• Cha Am Bikini Beach Run March 19/
• Dust levels unsafe in 53 provinces, including PKK/
• Power bills poised to drop by mid-year/
• What to do if Thai police stop you and attempt a ‘shake-down’/
• Thailand’s corruption standing for 2022 an improvement over 2021/
• Thailand Elite Card embroiled in scandal over suspicious Chinese businesses/
• Cabinet approves adjustments to basic daily wages for 17 professions/
• Thailand to boycott SEA Games Muay Thai after Cambodia changes name/
• BMA hospitals going solar as Bangkok targets net zero emissions/
• Tourism: Thai tourism industry ups forecast to 30 million foreign arrivals this year/Thailand tourist fee: 300 baht via air, 150 baht via land/sea/More than 200,000 Tourists Visit Samui Island in January/Phuket plays Russian roulette – an existential problem for the island’s tourism/Russian woman bites off British woman’s finger in Ko Pha Ngan bean bag row/RTP Chief apologizes to Taiwanese actress: ‘Good cops will be rewarded – bad ones punished’/7 Bangkok policemen moved, face charges over Taiwanese actress’s bribery accusation/Senior traffic cop transferred after allegedly extorting 30,000 baht from tourist(s)/Floating market: “Long running con” investigated after tourist pays 5,000 baht for two hour trip/German Man Missing After Jumping From Ferry Near Phangan Island/Pirate-themed floating restaurant seating 100 sinks off Pattaya/Qatar Airways launches thrice daily flights to Phuket/
• Thailand Experience: These 11 Ancient Temples In Thailand Have Stories To Tell/Experience luxury at these 8 Bangkok riverside hotels/
• Covid: Beijing reaches ‘temporary herd immunity’/
• International: Southeast Asia factories fire up as China reopens/Trees could cut urban heatwave mortality by a third/US hits Myanmar with new sanctions on coup 2nd anniversary/49 boys drown in Pakistan boating accident/
• 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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Cha Am Bikini Beach Run March 19

Dust levels unsafe in 53 provinces, including PKK

PM2.5 dust levels above the safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter were reported in 53 provinces across the country, including Bangkok and its suburbs, this morning.

The worst hit area was in tambon Lat Yai of Muang district in Samut Sakhon province, with harmful levels of PM2.5 dust at 132mcg/m³, the Pollution Control Department’s air pollution center reported on today.

In the Central Plains, dust levels were at 37-132 mcg/m³, with dust exceeding safe levels in parts in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Lop Buri, Sing Buri and Ang Thong. Continued …

Power bills poised to drop by mid-year

Electricity bills for businesses are likely to become less expensive around mid-year as factors that earlier drove up energy costs are losing steam, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The prospect of a new fuel tariff (Ft) was greatly anticipated during an informal meeting held on Tuesday by representatives from the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking and state energy agencies.

“A new Ft rate to be enforced between May and August tends to get lower, causing no further impact on businesses and households,” said Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket, vice chairman of the FTI. Continued …

What to do if Thai police stop you and attempt a ‘shake-down’

First thing … keep calm. Let them lead the conversation and don’t say anything other than answering their questions.

Secondly, the vast majority of Thai police are there to do a job, protecting fellow Thais and foreign visitors. But there are a few who will take advantage of situations where they think they can get away with stitching you up for a few thousand baht.

Recent events have brought this to our attention, again, and we would invite everyone to just review these recommendations if you find yourself in this situation. Continued …

Thailand’s corruption standing for 2022 an improvement over 2021

Thailand’s corruption standing for 2022 improved nine places to 101st, from 110th out of 180 countries in 2021, according to the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International. Thailand is fourth among ASEAN countries.

Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Niwatchai Kasemmongkol said that Thailand scored 36 points, compared to 35 points in 2021.

The world’s top performer was Denmark, which scored 90 points, followed by Finland and New Zealand, which scored 87 points. Top performer among Asian countries was Singapore, which was ranked fourth place globally, with 83 points. Continued … 

Thailand Elite Card embroiled in scandal over suspicious Chinese businesses

Thailand’s tourism and sports minister has responded to allegations that members of the Elite Card program have been linked to dodgy Chinese businesses – the same Chinese and Chinese businesses that are being linked to the ongoing “Tuhao” investigation.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says he’s asked the Royal Thai Police to look into the claims, saying they will potentially “affect Thailand’s tourism sector and overall reputation”.

Tourism operators have suggested the Elite Card application process be linked to international police so that criminal checks can be carried out. Phiphat says that as part of the current process, Thailand Privilege Card, which operates the Elite Card program, sends applicants’ personal information to the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Consular Affairs, who carry out criminal checks. Continued …

Cabinet approves adjustments to basic daily wages for 17 professions

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Labor Ministry’s proposal to adjust the wages for skilled workers in 17 fields, which would see them earning between 465 and 700 baht daily.

Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said the Cabinet agreed to adjust the minimum daily rate for the 17 professions, provided they receive a certificate from the Skill Development Department.

The professions to be covered are divided into three groups, namely the industrial sector, technicians and workers in the service sector. Suchart said there is a big demand for people in these fields. Continued …

Thailand to boycott SEA Games Muay Thai after Cambodia changes name

Thailand will boycott the kickboxing competition at this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in protest against hosts Cambodia using the sport’s local name of Kun Khmer rather than Muay Thai.

The National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) announced on Tuesday that no Thai athletes will compete in kickboxing at the regional games, hosted by Phnom Penh from May 5-17.

The NOCT added, however, that to avoid a dispute between the two countries, it will not try to stop the host from organizing kickboxing under its Khmer name. Continued …

BMA hospitals going solar as Bangkok targets net zero emissions

Hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Medical Division will be hooked up with solar power under an agreement signed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday.

The move aims to cut hospitals’ expenses as well as reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, said Deputy Bangkok Gov. Tavida Kamolvej, who presided over the deal-signing ceremony.

“Bangkok would like to thank the ERC for realizing the importance of public hospitals, which require a lot of power to provide quality healthcare to the people. Since hospitals use power 24/7, switching to solar energy will also greatly reduce pollution emissions,” she said. Continued …

Thai tourism industry ups forecast to 30 million foreign arrivals this year

Thailand’s tourism industry expects foreign arrivals to exceed 30 million this year, significantly higher than government estimates of 25-27.5 million.

Making the forecast on Tuesday, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) predicted foreign and domestic tourists would generate over 3 trillion baht in revenue this year.

However, TCT President Chamnan Srisawat warned the huge volume of customers will pose challenges for the Thai tourism industry, which is still recovering from the ravages of Covid-19. Continued …

Thailand tourist fee: 300 baht via air, 150 baht via land/sea

Thailand plans to charge foreign arrivals arriving by air a tourist fee of 300 baht (US$9.11) and a fee of 150 baht (US$4.56) for tourists entering the kingdom via land/sea by mid-2023.

The 300-baht tourist fee for air arrivals has been in the pipeline for a long time and is set to be enforced in June after facing several Covid-19-related delays.

However, the Ministry of Tourism wasn’t sure about whether to apply the fee to tourists entering Thailand via land or sea borders. Continued …

More than 200,000 Tourists Visit Samui Island in January

More than 200,000 tourists have visited Samui Island since the beginning of this year.

The Surat Thani Gov. Wichawut Jintoe told the press yesterday that from Jan. 1 to Jan. 23, there were 178,077 tourists who visited Samui Island. Of those, 86,507 arrived by planes and 91,570 arrived by ferries.

“This number did not include tourists from cruise ships, which were four rounds for one-day trips and two rounds stayed on Samui Island for one night. At the end of this month, there will be more than 200,000 tourists who are visiting Samui Island,” Wichawut noted. Continued …

Phuket plays Russian roulette – an existential problem for the island’s tourism

While Phuket’s tourism tzars are delighted with the surge of arrivals into Phuket in recent months, the statistics reveal some crucial warnings for Phuket’s immediate tourism future. And, despite all the back-patting from the local Tourism of Thailand office, Phuket’s total tourist arrivals are still below 50% of average pre-pandemic levels.

Still, Phuket’s tourism stakeholders have been lapping up the surge of mostly Russian arrivals, as hotels, restaurants and seats in tour boats have been filling up over the past two months.

Let’s check out the actual statistics. Continued …

Russian woman bites off British woman’s finger in Ko Pha Ngan bean bag row

A leisurely stroll on a Thai beach with two friends and a dog bizarrely evolved into a scene from a horror movie after a Russiannwoman went berserk, chomped on a British woman’s finger and spat it out.

The British woman was walking her dog with a German friend on a beach on Ko Pha Ngan Island when they spotted an unoccupied bean bag chair next to a couple of tourists. They decided to take a break, enjoy a drink, and lie down for a bit.

But a Russian woman, identified as Vavara G, wasn’t happy about the arrangement and an argument broke out with the British woman, Angelina H. Continued …

RTP Chief apologizes to Taiwanese actress: ‘Good cops will be rewarded – bad ones punished’

A stony-faced chief of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat faced the massed ranks of the Thai media yesterday.

He apologized to the Taiwanese actress and the public who had faced financial losses at the hands of some of his men.

Damrongsak only took over at the helm of the RTP late last year. He admitted that since then there had been many incidents, both good and bad, that he had to deal with. Continued …

7 Bangkok policemen moved, face charges over Taiwanese actress’s bribery accusation

Seven police officers from Bangkok’s Huay Kwang Police Station have been transferred and charged with dereliction of duty for allegedly extorting 27,000 baht from a Taiwanese actress early this month.

Police Maj-General Attaporn Wongsiripreeda, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, signed an order on Monday transferring two captains and five sergeants to inactive posts so a strict disciplinary investigation can take place. Continued …

Senior traffic cop transferred after allegedly extorting 30,000 baht from tourist(s)

The chief of the Chonburi provincial police has ordered that a senior traffic policeman at the Muang Pattaya police station be transferred to inactive duties at HQ after allegations that he extorted 30,000 baht from a Chinese tourist or tourists.

The allegation had appeared on the site of the National Guides’ Assn. which had a clip of the incident. A fine of 60,000 baht had been demanded after an electronic cigarette device was found.

This was bargained down to 30,000 baht. Continued …

Floating market: “Long running con” investigated after tourist pays 5,000 baht for two-hour trip

A Thai tourist has claimed being charged 5,000 baht for a two-hour boat trip at the Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi, southwest of the Thai capital Bangkok.

The tourist, who had been with her husband, said that they faced high charges everywhere they went on a two-week trip to the country.

She seemed to have a foreign husband in tow. Either that or they were paying more because they were going to places with foreign tourists. Continued …

German Man Missing After Jumping From Ferry Near Phangan Island

A German man has gone missing after he reportedly jumped from a ferry near Phangan Island in Surat Thani.

The Royal Thai Navy Second Area Command reported to Thai media that they were notified that a male foreign tourist jumped from a ferry heading from Phangan Island at 7pm last night to Donsak in Surat Thani.

Fifteen minutes after the ferry left the pier near Phangan Island, passengers shouted out that someone jumped off the ferry. The ferry captain turned the vessel around to search for the passenger while calling the Royal Thai Navy for assistance. Continued …

Pirate-themed floating restaurant seating 100 sinks off Pattaya

Qatar Airways launches thrice daily flights to Phuket

Qatari flag carrier Qatar Airways is launching three flights per day between Doha and Phuket in southern Thailand starting yesterday to meet the ever-growing demand.

The additional flights bring the airline’s number of services to Thailand up to seven per day, including four flights to and from Bangkok.

Doha is a major Middle Eastern transport hub and most of the passengers flying to Thailand from Doha have flown in from London, Manchester, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, and New York. Continued …

These 11 Ancient Temples In Thailand Have Stories To Tell

Few countries in all of Asia fascinate travelers and adventurers as much as Thailand. Home to spectacular beaches, authentic Thai dishes, and colorful festivals, the country attracts millions of adventure seekers each year.

For those looking to explore some of Thailand’s more unique offerings, its ancient temples are a great option. From grand Buddhist temples to exquisite Hindu shrines, the country is full of enigmatic places that have stories to tell. Here are 11 amazing ancient temples in Thailand travelers should not miss out on!

Wat Phra Kaew

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred temple in Thailand. Built to house a relic of the Lord Buddha, this grand complex comprises several splendid buildings and elaborate stucco decorations. It is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist art. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the beauty of this temple. Visitors should note that dress codes apply when visiting temples in Thailand, so modesty is important. Continued …

Experience luxury at these 8 Bangkok riverside hotels

Bangkok has some of the most amazing hotels in the world, and those located near the Chao Phraya River are among the best. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable stay or a memorable experience, Bangkok’s riverside hotels offer something for everyone. From luxurious resorts with breathtaking views to chic boutique hotels with incredible amenities, let’s take a look at the the eight Bangkok magical riverside hotels.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

If you’re looking for an extraordinary hotel experience while in Bangkok, then Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is a perfect choice. This five-star hotel is sure to exceed all your expectations with its unparalleled amenities and service.

From the moment you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be swept away by the breathtaking view of the river! Plus, the luxurious rooms offer a peaceful sanctuary after a long day of sightseeing or shopping. Continued … 

Beijing reaches ‘temporary herd immunity’

Beijing has reached “temporary herd immunity” and its Covid outbreak is nearing an end, a city health official said on Tuesday, in another sign China’s unprecedented virus wave is waning.

A torrent of cases has cascaded through the world’s most populous nation since the ruling Communist Party abruptly ended its zero-Covid policy last month.

The surge packed hospitals and crematoriums in major cities, including Beijing, though the scale of the outbreak is hard to verify given that official data is believed to represent a tiny fraction of the true number of cases. Continued …

Southeast Asia factories fire up as China reopens

Asia’s manufacturers are improving at the start of the year as the region becomes more optimistic about how China’s re-opening might help offset an otherwise gloomy outlook for the rest of the world. Continued …

Trees could cut urban heatwave mortality by a third

Planting more trees in urban areas to lower summertime temperatures could decrease deaths directly linked to hot weather and heatwaves by a third, researchers said today. Continued …

US hits Myanmar with new sanctions on coup 2nd anniversary

The United States slapped fresh sanctions on Myanmar Tuesday, a day before the Southeast Asian country marks the second anniversary of a military coup that launched a violent campaign against democracy activists. Continued …

49 boys drown in Pakistan boating accident

Forty-nine children died when their overloaded boat capsized in northwest Pakistan, police said Tuesday after divers spent three days dragging bodies from freezing waters. 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 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