz caters to Thailand’s unique tastes by adapting its product portfolio and embracing local ingredients. We also discover their commitment to sustainability, food safety, and quality control, as they drive culinary innovation in the evolving food service landscape of Thailand. Video

Thai Durian on the Upswing: Export Prices to China at Record

Despite the impact of the climate on Thai durian production this year, sales of durian produced in the east reached a record high, which could serve as a model for farmers and exporters in the south of Thailand when the annual harvest begins on June 10 and continues through October.

Nuttakrit Oranhirunrak, vice president of the Thai-Chinese Agribusiness Assn. in Chanthaburi Province, said Thailand is expected to export more durian to China than in other years. From the start of the harvest season until June 10, a total of 33,000 containers of durian were shipped to China. The current figure is already much higher than that of three years ago, which was 15,000 containers. Continued …

End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy

Hotel occupancy rates in Thailand plunged to below 50% during the period May to June, an immediate fallout of the termination of the government’s ”Let Us Travel Together” phase 5 campaign in April.

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) predicted that the overall hotel occupancy rate in Thailand for the month of June would be less than 50% after experiencing a full-scale slowdown in both the domestic and international markets. Continued …

Thailand records 11.4M foreign tourists

Thailand received 11.4 million foreign tourist arrivals from January to June 11, and saw spending of 472 billion baht (US$13.67 billion), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said in a statement today.

The tourist numbers surpassed the 11.15 million in the whole of 2022. Continued …

Buffets In Thailand Look So Different From The Ones In America

Navigating your way around an unfamiliar country can be pretty daunting for some world travelers. Yet, for others, it’s an exciting opportunity to experience an unfamiliar culture.

Video

For TikTok user Tom from Texas, adventuring his way through Thailand’s buffet scene was a bit of both. He quickly discovered that he had a lot to learn upon visiting a hot pot-style buffet during his trip. Buffets in Thailand are quite different than those in America. Continued …

A visit to Phuket’s Old Town

Phuket’s Old Town is a must-visit on Thailand’s largest island. A beautiful small town lined with colorful old shophouses, it has stunning architecture and street art, plus great restaurants, bars and cafes.

Phuket’s Old Town is toward the south. Many visitors to the island like to stay close to the beaches and, unfortunately, miss out on this stunning area. Continued …

Ukraine says seven villages retaken in ‘tough’ offensive

Ukraine on Monday said it had retaken seven villages and made small gains in a “tough” counter-offensive against Russian forces that France said could last months. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

bangkok, covid, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Feb 8

  • Train track work to close Soi 88 and Soi 70/
  • Long-boat racing returns to Khao Tao lake in November/
  • Thailand’s Valentine’s Day spending expected to jump for first time in 5 years/
  • Pet ownership in Thailand becoming more popular/
  • RTP officers must wear bodycam at all times at checkpoints/
  • A guide to traversing Bangkok’s massive new rail station/
  • 19-month-old girl, trapped in groundwater well for over 17 hours, rescued/
  • Video: Bottom trawling destroying Thailand’s fishing industry/
  • Huawei aims to groom 20,000 Thai IT developers in three years/
  • GULF, AIS, and SINGTEL to launch data center/
  • New law allows foreign talent to thrive in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Tour Operator Fined 500,000 Baht for Attack on Chinese Tourist/Thailand’s first ever seaplane airline to launch this summer/
  • Thailand Experience: The best new cafes in Bangkok right now/
  • Covid: No new variants in weeks after China ended zero-Covid: study/
  • International: Rescuers work against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 7,800/WHO: Turkey, Syria quake could affect up to 23M/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Train track work to close Soi 88 and Soi 70

Construction work for the new dual track train line will force the closure of Soi 88 today and Friday from 9pm-4am, and Soi 70 will be closed on Feb 13, 14and 16 from 9pm-4am.

Long-boat racing returns to Khao Tao lake in November

Traditional long-boat racing returns to Hua Hin in November Nov. 17-19 at Khao Tao Reservoir. Six different categories of boats are anticipated.

Long-boat racing events in Thailand date back hundreds of years and were originally held as a celebration of the bond between local communities and rivers throughout the country.

Other activities being planned include a music award for youths under 22 years old for music related to Thai long boat races. performances from the local ethnic group “Thai Song Dam”, and a food market with other tourism promotion activities or booths.

Thailand’s Valentine’s Day spending expected to jump for first time in 5 years

Thailand’s Valentine’s Day spending is expected to jump for the first time in five years this year, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Spending is expected to hit over 2.4 billion baht this year, the survey said.

The survey shows a 57.1% increase in spending compared to last year, with the majority of the money being spent on gifts, dining out, flowers, and movies. UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai stated that this year’s spending is predicted to be active despite a relatively high cost of living and recent holiday spending.

The study, based on a survey of 1,225 people nationwide, showed that spending is expected to average 1,848 baht per person, compared to 1,176 baht last year. Continued …

Pet ownership in Thailand becoming more popular

Owning pets for Thai people has been found to be increasingly popular, according to data from Euromonitor. Data. The site has indicated that the number of Thais who count pets as family members has increased by 3% from 2019 to 2022. The number is expected to continue to rise as more Thais take a liking to pets.

In 2019, around 34% of Thai households had dogs or cats, with that number increasing to 37% in 2022. Part of the increase in pet ownership is attributed to the Covid pandemic. Those who worked from home or were self-quarantining at home took a liking to pets to help them stay relaxed.

The data is indicative of the wants and needs of Thais’ residential living, providing a clue for housing developers to allow pets in the future. The trend of Gen Z, Gen Y, and the elderly population who prefer having animals as companions is on the upswing. Continued …

RTP officers must wear bodycam at all times at checkpoints

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have tightened checkpoint regulations in a bid to stamp out cop corruption amid the Taiwanese actress scandal. RTP officers have been ordered to be courteous and professional and to wear body cameras while working at checkpoints in the future.

The commissioner of the RTP, Damrongsak Kittipraphat, held an online conference with police officers across the country yesterday to emphasize the necessary rules and procedures to be followed while on duty at checkpoints.

In response to the money extortion scandal exposed by a Taiwanese actress, Damrongsak said to capture all incidents and provide evidence at checkpoints, every officer on duty must wear a body camera at all times. Continued …

A guide to traversing Bangkok’s massive new rail station

While many Bangkok residents never stray far from their tight orbits around Sathorn, Thonglor, or Lat Phrao, millions of travelers will eventually make their way through the capital’s monumental new rail hub to reach all parts of the kingdom and, one day, beyond.

Those trying their luck now with Bangkok’s massive new public transit cathedral known as the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, aka Bang Sue Grand Station, would be wise to download a helpful guide to their phones for use in navigating its confusing immensity.

The author of the guide is Richard Barrow. The latest addition to the Barrow Expanded Universe is a 30-page PDF breaking down the what, where, and how of the station’s quarter-million square meters. Continued … 

19-month-old girl, trapped in groundwater well for over 17 hours, rescued

Rescuers have successfully pulled a 19-month-old Myanmar girl from a 15-meter deep groundwater hole, where she had been trapped for over 17 hours.

Cheers of joy erupted when the child, helped by rescuers, emerged from the hole, was put on a stretcher and rushed to Phop Phra District Hospital for assessment and treatment.

The rescue team reached the girl at about 8am yesterday morning, but they could not immediately pull her out because she appeared to have suffered leg injuries in the fall. Continued …

Video: Bottom trawling destroying Thailand’s fishing industry

Ocean bottom trawling is destroying our marine ecosystems and damaging future food security for Thailand. The Environmental Justice Foundation is calling for its end. Report 

Video 

Huawei aims to groom 20,000 Thai IT developers in three years

Huawei Technologies (Thailand) will focus on grooming at least 20,000 talents and developers in Thailand within three years as part of its sustainable growth strategy.

The announcement came as David Li, the company’s newly appointed CEO, unveiled Huawei’s six core business directions for Thailand in 2023 at a media briefing on Tuesday.

Huawei’s goal is to contribute social values and cultivate local digital talents in addition to achieving business success, he said, adding Huawei Thailand will place strong emphasis on developing information and communications technology (ICT) personnel in Thailand, with the goal of grooming 20,000 developers in three years. Continued … 

GULF, AIS, and SINGTEL to launch data center

A joint partnership between Gulf Energy, Singtel, and AIS will see the construction of a new 20+ MW data center, the operators said on Wednesday.

A new company, GSA Data Center Co. (GSA), has been created as a joint venture between the three companies to run the data center.

According to a statement, the data center will be a best-in-class hyperconnected data center and will serve the greater demands of enterprises and cloud service providers in Thailand and the region. The data center is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2025. Continued … 

 

New law allows foreign talent to thrive in Thailand

The government of Thailand has taken a step forward in attracting highly skilled foreign workers to the country, with the release of a new law that allows foreigners to work or invest in 18 select industries.

The Royal Thai Gazette website published a notice from the Ministry of Interior outlining the special permit for migrant workers, signed by Prime Minister Prayuth Cha-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda on Feb. 3.

This new law is an opportunity for skilled specialists, investors, executives, and entrepreneurs to make their mark in Thailand and a sign that the Thai government is open to foreign investment and willing to support the growth of the economy. Continued … 

Tour Operator Fined 500,000 Baht for Attack on Chinese Tourist

Phuket’s governor, officials and representatives from the tourism sector met Li Chenglong, counselor director of China’s Phuket consular office to apologize for a tour agent’s attack on a Chinese tourist.

Both sides discussed the Feb. 1 incident when a woman at a Thai tour company in Karon subdistrict kicked a Chinese customer and inflicted a cut on his arm with a small knife during their argument over the 5,000- baht refund the client demanded for a trip to Similan Island he and his family missed because the tour firm had failed to pick them up at the meeting point.

Phuket Gov. Narong Woonciew reported the penalty given to the culprit for criminal offense and violation of the Tourism Business Act. The tour operator was fined 500,000 baht and the firm has been suspended from business for six months. Continued …

Thailand’s first ever seaplane airline to launch this summer

Thailand‘s first-ever seaplane airline, Siam Seaplane, is preparing to launch this summer to take the kingdom’s tourism industry to the next level.

Siam Seaplane has formed partnerships with 60 luxury hotels and resorts, including top brands Intercontinental and Four Seasons.

Chief Business Operator Dennis Keller revealed that the company faced plenty of setbacks during the pandemic, but is now working on securing over 40 landing sites around Thailand. Continued …

The best new cafes in Bangkok right now

When life gives you lemons, trade them for coffee. A morning cup of joe helps you jump start the day, and it’s always fun to find a new favorite cafe in town to grab one from. Here are the best new cafes in Bangkok right now.

Imagine: the aroma of ground coffee beans as you walk in, the relaxing, calming vibe as you take a sip of your drink of choice, the crisp, tangy taste of the pastry that comes with your cup. A good cafe lets you forget all your problems even for just a moment. Bangkok won’t have any shortage soon when it comes to good cafes, so let us show you the new places to update your bucket list.

Dosan Dalmatian

Ever-popular Siam Square has a new cafe to add to its arsenal. All the way from Seoul to Bangkok, Dosan Dalmatian is proud to present good coffees and teas, three stories of Instagrammable corners, and a pet-friendly welcome to man’s best friends. Continued …

No new variants in weeks after China ended zero-Covid: study

No new variants of Covid-19 emerged in Beijing in the weeks after China ended its zero-Covid policy late last year, a new study said on Wednesday.

China saw an explosion of infections after starting to lift its strict pandemic measures from early December, sparking fears the world’s most populous country could become a fertile breeding ground for new, more transmissible or severe strains.

More than a dozen countries promptly imposed fresh restrictions on travelers from China, also citing a lack of transparency about the scale of the outbreak, sparking Beijing’s ire. Continued …

Rescuers work against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 7,800

Rescuers worked against time in harsh winter conditions on Tuesday evening, trying to dig people out of the rubble of collapsed buildings as the death toll from Turkey and Syria’s devastating earthquake jumped to more than 7,900.

Turkish authorities say some 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km (280 miles) from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east, and 300 km from Malatya in the north to Hatay in the south.

Syrian authorities have reported deaths as far south as Hama, some 250 km from the epicenter. Continued … 

WHO: Turkey, Syria quake could affect up to 23M

Up to 23 million people could be affected by the massive earthquake that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria, the WHO warned on Tuesday, promising long-term assistance. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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.

 

90-day online reporting