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Today’s news: 7 Signs You’re Aging Well/PKK new year’s road-safety plan/Interest in 10-year visa/Mrs. National Universe Thailand in Hua Hin/PM2.5 pollution top issue/Uptick in COVID-19 infections/Free entry to selected national parks/Regulator to review True’s service charges/Only B7, B20 diesel to be available/Sharp drop in temperatures/Reduce smoke from grilled pork stalls/Lisa joins celebrations for chef Jay Fai/’Golden Boy’ statue to Thailand/Drug Operation Turns Violent/Ecosystem under siege/Economy: Economy poised for growth/People want single minimum wage/6 provinces suffer persistent poverty/Foreigners Purchase 10,703 Condo Units/No indigenous Thai car brands/Path to net-zero/Tourism: Expanding 4am closing?/Tham Luang dares tourists/Indians are flocking to Thailand/Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2023/Tourists Falsely Claim Kidnapping/Thailand Experience: Pad Thai as noodle ‘propaganda’/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

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7 Signs You’re Aging Well, According To Geriatricians

When it comes to getting older, there are many factors that help you live a fulfilled, healthy life — ones that go beyond working out and eating your vegetables (although that’s part of it, too).

“Aging well, in my opinion, consists of three different components,” said Dr. Parul Goyal, a geriatrician at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville. These categories are physical health, emotional connection and mental support, Goyal said. Continued …

U-turns along Phetkasem Road focus of PKK new year’s road-safety plan

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is ramping up measures on both main and secondary roads ahead of the New Year celebration. The province’s Road Safety Operations Center Committee has outlined a strategic plan to curb road accidents during the festive season, spanning from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4.

A focus of this campaign is the temporary closure of 10 hazardous U-turn spots along Phetkasem Road, identified in accident-prone areas across several districts, including Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae, and Bang Saphan. Continued …

Thai income tax worries spark interest in 10-year visa

Concerns about Thailand’s intention to tax foreign income from January 2024 has created a new market for Thailand’s long-term resident (LTR) visa. That’s because those who obtain the 10-year LTR are exempted from paying personal income tax on foreign assets or earnings. The new rules apply to all native and foreign residents of Thailand who spend six months or more here in a year.

The Board of Investment, which controls the LTR, says about 3,000 such visas were issued since the launch in 2022, but the publicity surrounding the new tax regulation has seen a 14% rise in applications. Continued …

Danish Maria wins title in Mrs. National Universe Thailand in Hua Hin

Maria Andreasdottir from Denmark was a participant in the Thai beauty contest, Mrs. National Universe 2023, where she won the title as Mrs. National Globe.

The grand final took place at Amari in Hua Hin on Dec. 16. The contest was streamed online on Facebook, and can be re-watched here https://web.facebook.com/Mrs.NationalUniverse/videos/3984106625150066. During the show, participants showed off different types of gowns, and went through several rounds before it was time to reveal the top five among the participants. Continued …

PM2.5 pollution top issue of concern for most Thais

Most Thais are worried about the impact of PM2.5 air pollution, an opinion poll conducted by Suan Dusit University found.

The poll, conducted via phone interviews with 1,123 randomly selected respondents from across the nation between Dec. 12-15, found that nearly 90% were concerned about PM2.5. Continued …

Uptick in COVID-19 infections is seasonal, will drop in February

The current increase in COVID-19 infections is seasonal, like other respiratory diseases, and will continue until the end of January, returning to normal between February and May, according to Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University.

He added that a new wave of infections will begin in June and last until September, dropping again by November. Like many respiratory conditions, such as flu, COVID tends to peak during the rainy season. Continued …

Free entry to selected national parks across Thailand is now available for expats

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with True-DTAC, is offering “Amazing Thailand Expat Privileges” exclusively for expats to enjoy discounts on tourism products and services, as well as free entry to national parks.

Exclusive privileges for expats are available from now until Feb. 29. Expats are advised to visit https://expatprivileges.com to search for special deals, as well as a list of participating vendors in five categories – accommodation, restaurants, health and wellness, activities, and shopping. The website is in English and Chinese. Continued …

Telco regulator asked to review True’s service charges and quality

Four members of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Thailand’s broadcast and telecom regulator, have proposed that the commission consider the service charges and quality of True Corp. after the successful merger of Total Access Communications Co. (DTAC) and True Corp. (TRUE) in March this year.

The commissioners say that they have received complaints from many subscribers that the quality of the mobile phone and internet services of True have dropped, while the service charges have increased through changes to service packages. Continued …

Only B7, B20 diesel to be available in Thailand from May 1

The Energy Business Department will seek Cabinet endorsement for discontinuing the sale of B10 diesel oil, leaving only B7 and B20 oil options available, the department’s chief said.

Nanthika Thangsupanich, the department’s director-general, said the move comes in response to the Energy Policy Committee’s decision on Dec. 13 to simplify diesel oil offerings at petrol stations and ease public confusion. Continued … https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40033888

Sharp drop in temperatures for Bangkok, upper Thailand this week

Temperatures will drop sharply in Bangkok and the rest of upper Thailand this week, as a high-pressure system from China extends across the country, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

Bangkok, central and eastern regions can expect to see the mercury drop 1-3C until Wednesday. Temperatures in the northeast will drop 2-4C from last week, the department forecast. Continued …

Bangkok’s governor wants to reduce smoke emitted from grilled pork stalls

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt says he would like the Environment Department to develop a device to trap smoke from the cooking of grilled pork skewers, after receiving many complaints about excessive smoke emitting from grilled pork stalls.

The governor disclosed what he described as interesting findings from two air-quality measurement stations in the Bang Na area, which are close to a shopping mall where vendors are selling grilled pork. Continued …

Lisa joins celebrations for chef Jay Fai’s 7th successive Michelin Star

Lisa “Blackpink” congratulated chef Jay Fai for achieving her 7th consecutive Michelin star. The meeting of Lisa and Jay Fai — two influential figures of Thailand’s soft power — took place at Jay Fai’s renowned street food restaurant.

Thai rapper, singer and dancer Lalisa Manobal, better-known as Lisa, accompanied by her mother, team members, and executives from Nongshim, joined in the celebration. Notably, the wife and daughter of Samsung’s chairman also joined their table. Continued …

US museum agrees to return “Golden Boy” statue to Thailand

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, or The MET, has agreed to return two artifacts, including a bronze statue of Lord Shiva, known as the “Golden Boy”, which were smuggled out of Thailand over 50 years ago.

Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said on Sunday that a representative of The MET spoke with the director-general of the Fine Arts Department, Phanombut Chantarachot, last Sunday, to hand over a letter from the MET’s director, informing the Thai government of the return of the two ancient sculptures. Continued …

Covert Drug Operation Turns Violent: 15 Dead, 2 Million Pills Seized

In a daring drug trafficking operation along the border, a small army confronted military forces, resulting in 15 fatalities and the confiscation of over 2 million narcotics pills. The incident unfolded as the third-in-command of the Royal Thai Army, Lt. Gen. Prapath Sawan, joined forces with special units in a nighttime mission to counter drug-related activities.

On Sunday, reports surfaced that a rapid deployment task force, along with the 1st Cavalry Regiment, encountered a suspicious group of around 20 individuals carrying backpacks near the border. Continued …

Ecosystem under siege: Tackling invasive species in Thailand

Thailand, a country celebrated for its rich biodiversity, faces a silent invasion. Non-native plants and animals, known as invasive species, are encroaching upon its ecosystems. These intruders pose a significant threat to local wildlife, agriculture, and the economy.

In this article, we’ll delve into the challenges Thailand faces and the solutions being implemented to manage or remove these unwelcome guests. Continued …

Thai economy poised for growth in 2024, fueled by tourism and exports

The Thai economy is projected to grow by 2.4% this year and 3.2% in 2024. However, if the impact of the digital wallet scheme is taken into account, the growth rate in 2024 is expected to be around 3.8%, a decrease from the earlier estimate of 4.4%.

This will be supported by a rebound in tourism, a recovery in exports, and continued growth in domestic consumption. Overall, the Thai economy continues to recover, buoyed by private consumption expansion, particularly in service spending, along with improved employment and income. Continued …

People want single minimum wage for the whole country

Most respondents to a recent opinion poll want one minimum wage rate to be applied across the country, instead of several rates, and that the Bt2-16 wage increase proposed by the Wage Committee is too low, according to the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

NIDA gauged the opinions of 1,310 people, aged 18 and over, from multiple professions and educational levels all over the country between Dec. 13-15 on the subject of minimum wages and salaries of government officials. Continued …

6 provinces in Thailand suffer persistent poverty

A recent report from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed that efforts to address poverty and inequality in Thailand have not been entirely successful. Despite an overall reduction in inequality, some provinces are still grappling with persistent poverty issues, it found.

NESDC, in collaboration with the World Bank, recently hosted a meeting titled “Bridging the Gap: Thailand’s Path to Inclusive Prosperity”. At the summit, it was revealed that the overall assessment of Thailand’s situation in 2022 indicates an improvement in the national poverty situation, with the poverty rate dropping from 6.32% in 2021 to 5.43%. Continued …

Foreigners Purchase 10,703 Condo Units in Thailand This Year

Vichai Wiratkapan, acting director of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said that in the third quarter of 2023 the number of condominiums in Thailand transferred to foreigners was 3,365, an increase of 0.4%.

The value amounted to 17,048 million baht, 2% less than the previous period. This brings the total for the first nine months to 10,703 units worth 52,259 million baht, an increase of 37.6% and 31.6%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Continued …

Why are there no indigenous Thai car brands?

The recent meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and executives from major Japanese carmakers, including Honda, Nissan, Isuzu, and Toyota, brings to light a pressing question: Why hasn’t Thailand, a nation with robust manufacturing capabilities and a strategic geographical position, cultivated its own indigenous car brand?

This question is not just about diversifying Thailand’s industrial portfolio; it’s about seizing an opportunity to assert its soft power and entrepreneurial spirit on the global stage. The government’s current focus on promoting the cottage industry and Thai food, while culturally significant, seems to overlook the larger potential of high-impact industrial sectors like automotive manufacturing. Continued …

Thailand’s path to net-zero: 6 mega-trends to combat carbon missions

Renewable energy, electric vehicles, hydrogen, and the circular economy are the knights in shining armor, charging into the battleground of carbon emissions, claims Melissa Moi, the head of sustainable business at the United Overseas Bank (Thailand).

This revelation comes on the heels of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, where the imminent industrial upheaval stole the spotlight. Continued …

Government to consider expanding 4am closing times

The government could extend the number of zones where nightlife venues can remain open until 4am. So says Interior Minister Anutin Charvirakul, after inspecting a number of entertainment venues in Bangkok on Saturday.

A day after the government approved 4am closing for bars and clubs in parts of Phuket, Bangkok, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai, Anutin visited some nightlife spots on Khao San Road, in the capital. Continued …

Tham Luang dares tourists to visit ‘Chamber 3’

Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district has officially opened Chamber 3 for visitors to get a glimpse of how the rescue mission for the 12 members of the “Wild Boar” football team and their coach, trapped in the cave for 18 days following a heavy downpour five years ago, took place.

Attapon Charoenchansa, chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), said the national park will be promoted as a destination for cave adventure, with one of the key attractions a salutary reminder of the extraordinary rescue operation. Continued …

Visa-free Indians are flocking to Thailand, including Pattaya

The experiment to cancel visas for Indian nationals is bearing more fruit than the similar relaxation for Chinese citizens. Whereas the Chinese seem concerned by media reports that Thailand is unsafe, Indians are flocking here even though airfare costs can be almost double those of the pre-Covid era.

Air India has already announced flights from Delhi to Phuket, which will be daily from the new year. Charter flights from several Indian cities, such as Mumbai and Hyderabad, to U-tapao airport, near Pattaya, are also under discussion, with IndiGo the low-cost airline. The tourist authority of Thailand expects to see 1.6 million Indian tourists in 2023, with around double that number in 2024. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2023: A year of take-offs – and turbulence

2023 was an eventful year for Suvarnabhumi Airport, the sprawling gateway to Thailand on the outskirts of Bangkok that serves as the gateway to Thailand for most international travelers.

Suvarnabhumi (“golden land” in Thai), is also known unofficially as Bangkok International Airport. But Thailand’s main international airport is actually located in neighbouring Samut Prakan province, from where it connects with downtown Bangkok via the airport rail link train. Continued …

Finnish Tourists Falsely Claim Kidnapping in Patong: Overstaying Charges Pressed

On Dec. 15, Thai tourist police received a missing person report from Finnish parents that they could not contact their son, as an anonymous person allegedly impersonated a Phuket police officer and asked for 7,000 euros to release their son.

The tourist police investigated the case and were able to contact the missing person, who was publicly identified as Aki-Perreri Kristian, a 27-year-old Finnish tourist, and his friend, who was publicly identified as Siikalouma Joonass Patteri, a 34-year-old Finnish tourist. Continued …

Pad Thai was promoted by the Thai government as noodle ‘propaganda’

Walk into a Thai restaurant in any country, and chances are you’ll find pad Thai on the menu.

The ubiquitous dish — stir-fried rice noodles studded with peanuts, egg, bean sprouts, and meat or tofu — has become a cultural mainstay of Thai cuisine. Even its name simply means “Thai stir-fry,” giving it the sense that it’s a classic dish that’s been around for ages. Continued …

Democratic forces on the cusp of victory in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the National Unity Government and the pro-democracy military alliance are gaining ground on the failing military junta in Nay Pyi Taw. Meanwhile, efforts by China to broker peace talks have received a skeptical reaction. Continued …

Israel faces mounting outrage over Gaza war

Israel faced mounting international pressure today over the rising civilian death toll and destruction of hospitals in Gaza, as it pressed on with its war against Hamas militants in the besieged Palestinian territory. Continued …

China’s ban on iPhone use accelerates

More Chinese agencies and government-backed firms across the country have ordered staff to stop bringing iPhones and other foreign devices to work, setting in motion an unprecedented prohibition that is likely to block Apple and Samsung from parts of the world’s biggest mobile market. Continued …