Detail Khao Tao’s Hua Hin Villas/Bangkok Minimum Wage Rises/Poised to evacuate Thais/Cambodia bans Thai fruit, veggies/Political compromise cracks/Python in Toilet Startles Woman/Soldier Killed in Ambush/Cabinet agrees to F1 races/Korat villager wins 12 million/ECONOMY: Thailand to submit formal trade proposal/Slowdown seen hitting hospitals/Thailand drops in competitiveness/Can ‘Land Bridge’ ignite growth?/TOURISM: Thai Tourism in Jeopardy/Phuket as Asia’s wellness capital/Pattaya tops one-night stays/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Blackpink returning to Bangkok/Bangkok Blues/CLIMATE THAILAND: Waterway of life turning deadly/EV bus leasing for Bangkok/Escalating Microplastics Crisis/Environment Asia 2025/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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
Detail Khao Tao Launches Exclusive Hua Hin Villas
To Detail Development Co., one of Thailand’s leading luxury real estate developers, has launched “Detail Khao Tao, Hua Hin,” an exclusive collection of 11 private pool villas nestled in the coastal enclave of Khao Tao.
Each villa is crafted against a scenic backdrop of sea, mountains, and reservoir, with easy access to Khao Tao beach and nearby recreational spaces. Residents can enjoy activities ranging from beach strolls and swimming to scenic walks, picnics, and outdoor sports. Continued …
Bangkok Minimum Wage Rises to 400 Baht from July 1
In a significant change, Bangkok’s daily minimum wage will rise to 400 baht starting July 1, as announced by the national wage committee yesterday.
This increase extends beyond the city, impacting workers in hotels and entertainment venues across the country, a shift from the previous focus solely on major tourist hotspots. Currently, the capital’s wage stands at 372 baht, with provincial rates varying between 337 and 380 baht. Continued …
RTAF poised to evacuate Thais from Israel, Iran
The Royal Thai Air Force is on standby with aircraft ready for the evacuation of Thai citizens from the conflict zones in the Middle East, pending coordination and confirmation from the field, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.
The remarks, affirming the government’s readiness to evacuate and repatriate Thai nationals from Israel, Iran and nearby regions, came yesterday as the Israel-Iran war continues to escalate. Continued …
Cambodia bans all imports of Thai fruit, veggies
Cambodia yesterday banned all imports of Thai fruit and vegetables in response to Thailand’s refusal to fully open all border checkpoints. The two countries still allow people to cross the border and Cambodia is allowing in cargoes of other Thai produce.
At Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Khlong Yai district of the eastern province of Trat, Cambodia was seen preventing trucks delivering cargoes of Thai fruit and vegetables yesterday morning. Continued …
Thailand’s grand political compromise cracks under pressure
The stridently progressive Move Forward Party’s victory at the 2023 Thai general election precipitated a “grand compromise” between the Pheu Thai Party and allies in the conservative establishment. The murky political deal behind the compromise is now beginning to unravel.
Pheu Thai now governs in coalition with its former conservative foes while locking the progressive party out of power. Meanwhile, former prime minister and Pheu Thai stalwart Thaksin Shinawatra has returned from a lengthy self-imposed exile to serve out a prison sentence mostly from a hospital after he was granted a royal pardon in 2024. Continued …
Python Startles Woman in Market Toilet in Sa Kaeo Province
A 52-year-old woman had a terrifying encounter when a large python appeared in a toilet at the Rong Kluea Market, located near the Thai-Cambodian border in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province.
The incident occurred when Chomyong Srikodon, a food vendor at the market, entered the restroom behind her restaurant, “Paa Toi Thai Kitchen & Noodle Shop”, near Gate 1 of the Rong Kluea border market. She was startled to find a massive snake lurking inside, narrowly escaping a bite as the reptile struck and hissed at her. Continued …
Soldier Killed in Ambush During Patrol in Yala Province
A soldier has died following an ambush by insurgents while on patrol in Yala’s Bannang Sata district, one of the most volatile regions in the country’s deep south. The incident occurred on Monday when armed assailants opened fire on a military patrol unit traveling along a route in Ban Wang Hin, Bannang Sata subdistrict.
Private Pakom Suden, a member of the 1st Infantry Battalion Task Force, sustained critical injuries in the attack. He was immediately rushed to Bannang Sata Hospital but was pronounced dead while en route. Continued …
Cabinet agrees to F1 races being held in Thailand in 2028
The cabinet yesterday approved a proposal from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to bid to host Formula 1 races in Thailand for five consecutive years, starting in 2028, subject to approval by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the sport’s governing body, and other F1-related entities.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the costs of organizing the races for five years are estimated at about 40 billion baht, which will be approved annually by the cabinet. Continued …
Korat villager wins 12 million baht lottery jackpot
A lucky resident of Thong Lang village in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has struck it rich, winning a life-changing 12 million baht in the national lottery.
The winning numbers were announced Monday, with the first prize number being 507392. In addition to the first prize, the draw included several other winning numbers, such as the three-digit front numbers 243 and 017, the three-digit end numbers 299 and 736, and a two-digit end number 06. Continued …
Thailand to submit formal trade proposal to US this week
Thailand will submit its formal trade proposal to the United States this week, with the first round of discussions to take place online, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday, as the country seeks to head off the threat of higher U.S. tariffs.
Washington has threatened to impose a 36% tariff rate on imports from Thailand if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a 90-day pause that caps tariffs at a baseline of 10% expires on July 9. Continued …
Slowdown seen hitting hospitals in second half
The hospital business in Thailand looks set to bear the brunt of the sluggish economy in the second half of this year, fueled by global economic uncertainties, says Bangkok Hospital, a private hospital under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services.
Geopolitical conflicts, including the tensions in the Middle East caused by the Israel-Iran war, and worries over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs and the subsequent trade war will affect the global economy, which will deal a further blow to the Thai economy, said Kriengkrai Hengrussamee, director of Bangkok Hospital. Continued …
Thailand drops five places in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking
Thailand has fallen five places in the latest World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, released yesterday, slipping to 30th place from 25th last year.
The ranking, compiled by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluates the competitiveness of 69 economies across four key pillars: Continued …
Can ‘Land Bridge’ ignite growth?
Thailand has long struggled to escape the middle-income trap. Despite its strategic location at the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country continues to trail regional peers in GDP growth, capital market performance, and infrastructure competitiveness.
Political instability has only worsened this challenge. Amid weak domestic consumption and external trade pressures, the government has turned to massive infrastructure development as a key stimulus measure. Central to this push is the controversial “Land Bridge Project”, positioned as a transformative logistics corridor linking the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. But is this project a game changer – or another overpromised, under-delivered megaproject? Continued …
Israel-Iran Conflict Puts Thai Tourism in Jeopardy
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is taking its toll on Thailand’s tourism sector, with a potential 50% decline in arrivals from five key Middle Eastern markets. The recent turmoil has already led to decreased visits to popular destinations like Phuket as a result of airspace disruptions.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that the Middle East crisis significantly impacts air travel. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have rerouted their flights to avoid affected zones. Only Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily stopped flights to Bangkok and Phuket as a direct result of Iranian airspace closures, disrupting Iranian travel completely. Continued …
Phuket to become Asia’s wellness capital with 2025 Health Expo
Phuket is gearing up to host the Phuket Health Expo 2025 next month, as the island sets its sights on becoming Asia’s premier wellness hub. With over 40 beaches and world-renowned resorts, Phuket is positioning itself as a world-class wellness hub of Asia, and the upcoming expo will play a key role in this ambitious plan.
The event, running from July 2–6 at Central Festival Phuket, will shine a spotlight on the island’s growing wellness sector under the theme Living in Paradise. The expo will feature an array of activities designed to promote Phuket’s unique offerings as a destination for health and wellness tourism. Continued …
Pattaya tops list for one-night stays in Thailand
Pattaya tops Agoda’s list for one-night stays, spotlighting Thailand’s growing trend of micro-travel — short, spontaneous trips packed with adventure.
Digital travel platform Agoda spotlights the continued appeal of micro-travel, a go-to option for travelers seeking short-term trips that pack a punch. Perfect for spontaneous adventurers, micro-travel focuses on short, manageable getaways that fit into busy schedules, offering a refreshing escape without the need for extensive planning or hefty budgets. Continued …
Blackpink set for record-breaking return to Bangkok
Three concert dates by K-pop icons Blackpink have sold out, with the shows taking place at Rajamangala National Stadium from Oct 24-26.
Organized by Live Nation, the girl group will perform at the “Blackpink World Tour In Bangkok” at Rajamangala National Stadium. Blackpink will be the first K-pop group to hold a concert at Thailand’s largest stadium for three consecutive days. Continued …
Bangkok Blues: When the city’s energy leaves you longing for more
Some foreign travelers have experienced what’s known as Bangkok Blues after leaving the busy capital city of Thailand — a form of post-vacation blues, an emotional state that often arises when returning from a carefree holiday to the more demanding routine of everyday life.
A foreign YouTuber posted a video talking about the symptoms of “Bangkok Blues”, with many other foreigners sharing their own experiences with these symptoms in the comments. The condition has been discussed even more in Redditt threads. Continued …
A waterway of life is turning deadly
The Kok River, once a lifeline for communities across northern Thailand, is facing an environmental catastrophe. Originating in Myanmar, the river is now heavily contaminated with toxic substances believed to come from mining operations in the upstream Wa-controlled territory – a politically sensitive area with which the Thai state has yet to establish any formal dialogue.
The river, once clear and pristine, now runs red and murky. The dramatic change has frightened local residents in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, who now avoid using the water out of fear of chemical poisoning. Freshwater fishers have reported mass infections and wounds on fish, rendering them unsafe for consumption. Continued …
Cabinet approves EV bus leasing for Bangkok
The cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme for Bangkok, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion baht. The plan was proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). It originally proposed to purchase new natural gas-powered buses to replace 1,520 aging diesel-engine buses.
Yesterday’s cabinet resolution reverses a decision passed in 2012, which approved a previous BMTA proposal to procure up to 3,183 NGV buses at a cost of 13.2 billion baht, said Anukool Pruksanusak, a deputy government spokesman. Continued …
SE,East Asia Urged to Combat Escalating Microplastics Crisis
the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and participating organizations from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia are calling for urgent, coordinated action to combat the growing microplastics crisis.
Microplastics — plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters — have become widespread pollutants affecting every part of our environment. These particles are present in the air, water, soil, food systems, and even in the human body, posing increasing threats to human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Continued …
Environment Asia 2025 to Convene Global Experts in Bangkok
The 7th EnvironmentAsia International Conference 2025 is set to convene Sept. 4-6 at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel, bringing together global environmental experts, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders under the theme: “Integrating Efforts to Tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis.”
Hosted in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, this year’s conference aims to foster collaborative strategies to address several interconnected global threats. Participants can look forward to a blend of oral and poster presentations covering key focus areas. Continued …
- German Drug Dealer Arrested in Major Pattaya Sting Operation – Continued …
- Three Nigerian Nationals Arrested in Phuket for Overstaying – Continued …
- Chinese-Backed Criminal Base Raided in Pattaya – Continued …
- Thai Police Dismantle Scam Ring Targeting Australians, Arrest 13 Foreign Nationals – Continued …
- 5-Year Overstay Uncovered as 25 Chinese Arrested in Pattaya Loan Bust – Continued …
- Korean held for imprisoning ex-girlfriend who dated Chinese man – Continued …
- Aussie cuffed over stash of illegal gun gear – Continued …
US moves fighter jets to Middle East as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies
The U.S. military is sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other aircraft, reinforcing its presence in the region as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, according to three U.S. officials. Continued …
Intense Israeli Strikes Hit Tehran After Trump Demands ‘Unconditional Surrender’
Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital early today after it issued a warning about a new area it could target, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran’s residents to evacuate and demanded that the country surrender without conditions. Continued …
Central banks shift focus to gold over dollar for reserves
Central banks around the world are increasingly favoring gold over the U.S. dollar in their reserve portfolios, according to a recent survey. The World Gold Council (WGC) conducted the survey between Feb. 25 and May 20, gathering responses from 73 central banks. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
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:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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