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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

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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 …

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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

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Jan 26

  • 4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao/
  • Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023/
  • Rising living costs take toll on spending/
  • Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address/
  • Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend/
  • Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand/
  • Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025/
  • Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk/
  • School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: ‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’/Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video/Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists/Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’/Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi/Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years/Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups/Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away/Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die/Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?/
  • Thailand Experience: 4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid/
  • Covid: Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January/China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%/
  • International: Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana/Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976/Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule/Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao

Large waves up to 4 meters high resulted in the main road along the Prachuap Bay beachfront in Prachuap Khiri Khan being partially flooded. The beaches in Prachuap bay and Ao Manao were marked off limits on Wednesday after strong winds and waves made conditions too dangerous for swimming.

Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023

Asia can defy a global economic slowdown in 2023 through an acceleration in digital transformation, greater regional coordination, and balanced monetary policies, according to new research from the London-based think tank, Asia House.

The Asia House Annual Outlook 2023 examines how Asia’s economies can prevail and deliver robust growth through increased domestic demand for goods and services, countering the global headwinds of high inflation, tighter monetary policy and increasing geopolitical tensions.

Key among the Annual Outlook’s recommendations are those relating to prioritizing innovation – to spur carbon pricing, lower green premiums for zero-carbon alternatives, and boost underfunded and high-impact projects with blended finance. Continued … 

Rising living costs take toll on spending

Cautious spending, flexible payment and authentic automation are among the key consumer trends to look out for in Thailand this year, according to London-based market research firm Euromonitor International. Continued … 

Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has vowed improvements at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal after numerous complaints from passengers.

The agency admitted “many issues” had arisen at the new 34-billion-baht national terminus in Chatuchak district after it became the hub for long-distance trains running north, northeast and south last week.

“SRT governor Nirut Maneepan has ordered its officials to improve services in response to passengers’ complaints as soon as possible,” SRT public relations director Ekarat Sriarayanpong said on Tuesday. Continued … 

Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend

Bangkok and six northern provinces in Thailand are expected to see air quality worsen over the weekend, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD).

The PCD reported yesterday that air quality across the country ranged from very good down to a health-threatening level at 11 am. The amount of PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere also exceeded the standard level in many areas nationwide: Continued … 

Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand

Thailand’s chilly temperatures have brought thousands of wild ducks to a Yasothon reservoir after their 5,000-kilometer journey from Siberia. Lam Thuan Reservoir in Muang district provided a treat for birdwatchers on Wednesday as the migrating flock basked in the cold 13C sunshine of the northeastern province. Yasothon has declared the reservoir a no-hunting zone to protect the ducks and other wild birds that have migrated from the frozen Siberian tundra in Russia. They fly back north during the summer months when temperatures in the Land of Smiles are too high for them to mate and lay their eggs. (The Nation)

Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) on Wednesday selected Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla provinces as the venues for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be hosted in 2025.

The board of directors made the selection during a teleconference meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and SAT Gov. Kongsak Yodmanee attended the meeting.

The 33rd SEA Games will be held Dec. 9-20,2025. The biennial multi-sport event brings together participants from the 10 ASEAN members and Timor-Leste. Continued … 

Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has recalled over 3,500 instant noodle cups from South Korea over concern they contain a harmful carcinogen.

Thailand has frozen shipments of Nongshim Shin Ramyun, an instant noodle from South Korea, after suspicions that its seasoning packets contain ethylene oxide, according to FDA Deputy Secretary Withit Saritdeechaikul. The chemical is linked to cancer and used to produce compounds such as car engine antifreeze or pesticides.

A total of 3,520 Nongshim Shin Ramyun cups were seized by FDA for lab testing They will report the results at a later date. Continued … 

School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok

ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts — an authoritative center for high education in Italian cuisine and hospitality internationally — officially marked the opening of its first flagship school in Southeast Asia with a special inauguration ceremony at The Food School Bangkok, Thailand’s first multinational culinary school, where ALMA, alongside TSUJI Culinary Institute and Dusit Thani College, is based.

Presided over by Enzo Malanca, president and CEO of ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts, Paolo Dionisi, ambassador of Italy to Thailand, and ALMA’s Italian chef Instructors, the inauguration ceremony served as a platform to welcome the first batch of students of ALMA’s Italian cuisine and Italian bakery and pastry certificate courses. Malanca also shared the inspiration and vision behind opening the first flagship ALMA school in Southeast Asia at The Food School Bangkok. Continued … 

‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’

The national police chief has ordered the police inspector-general to launch an investigation after a popular Facebook page alleged that VIP fast-track entry services sponsored by Thai police have been advertised in China for more than 10 years.

Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he had assigned the police inspector-general to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

“Please be assured that no one will be spared,” the national police chief said. Continued … 

Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video

Suvarnabhumi International Airport has sent a notice to police, customs and excise agencies to ensure their personnel comply with security measures following a viral clip of police providing fast-track entry services for a Chinese tourist.

Jiraporn Wongtala, director of the security division of the airport, issued the circular on Monday, addressing it to the headquarters of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, Tourist Police Division 1, Immigration Police Division 1, the Suvarnabhumi Customs Office and the Samut Prakan Excise Office 2.

The five agencies must instruct their personnel to strictly wear uniforms and carry ID cards openly when they enter the airport, Jiraporn said in the notice. Continued … 

Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists

A Thai Facebook page has exposed that multiple fast-track entry services have been available for Chinese tourists on a Chinese e-commerce platform despite denial by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The page “Lui Chin” (Shoot to China) said in a post on Tuesday that multiple “VIP” fast-track entry services at Thai airports were sold on China’s Taobao e-commerce platform.

The post on the FB page was apparently in response to an announcement by the TAT earlier on Tuesday that its offices in China could not find the ad offering such fast-track entry services to Chinese tourists. Continued … 

Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’

Following news that the Royal Thai Police had allegedly offered a special “VVIP” airport to hotel fast-track service to a Chinese tourist for 7,000 baht comes even worse press for Thailand’s recovering tourism industry.

That case – revealed in a clip – involved the tourist being escorted by immigration officers via a police motorcade to Pattaya.

Now a Taiwanese celebrity called An Yu Ching in Chinese and known as Charlene An in English has taken to Instagram to relate her experience just after New Year. Continued … 

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

A tunnel of monkey flower trees, also known as “Pradu Daeng”, is ready to welcome visitors who drive along a road at the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm in Saraburi province. Somporn Srimuang, director of the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand, said, “Monkey flower trees bloom once a year from January to February,” adding that they are older than 10 years and are located on a mountainous route. (The Nation)

Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years

Thailand’s tropical holiday island of Koh Samui welcomed its first Taiwanese tour group in nearly three years on Tuesday. The group of 142 tourists enjoyed Koh Samui’s nature tourism, as well as its temples and shrines.

The group also planned to travel to Koh Ang Thong, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan for four days. The group had a three-night trip planned for Surat Thani, the former president of the Samui Tourism Assn. said. Continued …

Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups

Pattaya is preparing for Chinese tour groups to finally return to the renowned party city. On Tuesday, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches met with the Thai-Chinese Tourism Assn. to discuss how best to accommodate the influx of Chinese tourists to the city.

The association’s president, Chanaphan Kaewklachaiwut, advised Poramese to step up Pattaya’s security and sanitation to impress Chinese tourists.

Chanaphan said a tour company in the association would create a tour package for Chinese tourists. The package will be divided into three groups: luxury, medium, and normal. Continued … 

Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away

Just a handful of Chinese visitors were posing for photos and basking in the sun this week in the market and plazas near Chiang Mai’s ancient Tha Phae Gate, one of many tourist hotspots still waiting for millions of Chinese travelers to return.

The beaches and temples of destinations like Bali and Chiang Mai are the busiest they have been since the pandemic struck three years ago, but they’re still relatively quiet.

Still, Chanatip Pansomboon, a soft drinks seller in the Chinatown district of Chiang Mai, a scenic riverside city in northern Thailand, was upbeat. He trusts that with the number of flights from China steadily increasing, it’s only a matter of time. Continued … 

Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die

A longtail boat carrying a family of Malaysian tourists sank off the coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand yesterday.

A 36-year-old pregnant woman and her six-year-old child died, while the father and Thai boat operator survived with the help of a local fisherman.

A young fisherman, 21-year-old Warit Changmin, went out fishing for squid in Laem Hang Nak cape, Mueang district, when he decided to turn back to shore due to sudden rain and strong winds yesterday afternoon. Continued …

Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?

Poipet, a boomtown on the Khmer side of the Thai – Cambodian border, is known for two things: visa runs and gambling.

Just 3.5 hours away from Bangkok, Poipet is popular with tourists looking to exit and reenter Thailand’s border to gain more time in the kingdom.

Beyond the immigration office lies an otherwise unspectacular-looking urban municipality that transforms into a glittering, neon-lit gamblers’ Disneyland after dark. Continued … 

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

Giant online travel agency Booking.com offered tourists four off-grid places across the country since its research revealed that “Back to Basics” has become the newest travel trend among Thai tourists in 2023.

The sample group of research respondents includes 504 Thai people who plan to travel for work or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months.

It was shown that 69% of Thai travelers are looking to escape from reality this year by embarking on an off-grid vacation; 78% desire to learn essential survival skills, while 70% want to go back to basics with only the bare necessities. Continued …

Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January

Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths dropped in the third week of January, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Wednesday.

A total of 627 people were hospitalized with severe Covid symptoms from Jan. 15-21, an average of 90 per day. This was lower than the 969 hospitalized from Jan. 8-14, averaging 138 patients per day.

So far this year, 2,593 people have been admitted to hospital for Covid-19 symptoms. Continued …

China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%

The number of daily Covid-19 deaths in China has fallen by nearly 80% since the start of the month, authorities have said, in a sign that the country’s unprecedented infection surge may have started to abate.

A wave of virus cases has washed over the world’s most populous nation since Beijing abruptly ended its zero-Covid policy last month.

Beijing’s figures are believed to only represent a fraction of the true toll, given China’s narrow definition of a Covid death and official estimates that swathes of the population have been infected. Continued … 

Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana

The Japanese government is poised to allow the use of medical marijuana to treat patients with intractable diseases, according to the outline of bills revealed on Tuesday. The government is considering submitting bills including one to revise the Cannabis Control Law during the current Diet session. Continued …

Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976

The Philippines weathered the fastest inflation and highest policy rate in 14 years to deliver one of Asia’s strongest expansions, shoring up the economy by the most in decades amid a bleak global outlook. Continued …

Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule

Opium cultivation in military-ruled Myanmar jumped 33% last year, reversing a six-year downward trend in the strife-torn country, a United Nations report said today. Continued …

Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram

Social networking giant Meta announced Tuesday it would soon reinstate former president Donald Trump’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram with “new guardrails,” two years after he was banned over the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Continued …

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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

covid, hua hin, medical tourism, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Jan 18

  • Monsoon Valley Harvest Festival Feb 18-26/Hua Hin Marathon May 24/Driving license renewal? DLT takes walk-in applications from now on/Eastin Estates hotel coming to Hua Hin/Cabinet extends diesel excise cut for four more months/Hua Lamphong Station to Partially Transfer Services/Free shuttle buses to start linking Bangkok’s two main train stations/DCD predicts a fourfold jump in dengue and malaria victims this year/New rules target deceptive advertising/Thailand turns to China in 2023 for GDP growth/Southeast Asia food delivery market slows in risk to Grab/Corruption scandal in Thai parks agency has far-reaching impacts, activists say/
  • Sea nomads take struggle over alleged landencroachment to Bangkok/Thai farmer makes 1 million baht per month selling buffalo semen/Search for HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crewmen continues/
  • Tourism: Hotels struggling with staff shortage/In Thailand, tuk-tuk apps spare tourists the hassle of haggling/Beauty clinic for foreigners, illicit silicone implant factory raided/
  • Covid: China back to ‘normal’, says vice-premier/
  • International: India set to overtake China as world’s most populous nation/Vietnam president submits resignation over corruption accusations/Economists slice growth outlook for ASEAN+3/45 dead, 20 missing as Ukraine ends tower block search/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

  • Treat yourself. Get away for the day. Get a beach bed at our Anantasila beach ! 
  • You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
  • You get to use our facilities
  • You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
  • You can enjoy the beautiful Anantasila environment
  • You can use the 500 Baht as a credit in our restaurant or beach bar, for food and drinks, up to that 300 Baht

That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

Driving license renewal? DLT takes walk-in applications from now on

Driving licenses can be renewed at Department of Land Transport offices nationwide from now on without the need to book an appointment.

Similarly, those looking for new licenses and changing the category of their license can walk in for service.

People doing extensions should have evidence of their test results on the online “e-learning” course so that they can process their licenses quickly at the DLT. If you have to do the learning at a test center it can take much longer.

Rules about walk-in applicants were all changed during the pandemic but are no longer necessary. – Thai Rath

Eastin Estates hotel coming to Hua Hin

Jonathan Wigley, CEO of the Absolute Hotel Services Group, has signed an agreement with SMC Land Co. to launch the first Eastin Estates-branded property, Eastin Estates Hua Hin.

The 140-key luxury pet-friendly residential development provides an extended stay residential community experience to meet the growing needs of the active senior market, with services and facilities for residents that encourage health and social connections.

Eastin Estates Hua Hin will feature a resident’s lounge, restaurant, convenience store, swimming pool, gym, walking track and wellness clinic, and is just 30 minutes away from Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin and 30 minutes from the bustle of downtown Hua Hin. Continued …

Cabinet extends diesel excise cut for four more months

The Cabinet on Tuesday extended the diesel excise relief of 5 baht per liter for four more months, Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat said.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Santi said the Cabinet reached the resolution to extend the cut from January for four more months to help reduce the cost of living and to prevent consumer product prices from rising.

The latest round of diesel excise cut would cost the Excise Department around 40 billion baht in lost revenue, or about 10 billion baht a month. Continued … 

Hua Lamphong Station to Partially Transfer Services

The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) in Thailand has announced that starting from Thursday there will be fewer long-haul trains departing and arriving at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station.

According to the DRT, as many as 52 special-express, express and rapid services will depart from Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station. The remaining 62 trips on “public service” trains, including excursion trains and subsidized long-haul services, will continue to depart from Hua Lamphong Station for the time being.

The agency said the reduction in the number of services originating and/or terminating at Hua Lamphong Station will help reduce traffic congestion in and around downtown Bangkok. Continued …

Free shuttle buses to start linking Bangkok’s two main train stations

Free shuttle buses between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station) and Hua Lamphong Station will start running from Thursday to ensure a seamless commute for people in Bangkok.

The shuttle bus service, provided jointly by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), aims to make travel easier for train commuters after 52 long-distance trains will start terminating at the new station from Thursday.

Six low-slung NGV buses will run between the two stations daily, with the first bus departing Krung Thep Aphiwat at 4.30am and the last bus at 11pm. Continued …

DCD predicts a fourfold jump in dengue and malaria victims this year

The government’s Disease Control Department (DCD) predicts Thailand will see a huge jump in malaria and dengue fever cases this year.

The director-general of the DCD, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, said the number of malaria and dengue fever sufferers will increase significantly by at least three or four times more than last year.

“There were 10,174 cases last year, three times the cases in 2021, and 45,145 dengue fever cases, an increase of 4.5 times the figure in the same year. Continued …

New rules target deceptive advertising

The Royal Gazette has published an announcement restricting the use of certain phrases in advertisements, as they can mislead customers when purchasing products or services.

Under the rules which go into force today, phrases that can cause confusion or misunderstanding are prohibited. They include the use of superlatives such as “best”, “finest”, and “the one and only” and terms that guarantee satisfaction such as “money back guaranteed”.

The announcement also requires written advertisements to be clearly displayed in Thai, and announcers in radio and television commercials need to speak clearly and not too fast. Continued …

Thailand turns to China in 2023 for GDP growth

Sentiment regarding the economy has been rising since the return of Chinese tourists last January. However, with geopolitical tensions and indeed a trade war between the United States and China, now working with countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as elevated energy costs, a dangerous ongoing war in Ukraine and rising interest rates, this choppy world economy presents Thailand with many challenges that must be navigated and tackled in real-time.

China’s economy, despite registering record-low growth in 2022 and being currently in the grips of its largest virus wave, is expected to rebound in the second quarter of 2023. It cannot come too quickly for Thailand, which has suddenly, just in recent months, been left struggling against declining exports and competitiveness driven by a falling U.S. dollar and a dearth of high-spending western tourists this year, with the country’s foreign tourism high season coming to an end in March. Continued …

Southeast Asia food delivery market slows in risk to Grab

Southeast Asia’s food delivery spending grew at the slowest pace in at least four years in 2022, highlighting the challenges faced by regional internet giants Grab Holdings Ltd and GoTo Group.

Online food delivery spending rose 5% to US$6.3 billion, according to an annual report by Singapore-based consultancy Momentum Works. That was the smallest gain since 2018, when the company started tracking data. Growth in the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam offset declines in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Continued …

Corruption scandal in Thai parks agency has far-reaching impacts, activists say

A graft scandal involving the head of Thailand’s national parks department has raised questions about the effects of institutional corruption in the agencies charged with protecting the country’s biodiversity.

Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), was arrested on Dec. 27 in a joint operation of the anticorruption police, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Officers found 4.94 million baht (about $150,000) in 16 envelopes and gift boxes in his office, which he’d allegedly extorted from officials from the forest reservation units under his control. Continued …

Sea gypsies

Sea nomads take struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok

Sea nomads are taking their struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok. The nomads are part of the Moken minority, a group of semi-nomadic Austronesian group that lives in Thai coastal provinces and inhabits over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea.

Today, a group of Moken people from Koh Lipe rallied in front of the Treasury Department, demanding justice over alleged land encroachment and intimidation.

A coordinator for the Moken of Andaman Network said that a land occupation right issued to an influential figure encroaches on the land of a school on Koh Adang. The coordinator, Wittawat Thepsong, said the encroachment blocks access to beaches and the sea. Continued … 

Thai farmer makes 1 million baht per month selling buffalo semen

A farmer in Kalasin province in northeast Thailand makes 1 million baht every month by selling semen from one special water buffalo named “Big Billion.”

Water buffalo (“kwai”in Thai language) breeders all around the kingdom pay high prices for the semen of Big Billion, a “textbook” Thai water buffalo worth 30 million baht.

Breeders use Big Billion’s seed to artificially inseminate female buffalo in hopes of giving birth to a new generation of beautiful buffalo that will grow up to sell for millions like their father. Continued … 

Search for HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crewmen continues

A search for the five crewmen of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai who remain missing is still continuing, navy commander Adm. Choengchai Chomchoengpaet said on Wednesday.

On Dec. 18, high winds and strong waves caused seawater to flow into HTMS Sukhothai, a corvette of the Rattanakosin class of the Royal Thai Navy operating in the Gulf of Thailand off Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The flooding caused the engines to fail and the pumps became inoperable. The warship continued to take on water until the warship eventually sank. Continued …

Hotels struggling with staff shortage

Workers remain reluctant to return to the hospitality industry, even though employee revenue from hotel service charges has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, as Chinese travelers start to return to Thailand.

According to a survey of Phuket and Samui hotel service charges in December, the highest average rate of 61,145 baht was at the Twinpalms Montazure Phuket, while hotels in the top 20 saw average monthly service charges surge to more than 26,000 baht, of which most were five-star properties or managed by international brands.

Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said revenue from service charges was almost at pre-pandemic levels across all hotel segments, partly because the workforce is 30% lower than before the viral outbreaks. Continued …

In Thailand, tuk-tuk apps spare tourists the hassle of haggling

Ride-hailing apps are making Thailand’s ubiquitous three-wheeled tuk-tuk taxis more accessible to foreign tourists by eliminating the need for cumbersome price negotiations with drivers.

Urban Mobility Tech, which launched its MuvMi ride-hailing service four years ago, offers larger electric tuk-tuks that can carry up to six people, compared with three or four passengers for regular-sized ones. MuvMi has served 3.5 million riders.

Tuk-tuks, which resemble motorized rickshaws, offer better maneuverability than cars on congested streets and are the go-to option to avoid traveling on foot in Thailand’s year-round heat. Continued …

Beauty clinic for foreigners, illicit silicone implant factory raided

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) teamed up with police on a raid of several plastic surgery clinics and a manufacturer’s warehouse to confiscate a large number of counterfeit silicone pieces. The joint operation was announced on Monday by the FDA secretary-general and the deputy chief of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD).

Previous raids had been carried out in December. The latest raid took place last Thursday, Jan. 12. During the raid, it was revealed that fake silicone pieces were used in 1,621 surgeries at the Korawin Clinic’s five branches last year. These surgeries included 1,436 nose jobs, 154 chin implants, and 31 surgeries for both the nose and chin. Continued … 

China back to ‘normal’, says vice-premier

China has returned to normal after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, Vice Premier Liu He told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday as he invited “international friends” to visit the country.

China abruptly dropped its “zero-Covid” approach last month after three years of enforcing some of the harshest anti-pandemic restrictions in the world. Continued …

India set to overtake China as world’s most populous nation

India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country this year, even though its population growth has been slowing down, the United Nations says. India estimates its population at 1.38 billion, compared to China’s 1.4 billion. Continued … 

Vietnam president submits resignation over corruption accusations

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc submitted his resignation after being found guilty of committing violations and wrongdoing against officials under him. The 68-year-old former prime minister only held the presidential position for two years. Speculation mounted after two deputy prime ministers were dismissed earlier this month. Continued … 

Economists slice growth outlook for ASEAN+3

China’s reopening should provide a timely boost to the ASEAN+3 region as the area’s economic growth was downgraded because of continuing weakness in China, Japan and South Korea, according to economists. Continued … 

45 dead, 20 missing as Ukraine ends tower block search

Rescuers called off the search Tuesday for victims of the Russian missile strike on an apartment building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, with 20 people still missing and funerals being held in the grief-stricken community. Continued …

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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

climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Jan 6

  • Proof of Covid vaccines will be required again for all arrivals to Thailand/Hua Hin-Phuket, international flights remain in limbo/Thailand ties with Italy on list of world’s top retirement destinations/Thailand’s official population at Dec 31 was 66,090,475/317 die, 2,437 injured on Thai roads during 7-day New Year holiday/British pensioner gunned down in Pattaya/33-million-baht signboard scandal derailing Thailand’s new grand central station/Bangkok workers fleeing back to the provinces/Thai inflation rate poised to slow to 2%-3% in 2023/Newly appointed chief spells out four-point plan to develop EEC/Leasing and renewable energy firms to promote solar rooftops/Tackling our plastic waste woes/
  • Tourism: Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Proof Angers, Panics International Travelers/Thailand’s entry rules on arriving Chinese tourists falls shorter than other countries/First planeload of 200 Chinese tourists to land in Thailand on Monday/Tourism sector preps for Chinese/Thai hotels in dire need of staff as tourists flock back/With few entry tests, SE Asia may gain most from China’s travel revival/Pattaya Beach is second most popular beach in the world on TikTok/
  • Thailand Experience: What You Should Avoid Ordering At Thai Restaurants/
  • Covid: Over a quarter of travelers from China test positive in Taiwan/
  • International: Asia tourist hubs ready for China influx/It’s a bountiful bunny world in Year of the Rabbit/Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen gives up to 52 months’ pay as year-end bonuses/Half of world’s glaciers expected to vanish by 2100/Teslas now over 40% cheaper in China than US/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Proof of Covid vaccines will be required again for all arrivals to Thailand

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has adopted four measures that will be applied to all tourists visiting Thailand, including from China. The announcement follows news that the Chinese Government would travel restrictions on their citizens on Jan. 8.

The first flights from China, in the wake of the announcement from China, are scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Jan. 12. So the time for the re-introduction of the measures will be sometime from now until Jan. 12. The minister was not clear on this.

The newly announced measures:

  1. All visitors must have received at least TWO doses of Covid-19 vaccine before their arrival Continued … 

Hua Hin-Phuket, international flights remain in limbo

Perhaps the most discussed topic on the regional tourism scene is the continuing absence of scheduled flight connections to the Hua Hin Airport. That includes international flights, but also to Phuket, the most eagerly awaited domestic connection.

Hopes still remain high that more than the solitary Chiang Mai flights will happen soon, but some local hoteliers now openly state they aren’t expecting this to happen within the next six or even 12 months.

Stacey Walton, president of Skål international Hua Hin & Cha-Am, speaking during a visit to Phuket to consider that burgeoning tourism scene, is among those asking questions. Continued …

Thailand ties with Italy on list of world’s top retirement destinations

Thailand is the world’s ninth cheapest place to live for expat retirees, according to the Annual Global Retirement Index.

The 2023 list of “10 Cheapest Places to Live After Retiring” was compiled by experts at the International Living website and published this week. It details the best places to retire in terms of high quality of life and low cost of living.

Portugal tops the list thanks to the weakness of its currency and ease of acquiring a long-term visa. Second is Mexico, followed by Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece and France. Thailand ties with Italy in ninth place. Continued …

Thailand’s official population at Dec 31 was 66,090,475

Thailand’s population as of Dec. 31, 2022, was 66,090,475, according to the latest census data provided by the Central Domicile Registration Office.

The population was made up of 65,106,481 Thai nationals and 983,994 who are yet to receive Thai citizenship.

Of the Thai nationals, there were 31,755,032 males and 33,351,449 females. Continued …

317 die, 2,437 injured on Thai roads during 7-day New Year holiday

A total of 317 people were killed and 2,437 others injured in 2,440 road accidents across Thailand between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4, according to statistics provided by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and related agencies.

On the last day of the New Year holidays on Wednesday, 25 people died and 253 others were injured in 241 road accidents.

Speeding was the cause of 34.9% of the accidents and 80.2% involved motorcycles; 24.5% were the result of cutting in front of another vehicle at speed.

Most of the accidents (85.1%) occurred on straight roads, 49% occurred on local and rural roads. Most of the accidents took place between 4pm and 5pm. Continued …

British pensioner gunned down in Pattaya

A British pensioner was shot multiple times in the back by an unknown assailant as he was returning home on a motorcycle in the Pattaya area.

Neil Lewis Roger, 71, had told his close friend that he was off to have a drink with a friend in town. After buying some groceries, he headed home to Huay Yai but was shot on the way at least three times.

He died in a pool of blood 2 kilometers from his home. His friend called him a popular man who had no known enemies. Continued …

33-million-baht signboard scandal derailing Thailand’s new grand central station

Thailand’s new national rail terminus has run into trouble even before its official unveiling.

Bang Sue Grand Station is setting social media alight with news that signboards for its new royally granted name will cost a whopping 33 million baht to install.

Enraged Thai netizens have posted pictures showing how such a large budget could be better spent elsewhere, including to fund the construction of classrooms for a small school. Continued …

Bangkok workers fleeing back to the provinces

Workers in Bangkok who live from hand to mouth have decided to return to their hometowns, as the cost of living in the capital becomes unaffordable.

They said expenses in Bangkok have doubled compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic. After deducting expenses, there is almost nothing left to save.

Capping the price of more essential commodities would help low-income workers, they said. Continued … 

Thai inflation rate poised to slow to 2%-3% in 2023

Thailand’s inflation rate is expected to slow to 2%-3% this year after soaring to a 24-year high last year, driven mainly by rising energy prices.

The Commerce Ministry on Thursday reported headline inflation, gauged by the consumer price index (CPI), rose by 6.08% in 2022 from a year earlier, which was close to the projection (between 5.5%-6.5%, with an average of 6%).

The main contributors were rising energy prices following limited production controlled by oil-producing countries, and the Russia-Ukraine war which led to a tight supply of energy and, finally, high domestic prices of fuel, electricity and liquefied petroleum gas. Continued …

Newly appointed chief spells out four-point plan to develop EEC

The new chief of the state agency that runs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has come up with a “4Rs” plan to push the special industrial zone as a model for sustainable development.

Chula Sukmanop, the newly appointed secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), said that his mission was to lead the agency to “re-evaluate, re-image, revive, and realize”.

Re-evaluation involves assessing challenges facing the EEC’s development, including the post-Covid “next normal” environment, the global recession, and climate change, he said in an interview. Continued …

Leasing and renewable energy firms to promote solar rooftops

Saksiam Leasing (SAK), a Thailand personal loan provider, has formed a joint venture with TC Renewable Energy with the goal of entering the solar rooftop system installation business and providing financing to Thai households nationwide.

The joint venture, Saksiam TC Energy Co., will have a registered capital of 50 million baht, with SAK and TC Renewable Energy holding 35% and 65%, respectively. This joint venture is scheduled to launch in this month.

Siwaphong Boonsalee, SAK’s managing director, said yesterday the joint venture is a significant step in expanding the service of providing loans for the installation of solar rooftop systems at residential properties, and supporting the public’s access to solar power as a clean and widely available source of energy. Continued …

Tackling our plastic waste woes

Today, most of the products and packaging in our local market are designed to be “disposable”, with little or no concern for environmental impacts and any negative influences on human health.

Yet, such waste is rarely recycled and barely managed in a sustainable manner. But in many countries, the policy of “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) is used to address this concern.

EPR emphasizes the entire life cycle of a product and encourages packaging manufacturers to keep resources in the loop as long as possible through product and packaging stewardship. Continued …

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Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Proof Angers, Panics International Travelers

A proposal made by multiple Thai agencies to require proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccine shots in the wake of the return of Chinese tourists next week has caused anger, frustration, and panic among many would-be travelers to Thailand.

The proposal was led by Thai Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and included input from multiple ministries such as Tourism and Sports, Transport, Office of the Insurance Board, and more.

In essence, the proposal is due to the return of Chinese tourists after three years effective from Sunday, Jan. 8, after China dropped most of its Covid zero measures and prepares to reopen its borders to travel. Continued …

Thailand’s entry rules on arriving Chinese tourists falls shorter than other countries

Thailand’s way of dealing with the expected influx of Chinese tourists starting this Sunday is much weaker than other countries that have put in place a requirement of RT-PCR test to be done before these tourist head into their country.

The move by the Thai government to impose restrictions on arriving Chinese tourists has come after heavy criticism that the government of 2014 coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha was not doing enough to prevent another wave of outbreak.

The Thai government has come out to say that it was looking to impose entry regulations on all travelers to prevent outbreaks of Covid-19 from the expected influx of tourists this year, with no specific rules for Chinese tourists. Continued … 

First planeload of 200 Chinese tourists to land in Thailand on Monday

The first flight carrying around 200 Chinese tourists will touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday as China resumes outbound travel, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Thursday.

The flight from Xiamen in southern China will be the first to arrive in Thailand after China scraps quarantine measures on Sunday, giving the green light for citizens to travel. The country is also downgrading Covid-19 from a top-tier Class A infectious disease to Class B.

Phiphat said the first flight is a good sign that Chinese tourists will return to Thailand in large numbers following more than two years of Covid-19 restrictions. He said more flights will be restored before the Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 22. China was Thailand’s largest overseas tourism market before Covid, accounting for 28% of total arrivals. Continued …

Tourism sector preps for Chinese

Tourism operators are prepared for a wave of Chinese tourists in terms of hotel room capacity, public health hygiene and flight capacity, though demand remains unclear.

The government confirmed on Thursday Chinese tourists will be exempted from RT-PCR Covid tests upon arrival, but will be required to buy Covid insurance to guarantee they have medical expense coverage in case they are infected before flying back home.

Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), said Chiang Mai is ready to accommodate all tourists, including those from China, which are expected to return starting this month. Continued …

Thai hotels in dire need of staff as tourists flock back

The Thai hotel industry is seeking migrant workers to help relieve staff shortages, as millions of tourists have returned to the country.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), called on the government to relax the existing rules to make it easier for migrant workers to work in the hotel industry to help alleviate the shortage of workforce.

She suggested that the Thai government’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with neighbouring countries allow more positions in which migrant workers can be hired, easier hiring of migrants, and allow more foreign nationals to work in the hotel industry. Continued …

With few entry tests, SE Asia may gain most from China’s travel revival

Southeast Asia’s tourist economies are set to be leading beneficiaries of China’s scrapping of travel bans, as they have steered clear of the Covid-19 tests before entry that Europe, Japan and the United have imposed on Chinese visitors.

Even as the virus tears through its 1.4 billion people, the world’s second largest economy is opening its borders from Sunday, a move that promises to unleash a wave of travelers eager for diversion after three years of strict curbs at home.

Such newly mobile Chinese tourists will opt for “minimal hassle” and head for destinations that do not demand testing, which in turn stands to benefit Southeast Asia, said CIMB economist Song Seng Wun. Continued … 

Pattaya Beach is second most popular beach in the world on TikTok

Pattaya Beach was named the second most popular beach in the world on TikTok. The most popular beach prize goes to Bondi Beach in Australia.

The UK luxury holiday company, Destination2, created a list of the most popular beaches across the world on TikTok. The company conducted the research on TikTok by creating a specific hashtag for the dream beaches all over the world and tracked the number of views.

Pattaya Beach was ranked as the second most popular beach in the world with the number of views at 128.5 million. The champion, Bondi Beach in Australia, gained over 445.8 million views. Continued …

What You Should Avoid Ordering At Thai Restaurants

Thai food is super popular worldwide, and for good reason. The cuisine combines a unique array of flavors that offer a mind-blowing dining experience. After all, it’s not every day you find a single dish with sweet, salty, sour, and even bitter tastes in perfect proportion, but Thai food strikes an excellent balance.

However, there’s a distinct peculiarity in the interaction of Thai food with American culture that’s quite unlike the rest of the world. It’s tempting to assume that Thai food was integrated into America by the immigration of natives from Thailand, but there are a few more twists to the story, as Mark Padoongpat, a Thai-American professor of Asian studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, discovered.

Thailand was never a formal U.S. colony, but by 1946, all of its surrounding Southeast Asian countries were colonies of seven world powers, most of whom were Western nations. According to Northern Illinois University, this meant that Thailand was treated like a U.S. colony. Americans visited freely, became immersed in the food culture, and even wrote Thai cookbooks for Western audiences. Continued …

Over a quarter of travelers from China test positive in Taiwan

Thailand may want to rethink its pandemic prevention strategy for Chinese tourists after news broke this week that more than a quarter of passengers from China landing in Taiwan tested positive for Covid-19.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) in Taiwan reported that over a quarter of the 500 plus travelers who arrived in Taiwan from China returned positive Covid test results.

Last week, the CECC announced that travelers from China needed to take a PCR test when arriving in Taiwan from Jan. 1, as Taipei tried to fight the current wave of Covid infections. Continued … 

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Asia tourist hubs ready for China influx

In Tokyo’s Asakusa tourist district, caricaturist Masashi Higashitani is dusting off his Chinese as he prepares for an influx of travelers after Beijing ends inbound quarantine rules. Continued … 

It’s a bountiful bunny world in Year of the Rabbit

Now that 2023, the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, has kicked off, goods featuring bunny characters and places related to the lucky animal are drawing even more attention. Many rabbit lovers are eagerly working to make the new year a time of leaps and bounds. Continued … 

Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen gives up to 52 months’ pay as year-end bonuses

Taiwanese shipping giant Evergreen Marine has rewarded employees with massive year-end bonuses worth between 10 and 52 months of salary each, after posting bumper 2022 profits. Most of the company’s junior workers with a monthly salary of NT$40,000 (44,274 baht ) took home a bonus worth NT$2 million (2,212,550 baht ) each last weekend, which is equivalent to more than four years’ pay. Continued … 

Half of world’s glaciers expected to vanish by 2100

Half of the Earth’s glaciers, notably smaller ones, are destined to disappear by the end of the century because of climate change, but limiting global warming could save others, according to a new study. Continued … 

Teslas now over 40% cheaper in China than US

Tesla Inc. made another round of price cuts on its Model 3 and Y electric vehicles (EVs) in China today, while also introducing its higher-end Model S sedan and Model X to get a better hold on the premium end of the world’s biggest EV market. Continued …

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 in 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