Free hearing tests at Be Well Medical Clinic/Pone Kingpetch park undergoing renovations/Cha Am as MICE Destination/PKK education official under fire/Cha Am police investigate delivery rider’s death/PM2.5 crackdown policy/Six Thai Police Officers Arrested/Citizenship Plan Sparks Debate/Citizenship measure not aimed at expats/Garbage collection fee triples/208 illegal taxis seized/Illegal online gambling networks/Rocket Fire 4 Thai Workers/Economy: Economy continued to grow in Q3/Threats from floods and drought/E-commerce market sees 14% growth/AOT profits soar sky-high/Boom for Phuket real estate/Pet Fair Southeast Asia/Tourism: Travel experience at Thai airports/Intense heatwaves will deplete tourism income/Thailand Experience: 8th on global ‘rich heritage’ list/Rediscovering Isaan, With Kids/Chiang Mai – blend of heritage, culinary appeal/Climate Thailand: Thailand’s eco-friendly seaport/International/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
Free hearing tests at Be Well Medical Clinic Nov 11
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Pone Kingpetch park undergoing renovations
PATA Forum 2024 set to elevate Cha Am as MICE Destination
The Pacific Asia Travel Assn. (PATA), in conjunction with Phetchaburi City, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Dusit Thani Hua Hin, have announced the upcoming PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024), from Nov. 12 – 14.
Deputy Gov. of Phetchaburi Province Wanpen Mungsri highlighted Cha Am’s strategic position to advance as a MICE city, establishing itself as a premier destination for international meetings. Hosting the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 provides a valuable opportunity to elevate the province’s profile and demonstrate its capability to host global conferences. Continued …
PKK education official under fire for work habits
The Office of the Basic Education Commission is investigating an educational official in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan who was allegedly sleeping at work and finishing her duties early after lunch.
The Facebook pages ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน (Watchdog Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand) and ร้ายกาจ (Wicked!) shared pictures and videos of the official, identified only as “Aunty Fon,” sleeping on duty and leaving the workplace early, with evidence surfacing from Oct. 29 onward. Continued …
Cha Am police investigate delivery rider’s mysterious pond death
Police in Cha Am are investigating the mysterious death of a young delivery rider whose body was discovered in a pond, leading his family to suspect robbery and murder. The discovery was made Wednesday, prompting an urgent police response.
Police were alerted to the presence of a man’s body floating in a pond within the Don Makok village, located in the Sam Phraya subdistrict. Continued …
Private sector on board with PM2.5 crackdown policy
Operators in the animal feed and livestock industry have agreed to cooperate with the government’s measures to tackle PM2.5 air pollution by not buying corn from plantations that burn stubble after the harvest.
“We will not buy crops that are cultivated by burning, either in Thailand or neighboring countries, and are willing to meet with the PM to discuss suitable solutions,” Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, chairman of the Thai Feed Mill Assn., said on Thursday. Continued …
Six Thai Police Officers Arrested in 300 Million Baht Fake Warrant Scam
Bangkok police detained seven individuals yesterday, including six officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, linked to an elaborate Bt300-million extortion scheme involving a fake search warrant and passport forgery accusations. The suspects, led by Police Lt. Col. Chanchai, are charged with extortion, misconduct, and abuse of power.
The investigation started after Sai, a Vanuatu national, and his wife, alongside a Chinese friend and their domestic helper, reported a group of men who posed as police officers and forced entry into their home in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan Province. Continued …
Migrant Citizenship Plan Sparks Debate
In a move that has sparked heated debate, the Thai government has stood by its controversial decision to grant citizenship to approximately 483,000 long-term migrants and ethnic minority residents.
This policy, endorsed by the cabinet in recent days, aims to resolve longstanding citizenship and residency issues, while removing bureaucratic barriers that hindered their economic contribution. Continued …
New citizenship measure not aimed at expats but stateless people
Yesterday, the Ministry of the Interior clarified that a decision by the cabinet to streamline and expedite the naturalization process does not apply to foreign expats.
Trisulee Traisanakul made it clear that the measure is presently aimed at stateless people who have been identified from department surveys. In the meantime, the law regarding the ability to apply to become a Thai citizen has not changed. Continued …
Bangkok’s monthly garbage collection fee triples to 60 baht
Bangkokians will soon need to shell out 60 baht per month for garbage collection instead of 20 baht now that the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has approved a long overdue hike.
The 20-baht per month rate has been in effect since 2003, but is no longer suitable for the current economic situation, Deputy Gov. Chakkapan Phewngam said on Wednesday. However, he said, people who join the city’s waste-separation program can continue paying the old rate. Continued …
Karon police seize 208 illegal taxis since July
Karon police have hit back at online accusations claiming they’ve been lax in tackling illegal taxi operations. They revealed that 208 illegal taxis have been stopped and seized since the start of July.
In a statement released yesterday, Karon police reassured the public that their officers have been conducting checkpoints at least twice a day to rigorously enforce the Land Traffic Act and the Motor Vehicle Act, specifically targeting unregistered vehicles and traffic offenders. Continued …
Raids hit jackpot on illegal online gambling networks
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) spearheaded a series of raids targeting illegal online gambling networks. The coordinated efforts, conducted alongside the Immigration Bureau and other relevant agencies, spanned 11 locations across Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Pattaya.
The operation was prompted by the discovery of gambling networks infiltrating and manipulating data pathways on government websites, effectively redirecting users to gambling platforms. Continued …
Rocket Fire from Lebanon Kills 4 Thai Workers
Rocket barrages from Lebanon into northern Israel killed four Thai workers and three Israelis on Thursday, Israeli medics said, the deadliest cross-border strikes in Israel since it invaded Lebanon. Israel kept up airstrikes it says targeted Hezbollah militants across Lebanon, where health authorities on Thursday reported 24 people killed.
Projectiles from Lebanon crashed into an agricultural area in Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, killing four Thai workers and an Israeli farmer, officials said. Hours later, the Israeli military reported another volley of some 25 rockets from Lebanon, striking an olive grove in a suburb of the northern Israeli port city of Haifa. . Continued …
Thai economy continued to grow in Q3, but slowed in September
Thailand’s economy in the third quarter this year expanded from the previous quarter, but economic activities began slowing in September, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said in its monthly report on economic and monetary conditions.
The central bank said the trend in September was mainly the decline of exports after strong growth in August. Private consumption also declined, it said, particularly in durables, consistent with a decrease in manufacturing production, while private investment was stable. Continued …
Thai industrial sector warned of threats from floods and drought
The Thai industrial sector is at risk of flood and drought triggered by global warming, and those disasters were likely to become more severe in the future, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) warned on Wednesday.
During the annual public conference at Samyan Mitrtown shopping mall in Bangkok, the institute’s research fellow, Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen, predicted industrial estates in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani provinces to be at risk of inundation. Continued …
Thailand’s e-commerce market sees 14% growth in revenue
Thailand’s e-commerce market has grown 14% year on year, with revenue hitting 1.1 trillion baht in 2024, compared to 980 billion baht in 2023, according to Thanawat Malabuppha, the CEO and co-founder of priceza.com.
Speaking at the “DAAT DAY Advolution” event, he highlighted that the market is projected to reach 1.6 trillion baht by 2027, establishing Thailand as the second-largest e-commerce market in the ASEAN region, trailing only Indonesia, despite its fourth-place population ranking. Continued …
AOT profits soar sky-high, eight-month bonus approved for staff
Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) has seen a significant profit surge, prompting the board to approve an eight-month bonus for employees, an increase from last year. This decision comes as a result of the government’s free visa policy, which has significantly boosted tourism.
AOT, which manages six airports across the country, experienced an increase in air traffic in the fiscal year 2024, with passenger numbers reaching 119.29 million. This marks a 19.2% rise compared to the same period in 2023. Continued …
Boom anticipated for top Phuket real estate projects
Grade A residential projects in Phuket are valued at 337 billion baht and are expected to grow by 10%-20% annually over five years, driven by demand from affluent buyers globally, according to C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy.
Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, said Phuket’s luxury properties are attractive to customers from around the world, as the province offers various premier facilities, including international schools, international hospitals, hotels, wellness centers and luxury retail. Continued …
Pet Fair Southeast Asia: a catalyst for pet industry growth
The third edition of “Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2024” kicked off on Wednesday at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC). Organized by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, in collaboration with public and private sector partners and running through today, the fair aims to drive long-term growth and strengthen the pet industry.
A global hub for the pet industry, the event is spread over 20,000 square meters of exhibit space and the participation of nearly 400 exhibitors from 40 countries and trade visitors from over 80 countries. Continued …
Travel experience at Thai airports takes big leap today
Thai airports are poised to enter a new era of air travel with the implementation of cutting-edge biometric technology across all six Airports of Thailand (AOT) facilities, developed by Sky ICT Pcl (Sky Group).
The groundbreaking system will first serve domestic passengers from today, followed by international travelers a month later from Dec. 1, marking a significant step forward in modernizing Thailand’s aviation infrastructure. Continued …
Intense heatwaves will deplete Thailand’s tourism income
A research fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has warned that intense heatwaves resulting from so-called “global boiling” will almost certainly reduce the country’s revenue from tourism.
Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen gave the warning during the TDRI annual public conference for 2024 at Samyan Mitr Town Hall on Wednesday. Nopparuj said Thailand was at risk of topping the 48 countries projected to lose tourism revenue due to intense heatwaves and rising temperatures caused by this weather phenomenon. Continued …
Kingdom ranks 8th on global ‘rich heritage’ list
Thailand is ranked eighth among 89 countries with the richest cultural heritage in the world, according to a report by US News & World. According to the American media company, the ranking is based on an equally weighted average of five attributes: culturally accessible, rich history, great food, cultural attractions and geographical attractions.
Greece is at the top of the ranking, followed by Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Mexico, Egypt and Thailand. Continued …
Indigo, Rice, and All Things Spice. Rediscovering Isaan, With Kids
“Is there a beach where we’re going?” asked James, my 15-year-old. “What will we be doing?” followed my 13-year-old, Mila. These are the kinds of questions that echoed around me for a week, after sharing the news of our upcoming adventure to see a part of Thailand they had never seen before.
“What’s it called?” they both asked, to which I replied, “Guys, we are going to Udon Thani and trust me: you’ll love it.” I had traveled to Udon Thani before — without them — for food explorations, but this would be the first time experiencing Isaan with kids, as a real tourist. Continued …
Chiang Mai – a blend of heritage and culinary appeal
Chiang Mai has been listed as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2025 by travel guide Lonely Planet, spotlighting the northern Thai province’s blend of heritage and culinary appeal. Known for its cultural richness, Chiang Mai offers visitors a mix of flavors and traditions that capture the essence of Thai life.
Chiang Mai visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, from the balanced notes of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in Thai dishes to regional specialties that encourage local debate over ingredients and preparation. This cultural connection often starts with a warm greeting revolving around food as a gesture of hospitality. Continued …
Thailand develops eco-friendly seaport model
Thailand is striving to implement environmental protection and social sustainability solutions in developing the country’s major infrastructure projects, such as the development of Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port, Thailand’s only deep-sea port.
Ranked among the top 20 busiest ports worldwide, Laem Chabang Port, located in Chonburi Province in eastern Thailand, is constructing a new U-shaped wharf, 800 meters wide and 2,000 meters long, aiming to increase the port’s annual container handling capacity from 11 million TEU to 18 million TEU. This project is an essential part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan and is one of 15 infrastructure projects prioritized by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration. Continued …
Labor turns back the clock in Britain, raising taxes to the highest level since 1993
Labor’s new budget marks a return to the past, raising taxes to their highest level since 1993. With increased public investment, Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to revive struggling services but risks alienating businesses and investors amid economic uncertainty. Continued …
Spain searches for bodies after unprecedented flooding claims at least 158 lives
More horrors emerged Thursday from the debris and ubiquitous layers of mud left by the walls of water that produced Spain’s deadliest natural disaster in living memory. The damage from the storm late Tuesday and early Wednesday recalled the aftermath of a tsunami, with survivors left to pick up the pieces as they mourned their loved ones. Continued …
US says 8,000 North Korean troops likely to fight Ukraine
The United States foreign and defense secretaries said Thursday that North Korean soldiers in Russia are expected to enter combat against Ukrainian forces “in the coming days.” Continued …
EU investigating Temu for ‘illegal products’
The Chinese online retailer Temu will be investigated on whether it may have breached EU tech rules against the sale of illegal products, EU technology regulators said on Tuesday, in a move that could lead to hefty fines for the company. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its daily flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai:
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Special schedule for Loy Krathong holiday (Nov 15): departure from Hua Hin 2pm, arrival in Chiang Mai 3:15pm
Hua Hin train schedule
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.
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
