Tag Archives: amazon

Thursday’s news-Nov 16

Today’s news: Welcome Manora Co. To Expat News/Wet weather in Hua Hin/2 loan sharks nabbed in PKK/A medical emergency/Water Safety Training for children/Encouraging women to get pregnant/Economy: Thailand slips into deflation/Amazon, Google and Microsoft to invest 300 billion baht/Debt deal targets students, teachers, small-biz owners/KFC holds top spot in Thailand/Retailers keep sugar prices down/Unlocking Thai-Australian Trade/Addictive: Tobacco a key economic contributor/Not addictive: Tighter cannabis rules drafted/Tourism: InterContinental’s revamped beach wing/Chinese tourists sour on Thailand/Thailand Experience: Playful phrases and helpful tips for travelers/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.


Expat News is always delighted to add a new sponsor. Today, we welcome Manora Co., Ltd., To Expat News!

Manora Co.: Professionalism, expertise and innovation

The Manora Co. Ltd. was established in 1998. We are Hua Hin property developers, real estate agents and a consultancy agency based in Khao Tao, Hua Hin, Thailand.

Our company provides a complete professional and comprehensive service, with unrivaled reputation for professionalism, expertise and innovation.

We are here to assist and complete the entire transaction for you, from choosing your villa, condo, land plot or commercial property in Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi and surrounding areas, to the signing of the contract. We take care of all the legalities for you.

Together, our directors, managers, real estate agents and personnel speak English, German, French, Italian and Thai. We are proud to offer you our finest properties listed for sale or for rent.

Manora Village I, II, III – 100 Luxury Villas For Sale & Rent

Manora Company has around 40 full-time employees consisting of management, office staff, real estate agents, housekeepers, gardeners, drivers, handyman, building inspectors and security guards who keep our Manora Villages running smoothly, on a day-to-day basis.

Bella Vista

Bella Vista is the latest project of Manora Co. Ltd. The name Bella Vista, which means beautiful view, was inspired by stunning 360° mountain views that surround the land plot. There are 20 spacious plots of land for sale in the Khao Tao, Pranburi area. Situated only 15 kilometers south of Hua Hin, Bella Vista offers a peaceful environment, stunning mountain views and easy reach to central Hua Hin, Pak Nam Pran and the Sam Roi Yot area. The infrastructure is completed and all the plots are ready for construction.

Altogether, Manora Company is a family-operated business in Hua Hin, managed by Swiss directors. Use our professional advice and knowledge to make your Hua Hin property purchase trouble free.

Address: Manora Village, 92/19 Soi Mooban Khao Tao, Nongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110, Thailand; Contacts: Manora Resort: Web, Email: info@manoravillage.com. Mobile: 081 857 8867, Facebook; Agency, Email: info@manoraproperty.com, Mobile: 081 857 8867, Facebook.

Wet weather in Hua Hin set to continue

The wet weather seen in Hua Hin in recent days is set to continue well into the weekend, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

Residents and visitors in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are bracing for a continuation of wet weather conditions, as the northeastern monsoon strengthens its grip over the Gulf of Thailand, southern Thailand, and the Andaman Sea, forecasters said on Wednesday. Continued …

2 loan sharks nabbed in PKK for killing fruit seller over 400 baht late payment

Police arrested two loan sharks in Prachuap Kiri Khan Province after they reportedly killed a fruit seller because he was two days late in paying 400 baht in interest.

The victim, Thai man Ittiphon Pinthong, was shot and stabbed while he was selling fruit in front of a convenience store on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province at about 7pm on Tuesday. Continued …

How to prepare for a medical emergency

In Hua Hin, life for expatriates can be an adventure, filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and a laid-back lifestyle that many can only dream of. However, while you’re busy enjoying life, have you ever stopped to consider how you would handle a medical emergency?

It is a situation that many expats overlook until it is too late, leading to unnecessary delays and expenses that could have been avoided with the right preparation. Continued …

Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin hosts Water Safety Training for children

The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin, in collaboration with local authorities and educators, has launched its Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Training program for children.

The training sessions, held at the Greenway Hua Hin Resort swimming pool in Hin Lek Fai subdistrict, saw 60 fifth-grade students from Khaophitthak Municipal School participating. The program’s instructors, trained by Australian experts in Phuket and certified by the Thai Life Saving Society, shared their knowledge and skills with the students. Continued …

Encouraging Thai women to get pregnant to be part of national agenda

Airing concerns about the dropping birth rate in Thailand, Public Health Minister Santi Promphat said he will make encouraging Thai women to have more children part of the national agenda.

Dr. Kenika Oonjit, a deputy government spokesperson, said Santi visited the Health Department on Wednesday to ask its executives to implement the ministry’s 13 urgent policies to improve health standards in the country. Continued …

PM’s adviser fears for economy as Thailand slips into deflation

Figures showing the first negative inflation in 25 months signal deflation that could hit economic growth this year, an adviser to the prime minister warned on Wednesday.

Pichai Naripthaphan, deputy chairman of Pheu Thai Party’s strategies and politics committee and adviser to PM Srettha Thavisin, said the negative inflation rate in October was a bad sign that warranted the delivery of an economic stimulus package. Continued …

Tech giants Amazon, Google and Microsoft to invest 300 billion baht in Thailand

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft are set to invest in Thailand, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s economy. The total investment from these tech giants is expected to reach around 300 billion baht.

The announcement was made by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s successful talks with executives from the three tech powerhouses during his U.S. visit. Continued …

Debt deal targets students, teachers, and small-biz owners

A fresh debt relief package aimed at several demographics, including past students embroiled in student loan repayments, teachers, and owners of small-to-medium businesses, is set to be unveiled by the government, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s announcement yesterday.

The Thai PM added that this package, which will also extend to individuals making repayments to non-banking lenders, is expected to be launched by the end of the current month. Continued …

KFC holds top spot in Thailand, so why is it failing at home in the US?

KFC may be recognized as the number one fried chicken restaurant in Thailand, but it faces challenges in its home country, the United States.

Key issues include relatively slow service and lack of menu innovation. In the U.S., speed and service quality are paramount, posing a hurdle for KFC. The business has also suffered persistent problems with suppliers over the years. Continued …

Retailers keep sugar prices down

Giant retail and wholesale stores in Thailand are maintaining the old price of sugar following a recent nationwide price hike of 2 baht per kilogram, but have implemented measures to prevent hoarding of the sweet commodity.

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Cane and Sugar Board’s proposal to increase the retail price of sugar by 2 baht per kilogram. Continued …

Unlocking Thai-Australian Trade and Investment Potential

Trade experts are recommending that Australia’s ties with Thailand need to be refreshed in the light of the changing trade and political landscape in Southeast Asia.

In their Australia-Thailand Economic Engagement Report, experts from the University of Adelaide’s Institute for International Trade are calling for a deeper, broader and more sustainable trade and investment relationship. Continued …

Addictive: Tobacco still a key economic contributor

Thailand’s tobacco industry continues to be an important contributor to the country’s economy and an essential employer in rural communities, a recent report by the Oxford Business Group has shown.

As ASEAN’s second-largest tobacco leaf producer – and the 16th largest in the world – Thailand exported 7.4 billion baht worth of tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes in 2021. Continued … 

Not addictive: Tighter cannabis rules drafted

The government is seeking to tighten control over the country’s nascent cannabis industry, revising a draft bill to prevent misuse of the plant after previously vowing to curb its recreational use.

A new draft of the cannabis bill, which failed to clear parliamentary hurdles before the election in May, has been significantly rewritten to reflect concerns that misuse of cannabis could lead to addiction, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said in a statement. Continued …

InterContinental Hua Hin’s revamped beach wing reopens

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has announced the reopening of the first phase of its beach wing after an extensive renovation.

The primary phase covers key elements of the renovation, which includes a refreshed and expanded lobby, a dedicated group check-in, and new conservatories for an elevated arrival experience. In addition, the breakfast experience has also been enhanced with the extension of air-conditioned seating and “hawker” stations that tell the stories of the famous Hua Hin night market. Continued …

Chinese tourists sour on Thailand amid safety and health concerns

Thailand and Japan – two countries that have long been popular destinations for tourists from China – are starting to lose their appeal to Chinese travelers. That’s according to the findings of a new survey conducted by China Trading Desk.

The September edition of the quarterly travel sentiment survey by the Singapore-based digital marketing firm polled over 10,000 Chinese residents on their upcoming international travel plans. Continued …

Playful phrases and helpful tips for travelers exploring Thailand

Embarking on a journey to Thailand can be likened to diving into a sea filled with enchanting corals of culture, with each vibrant hue representing a unique aspect of the wonderful Thai tapestry. A crucial piece of your underwater equipment is, undoubtedly, your phrasebook.

Start on a playful note by greeting everyone with a beaming “Sawasdee” – remember to sprinkle it with a “krub” or “ka” to suit your gender and enrich this versatile hello and goodbye. When street food titillates your palate, chant a joyous “Aroy!” to express its deliciousness, casting a spell of appreciation over the local chef’s creation. Continued …

Biden says ‘blunt’ talks with Xi yield deals on military, fentanyl, AI

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed on Wednesday to resume military-to-military communications and cooperate on anti-drug policies, two major outcomes from their first face-to-face talks in a year. Continued … https://www.nationthailand.com/world/us-canada/40032895

Top Emitters Vow New Climate Action in US-China Breakthrough

The U.S. and China, the world’s biggest polluters, vowed to step up joint action to tackle climate change in a revival of collaboration that’s likely to offer crucial momentum for UN talks in Dubai opening later this month. Continued …

98% of posts reported for hate speech stay visible on Musk’s X

The vast majority of posts hateful of Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians are being left on Elon Musk’s online platform X, formerly known as Twitter, despite being reported for breaching platform rules, hate speech researchers say. Continued …

AI could replace 4 million jobs in South Korea

Artificial intelligence (AI) may replace as many as 4 million, or 14%, of South Korea’s jobs over the next two decades, a central bank study said, adding to a chorus of warnings on the looming disruption to labor markets around the world. 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
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

Friday’s News-Jan 27

  • Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok rerouted to new terminal/
  • Hua Hin celebrates international charity night/
  • Bangkok to move forward with removing street food from its streets/
  • Why so many Thais have Chinese ancestry/
  • Google identifies three consumer trends for Thailand/
  • Thailand to send its first Earth exploration satellite into orbit this year/
  • Australia returns 9 ancient Buddha statues to Thailand after 112 years/
  • Tourism: Confidence and trust in Thailand damaged by Chinese VIP tourist services/Tourism operators exasperated regarding police scams/Police deny extorting money from Taiwanese actress/TAT expects 5 million Chinese tourists this year/Boutique routes added to tourism market/
  • Thailand Experience: Where to travel in Thailand for Valentine’s Day/
  • International: Regional CEOs on edge/US says it ‘hacked the hackers’ to bring down ransomware gang/One third of Amazon ‘degraded’ by human activity, drought/Climate tipping points in Amazon, Tibet ‘linked’/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport 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.

Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok rerouted to new terminal

Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok have been rerouted to the new Krung Thep Apiwat Central Terminal.

According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the change affects all rapid, express and special express trains between Hua Hin and Bangkok.

All ordinary, tourist and freight trains will continue to arrive and depart Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumphong Station) until further notice. Continued …

Hua Hin celebrates international charity night

Attending the “Amazing Colorful’’ International Charity Night at Market Village on Wednesday was an opportunity to be part of an extravagant display of color, diversity, fashion and beauty, attended by the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Hua Hin community.

Strutting their stuff on the stage were the queens of past and current beauty pageants, but really starring were students from the Stamford International University in sensational costume and high-energy performances. Continued …

Bangkok to move forward with removing street food from its streets

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on Wednesday hosted a meeting among officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) regarding the reorganization of hawkers and vending stands in the city areas.

The move aims to tidy up the city by providing suitable spaces for vendors, while prioritizing the safety and ease of travel for pedestrians, said the governor.

He added that BMA will discuss with street vendors to allocate suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. One of the possible solutions is to open vending zones on private properties, he said. Continued …

Why so many Thais have Chinese ancestry

With the Chinese New Year wrapping up, those who venture out onto Thailand’s streets will see just how much the country’s history has been shaped by China.

Modern-day Thai people are thought to have emigrated from China over 1,000 years ago. The Tai ethnicity originally consisted of those who spoke a common Tai language. Those same people migrated from China down through Southeast Asia, with many ending up calling their newly discovered land “home.”

As they initially settled in Thailand’s northern areas, they eventually spread throughout the kingdom, making up the majority of the Thai population today. Continued …

Google identifies three consumer trends for Thailand

Internet giant Google has identified Thailand’s three main consumer trends, based on their web searches in 2022.

The three trends – Thai people cherishing their own identities and lifestyles, paying attention to economic circumstances, and finding ways to create joy – were identified in Google’s “Year in Search 2022–Thailand” report, which shared insights into consumers’ behavior.

“Millions of Thais use Google Search every day to find information they are looking for. We have noticed changes in consumer behaviors as we analyze billions of searches every year to identify key trends,” said Saranee Boonritthongchai, country marketing manager of Google Thailand. Continued …

Thailand to send its first Earth exploration satellite into orbit this year

Thailand plans to launch its first industrial-grade Earth exploration satellite this year, deputy government spokesman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday.

The main satellite, THEOS-2, is the product of joint cooperation between 20 Thai satellite engineers, international organizations specialized in space technology and the Geo-Informatics Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand, she said.

The THEOS-2 satellite weighs about 425kg and is equipped with a high resolution camera. It was designed to be used to explore the Earth, for public disaster management and security. Continued …

Australia returns 9 ancient Buddha statues to Thailand after 112 years

Nine wooden Buddha statues have returned to Thailand after being in Australia for 112 years.

Murray Upton, an Australian man from Canberra, contacted the Royal Thai Embassy that he was in possession of nine ancient Buddha statues from Thailand.

The Australian said he received the Buddha statues from his father. He said they were in his father’s possession since 1911. Continued …

Confidence and trust in Thailand damaged by Chinese VIP tourist services

Despite growing public anger this week prompting statements from Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, it appears that three police officers involved in providing a VIP service to an incoming Chinese tourist party, including fast-track immigration clearance and a police escort service to Pattaya, will not face serious legal consequences, although they will face disciplinary proceedings.

The scandal has led to a tourism industry chief calling on the government to deal with online advertising in China revealing not only that such services are available at all Thai international airports but that they extend to a range of offerings provided by both public and private sector actors, extending to opening bank accounts, IVF services and other personal services to Chinese visitors.

The tourist boss warned that the situation has resulted in a “tremendous downgrade” of security confidence in Thailand as a destination. The president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Sisadiwat Cheewaratanaporn, said such services continued to be advertised on popular Chinese retail sites this week. Continued … 

Tourism operators exasperated regarding police scams

Tourism operators have expressed frustration over repeated scandals involving Thai police, after they were accused of extorting a Taiwanese actress during her trip to the country.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) urged an investigation into the issue to evaluate its impact on the country.

Taiwanese actress Charlene An talked with media about her experience, claiming she was extorted of 27,000 baht by Thai police on Jan. 4. The incident was widely reported by Taiwanese media this week. Continued …

Police deny extorting money from Taiwanese actress

After a Taiwanese actress accused Huai Khwang police of taking a 27,000 baht payoff from her during New Year holiday visit to Bangkok, the seven policemen at a checkpoint where she and her friends were stopped have denied the extortion allegations.

The Instagram posts of actress An Yu-Qing, whose English name is Charlene An, accuses Huai Kwang police of having shaken her down for 27,000 baht the night of Jan. 4, a day before her departure.

She alleged that while going back to her hotel in a taxi with some friends at around 1 a.m., police at a checkpoint stopped them and searched her bag. They asked to see her passport and then, according to her, they said her visa on arrival is not acceptable, only a proper stamped visa. Continued … 

TAT expects 5 million Chinese tourists this year

Thailand’s tourism industry has welcomed the news that the Chinese government is allowing the group tour market to resume after a hiatus of almost three years. The Chinese tourists will be able to visit 20 countries, including Thailand, a blessing for the hospitality industry that stands to benefit from the return of a significant increase in these international tourists and the revenue they would bring.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects at least 5 million Chinese tourists to visit Thailand this year. Approximately 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2019 before the Covid-19 outbreak, and they generated 531 million baht in tourism income. TAT expects the revenue from Chinese tourists this year to exceed that of the pre-Covid era.

In a reassuring message to the public, the Thai government says Thailand will be able to contain the spread of Covid-19 despite the influx of tourists from China, which is seeing a massive increase in cases following the relaxation of the zero-Covid policy. Continued … 

Boutique routes added to tourism market

As China has witnessed rapid social and economic development over the past few decades, more Chinese people are willing to explore tailored traveling routes. Thailand’s tourism sector has sensed the new trends and has started to launch more diversified products.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok has worked with the five TAT offices in the People’s Republic of China to offer niche products to Chinese travelers.

“Over the past years, we have tapped the potential segments in China, such as luxury, weddings, honeymoons, and sports tourism,” said Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for international marketing, Asia and the South Pacific. Continued …

Where to travel in Thailand for Valentine’s Day

A change of pace can really rejuvenate your soul, and having some company to experience that with you is the cherry on top. Let’s show you a few places in Thailand to travel to for Valentine’s Day.

Sometimes you need a break from all this daily routine. Working nine to five—what a way to make a livin’. It’s only right to treat yourself every once in a while, and what would be a better occasion than Valentine’s Day?

Grab your significant other (or some of your best friends) and embark on a trip you’ll never forget. These places would surely do the trick, and more. Continued … 

Regional CEOs on edge

As macroeconomic conditions deteriorate, uncertainty rises and inflation hits levels not seen in decades, chief executives of companies in Asia-Pacific have more to worry about than usual. Continued … 

Denmark plans military conscription for women

Denmark plans compulsory military conscription for women, as the country seeks to significantly boost the size of its armed forces. Currently, women can join the military on a voluntary basis, while men generally are required to serve if they are called on under a lottery system, for a duration of four months for most. Continued … 

US says it ‘hacked the hackers’ to bring down ransomware gang

The Federal Bureau of Investigation hacked a prolific ransomware gang called Hive to disrupt its operations and rescue its victims, senior U.S. officials said on Thursday. Officials said government hackers broke into Hive’s network and put the gang under surveillance, surreptitiously stealing the digital keys the group used to unlock victim organizations’ data. Continued …

One third of Amazon ‘degraded’ by human activity, drought

More than one-third of the Amazon rainforest may have been degraded by human activity and drought, researchers said Thursday, and action is needed to protect the critically important ecosystem. Continued …

Climate tipping points in Amazon, Tibet ‘linked’

Climate extremes in the Amazon rainforest are directly affecting those in the Tibetan Plateau, scientists said Thursday, warning that the Himalayan region crucial for the water security of millions was close to a potentially disastrous “tipping point”. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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

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

 

 

90-day online reporting