Tag Archives: bangkok street food

bangkok, chiang mai, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-April 4

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Today’s news: Hua Hin water woes/Hua Hin beach encroachment/Foreigners and their overseas income/Hua Hin’s ‘eye’ graffiti ‘artist’/Hua Hin Marathon/World Cup excluded from free broadcast/Lop Buri’s monkey business makes global news/Thailand’s educational system/NACC probes ‘tea money’ demands/Cannabis law a big political threat/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Frugal Songkran celebrations predicted/25% jump in foreign condo purchases/More wage hikes considered/Durian growers feeling the ‘heat’/Tourism: Songkran in Hua Hin/World-class events to Hua Hin/Luxury yacht service/Medical coverage to foreign tourists/Phuket: rising crime against visitors/Most Popular Medical Tourism Spots/Thai ferry fire/Korean immigration targets Thais/Environment: Chiang Mai upbeat about clean air/Extreme heat scorches Southeast Asia/Thailand temps could hit 50C by 2084/Thailand Experience: Bangkok chefs’ favorite street food spots/Udon Thani most affordable/‘Worst food in the world’/Town obsessed with breakfast/Appetite for personalized food/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Hua Hin train schedule/Market Village bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin officials say MOU will ‘improve’ water woes

As part of a move to bolster Hua Hin’s water supply, local officials gathered at the Hua Hin Municipal Office on April 1 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at increasing the volume of raw water available for tap water production.

This agreement between Hua Hin municipality and the Irrigation Office No. 14 promises to solve the recent issues regarding a lack of water being supplied to different parts of Hua Hin. Continued …

Years on, Hua Hin beach encroachment discussed – again

Officials at Hua Hin municipality have met to discuss cases of alleged encroachment on Hua Hin beach. A meeting held on April 1, focused on the unauthorized structures stretching from the Saphan Pla to the Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine area.

The meeting was a direct response to directives from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to form a committee tasked with investigating and resolving the encroachment issue, signaling a concerted effort to uphold public interest and government policies regarding the use of state land. Continued …

Foreigners and their overseas income: what next?

More than three months after “assessable” foreign income became taxable, many of Thailand’s expats are still swimming in a sea of uncertainty. Lots of advice online, but few definite answers. Senior officials have said little of late.

There is a view among some Thai lawyers that we must wait until July for clarification on nitty-gritty issues such as double taxation treaties and the tax status of pensions. By that time, some expats will have passed 180 days of minimum residence necessary for tax liability in this category. Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Hua Hin’s ‘eye’ graffiti ‘artist’ to be promoted

The Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is set to host an event featuring the distinctive artwork of Khun Joe, the street artist renowned for his “Hua Hin eye” pieces that have become a signature sight around the city.

Known for his elusive presence and impactful art, Khun Joe is often compared to the enigmatic Banksy, earning him the title of Hua Hin’s own legendary street artist. His works, characterized by their vibrant depiction of eyes, have not only adorned various corners of Hua Hin but also captivated the hearts and intrigued both locals and visitors alike. (Editor: Let’s not forget that this man is defacing public and private property.) Continued …

Hua Hin Marathon registration open until end of April

The Preserve Hua Hin Group has announced the details of the previously announced Hua Hin Marathon 2024, scheduled for May 12.

The event, vying for the prestigious trophy bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aims to raise funds for the preservation of the area’s unique mangrove ecosystems. Continued …

World Cup excluded from Thai free broadcast rules

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board yesterday unanimously decided to exclude the World Cup football tournament from its “must have” rule, effective immediately.

This rule has been in place since 2012, obliging companies that own the broadcast rights to seven major sporting events to allow free TV channels to air the content. The seven events include the FIFA World Cup, Southeast Asian Games, ASEAN Para Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Lop Buri’s monkey business makes global news …

Monkey Mayhem Could Soon Be A Thing Of The Past In Central Thai City

Thai wildlife officials laid out a plan on Wednesday to bring peace to a central Thai city after at least a decade of human-monkey conflict.

The macaques that roam Lopburi are a symbol of local culture, and a major tourist draw. But after years of dangerous encounters with residents and visitors and several failed attempts to bring peace with population controls, local people and businesses have had enough. Continued … 

Power dynamics and the struggles within Thailand’s educational system

A principal at a public school in Roi Et province was removed recently after a social media post went viral. A teacher and a former teacher shared insight into authoritarianism among educators in Thai schools.

On March 16, Wanida Rangsrisak, a teacher at Baan Ratchathani School in Roi Et, posted a screenshot of a message from the principal on Facebook. The message read: “I feel something inappropriate happened today – a teacher sat on my chair. Though I did not see it, while I was a teacher, I never once sat on an executive’s chair and never dared put myself at the commander’s level.” Continued …

NACC probes ‘tea money’ demands to get children into Khon Kaen schools

Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen are under investigation by officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC,) for allegedly demanding “tea money” of up to 100,000 baht from parents of students who fail the entrance examination.

Thirat Bangpetch, acting director of the NACC’s office in Khon Kaen, said they have received complaints from several parents about the alleged corruption by some decision-making figures in the eight high schools. Continued …

Cannabis law emerges as a big political threat

Remarks made during a TV interview with a foreign television channel have highlighted potential conflicts within the cabinet. It comes in advance of the presentation of a bill to regulate cannabis due shortly.

It is reported that Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned following strident remarks made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In brief, these relate to the liberalization of the drug from 2022. On Tuesday, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the minister of public health and a former Pheu Thai Party leader, suggested that Srettha may have misspoke. Continued …

  • Smokin’ scuffle: Foreigner’s taxi tantrum in Phuket – Continued …
  • Driver on Phuket beach was Thai tourist, not foreign – Continued …
  • Really? Foreign diver faces fine for touching whale shark – Continued …

Top industry body predicts frugal Songkran celebrations by the public

Thailand can expect an extremely crowded 2024 Songkran festival, but spending will not be as high as expected, according to the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB).

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said that this year’s Songkran festival would witness a big increase in the number of Thai and foreign tourists nationwide. However, he was worried that the spending would not be commensurate with the surge in participants. Continued …

25% jump in foreign condo purchases in 2023

Foreigners spent more than 73.16 billion baht to buy a total of 14,449 condominium units in Thailand in 2023, the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported on Wednesday.

The number of purchases jumped 25% year on year, while the total value of these condos also rose 23.5% year on year, said REIC Director Wichai Wiratkapan. He added that both numbers are higher than that in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued … 

More wage hikes to be considered

The government will push for further minimum wage increases for other areas and business types following rises in parts of 10 provinces that will take effect on April 13, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday.

Srettha said the cabinet will hold regular meetings to consider where and which type of business should receive support for raising the minimum wage. Continued …

Durian growers feeling the ‘heat’ as production plummets

The revered Nonthaburi durian, a cherished variety of Thailand’s king of fruits, has witnessed a drastic production decline to just 10% compared to the previous year, plunging growers into a state of crisis.

This significant drop is attributed to the rapidly changing and prolonged hot weather conditions affecting the country. The scarcity has driven up the prices of this year’s Nonthaburi durian to unprecedented levels. Continued …

How to spend your Songkran in Hua Hin

Are you looking for your ideal getaway for the upcoming Songkran holidays? Do you fancy an escape to the beach? Hua Hin is a fantastic destination to visit in Thailand to celebrate Songkran. It is the nearest beach to Bangkok, only 3-4 hours drive away.

Hua Hin is also a popular beach getaway for Thais. Furthermore, it has many resorts located along some beautiful beaches. So get ready for a culturally rich Songkran celebration and see how locals celebrate this unique time in Thailand. Continued … 

Developer helping to bring world-class events to Hua Hin

The Proud Group is spearheading initiatives to bring world-class events to Hua Hin throughout the year, with the goal of transforming it into a premier international sport and lifestyle destination.

The Proud Group iboasts prominent establishments such as the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Vana Nava Water Park Hua Hin, and Arena Hua Hin. The group is set to collaborate with a broad spectrum of partners to fill the calendar with high-caliber lifestyle events spanning sports, music, art, and culinary delights. Continued …

Luxury yacht service now connects Hua Hin and Bangkok

M Yacht Hua Hin has announced the launch of a new luxury yacht service, offering voyages along the region’s most scenic routes, as well as transfers between Hua Hin and Bangkok.

A division of the Hua Hin MM Group, which has operated in the luxury property market segment for over eight years through high-end projects like InterContinental Residences and The Standard Residences, M Yacht Hua Hin aims to fulfill the demands of high end travelers. Continued …

Thailand explores extending emergency medical coverage to foreign tourists

The possibility of extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) program to safeguard foreign tourists is being explored by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. This move comes in the wake of a rising number of injuries among tourists, primarily due to road and water accidents.

The proposal to include foreign tourists under the purview of emergency medical services across Thailand was initiated by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. A blueprint is currently awaited from the Public Health Ministry as part of the government’s strategy to enhance safety measures, thereby promoting Thailand as a major tourism hub in the coming year. Continued … 

Is this what tourism is like in Phuket?

Phuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors

The Phuket Provincial Court is set to revive its tourist section in response to an increasing number of court cases involving tourists. This initiative is led by the acting chief justice of the Phuket Provincial Court, Kriangsak Rodpunshoo.

He disclosed that the influx of both local and international tourists in Phuket has led to a spike in both criminal and civil cases featuring tourists. According to Kriangsak, this surge in court cases is undermining tourists’ trust in their safety and the security of their belongings. It is also negatively impacting the overall tourism sector throughout Thailand. Continued …

Exploring the World’s Most Popular Medical Tourism Spots

In today’s interconnected world, seeking healthcare beyond one’s borders has become not just a trend but a practical solution for many individuals. The phenomenon of medical tourism has opened up a world of possibilities, allowing patients to access quality healthcare, specialized treatments, and wellness services in diverse global destinations.

Thailand’s healthcare sector is renowned for its world-class facilities, experienced medical professionals, and warm hospitality. Bangkok, the capital city, is a hub for medical tourism, with internationally accredited hospitals offering a wide range of treatments and procedures, including cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, and fertility treatments. Continued …

Thai ferry fire: Authorities blaze into action saving all aboard

The Thai authorities successfully rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members after a fire broke out on an overnight ferry traveling from the mainland in the southern province of Surat Thani to Koh Tao.

The ferry was carrying goods and 108 people, including 97 Thai and foreign passengers, as well as 11 boat crew members. It departed from a pier in Surat Thani last night, around 11pm. The fire alert shocked and frightened passengers, leading some to flee the ferry by jumping into the sea. Continued …

Korean immigration targets Thais on luxury cruise

The recent incident aboard the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth, as it approached South Korean waters, brings to light a concerning trend of selective immigration practices targeting Thai nationals. This event unfolded in the early hours, as passengers were awakened by an announcement that South Korean immigration officials were on board for a “random” inspection and that all should have their passports ready.

However, reports from witnesses and affected passengers suggest a troubling specificity in this randomness: only Thai passengers were called upon for interviews. Continued …

Chiang Mai upbeat about clean air despite poor readings

Air pollution in Chiang Mai has improved from last year and hopes are rising for good air quality in the future in the province and its main city, says provincial Gov. Nirat Wongsitthithavorn.

He made the comment on Wednesday during a discussion on pollution suppression and mitigation with representatives of 15 consulates and consulate-general offices in the province. Continued … 

Extreme heat scorches Southeast Asia

Seven-year-old Daryl Siongco was sweating even while doing his homework at home in Quezon City, near the Philippine capital Manila, on Tuesday. His state-run school had closed for the day because of the warm weather, which reached 35 degrees C recently.

The second-grader, who has asthma said staying in school during the summer months of March to May was difficult because the classroom he shares with 39 other pupils has only two electric fans. Due to the unbearable heat, the Department of Education has allowed schools to either hold remote lessons or cancel classes altogether. Continued …

Thailand temps could hit 50C by 2084 – Continued …

5 of Bangkok’s top chefs share their favorite street food spots

Bangkok is packed with fine dining restaurants, dozens of which hold Michelin stars, and many more of which have simply garnered loyal fan bases for their refined takes on Thai cuisine. Yet, the city is also inextricably linked with street food, thanks to the countless carts, stalls and hole-in-the-wall that turn out flavorsome dishes from morning until night, whether it’s noodles, curries or something else entirely.

It can be hard to know which street food spot to choose, so we asked some of Bangkok’s top fine-dining chefs to tell us where they like to grab a bite when they clock off work. Continued …

Udon Thani is the most affordable tourist destination in Thailand

With many across Asia looking forward to long weekends and holidays in the coming weeks, digital travel platform Agoda reveals the tourist destinations with the cheapest accommodations, on average.

Travelers looking for some of the best deals in Asia are best off in Udon Thani, Thailand. While in Thailand, it’s Udon Thani where travelers can enjoy the most competitive room rates in April and May. Continued …

Thailand’s Kaeng Tai Pla voted ‘worst food in the world’

Thai netizens are disappointed after the signature dish of the southern region, “Kaeng Tai Pla” (fish entrails sour curry), was ranked in the number one spot by TasteAtlas on its list of “100 Worst Rated Foods in the World” published last month.

Their disagreement with the list has resulted in the hashtag #saveแกงไตปลา (save Kaeng Tai Pla) trending on several social media platforms this week. Many have been posting in English urging visitors to Thailand to give this dish a chance before judging by the ranking. Continued …

A tasting tour of the Thai town obsessed with breakfast

Huge fans stutter on once-white walls. A lady wearing red lipstick and a silk dress settles into a plastic chair and points at tiny saucers on the marble table in front of her. There are two or three pork dim sum on each; she jabs one with a small fork, swipes it through a sauce that matches her outfit and pops it into her mouth. It’s 6.30am.

Video 

In the southern Thai town of Trang, breakfast has been underway for several hours. And here at Sin Jiew, one of the city’s most popular dim sum joints, school children, newborns, dogs and office workers gather before dispersing to continue their day. It’s still dark outside, where roadside stalls smoke with tiny pancakes and large chunks of dough bob in pots of scalding-hot oil. Continued …

Thailand’s growing appetite for personalized food

Personalized food is a fast-growing trend, as more individuals seek ways to improve their public health and prevent diseases. Forecasts show the global market for personalized food could reach 3 trillion baht by next year thanks to an average annual growth rate of 12%.

This trend is driven by several factors, including an aging society, heightened health awareness post-COVID pandemic, and advances in food technology. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 4-June 14

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 10:20am–11:50am
  • Hua Hin Chiang Mai, 12:20pm–13:35pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 9am–10:30am
  • Hua Hin–Chiang Mai, 11am–12:15pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, hua hin, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Saturday’s news-March 9

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Today’s news: Cha-Am Crab Tasting Festival/Celebrating Thai women/Thai population to drop by half/’Master plan’ for aging demographics/Swiss man faces gun charges/Swiss scandal sparks crackdown/Lotus’s fast delivery option/Economy: Power price decision/Michelin plans to invest 300 million euros/Tourism: Ambitious goals/High fares are justified/Wild monkey assault/Tourists face legal action/Environment: Bus operator to purchase 3,390 EV buses/Thailand Experience: Exploring Street Food/Bangkok’s street stall showdown/Will Bangkok ruin street-food paradise?/Big reason Thailand’s food scene is exploding/Thailand’s Five Star Elephant Sanctuary/Louis Vuitton’s newest Thailand resto/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Hua Hin train schedule/Market Village bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Cha Am Crab Tasting Festival starts today

The 9th Cha Am Crab Tasting Festival showcasing fresh, high-quality crabs directly from the sea in Cha Am begins today at the Cha Am beach viewpoint, continuing through March 16.

The festival was formally announced during a press conference led by Nattachai Nampoolsuksan, the governor of Phetchaburi Province, at the Raya Resort Cha Am. Continued …

Celebrating Thai women creating international impact

On International Women’s Day, which fell on March 8, Thai PBS World has compiled a list of eight Thai women who are making an international impact.

  1. Nualphan Lamsam

A fifth-generation scion of the Lamsam family, Nualphan, aka “Madame Pang”, is best known as the CEO of Muang Thai Insurance and the sole distributor of Hermes luxury goods in Thailand. Continued …

Thai population on course to drop by half in 60 years

The ongoing trend of declining birthrate could see Thailand’s population drop from the current 66 million to 33 million in 60 years, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin warned on Thursday.

This would result in the working-age population shrinking from 46 million to about 14 million, severely affecting the country’s economic development and national security, he added. Continued … 

‘Master plan’ under way to fix woes of aging demographics

A master plan is being drafted to improve Thailand’s ability to cope with the consequences of two key factors exacerbating the country’s problematic demographic trend — namely, a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates, the government said yesterday.

Drawn from opinions and proposals made at a brainstorming session organized on Thursday by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the master plan will be submitted to the cabinet next month for approval. Continued …

Swiss man who allegedly assaulted Thai doctor faces gun charges

The Ministry of Interior will press additional charges against the Swiss national who allegedly kicked a female Thai doctor as she sat on the staircase of his rented villa in Phuket last week. The new charges relate to the possession of two handguns.

He said that the Swiss national, whose visa was revoked yesterday, will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and carrying firearms in public. Continued …

Swiss scandal sparks crackdown on unruly farangs in Thailand

The scandal involving a Swiss man assaulting a Thai doctor in Phuket prompted authorities to initiate a massive crackdown on illegal foreigners and farangs behaving badly in Thailand. In total, nearly 30 foreigners were arrested during the past weeks.

Following the physical assault on a Thai doctor outside the luxury villa of a Swiss man, locals in Phuket demanded that relevant authorities return justice to the locals and expel all illegal foreigners who have been depriving Thais of job opportunities, operating illegal businesses, or attempting to dominate the local population. Continued …

Lotus’s keen on fast delivery option

Lotus’s wants to strengthen its online business to become Thailand’s first retailer offering fast delivery, within 1-3 hours, aiming to increase its online revenue by 30% by year-end.

The company says e-commerce platforms will not replace traditional store business, said Tarin Thaniyavarn, president of e-commerce at Lotus’s. Continued …

Power price decision put to public

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is gathering public opinion about adjusting the power tariff used to calculate electricity bills between May and August, before deciding whether to maintain the tariff rate at 4.18 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit).

Businesses and households are paying 4.18 baht per unit for electricity from January to April. Continued …

Michelin plans to invest 300 million euros in Thailand

The government said on Friday French tire maker Michelin planned to invest 300 million euros (11.63 billion baht) in Thailand over the next three years to increase production capacity.

Michelin has already invested more than €1 billion in Thailand with five plants and 8,000 workers, the government said in a statement issued during Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to France, where he met with company executives. Continued …

PM sets ambitious goals for tourism

The government aims to attract more than 8.5 million travelers from Europe, Africa and the Middle East, expected to bring in an estimated 664 billion baht this year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

Srettha said the government has set an overall target of 2.3 trillion baht from about 40 million international travelers. Continued …

Thai AirAsia contends high fares are justified

As consumers cry foul over expensive domestic airfares, Thai AirAsia says ceiling prices should not be slashed, as airlines have carried a higher cost burden since the pandemic.

However, airlines can help by increasing flights during Songkran to reduce average fares, said Santisuk Klongchaiya, chief executive of Thai AirAsia. Continued …

Email: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Wild monkey assault sparks call for medical coverage

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is likely to add monkeys to its list of wild animals whose damage results in compensation payments to the victims.

The expected move comes after a woman hurt when she was attacked by a macaque registered a complaint with police on Friday in a move to cover the cost of her medical treatment. Continued …

Tourists capturing marine life for social media face legal action

Koh Phi Phi National Park swiftly responded to reports of tourists capturing marine life and sharing it on social media.

On March 4, complaints highlighted foreign tourists aboard the “Quel Voyage GEORGE TOWN” boat snorkeling at Koh Bida Island, part of Phi Phi Island. Continued …

Bangkok bus operator approves purchase of 3,390 EV buses

State-run public bus operator Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is procuring 3,390 electric vehicles (EV) to replace its aging fleet that has been in service for more than three decades, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said on Friday.

She said the BMTA board at its meeting on Tuesday had approved the purchase of new buses as an urgent agenda, in line with BMTA’s policy of reducing environmental impact from its operations in the metropolitan area. Continued …

Exploring Street Food: A Journey Through Bangkok’s Culinary Delights

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is a paradise for food enthusiasts. The city’s streets are alive with the sizzle of woks, the aroma of spices, and the vibrant colors of local dishes that tell the story of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. Street food in Bangkok is not just about eating; it’s an exploration of culture, tradition, and the very essence of Thai life.

At every corner, from the busy markets of Chatuchak to the narrow lanes of Chinatown, street food vendors offer an array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds and offer a glimpse into the soul of Thai cuisine. From the tangy and spicy flavors of pad Thai to the sweet bliss of mango sticky rice, Bangkok’s street food scene is a testament to Thailand’s diversity and culinary innovation. Continued …

Bangkok’s street stall showdown: Pedestrians vs Vendors

The age-old saga of Bangkok’s bustling streets versus its iconic street stalls continues, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at the forefront of a new regulation to solve the decade-long issue of street stalls encroaching on pedestrian paths.

A resident of Bangkok’s Udom Suk area lamented her daily struggle as a pedestrian, echoing the frustrations of many. “Footpath warfare is real. I end up walking on the road instead.” She sighed, pointing to the ubiquitous stalls crowding the pavements. Continued …

Will Bangkok’s mission to clear footpaths ruin street-food paradise?

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been trying to solve the problem of street stalls stealing footpath space from pedestrians for decades, but with little result.

This challenge is a tough one because street stalls don’t just benefit the vendors but are also used by most Bangkokians. Street vendors, usually low-income earners, don’t have to worry about rent, so they can earn a living selling their products/services at very modest prices. Their customers, meanwhile, appreciate the affordability and easy access to food and products. All they need to do is stop off at their favorite stall on their way home, or to the office or school. Continued …

One big reason Thailand’s food scene is exploding now? Women

When the lights dimmed on the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand awards in Bangkok on Dec. 13, history had been made. Chudaree Debhakam of Baan Tepa had become the first Thai female chef to lead a two-Michelin-star restaurant and Garima Arora the first female Indian chef to clinch two stars for her dining room Gaa.

Both women are very much in the minority, not just within Bangkok’s culinary community but in the international food world. Just over 6% of Michelin-starred establishments globally — one, two and three stars combined — are currently helmed by female chefs. This translates to 219 restaurants out of 3,470 restaurants as of Jan. 18, according to Bloomberg analysis of Michelin Guide data. Continued …

The Elephant Freedom Project – Thailand’s Five Star Elephant Sanctuary

Established in 2016, the Elephant Freedom Project is dedicated to providing an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai for elephants rescued from forced labor or other forms of abuse/endangerment. Located just one hour from Chiang Mai, the sanctuary offers a safe and nurturing environment where rescued elephants roam freely and live their days in peace and dignity.

Committed to elephant welfare, sustainability, and community engagement, the Elephant Freedom Project provides visitors a unique chance to connect with these gentle giants and experience the magic of healing and feelings of warmth as they make a pure connection with nature. Continued …

How much it costs to dine at Louis Vuitton’s newest Thailand resto

Louis Vuitton, the French international brand well-known in the fashion industry, is also into the hospitality industry. It has, in fact, opened a few restaurants during the pandemic.

The latest to open is its branch called Gaggand at Louis Vuitton in Bangkok, in February. It is so named because it’s the brand’s collaboration with Indian chef Gaggan Anand. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586

bangkok, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, phuket, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Feb 26

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Today’s news: Power Bank Explosion on AirAsia Flight/Carrying Spare Batteries On Airplanes/Chiang Mai Forest Fire Spreading/Thailand Business Visa/Cobra Gold begins/Bangkok cabbies refusing passengers/Baby elephant Tofu begins new life/How Many Thais Are Royalists?/24 in 2024: First job/Economy: Who’s pulling the economic strings?/Warning on revenue/Skills crisis like no other/7-Eleven Reports Record Income/Housing prospects dim/Export outlook still rosy/Thailand seeks German investment/Tourism: TAT promotes flights to smaller cities/Immigration control at Suvarnabhumi airport/Thailand and China enter ‘visa-free era’/No Foreign Mafia in Phuket/Bangkok Airways Reports Stellar Growth/Environment: Forests carved up/Farmers hit by early drought/Plankton bloom at Bang Saen beach/Thailand Experience: The unsung heroes – sidewalk gourmets/Thailand’s most unusual train ride/Bangkok’s Little Arab Town/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

email: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Power Bank Explosion Causes Panic on AirAsia Flight

A power bank exploded on an AirAsia flight mid-air, sending passengers into panic. The plane was flying from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south of the country when flames and smoke were seen.

Video 

Shocked cabin crew rushed to the middle row of the Airbus A320 to extinguish the flames, as nervous customers watched on. Those onboard rushed out of their seats and flocked to the other side of the aircraft, with some clutching their children. Continued …

Don Mueang Reveals Conditions For Carrying Spare Batteries On Airplanes

After a power bank exploded on a Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat Saturday – and fortunately none of the 186 passengers and crew were harmed with airplane landing safely at the destination – the airport published conditions for carrying spare batteries on board, with power banks being considered one of them.

IATA considers power banks to be a type of stand-alone battery, which must be classified as UN3480 (lithium ion) or UN3090 (lithium metal), as appropriate. The conditions for only taking them in carry-on baggage, not checked-in baggage, are as follows: Continued …

Chiang Mai Forest Fire Spreading Fiercely

A huge forest fire at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park is spreading widely after officials failed to extinguish it for two days due to difficult access. Villagers who secretly started small fires to gather forest products are said to blame.

The forest fire is mainly spreading in Pha Dam area of this national park next to Road 108 that links Chiang Mai’s Hot district to Mae Hong Son’s Mae Sariang district, with one mountain covered with flames and clearly visible from the road at night. Continued …

Thailand Business Visa: 5 Resourceful things to Know and How to Apply

During the last few years, the number of new businesses in Thailand has increased rapidly with the arrival of new generations of digital nomads, investors and entrepreneurs looking for different work and business opportunities.

Anyone who plans to enter Thailand for business purposes may need a business visa. This includes individuals who are attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring investment opportunities in the country. It is important to note that those who plan to work or receive payment for their services in Thailand will need a work permit in addition to a business visa. Continued …

Cobra Gold begins, Muay Thai training on agenda

Cobra Gold, the annual joint military exercise, kicks off today, and for the first time it will feature Muay Thai training as an essential component. The decision is an integral part of the government’s strategy to elevate the Thai martial arts as a symbol of the nation’s “soft power”.

The Defense Ministry announced that the 43rd iteration of Cobra Gold would embody the government’s soft power strategy. Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang had given instructions to incorporate Thai cultural elements and traditions like Muay Thai into the exercise, apart from the standard program. Continued …

Trying to solve Bangkok’s eternal problem of cabbies refusing passengers

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said on Sunday that he has instructed the Land Transport Department to solve the notorious problem of Bangkok taxi drivers refusing passengers during rush hour.

He said he issued the order in line with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy of improving taxi services, making them safer, more convenient and with appropriate fares. The premier also urged the Transport Ministry to find out why cabbies refuse passengers during rush hour or when the roads are congested. Continued …

Freed baby elephant Tofu begins new life in sanctuary – video

In a heart-wrenching tale of suffering and salvation, a baby elephant named Tofu, just 8 months old, has been plucked from a life of torment in Laos and given a fresh start. Chained and mistreated, his plight symbolizes the ongoing battle against exploitation in the tourism industry across Asia.

Planting Peace, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of captive elephants, stumbled upon Tofu tethered to a post, his eyes pleading for liberation. Founder Aaron Jackson, moved by the sight of the young pachyderm’s distress, knew action was imperative. Continued … 

An Educated Guess on How Many Thais Are Royalists

Over the past two weeks, we have seen royalists and ultra-royalists wearing purple shirt and dress, changed their social media account’s background color to purple, which is the birth color of HRH Princess Sirindhorn, to express their love and solidarity toward the princess, whose royal motorcade was recently honked at by monarchy-reform activist Tawan Tuatulanond.

Tawan is currently facing sedition charges, detained, and on a hunger strike. Police claim she actually obstructed the royal motorcade, thus posing potential danger, a change that Tawan denied. Continued …

24 in 2024: First job, making money and avoiding ghosts in Thailand

Titapa Thaipreecha is back living with her parents in Bangkok and will soon veer away from her engineering degree to take a corporate job.

“At the moment, I’m living in Bangkok. I used to live with my friend but I graduated last year so I came back to live with my parents because I didn’t have enough money.” Continued …

Who’s pulling the economic strings?

The political soap opera in Thailand is expected to revive after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole, returning to his Ban Chan Song La residence in Bangkok, his de facto command base for years during his tenure as premier.

His first homecoming in 15 years has been closely watched by the business sector, which is curious about what changes this might cause to the current administration, especially regarding economic policy under the coalition government led by Pheu Thai Party, controlled by Thaksin since 2007. Continued …

Ministry provides warning on revenue

Government revenue collection in fiscal 2024 may not exceed the target, unlike last year, says Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana.

Following the Outstanding Revolving Fund award yesterday, he said the government set an expenditure budget for fiscal 2024 worth 3.48 trillion baht, against a backdrop of 2.73 trillion in projected revenue, resulting in a budget deficit of 693 billion baht. Continued … 

Skills crisis like no other

Thailand has so many challenges and problems concerning politics, corruption and the environment. Yet the toughest and the most challenging structural problem that can make or break the country’s future is the workforce’s severe skill crisis.

To tackle this, changes across the spectrum must be made, especially at the leadership level of two key government ministries. Continued … 

7-Eleven in Thailand Reports Record Income of 399 Billion Baht, plans expansion

CP All has revealed business profit results for 2023 for 7-Eleven, in which the convenience stores had an overall income of 399 billion baht, having a gross profit of 112 billion baht and increasing from the previous year by 16.1%.

CP All stated the increasing profit and income was from an increase in average sales of 5.5%, or 80,837 baht daily on average in each 7-11. It was reported that each customer spent 83 baht on average per bill and each store had 965 customers daily on average. Continued … 

Housing prospects dim in Q1

The housing market outlook remains hazy for the first quarter, as both developers and home buyers lack confidence in performance and purchases, dampened by elevated interest rates.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said both supply and demand were affected by higher interest rates, which were hiked several times last year to a policy rate of 2.50%. Continued …

Export outlook still rosy

Following a quicker uptick in exports than expected in January, the Commerce Ministry expects continued expansion, driven by the global economic recovery, easing of worldwide inflation, food security measures pushed by several countries, and tightened regional economic cooperation.

Permanent Commerce Secretary Keerati Rushchano said exports are likely to remain positive in the first quarter of this year, barring any escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Continued … 

Thailand seeks German investment in electric vehicle industry

Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced on a recent official trip to Germany the Thai government’s intention to attract German automobile manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. This initiative is part of the broader plans for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s official visit to Germany next month.

The deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister, embarked on his official German trip last Wednesday, concluding today. The visit’s agenda surpasses just diplomacy. It is also a preparatory measure for the prime minister’s impending visit on March 15, Parnpree revealed. Continued …

TAT promotes flights to smaller cities, but not Hua Hin

As many as 30 airlines have signed up for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) four-day “Air-mazing Thailand” campaign to explore the potential of selected airports and untapped markets in the country.

The campaign, which runs from April 2 to 5, will complement the government’s policy of promoting tourism in second-tier provinces and making Thailand a global tourism hub, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said. Continued …

PM orders improvement of immigration control at Suvarnabhumi airport

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered improvements to the immigration control services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, citing concerns over long queues and excessive waiting times. Srettha conducted an unexpected inspection of the airport on Saturday evening, his second unannounced visit since Feb. 5.

The prime minister revealed he had personally timed the duration of various procedures from the moment passengers exited their vehicles to when they finally boarded their flights. Continued …

Thailand and China enter ‘visa-free era’ for tourists

For the first time since the two countries established modern-day diplomatic ties almost 50 years ago, Thai tourists will be allowed visa-free entry to China from March 1.

Excitement is growing among Thais eager to visit Chinese destinations without having to apply for visas anymore, according to media reports in both countries. Continued …

No Foreign Mafia in Phuket, says Phuket Governor

The Phuket governor has confirmed, according to him, that there is no foreign mafia in Phuket. The issue came to light after local politicians expressed concern on Thai social media about foreigners who have lived in Phuket for a long time and may behave as a mafia.

Phuket Gov. Sophon Suwannarat said, “Anyone who stays in Phuket and does illegal activities or operates illegal businesses must face the highest legal penalties.” Continued …

Bangkok Airways Reports Stellar Growth in 2023

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the president of Bangkok Airways, publicly revealed a continuous recovery rate of the aviation industry in the fourth quarter of 2023 as a result of Chinese visa exemptions and long holidays.

The overall performance of Bangkok Airways in 2023 was a total income of 21 billion baht, increasing from the previous year (2022) by 70.6%. Moreover, it resulted from an increasing number of passengers using Bangkok Airways and had an average ticket price of 3,756 baht per trip. Continued …

Locals bewildered as fertile forests carved up

Kittisak Prompinij, a community leader in Ban Heo Pla Kang, Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district, said he was puzzled why a group of non-residents could be allocated fertile forest area from Khao Yai National Park under the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land reform scheme, when locals had missed out for years.

The community is near a buffer zone of the park. While many locals have applied for land documents without success for decades, the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) somehow issued the documents to people who do not even live in his village. Continued … 

Phimai farmers hit by early drought, Mun River runs dry

Farmers in the district of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, are facing a severe drought that has swiftly dried up the Mun River.

On the auspicious day of Makha Bucha, traditionally a time of potential earnings for lotus farmers, the parched riverbeds have left many without income or water for their daily needs. The situation underscores the urgency of the agricultural and water scarcity crisis gripping this part of Thailand. Continued …

Plankton bloom makes sea at Bang Saen beach bright green

Plankton bloom, a phenomenon that is usually brought by the rainy season, hit Chonburi’s popular Bang Saen beach on Sunday morning despite there being no rain.

On Sunday, the Facebook page “Chob Jung Bang Saen” (In love with Bang Saen), posted photos of a very green sea at Bang Saen beach. Continued … 

The unsung heroes of Thai cuisine – sidewalk gourmets

Twilight, and a golden sun hovers above a skyline of ornate skyscrapers and temple spires in Thailand’s seductive capital, Bangkok. Down in the old part of the city a procession of saffron-robed monks slowly files past the gleaming architecture of the Grand Palace, while brightly colored tuk tuks (three-wheeled motorcycle taxis or auto rickshaws) buzz about like angry bees, their eager drivers on the lookout for new customers.

Toward the end of one road near the Grand Palace, enterprising food vendors have set up a cluster of stalls, transforming the street corner into a food bazaar. Tantalizing aromas drift from sidewalk kitchens serving up sizzling Thai delights. Locals and travelers sit on colorful plastic stools at colorful plastic tables where the dining is a rowdy cheek-by-jowl affair. Outside one stall, a woman wields a wok of prawns and vegetables on her gas burner, creating a medley of smoke and flickering flames. Continued …

Thailand’s most unusual train ride is chaotic and surreal

Thailand’s Mae Klong Railway Market is one to watch out for. Quite literally.

A timeworn train passes through the 100-meter-long market eight times a day, almost bumping stalls along the way. Sellers swiftly rearrange their shops and remove shade structures on both sides of the track to make way for the oncoming locomotive. No wonder locals refer to the traditional market as Siang Tai (life-risking). It’s chaotic and surreal, but so is the mission to Mae Klong. Continued …

Bangkok’s Little Arab Town: A cultural hub

In the bustling streets of Bangkok lies a vibrant enclave known as Little Arab Town, where the sights, sounds and flavors of the Arab world converge.

Nestled within this cultural hub are a plethora of restaurants offering authentic Arab cuisine, drawing in patrons from across the diaspora. Arabic script adorns storefronts, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of shawarma, falafel and freshly baked bread. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586

bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, solar, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Friday’s news-Nov 10

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Today’s news: Public transport operators ready to welcome tourists/Kiteboarder Benyapa ‘Fawn’ Jantawan/PM summarizes achievements/Cyberattacks plague Thailand/Earthquake Shakes Mae Hong Son Province/Miss Universe files for bankruptcy/Thais slain in Israel return home/Beat fridge odors with toilet paper/Ranger killed by landmine/International Cannabis Reform in 2024/Economy: Digital Wallet Not For Services/Details of digital wallet scheme/Consumer confidence soars/Toyota Pushes Thailand To Become ASEAN EV Hub/Canadian Solar to Open Plant in Thailand/Shopping Center Embraces Rooftop Solar/Instagram sees itself as a necessity/Tourism: Thai travelers choose affordability/Phuket pushes for convention hall/Sex Tourism in Thailand/Thailand Experience: Explore Pranburi’s Fort Thanarat/Five places to (ethically) volunteer with animals/Three authentic Thai recipes/Best street food in Bangkok/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin public transport operators ready to welcome tourists during high season

Hua Hin’s transport operators are gearing up to offer top-notch services to tourists in the upcoming high season. Following a meeting on Thursday, local authorities and transport providers met to discuss operational strategies.

The meeting, hosted at the Hua Hin Grand Hotel and Plaza, was chaired by the district chief of Hua Hin, Plakrit Puangwalaysin. It brought together key players from both government and private sectors, including Ajchara Arunrat, a transportation expert from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Transport Office, and Malathira Seemek, head of the Tourist Assistance Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan (TAC). Continued …

From Hua Hin Beach to the Olympics: Kiteboarder Benyapa ‘Fawn’ Jantawan

An athlete based in Hua Hin recently won a silver medal at the Asian Games competition in Hangzhou, China.

Having begun her kiteboarding journey 15 years ago at SurfSpot in Hua Hin, Benyapa Jantawan, nicknamed “Fawn,” triumphed at the Games despite a challenging time both on and off the water. Continued …

PM’s summarizes achievements in first 60 days in office

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted a special TV program yesterday to announce the government’s initiatives over the past 60 days.

During the “Chance of Possibility: From Policy to Action within 60 Days” program, the PM highlighted urgent measures implemented during this period, such as reducing expenses, especially electricity rates, first from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht and then to 3.99 baht. This reduction aimed to alleviate the financial burden on the public. Continued …

Cyberattacks plague Thailand: Over 10 annual incidents cause significant losses

A recent survey reveals that more than half of Thai organizations have experienced over 10 cyberattack incidents in the past year, leading to significant financial losses. The report, released by U.S.-based cloud connectivity firm Cloudflare, highlights the urgent need for Thai businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure.

According to a data breach report commissioned by IBM, the global average cost of a breach this year reached an all-time high of US$4.45 million. Continued …

Earthquake Shakes Mae Hong Son Province

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 at a depth of 2 kilometers struck the district of Pai in Mae Hong Son province, causing tremors felt in four provinces. As of now, there are no reports of damage.

The earthquake is believed to have resulted from the movement of the Wiang Hang fault line. The tremors were felt in four provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang. – TNA-MCOT

New Thai owner of Miss Universe files for bankruptcy

JKN Global Group Plc (JKN), which acquired the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) last year, filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday due to a liquidity crunch.

JKN informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that its board of directors resolved on Tuesday to file for bankruptcy with the Central Bankruptcy Court to seek protection from creditors. Continued …

Final 8 bodies of 34 Thais slain in Israel return home

The last eight bodies of Thai workers killed in the Hamas attack returned from Israel on Thursday.

The bodies were flown on an El Al flight that left Israel at 3.30pm local time and landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.15pm. Continued …

Beat smelly fridge odors with toilet paper

A new trend is sweeping social media, with many people placing toilet paper in their refrigerators. This strange behavior has puzzled many, leading to questions about the potential benefits of such an act. The answer, surprisingly, lies in combating unpleasant odours and excess moisture.

Excessive moisture in a fridge often results in the growth of mold and undesirable smells. Most households occasionally grapple with foul fridge odors that tend to permeate beyond the fridge. Continued …

Ranger killed by landmine, 2 injured in Narathiwat

A ranger was killed and two others slightly injured in a landmine explosion in Rangae district on Thursday afternoon, police reported.

The incident occurred at about 1.05pm while a team of rangers from Ranger Company 4503 were patrolling in a forest near Hulu Pare, the Moo 1 village in tambon Tanyongmat. One of the team members stepped on a landmine, triggering an explosion. Continued …

Top Five Countries to Watch for International Cannabis Reform in 2024

While the cannabis industry in the United States awaits a marijuana scheduling decision from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), many countries around the world continue to move forward with liberalizing their cannabis policies as a superior method of promoting the health and welfare of their citizens.

Thailand

In June of 2022, Thailand surprised the world when it removed the marijuana plant from the country’s list of controlled substances and decriminalized consumable marijuana products (does not include flower) containing no more than 0.2% THC. Continued …

10,000-Baht Digital Wallet Not For Purchase Of Services

People will not likely be allowed to use the Pheu Thai-led government’s digital wallet to buy services anywhere, a government official said yesterday.

The eligible recipients will only be allowed to use their 10,000-baht digital wallet to buy goods but not any services under the populist handout campaign, according to the official who only spoke on condition of anonymity. Continued …

Government to reveal details of contested 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme

The Thai government is set to disclose the specifics of its contentious 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme distribution today. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in response to critics who argue the initiative could inflict more economic damage than benefit, will conduct a news conference at 2pm today to elucidate all aspects of the policy.

The Thai prime minister has also indicated that other coalition partners do not share the concerns raised over the Pheu Thai Party’s digital wallet scheme. When queried about potential positive announcements at the press conference, he replied, “I will explain everything all by myself.” Continued … 

Consumer confidence in Thailand soars to 44 month high

Last month witnessed a surge in consumer confidence for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest point in 44 months, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Factors contributing to this uplift include the government’s initiatives to curb living costs, a boost in foreign arrivals, and a revival in exports. The UTCC reported that the consumer confidence index rose to 60.2 in October, marking an increase from 58.7 in September, 56.9 in August, and 55.6 in July. Continued …

Toyota Pushes Thailand To Become The ASEAN EV Hub

Top managers such as Masahiko Maeda, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor’s Asian subsidiaries, and Kalin Sarasin, chairman of Toyota Motor Thailand, discussed investment opportunities with Srettha Thavisin, prime minister and Finance minister at the Government House on Thursday.

Srettha mentioned that the Thai government recognizes the importance of the Japanese automotive industry in the country and is seeking cooperation in future developments. Continued …

Canadian Solar to Open Plant in Thailand After US Tariff Ruling

Canadian Solar Inc. is planning to open a manufacturing plant in Thailand after U.S. regulators concluded the company was evading import tariffs on Chinese components.

The facility is expected to begin production in March and will eventually be able to make as much as 5 gigawatts a year of wafers for solar cells, according to a statement Thursday. – bloomberglaw.com

Shopping Center In Thailand Embraces Rooftop Solar Revolution

In a feat of environmental stewardship, Megabangna Shopping Center, sprawling over 400 rai, has invested a substantial 1 billion baht in embracing clean solar energy.

This colossal shopping center is making significant strides to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also create a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment for its patrons. Continued …

Instagram sees itself as a necessity for businesses to grow

Instagram is banking on its vibrant user network to push creativity, build communities, and drive growth for businesses and creators, Chawadee Wongphyat, director of Meta Business Group for Mid-Market, Southeast Asia, said.

Speaking on “Instagram Day Thailand”, the first celebration of its presence in the country, on Thursday, she said that online connections had become an everyday occurrence. As a result, brands and businesses require new ways to connect with and engage their audiences. Continued …

Thai travelers choose affordability amid economic instability

In the wake of an unpredictable global economy, travelers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious. A recent survey by online travel agency Booking.com revealed that the majority of Thai citizens are apprehensive about the escalating cost of living and are thus curtailing their expenditure on travel, opting for budget travel instead.

Michelle Gao, the regional manager for the Mekong region at Booking.com, suggested that this trend of thrifty travel expenditure is likely to persist due to the ongoing influence of economic instability, inflation, and global conflicts on consumer confidence. Continued …

Phuket pushes for free port, convention hall

Phuket tourism operators are pushing for an integrated plan to establish the province as an exhibition hub by dusting off a long-delayed project for an international convention center and making the island a free port city.

The plan should be accelerated before new environmental laws take effect, which would alter project design, said the operators. Continued …

A Shady Side of Paradise – Sex Tourism in Thailand

Since the coronavirus is no longer an obstacle to travel, hundreds of thousands of men from all over the world are again flocking to Thailand in search of women and sex.

Go-go bars, seedy massage parlors and plenty of open-air beer stalls with scantily clad young women: All this is part of the draw for sex tourists of all ages, here in the coastal metropolis of Pattaya on Thailand’s west coast. After a pandemic pause, sex tourism is returning to what passes for normal here. Continued …

Explore the unexpected at Pranburi’s Fort Thanarat

A military base is perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about tourist destinations in and around Hua Hin. But at the Fort Thanarat army camp, near Hua Hin, there’s loads to see and do, and it’s open to the public.

Located in Pranburi along Phetkasem Road, the expansive Thanarat Military Camp covers a vast territory spanning over 730,000 rai. Continued …

Five places to (ethically) volunteer with animals around the world

Getting up close and personal with a wild animal can be a thrilling and, sometimes, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine bathing an elephant in northern Thailand, using buckets to splash mud over the giant mammal’s rough skin. Or what about feeding indigenous Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos?

For wildlife lovers worldwide, these experiences can be highly sought after. And with more than 1,500 animal sanctuaries around the world, it can be challenging to choose which organization to volunteer with. But there’s a catch: not all animal sanctuaries are ethical. Continued …

Three authentic Thai recipes to try at home

In northern Thailand’s mountainous Khao Kho region, Saiphin Moore, the vivacious co-founder of London’s ubiquitous restaurant chain Rosa’s Thai, grew up cooking and eating some of her country’s most famous dishes.

From the seriously spicy som tam to the famously fiery pad kra prow, these recipes pack a punch – which also makes them the perfect winter warmer. Continued …

Where to find the best street food in Bangkok

Exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, one cannot help but be enticed by the aromatic symphony emanating from the myriad of street food hawkers. There’s something undeniably thrilling about the city’s streets that beckon food lovers to indulge in its rich culinary tapestry.

Here’s a curated list of some local favorites where the food not only tantalizes your taste buds but also tells a story of tradition, culture, and passion. Continued …

The Great Wall Of India

The 2nd-longest continuous wall on the planet, surrounds the fort of Kumbhalgarh that contains 360 Temples. Stretches over a distance of 38km, 15m wide which is enough for 8 horses to walk abreast. Video 

Biden, Xi Set To Steal APEC Spotlight With Talks To Steady Ties

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold summit talks in San Francisco next week as they seek to stabilize tense ties by meeting in-person for just the second time in nearly three years, but little bonhomie and no grand bargains appear in the offing. Continued …

China’s animal lovers fight illegal cat meat trade

When Han Jiali’s beloved cat Dabai was taken from her Shanghai home last year, she embarked on a hunt for her pet that took her deep into the bowels of China’s underground feline meat trade. Continued … 

Asia-Pacific sees the world’s highest real salary increases in 2023

According to the latest Salary Trends Report by ECA International (ECA), real wages in APAC, which are equal to nominal wage growth minus the rate of inflation, once again outperformed the rest of the world in 2023. Continued …

South Korean factory worker fatally injured by robot

Tragedy struck in South Korea as a robot misidentified a factory worker for a box of vegetables, causing fatal injuries. The incident involved a 40-year-old man who was inspecting the sensors of a machine at an agricultural distribution center in South Korea’s Gyeongsang Province. Continued …

US surgeons perform world’s first whole eye transplant

A team of surgeons in New York has performed the world’s first transplant of an entire eye in a procedure widely hailed as a medical breakthrough, although it isn’t yet known whether the man will ever see through the donated eye. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-July 21

  • ‘Health park” to open in Hin Lek Fai area/
  • Sam Roi Yat marsh boardwalk reopened/
  • Heavy downpours forecast across 42 Thai provinces/
  • Pheu Thai to install Srettha as prime minister with coalition pact with government parties/
  • Move Forward will support Pheu Thai PM candidate/
  • Legal experts challenge parliament’s rejection of Pita’s renomination/
  • What is a paternal autocracy and why is it important in the Thai context/
  • Foreign media report on reversal of Thai election results/
  • Thai Chamber reducing food waste by delivering 900,000 meals/
  • Thailand’s adult female literacy placed 6th among ASEAN countries/
  • Myanmar military ramps up defenses opposite Mae Hong Son/
  • Economy: New firms surge amid Thai recovery/Medical Fair Thailand 2023 is fully booked/Tesla in Thailand: The future of green mobility and autonomous vehicles/Thailand accounts for 79% of ASEAN electric vehicle sales/
  • Tourism: Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023/Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound/Thailand’s World Passport Power Ranking Moves Up to 64th/Foreigner forgets valuables, departing Chiang Mai flight diverted to terminal/9 Immigration officers transferred after providing VIP escort to Chinese star/
  • Thailand Experience: Famous Thai street food snacks available practically everywhere in Bangkok/
  • International: Russian grain terrorism and blackmail/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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‘Health park” to open in Hin Lek Fai area

Hua Hin Health Park is set to open in the Hin Lek Fai area of Hua Hin. With completion expected in November, the site is located near the Hua Hin International School and Black Mountain Golf Course.

The park will offer a range of health, retail, and food and beverage options, including specialized facilities like the Spine Clinic and the Be Well Medical Center. The park will also include a pharmacy, deli, coffee shop, wine shop and other retail outlets.

Sam Roi Yat marsh boardwalk reopened

The boardwalk at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a one-kilometer-long wooden structure stretching over the Thung Sam Roi Yot freshwater marsh on the western side of the park, has been given a new lease of life. Previously, due to disrepair, only a small section of the boardwalk was accessible to the public. (HHT)

Heavy downpours forecast across 42 Thai provinces

The country has been warned of possible intense downpours today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), affecting 42 major provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Residents are being cautioned of sudden flash floods.

At 5am today, the TMD forecasted a 24-hour weather change with the intrusion of monsoons from the north and northeast. These monsoons are heading toward a low-pressure area along the Vietnamese coast, reinforcing the southwest monsoon that currently covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued …

Pheu Thai to install Srettha as prime minister with coalition pact with government parties

The Move Forward Party is on the verge of being given a sideways shift by its coalition partner, Pheu Thai, as the country grapples with a political crisis caused by opposition to the Move Forward Party from the unelected Senate and heightened tensions over the radical party’s insistence on pursuing its controversial policy to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code on lèse-majesté.

It is being predicted that a new government led by Pheu Thai with Srettha Thavisin as prime minister may be installed on Thursday, July 27, although it will come at a hefty political price, as it will see Pheu Thai abandoning key pre-election commitments and the democratic principle spoken about at length in the weeks after the May 14 general election. Continued …

Move Forward will support Pheu Thai PM candidate

The Move Forward Party has made a political retreat by agreeing to support a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party for prime minister, when parliament meets in a joint sitting again next Thursday, its Secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon said yesterday.

He said Pheu Thai has yet to decide formally who it will nominate for Thailand’s top executive post. Srettha Thavisin, a well-known real estate tycoon, is now seen as Pheu Thai’s most likely choice. Continued …

Legal experts challenge parliament’s rejection of Pita’s renomination

Several Thai legal experts and political scientists have challenged parliament’s decision to reject Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as Thailand’s prime minister, insisting Rule 41, which was used to justify the decision, cannot overrule the Constitution.

Professor Tongthong Chandransu, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Chulalongkorn University, said that he shares the opinion of former constitution writer Borwornsak Uwanno that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, has a higher legal status than parliamentary meeting regulations. Continued …

What is a paternal autocracy and why is it important in the Thai context

Paternal autocracy, seen across various historical and societal contexts, represents a governance style where a single leader or a ruling elite embodies a paternalistic role, possessing concentrated power and authority. A deep respect for order, traditional hierarchies, and authoritative figures underscores this system.

It is especially important to consider within the Thai context, given the current modern day situation. When we hear terms used like “guided democracy” or “Thai-style democracy” this is a manifestation of paternal autocracy in action. Continued …

Foreign media report on reversal of Thai election results

Numerous foreign media outlets have been reporting on the double hit suffered by Move Forward’s PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat on Wednesday, which dashed his hopes of becoming Thailand’s next PM.

Pita was temporarily suspended from his duties as an MP by a Constitutional Court order, relating to a media shareholding case. As if that were not enough, parliament voted down his second attempted nomination for the premiership. Continued …

Thai Chamber reducing food waste by delivering 900,000 meals

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is aiming to reduce the amount of food being wasted by supplying 900,000 meals to underprivileged people in Thailand this year. The project marks the chamber’s 90th anniversary.

So far this year, more than 420,000 meals have been delivered and each one used surplus food that passed safety standards, the TCC announced on Thursday, adding that it is receiving assistance from the Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Foundation to implement the project. Continued …

Thailand’s adult female literacy placed 6th among ASEAN countries

A report on gender equality and development shows that, despite significant progress in education equality, the disparity still exists. The literacy rate of Thailand’s adult females in 2022 was 92.4%, which was lower than most other ASEAN countries, according to The Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ADB states that the Philippines had a rate of 98.2%, Brunei 96.3%, Singapore 95.9%, Indonesia 94.0%, Vietnam 93.6% and Malaysia 93.5%. ASEAN countries with a lower literacy rate than Thailand are Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Continued …

Myanmar military ramps up defenses opposite Mae Hong Son

Some 3,000 soldiers from the Myanmar military army arrived in Doi Sam Muang and Japasa Camp in Kayah State opposite Mae Hong Son’s Muang district on Thursday to reinforce the army’s positions.

Video 

The army has been holding these areas to fend off attacks by the Karenni Army (KA) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), and has also prohibited some 400 local villagers from leaving the areas. A news source said that about 10 villagers who attempted to escape were shot on sight. Continued …

New firms surge amid Thai recovery

New corporate registrations are expected to reach 83,000-90,000 this year, boosted by the increase in foreign tourists and the Thai economic recovery, outstripping an earlier projection of 75,000-78,000, according to the Commerce Ministry’s Business Development Department.

Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the department, said his department previously estimated that the number of new business registrations in the first half of this year would be 42,000-45,000, but the actual number increased to 47,286. Continued …

Medical Fair Thailand 2023 is fully booked

Two months before the start of Medical Fair Thailand 2023, the entire show floor space is fully booked, confirming Thailand’s growing importance as a regional medical and healthcare hub. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the event will feature about 800 exhibitors from 30 countries, including 20 national and country groups.
The event will be held in-person from Sept. 13 – 15, 2023 at BITEC, Bangkok, followed by a week-long digital extension where participants can further connect and engage online. Returning after a 4-year pandemic related hiatus, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2023 will present a comprehensive global showcase of over 8,000 medical and healthcare innovations and solutions. Continued …

Tesla in Thailand: The future of green mobility and autonomous vehicles

Following its debut in Thailand at the end of last year, U.S.-based automobile giant Tesla continues to expand its influence in the Thai market. With a test center open in Ramkhamhaeng, customers can try driving various Tesla models as they wish, buy Tesla products, and pick up their ordered Tesla cars.

Tesla plans to increase the number of supercharging stations throughout Thailand, building on the existing charging stations around Bangkok (Centralworld, Central Rama 3, and ICONSIAM). Continued …

Thailand accounts for 79% of ASEAN electric vehicle sales

Chinese automakers dominated Southeast Asia’s fast-growing electric vehicle market, selling three out of every four EVs in the first quarter, the research firm Counterpoint Research said on Thursday.

Thailand — the main regional auto manufacturing hub — is driving the transition, with the country accounting for almost 79% of all EVs sold in Southeast Asia in the first quarter, Counterpoint said. Continued …

Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023

Thailand recently experienced a surge in international arrivals, with numbers reaching 15 million within just seven months of this year, encouraging tourism growth, informed Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson.

She acknowledged the substantial contribution of northern hemisphere school summer breaks increasing the influx of international tourists to the vibrant Southeast Asian nation, thereby boosting tourism growth. Continued …

Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound

The business events sector in Thailand is set to benefit from the buoyancy of the country’s tourism industry and a new influx of trade shows this year, fueled in part by the country’s stable political environment, according to specialists at Informa Markets Thailand.

Sanchai Noombunnam, who helms the firm in Thailand, drew attention to predictions that the country would recoup 80% of its foreign arrivals recorded in 2019 – a factor that has bolstered confidence for both domestic and international business travelers. He also highlighted the restart of China’s export services, which has triggered a rally in the morale of overseas exhibitors and buyers. Continued …

Thailand’s World Passport Power Ranking Moves Up to 64th

Thailand has jumped six places to 64th in the world passport power ranking based on the number of locations its holders have visa-free access to, according to a recent survey released by a consultancy firm, Henley & Partners Holdings Ltd.

The consulting firm published a press release on July 18 saying that Japan has been knocked off the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for the first time in five years and bumped into third place, according to the latest ranking, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA). Continued …

Foreigner forgets valuables, departing Chiang Mai flight diverted to terminal

A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane return to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left-behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport.

A Thai TikTok user shared a video of the incident when a foreign man urged a flight attendant to stop the plane because he forgot his belongings. The video recorder also panned to her left side showing that the plane was moving on the runway while the foreigner requested it to stop. Continued …

9 Immigration officers transferred after providing VIP escort to Chinese star

The Immigration Police Bureau has ordered the transfers of nine immigration officers from Suvarnabhumi Airport, after they were seen in viral video clips escorting Chinese superstar Jackson Wang.

The transfers were ordered after the bureau received complaints from other passengers using the airport at the time Wang arrived, saying that Wang obtained special treatment and police protection, while they had to spend more time waiting for service at the immigration counters as a direct result of Wang’s arrival and protection. Continued … 

Khanom Buang or Thai crepe

Famous Thai street food snacks available practically everywhere in Bangkok

With lively night markets and even livelier food culture, Thai snacks are a must-have whether you’re a local or a visitor to Thailand.

One thing we can take pride in living in Bangkok is that food is available everywhere. No need to start the car in search for a dining spot. Just take a stroll down the street and there’s bound to be a stall to satisfy your cravings within walking distance. Continued …

Russian grain terrorism and blackmail

Over 400 million people worldwide, predominantly in Asian and African countries, depend on the critical grain supplies from Ukraine for their food security. Last year, in response to a Russian naval blockade on Ukrainian seaports that disrupted these grain exports, the global community unified to establish the Black Sea Grain Initiative with the aid of the UN and Turkey. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Monday’s News-July 10

  • Road closures this week/
  • Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose/
  • Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16/
  • Kolour music festival coming to Hua Hin Aug. 19/
  • What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?/
  • Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist/
  • Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system/
  • Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children/
  • Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue/
  • Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease/
  • A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’/
  • Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over/
  • Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery/
  • What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?/
  • Economy: Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell/
  • Tourism: Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says/Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign/Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green/
  • Thailand Experience: Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos/Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall/Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok/
  • International: Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing/Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers/Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens/
  • Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Tommy Taylor: Both contradictions and clarity of purpose

By Felicitee Lawrie

Given the name Thomas at birth, this man is now called Tom by his family and friends in England and other parts of the world, but is pretty much universally known as Tommy Taylor by his Thai friends and his many contacts in wildlife protection and conservation.

This nickname was bestowed upon Tom by a dear Australian friend, during his time as a WFFT volunteer. Tommy Taylor in the second-in-charge at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, and trusted lieutenant and heir-apparent to WFFT’s founder and head honcho, the renown Edwin Wiek. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Run to be held July 16

One of the region’s most eye-catching running events will be held in Prachuap Khiri Khan Saturday, July 16. The Tipco Prachuap Khiri Run 2023 will take participants along the stunning Prachuap Bay and the Wing 5 military base.

Runners will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, with the route boasting some breathtaking views along the bay and across the runway at the military base. Continued … 

What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?

On Thursday morning at 9am, parliamentarians will vote to select the new prime minister, and Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat’s future will become clear, if not clearer.

Last-minute lobbying for more junta-appointed senators to endorse Pita in the next three to four days aside, a rough and initial contingency plan has already been partly made public. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Second Deputy House Speaker Pichaet Chuamuangpan have made it clear earlier this week that Pita’s name will at least get to be tabled for a second and even a third vote if he kept failing to get at least 376 votes – the magic number required to make him Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Continued … 

Heavy rain, floods, and landslide dangers as monsoon air currents persist

Thailand continues to experience heavy rainfall in various regions due to eastward-moving monsoon air currents and southwestern monsoon winds that still cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the need for vigilance against potential danger from intense and accumulated rainfall, which might lead to sudden floods and landslides, particularly in steep terrain near water courses and low-lying areas. Continued …

Triple surge in dengue cases challenge Thai healthcare system

A surge in dengue patients has been recorded in the first half of this year, with numbers almost triple that of the same period last year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The dengue outbreak continues to challenge the healthcare system, as the number of infected individuals soars.

From Jan. 1 to June 28, 27,377 dengue cases were identified, marking a near tripling of the numbers from the corresponding period the previous year. Furthermore, the DDC reported that 33 patients have tragically lost their lives in these cases due to the severe dengue outbreak. Continued …

Thailand has 150,000+ stateless children

Thailand is host to the second-largest refugee population in Asia. There are over 150,000 stateless children in the system, plus an estimated 50,000 who are not registered.

Though Thailand has made a lot of progress in the past 10 years, especially in terms of policies, there is still room for improvement in accelerating the process and reaching the goal of zero stateless children in the near future. Continued …

Ceremony held to remember those who died during Tham Luang rescue

A religious ceremony was held this morning in front of Tham Luang cave, in the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Mai, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the dramatic search and rescue mission for 12 members of the “Wild Boar” school footballer team and their coach, trapped inside the flooded cave from June 23 to July 10, 2018.

The ceremony was also held to pay respects to two members of the Thai Navy SEAL team who died during the rescue, Saman Kunan and Beirut Pakbara, the late Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn, who supervised the search and rescue operations, and Duangphet Promthep, one of the footballers who died in February this year while studying in Britain. Continued …

Plai Sak Surin eating well, sleeping well and free of disease

The Thai elephant brought back from Sri Lanka has tested negative for six communicable diseases common among pachyderms in his first seven days of quarantine. The elephant is being quarantined at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang.

Saran Chansittivej, a veterinarian tending to the elephant, said on Sunday that blood and stool tests found Plai Sak Surin free of the following diseases: Continued …

A brief history of Thailand’s ‘elephant diplomacy’

When thinking about sending Thai elephants abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is the time when His Majesty King Rama IV attempted to gift elephants to former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

Silpa-Mag and Siammanussati websites stated that HM King Rama IV contacted the former president on multiple occasions. In 1856, a royal letter and gifts were sent to President Franklin Pierce and then to James Buchanan in 1859. Continued …

Four dead, 27 injured as bus carrying Thai marathon runners topples over

In Sisaket, a province in northeastern Thailand, a tragic turn of events led to the death of four individuals and left 27 others with injuries of varying severity. The Sisaket bus accident took place yesterday morning when the vehicle ferrying marathon runners toppled over and plunged into the dense forest on a steep mountain road.

The runners, affiliated with Luang Pu Suang Wat Phrai Phatthana Technological College, embarked on their journey around 9.30am. The bus was in the process of climbing a mountain road near the Phaya Krupri Viewpoint when it fell off the steep road. Continued …

Thai mother amputee defies odds, on road to recovery

The son of the Thai woman who lost her leg in a faulty airport escalator believes she will be running faster than him in no time as she took her first steps on the road to recovery.

Suphannee Kittirattana yesterday took her first tentative steps since her leg was amputated after it got tangled in a dodgy travelator at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on June 29. Continued …

What can Australia learn from Thailand a year after cannabis was decriminalized?

Stone Age, iStoned, High Got You, and Wake N’ Bake are just a handful of the endless weed puns popping up on shop signs across Thailand.

Over the past year, thousands of marijuana businesses have flooded the streets since the country decriminalized cannabis to help boost the tourism, agriculture and wellness industries. Continued …

Outside of Politics, Thailand Has a Good Story to Tell

When central bankers line up almost daily to assert their commitment to fighting inflation, it makes me think of Thailand. Not the fine resorts and great food. The country’s untrumpeted success is seriously taming prices to the point where officials might want to think about easing up, lest the economy slows too much.

Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been blindsided by the modest nature of China’s rebound. Tourism, a key industry, is gradually recovering. The number of Chinese visitors is heading in the right direction, but nothing like the surge that was anticipated when Beijing canceled Covid Zero. Thailand’s divisive politics aren’t helpful: Two months after an election, the country is without a prime minister. Continued …

Tourism is still driving growth of Thai economy, central bank says

Tourism remains the engine of growth for the Thai economy, and with the number of foreign visitors continuing to rise, economic growth will pick up, according to the Bank of Thailand monetary policy department Director Sakkapop Panyanukul.

Consumption will also rise due to the recovery in the labor market, Sakkapop said. Government spending also increased in both operational and capital expenditures, he added. Continued …

Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign

The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year.

This initiative is a concerted effort by the government, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and over 130 healthcare, wellness businesses and service providers including hotels, spas, health resorts, hospitals, and clinics. Continued …

Pai Suspends Tubing in Rainy Season, Offers Jazz And Green

Tourism in Mae Hong Son province confirms the need to suspend tube rafting, a popular tourist activity in Pai district, due to high water levels during the rainy season. The risks of forest water and flash floods pose a danger to tourists.

Panuwat Khadnak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mae Hong Son Office, said that, according to the measures to promote rubber rafting tourism on the Pai River, all entrepreneurs are required to stop rubber rafting activities on the Pai River for the safety of tourists. Continued …

Jet Tila’s Top 3 Thai Curry Recipe Videos

Video 

Paradise awaits campers at Kanchanaburi’s Kroeng Krawia Waterfall

The wet season is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit the Kroeng Krawia waterfall in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Located near the Khao Laem National Park’s Protection Unit 1, the beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush forests also offers stunning misty mornings.

Though offering unspoiled views, the surrounding area has been developed as a camping site, with facilities like toilets, electricity, wi-fi and food outlets. Continued …

Where to find the most famous street food in Bangkok

There are many reasons why people visit Bangkok: a change of pace, or the nightlife, or indeed, even the food. No one can deny how irresistible pad thai looks as you’re down the streets, or how curious the cravings for some khao tom pla can get after a few drinks.

From gai yang to som tum and boat noodles, here’s where to find some of the most famous street food in Bangkok. These neighborhoods are known for their good food, with a few standout stalls you should check out, too. Continued …

Driverless taxis to start paid service in Beijing

A larger fleet of driverless taxis will soon be available for hire in the capital city as the Office of the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone has decided to launch the commercial operation of autonomous vehicles and expand their serviceable area. Continued …

Nail salon robbery attempt foiled by disinterested staff and customers

An audacious, yet futile robbery attempt at a nail salon in Atlanta, United States, has left not only the perpetrator in disbelief but also the public, as both the staff and patrons seemed to be unfazed by the incident. Continued …

Proof humans reshaped the world? Chickens

When aliens or our distant progeny sift through layers of sediment 500,000 years from now to decode the Earth’s past, they will find unusual evidence of the abrupt change that upended life half-a-million years earlier – chicken bones. Continued …

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED! Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

 

bangkok, cha am, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 22

  • Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +/
  • Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae/
  • 14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am/
  • Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings/
  • El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather/
  • Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’/
  • Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN/
  • Is honey good for you?/
  • Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage/Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’/Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds/Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business/
  • Tourism: ‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise/Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July/Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination/US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show/Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist/
  • Thailand Experience: Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients/Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video/8 unique experiences in Phuket/
  • International: G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China/Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space/Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea/Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?/German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles/
  • 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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Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +

Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae

Garbage traps were installed at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae on Friday in a bid to combat marine debris and sea pollution.

The nets have been installed in an area spanning 38 meters in locations specifically chosen to trap and intercept the most amount of litter. Continued …

14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am

Provincial wildlife protection authorities discovered the bodies of 14 dead macaques during a raid carried out at a house in Cha Am last Thursday.

Rescued from the property were another five macaques, who were alive but had been confined to distressing conditions, devoid of food and water. The operation was led by Prawet Sunthornthai, the director of the local wildlife conservation team, following a tip-off from a concerned neighbor. Continued …

Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings

The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning that the northern parts of Thailand may experience scorching temperatures with partly cloudy skies during the daytime. Some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms. Residents are encouraged to take care of their health due to the intense heat.

Meanwhile, the westerly winds blowing across the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand are likely to trigger heavy rainfall in some parts of the western south coast. Continued … 

El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather

An El Niño appears to be forming along the equato  off the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. That could have a big effect on the weather around the world.

For three years now, La Niña was large and in charge, but the La Niña ended, and now warmer water temperatures signal an El Niño probably is forming. Continued …

Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’

The head of Thai Condominium Assn., Peerapong Jaroon-ek, said yesterday the private sector is certain senators would definitely endorse Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister, as they would not dare oppose voters who gave his party a huge victory, with Pheu Thai Party coming second.

Peerapong, who is also CEO of Origin Plc, also foresees economic and social improvement after the new government is formed, with this boosting confidence among both Thai and foreign investors. Continued …

Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN

The need for a common indicator to track air quality in Southeast Asia has become more urgent, with drier weather conditions and the likelihood of the warmer El Nino weather phenomenon developing in the coming months.

This call from experts comes as Singapore is set to host talks from June 7 to 8 with ASEAN members Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to develop a second road map for transboundary haze cooperation. Continued …

Is honey good for you?

Bees are, well, the bee’s knees. They are master pollinators. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these busy pollinators “contribute to 35 percent of the world’s total crop production, pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops worldwide.”

And, they create honey – a sweet, sticky, natural substance that they make as food for themselves. It also provides all kinds of benefits for humans. Sweet! Continued …

Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up

The number of Covid-19 inpatients continued to increase and fatalities also rose over the past week, when schools reopened, the Department of Disease Control reported today.

The department recorded 2,632 Covid-19 inpatients from May 14 to May 20, up about 12% from 2,356 cases between May 7 and May 13. Continued …

Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage

Executives in the Thai property sector on Saturday called for the new government to be formed as quickly and smoothly as possible, and advised it to raise the minimum wage gradually to prevent a sudden surge in costs.

Worawut Kanchanakul, president of residential developer W House, said the new government should increase the minimum wage gradually, so entrepreneurs will be able to cope with rising construction costs. Continued …

Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’

The Move Forward Party (MFP) should let Pheu Thai handle the country’s economic policy, business leaders said, warning that raising wages too high and too fast could lead to job losses due to workers being replaced by machines.

Pratheep Watcharachokkasem, deputy chair of the United Chinese Clans Assn. of Thailand, said he had written to MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Continued …

Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds

Thailand’s unemployment rate hit a three-year low in the first quarter, the state planning agency said today, declining to 1.05% from 1.15% in the last three months of 2022, as recovery in the crucial tourism industry strengthened.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter, driven by the continued pickup in the travel sector, a key source of jobs that was decimated by the pandemic. Continued …

Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business

UK-based Telehouse opened its first data center in Thailand on Friday, saying it will provide the best ecosystem for all internet-related customers in the country, while also meeting Thailand’s sustainability needs.

It will be Thailand’s first data center entirely powered by renewable energy, said Telehouse Thailand Managing Director Ken Miyashita. The new 2.5-billion-baht data center will be a safe and reliable hub of connection in Bangkok and the Southeast Asia region, Miyashita said at the inaugural ceremony for the data center. Continued …

‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise

It is no wonder that Russians facing travel restrictions to most of the rest of the world are flocking to Thailand. With its fine white sands, stunning landscapes and rich culture, “the land of a thousand smiles” has much to offer paradise seekers, never mind those fleeing a tightening autocracy, economic downturn and war.

The Thai island of Phuket expects to welcome one million Russians this year — the biggest group of foreign visitors by far — according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Some are escaping the dim of winter. Some are dodging the draft. Others are buying local property as a ticket to a new life. Continued …

Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July

Safety measures are being implemented ahead of the Tham Luang Cave site’s reopening in July, as announced by Thailand‘s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The cave gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach were trapped inside for 18 days due to flooding before being successfully rescued. Continued …

Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination

Khon Kaen has inaugurated “Blue Lagoon,” a new tourist attraction featuring an emerald-green quarry surrounded by expansive limestone hills, spanning over 100 acres.

Located in Na Fai subdistrict, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, also known as the Nong Haeo-Song Khon area, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, this natural quarry has rapidly gained popularity among travelers. The sight of the ancient green quarry, glistening under the midday sun, has earned it the esteemed title of Khon Kaen’s stunning and novel “Blue Lagoon.” Continued …

US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show

Former U.S. late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien is getting ready to release a show on Bangkok that is due to air on HBO Max, the popular U.S.-based streaming TV service, in the coming year as part of his “Conan Without Borders” series.

One of America’s longest-running late-night talk show hosts has been working in recent weeks in Bangkok with a broadcast understood to be in the pipeline promoting the world’s most visited city. Continued …

Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist

A European tourist was reunited with his bag containing money and assets worth 200,000 baht yesterday thanks to the honest owner of a som tam restaurant in Phuket.

The restaurant, Som Tam Yam 3 Aow, posted photos of the smiling tourist with a big stash of cash on Facebook with the caption, “From the incident where a customer had forgotten a bag at the shop yesterday containing cash and assets worth almost 200,000 baht.” Continued …

Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients

Thai food is famously known for its liberal use of flavors derived from fresh ingredients, as well as an array of pre-made condiments that add depths of flavor to food. Whether it is a soup, curry, salad or even grilled vegetables or meat, Thai food is packed with spice, citrus and tons of umami flavor.

While it isn’t always possible to peel, chop and grind ingredients to make pastes or condiments from scratch, one can always stock up on a few basic ingredients to bring that Thai flair to your food. Here’s a list of a few must-haves in your pantry, if Thai food is something you find yourself steering toward often, for meals like lunch or dinner. Continued … 

Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video 

8 unique experiences in Phuket

At Phuket’s far southeastern tip, sleepy Ao Yon Beach is the perfect place to ease into a Phuket escape. Accommodation at The Mooring Resort comprises a handful of stylish villas arrayed with a shaded swimming pool, with free kayaks and paddleboards for launching off a private bay. Just a sandy barefoot stroll away, The Cove dishes up wood-fired pizza and great cocktails.

On weekends, Ao Yon gets slightly busier, as local families swim at a nearby cove, picnic on the beach, and enjoy a scattering of street food stalls. If you’re after something more energetic, fire up the handy Grab or Bolt ride-sharing apps for the 20-minute journey north to Phuket Town. Continued …

G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China

The Group of Seven (G7) nations signaled to Russia their readiness to stand by Ukraine for the long haul, while giving President Volodymyr Zelensky a chance to win over countries such as Brazil and India on the last day of a summit in Japan. Continued …

Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space

Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday. SpaceX launched the ticket-holding crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company that arranged the trip from Kennedy Space Center. Also on board: a U.S. businessman who now owns a sports car racing team. Continued …

Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea

An archaeological investigation on two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea was launched on Saturday, opening a new chapter of China’s deep-sea archaeology, according to a press conference held Sunday in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province. Continued …

Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?

Last year was a rough one for cryptocurrencies, as Bitcoin, the largest digital asset in the world, lost nearly 65% of its market value. Crypto enthusiasts were caught off guard by a series of unfortunate events, such as the Terra Luna crash, the collapse of major exchange FTX, and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Continued …

German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles

German police are investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after a journalist and an activist reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents, a spokesman for the force said on Sunday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • 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 one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing 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.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

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bangkok, climate change, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s News-Feb 16

  • Another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News/
  • Thai Cave Survivor Duangphet ‘Dom’ Phromthep Dies At 17/
  • Coach Praises ‘Wild Boars’ Football Team Captain Who Died In UK/
  • British diver from Thai cave rescue honors team captain/
  • Meet Sierra and Sahara – Thailand’s search-and-rescue stars in Turkey/
  • 4-legged lifesavers/
  • Free Stray Dog and Cat Sterilization Clinic Returns to Prachuap Khiri Khan/
  • Run for Hunger set March 11 at Monsoon Valley/
  • Thailand cuts use of plastic bags by over 148,000 tons in three years/
  • Makro launches ‘Makro PRO” to enhance online business/
  • Thailand’s diesel price set to drop/
  • Top Royal Thai Police officers under scrutiny over links to illegal online gambling/
  • Clean energy key to Thai climate goals/
  • China’s Global Influence Campaign: Its Effects in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Thailand could achieve pre-Covid tourist numbers next year as Chinese package tours resume/
  • Thailand Experience: Visit These Incredible Hidden Gems The Next Time You’re In Thailand/Street food in Bangkok: Aussie expat chef gives his top tips/
  • International: Russia declares battlefield gains as NATO ramps up weaponry for Ukraine/Conspiracy theories on ’15-minute cities’ flourish/
  • 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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Another happy customer renews sponsorship of Expat News

AVATAR GARDEN in Hua Hin Soi 73 is serving the famous Nua Khu Beef Noodle Soup besides authentic Thai-Food & many homemade marinated BBQ-Dishes like Thai-Wagyu Beef-Steaks & Burgers on a Pretzel Bun, Big Pork Chops, Barracuda Steaks & Cajun-Prawns, Lamb T-Bone Steaks & Sausages, grilled at our Avatar Garden in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Please Visit Us! Tel: 084 023 2408. 129/9 Soi 73 off Phetkasem Road Hua Hin; Facebook 

Thai Cave Survivor Duangphet ‘Dom’ Phromthep Dies At 17

One of the 12 famous “Wild Boar” football team members who were rescued after getting stuck in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave for 17 days in 2018 has passed away from an unknown cause while studying in the United Kingdom.

Duangphet “Dom” Promthep had been admitted to a hospital for 2-3 days after a fall, Thai media reported. The teenage footballer was put on a ventilator but suddenly passed away. He was reported to have suffered a head injury.

The report about Dom’s passing was posted on social media yesterday by an official from the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Kamon Khunngamkwamdee. Continued …

Coach Praises ‘Wild Boars’ Football Team Captain Who Died In UK

The coach of the “Wild Boars” youth football team whose captain, Duangphet Phromthep, or Nong Dom, died in UK after winning a scholarship to study and play football there, praised him as a fighter who did not give up the football path.

The deceased 17-year-old youth headed a team of 12 young footballers who together with their coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, or coach Aek, were trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district for 17 days in 2018.

This led to an international operation to rescue them and three movies having been about their ordeal, namely the 2022 film “Thirteen Lives” directed by Ron Howard, 2019’s “The Cave” and 2021’s “The Rescue”. Continued …

British diver from Thai cave rescue honors team captain

A British diver who participated in the 2018 Thai cave rescue made a statement honoring the captain of the Wild Boars football team, who recently passed away in the UK.

The diver, Rick Stanton, expressed his sorrow at the death of Duangphet Phromthep, the 17-year-old student he helped to save. Stanton said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Dom’s passing, which was announced by his school on Wednesday.

Stanton paid tribute to the teenager’s bravery during the rescue. Stanton said he remembered swimming toward Dom’s unconscious body to bring him to safety on the second day of the rescue. He also said Dom “took the lead,” and wrote the first messages to the outside world about the situation at the cave. Stanton said… Continued …

Meet Sierra and Sahara – Thailand’s search-and-rescue stars in Turkey

Two Golden Retrievers from Thailand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team are playing a starring role in the international mission following the earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.

The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude quake and aftershocks that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on Feb. 6 rose to more than 41,000 on Wednesday, with millions more affected in both countries.

Thai female sniffer dogs Sierra and Sahara quickly became social media stars after starting their mission on Saturday in Hatay, a southern Turkish province on the Mediterranean coast that borders Syria. Continued …

4-legged lifesavers

Dogs are involved in search-and-rescue missions after every major earthquake, including the recent Turkey-Syria disaster.

Before joining missions, they go through hundreds of hours of training lasting between 1.5 and 2 years.

The cost of training each dog is high but their value is incalculable in terms of human lives they save. Continued …

Free Stray Dog and Cat Sterilization Clinic Returns to Prachuap Khiri Khan

The People and Animals Thailand (PAT) clinic will offer free sterilization and vaccinations for dogs and cats in the area to help manage the population and reduce the suffering of street animals.

The PAT clinic helped more than 6,000 dogs and cats when it first opened in 2019, before it was sadly forced to close due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the free sterilization and vaccination clinic is re-opening to once again help thousands of Thailand’s street animals and help tackle the overpopulation of street cats and dogs in local areas. Continued …

Run for Hunger set March 11 at Monsoon Valley

Scholars of Sustenance Thailand – SOS Thailand is organizing a charity walk-run tobe held at Monsoon Valley Vineyard on March 11.

The first annual “Run for Hunger” event will support the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation’s food rescue mission in Hua Hin.

By participating in this event, you’ll be taking a step toward reducing food waste and creating food security in Thailand. And, the best part is that the entire family, including furry friends, can join in on the fun! Continued …

Thailand cuts use of plastic bags by over 148,000 tons in three years

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) on Wednesday credited its campaigns among the public for the sharp reduction in the use of single-use plastic and plastic shopping bags, totaling more than 148,000 tons in about three years.

PCD Director-general Pinsak Suraswadi said the department had launched the campaigns in cooperation with the Environmental Quality Promotion Department (EQPD) in 2018 with the aim of reducing single-use plastic bags and plastic shopping bags by 43% by 2021.

Pinsak said the campaigns had succeeded in reducing the use of plastic bags by 148,699 tons, according to an analysis by the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, or the Material Flow of Plastic Analysis, at the end of 2021. Continued …

Makro launches ‘Makro PRO” to enhance online business

Tanit Chearavanont, chief executive officer of Makro Thailand has launched its “Makro PRO” application to offer best customer experience and aim to grow 88% of its e-commerce business.

“Makro is committed to being an omni-channel wholesale leader, where online and offline service seamlessly integrated. Having 34 years of experience and strength in fresh food products along with a nationwide service network, the newly introduced mobile application would be a great platform to offer good variety of over 50,000 products, great value, best customer experience and opportunity for small business operators to have marketplace to build sustainable growth together with Makro,” Tanit said. Continued …

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Get a beach-bed at our Anantasila beach – 500 Baht per person

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Thailand’s diesel price set to drop

Thailand’s diesel price was set to drop yesterday. The country’s domestic price of diesel was expected to drop by 0.5 baht per liter, according to the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO). This is the second reduction in diesel prices this month, with another 0.5 baht per liter drop scheduled for Feb. 22.

Officials determined last week that the price would drop from 34.94 baht per liter to 34.44 baht per liter on Feb. 15.

According to Global Petrol Prices, Thailand’s diesel price was 34.47 on Feb. 13. Continued …

Top Royal Thai Police officers under scrutiny over links to illegal online gambling

New allegations of corruption within the Royal Thai Police linked to the kingdom’s huge illicit illegal gambling rackets have led to National Police Commissioner Damrongsak Kittiprapat ordering an expedited report by the police inspectorate seeking confirmation of serious allegations that two top police officers have been complicit in such activities including being in receipt of hefty bribes from such entities allowing a mid-level officer to fund a lavish international lifestyle.

The officer has also been linked to the operation of an upmarket massage parlor in Bangkok. Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha has given the police chief his backing to get to the bottom of the latest affair linked to the force as his government faces searching questions this week in parliament as an opposition-tabled debate gets underway.

Following an order from the prime minister’s Office as public confidence in the Royal Thai Police continues to tumble, with waves of corruption allegations at all levels battering the force week after week, Damrongsak has ordered the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate the latest claims made by whistleblower xtraordinaire Chuwit Kamolvisit relating to senior officers within the force and their links to huge worldwide gambling operations and even international oil trading. Continued …

Clean energy key to Thai climate goals

Thailand has vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2065, but without taking action against its biggest polluter – the energy sector – its promise will fall flat.

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt last year, Thailand maintained its previous goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 – another 27 years, and having net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2065 -or almost half a century.

As the country’s largest producer of car bon dioxide, which is the major cause of global warming, the energy sector also has the greatest potential to reduce emissions gases by 2065 – or almost half a century. . Continued … 

China’s Global Influence Campaign: Its Effects in Thailand

China’s global influence campaign to wield power within other countries’ societies and politics is particularly evident in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Taiwan.

In Thailand, where the public and many elites have historically had relatively warm views of China, Beijing has launched a multitude of efforts. These include signing content-sharing deals that enable Xinhua to be picked up in many elite outlets, extensively cultivating the local business community, using Confucius Institutes, expanding state media in Thailand, and many other efforts.

Many of these efforts support the military — and, in many ways, the monarchy — and, as a result, help keep the lese majeste and 112 laws in place in Thailand. Continued … 

Thailand could achieve pre-Covid tourist numbers next year as Chinese package tours resume

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) on Wednesday welcomed the return of Chinese tour groups, saying their return earlier than expected would help tourist arrivals reach the pre-Covid level next year.

Wichit Prakobkosol, an adviser to ATTA, said the number of Chinese tourists were rebounding fast because the list of 20 nations that the Chinese government allowed its people to visit as tour groups did not include Thailand’s major competitors for Chinese tourists in Asia.

He said the list did not include Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, so most Chinese tour groups chose to visit Thailand. Continued … 

Visit These Incredible Hidden Gems The Next Time You’re In Thailand

Millions of travelers visit Thailand every year, and beyond the country’s bustling capital, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, this world-famous destination is rarely explored.

Thailand is brimming with secret but bucket-list-worthy places waiting to be discovered. From incredible parks to waterfalls to islands and beaches, getting off the beaten track in this country might be challenging but definitely rewarding. They are less crowded and disclose a unique side of Thailand that only the locals are familiar with. Visit these incredible hidden gems the next time you are in Thailand.

Chanthaburi

Located in the east side of the country, Chanthaburi is a charming small town located in the province of the same name. People refer to this town as the “gem of Thailand” because it largely deals with precious gemstones, which are cleaned, polished, and then traded with foreign and local buyers. Continued …

Street food in Bangkok: Aussie expat chef gives his top tips

A Bangkok-based expat of more than a decade in Thailand has given his top tip for eating street food. Aussie chef Chris Miller says tourists should eat their hearts out but with one big caveat.

“The number one tip is, if the place is busy, it is good because Thai people vote with their feet, like everybody,” Miller explained.

“If it is well patronized, it is going to be the best. People are always worried about eating on the street when it is their first time in Thailand. Really, you don’t have to be worried. It is fresh, clean and such high production that there is very little chance of being sick.” Continued …

Russia declares battlefield gains as NATO ramps up weaponry for Ukraine

Russia said it had broken through two of Ukraine’s fortified defense lines in the east of the country, while Western countries announced more military spending on Ukraine, including artillery rounds, as Kyiv warned of continued Russian attacks. Continued … 

Conspiracy theories on ’15-minute cities’ flourish

Urban planners are fending off abuse fueled by conspiracy theories about their “15-minute city” regeneration projects, which suspicious social media users claim are the road to “climate lockdowns”. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

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

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.. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-Jan 27

  • Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok rerouted to new terminal/
  • Hua Hin celebrates international charity night/
  • Bangkok to move forward with removing street food from its streets/
  • Why so many Thais have Chinese ancestry/
  • Google identifies three consumer trends for Thailand/
  • Thailand to send its first Earth exploration satellite into orbit this year/
  • Australia returns 9 ancient Buddha statues to Thailand after 112 years/
  • Tourism: Confidence and trust in Thailand damaged by Chinese VIP tourist services/Tourism operators exasperated regarding police scams/Police deny extorting money from Taiwanese actress/TAT expects 5 million Chinese tourists this year/Boutique routes added to tourism market/
  • Thailand Experience: Where to travel in Thailand for Valentine’s Day/
  • International: Regional CEOs on edge/US says it ‘hacked the hackers’ to bring down ransomware gang/One third of Amazon ‘degraded’ by human activity, drought/Climate tipping points in Amazon, Tibet ‘linked’/
  • 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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Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok rerouted to new terminal

Some train services between Hua Hin and Bangkok have been rerouted to the new Krung Thep Apiwat Central Terminal.

According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the change affects all rapid, express and special express trains between Hua Hin and Bangkok.

All ordinary, tourist and freight trains will continue to arrive and depart Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumphong Station) until further notice. Continued …

Hua Hin celebrates international charity night

Attending the “Amazing Colorful’’ International Charity Night at Market Village on Wednesday was an opportunity to be part of an extravagant display of color, diversity, fashion and beauty, attended by the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Hua Hin community.

Strutting their stuff on the stage were the queens of past and current beauty pageants, but really starring were students from the Stamford International University in sensational costume and high-energy performances. Continued …

Bangkok to move forward with removing street food from its streets

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt on Wednesday hosted a meeting among officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) regarding the reorganization of hawkers and vending stands in the city areas.

The move aims to tidy up the city by providing suitable spaces for vendors, while prioritizing the safety and ease of travel for pedestrians, said the governor.

He added that BMA will discuss with street vendors to allocate suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. One of the possible solutions is to open vending zones on private properties, he said. Continued …

Why so many Thais have Chinese ancestry

With the Chinese New Year wrapping up, those who venture out onto Thailand’s streets will see just how much the country’s history has been shaped by China.

Modern-day Thai people are thought to have emigrated from China over 1,000 years ago. The Tai ethnicity originally consisted of those who spoke a common Tai language. Those same people migrated from China down through Southeast Asia, with many ending up calling their newly discovered land “home.”

As they initially settled in Thailand’s northern areas, they eventually spread throughout the kingdom, making up the majority of the Thai population today. Continued …

Google identifies three consumer trends for Thailand

Internet giant Google has identified Thailand’s three main consumer trends, based on their web searches in 2022.

The three trends – Thai people cherishing their own identities and lifestyles, paying attention to economic circumstances, and finding ways to create joy – were identified in Google’s “Year in Search 2022–Thailand” report, which shared insights into consumers’ behavior.

“Millions of Thais use Google Search every day to find information they are looking for. We have noticed changes in consumer behaviors as we analyze billions of searches every year to identify key trends,” said Saranee Boonritthongchai, country marketing manager of Google Thailand. Continued …

Thailand to send its first Earth exploration satellite into orbit this year

Thailand plans to launch its first industrial-grade Earth exploration satellite this year, deputy government spokesman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday.

The main satellite, THEOS-2, is the product of joint cooperation between 20 Thai satellite engineers, international organizations specialized in space technology and the Geo-Informatics Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand, she said.

The THEOS-2 satellite weighs about 425kg and is equipped with a high resolution camera. It was designed to be used to explore the Earth, for public disaster management and security. Continued …

Australia returns 9 ancient Buddha statues to Thailand after 112 years

Nine wooden Buddha statues have returned to Thailand after being in Australia for 112 years.

Murray Upton, an Australian man from Canberra, contacted the Royal Thai Embassy that he was in possession of nine ancient Buddha statues from Thailand.

The Australian said he received the Buddha statues from his father. He said they were in his father’s possession since 1911. Continued …

Confidence and trust in Thailand damaged by Chinese VIP tourist services

Despite growing public anger this week prompting statements from Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, it appears that three police officers involved in providing a VIP service to an incoming Chinese tourist party, including fast-track immigration clearance and a police escort service to Pattaya, will not face serious legal consequences, although they will face disciplinary proceedings.

The scandal has led to a tourism industry chief calling on the government to deal with online advertising in China revealing not only that such services are available at all Thai international airports but that they extend to a range of offerings provided by both public and private sector actors, extending to opening bank accounts, IVF services and other personal services to Chinese visitors.

The tourist boss warned that the situation has resulted in a “tremendous downgrade” of security confidence in Thailand as a destination. The president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Sisadiwat Cheewaratanaporn, said such services continued to be advertised on popular Chinese retail sites this week. Continued … 

Tourism operators exasperated regarding police scams

Tourism operators have expressed frustration over repeated scandals involving Thai police, after they were accused of extorting a Taiwanese actress during her trip to the country.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) urged an investigation into the issue to evaluate its impact on the country.

Taiwanese actress Charlene An talked with media about her experience, claiming she was extorted of 27,000 baht by Thai police on Jan. 4. The incident was widely reported by Taiwanese media this week. Continued …

Police deny extorting money from Taiwanese actress

After a Taiwanese actress accused Huai Khwang police of taking a 27,000 baht payoff from her during New Year holiday visit to Bangkok, the seven policemen at a checkpoint where she and her friends were stopped have denied the extortion allegations.

The Instagram posts of actress An Yu-Qing, whose English name is Charlene An, accuses Huai Kwang police of having shaken her down for 27,000 baht the night of Jan. 4, a day before her departure.

She alleged that while going back to her hotel in a taxi with some friends at around 1 a.m., police at a checkpoint stopped them and searched her bag. They asked to see her passport and then, according to her, they said her visa on arrival is not acceptable, only a proper stamped visa. Continued … 

TAT expects 5 million Chinese tourists this year

Thailand’s tourism industry has welcomed the news that the Chinese government is allowing the group tour market to resume after a hiatus of almost three years. The Chinese tourists will be able to visit 20 countries, including Thailand, a blessing for the hospitality industry that stands to benefit from the return of a significant increase in these international tourists and the revenue they would bring.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects at least 5 million Chinese tourists to visit Thailand this year. Approximately 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2019 before the Covid-19 outbreak, and they generated 531 million baht in tourism income. TAT expects the revenue from Chinese tourists this year to exceed that of the pre-Covid era.

In a reassuring message to the public, the Thai government says Thailand will be able to contain the spread of Covid-19 despite the influx of tourists from China, which is seeing a massive increase in cases following the relaxation of the zero-Covid policy. Continued … 

Boutique routes added to tourism market

As China has witnessed rapid social and economic development over the past few decades, more Chinese people are willing to explore tailored traveling routes. Thailand’s tourism sector has sensed the new trends and has started to launch more diversified products.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok has worked with the five TAT offices in the People’s Republic of China to offer niche products to Chinese travelers.

“Over the past years, we have tapped the potential segments in China, such as luxury, weddings, honeymoons, and sports tourism,” said Tanes Petsuwan, TAT deputy governor for international marketing, Asia and the South Pacific. Continued …

Where to travel in Thailand for Valentine’s Day

A change of pace can really rejuvenate your soul, and having some company to experience that with you is the cherry on top. Let’s show you a few places in Thailand to travel to for Valentine’s Day.

Sometimes you need a break from all this daily routine. Working nine to five—what a way to make a livin’. It’s only right to treat yourself every once in a while, and what would be a better occasion than Valentine’s Day?

Grab your significant other (or some of your best friends) and embark on a trip you’ll never forget. These places would surely do the trick, and more. Continued … 

Regional CEOs on edge

As macroeconomic conditions deteriorate, uncertainty rises and inflation hits levels not seen in decades, chief executives of companies in Asia-Pacific have more to worry about than usual. Continued … 

Denmark plans military conscription for women

Denmark plans compulsory military conscription for women, as the country seeks to significantly boost the size of its armed forces. Currently, women can join the military on a voluntary basis, while men generally are required to serve if they are called on under a lottery system, for a duration of four months for most. Continued … 

US says it ‘hacked the hackers’ to bring down ransomware gang

The Federal Bureau of Investigation hacked a prolific ransomware gang called Hive to disrupt its operations and rescue its victims, senior U.S. officials said on Thursday. Officials said government hackers broke into Hive’s network and put the gang under surveillance, surreptitiously stealing the digital keys the group used to unlock victim organizations’ data. Continued …

One third of Amazon ‘degraded’ by human activity, drought

More than one-third of the Amazon rainforest may have been degraded by human activity and drought, researchers said Thursday, and action is needed to protect the critically important ecosystem. Continued …

Climate tipping points in Amazon, Tibet ‘linked’

Climate extremes in the Amazon rainforest are directly affecting those in the Tibetan Plateau, scientists said Thursday, warning that the Himalayan region crucial for the water security of millions was close to a potentially disastrous “tipping point”. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

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

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 23

1 Comment

  • International Charity Night Wednesday at Market Village/
  • Orchid Palm Homes Cup Feb 5/
  • Thailand’s exploited, vulnerable sex workers could soon be protected by law/
  • 11 die in passenger van crash/
  • Confidence in police plunges amidst policing scandals/
  • ‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble/
  • ‘Kitty’ out to play in Kanchanaburi/
  • 2023: What’s in the Rabbit’s hat for you this year?/
  • Three faces of the Chinese rabbit you may not know/
  • British diver dies in mysterious circumstances on Koh Tao/
  • Govt to give away 100 million condoms to Thailand’s sexually active/
  • Thailand’s Japanese eateries rise 22%/
  • Tourism: Thailand among 23 ‘best places to visit’ in the world this year/Foreign Ministry to expand e-visa system for tourists/Chinese group tours arriving from Feb 6/Surat Thani to welcome first international chartered flight in 3 years/Chiang Mai expects up to 1 billion baht in tourist revenue during Chinese New Year/Phuket camp adds elephants for tourists to ride on/Does Phuket need 14 million tourists?/
  • Thailand Experience: Video: Surat Thani’s new hidden gem/Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours/Best Bangkok Local Food Stalls and Restaurants To Try/This Treepod Restaurant in Thailand Has Ziplining Servers and Unreal Views/Vegan and vegetarian options in Thai cuisine/
  • International: How climate change, smaller yields are affecting Asian rice production/Russia suffers 180,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine/
  • 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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Orchid Palm Homes Cup Feb 5

The Orchid Palm Homes Cup VII will be held at the Hua Hin International School in Black Mountain on Feb. 5. The 6-a-side tournament will feature eight under-10 teams.

Last year, the event featured under-13 teams. Eight teams have signed up, with Black Mountain and HHFA both sending two teams. Hua Hin City, Taptai, PP United and Nong Hoi will also be in action.

Thailand’s exploited, vulnerable sex workers could soon be protected by law

Many thousands of Thais have worked in the sex industry for decades without legal protection. So it’s not surprising that most of them are looking forward eagerly to the passage of the Sex Workers Protection Bill.

“With no legal shield at all, we are exploited both directly and indirectly,” said a 37-year-old sex worker.

In the 13 years she has been selling sexual services, she has witnessed operators use harsh tactics to control sex workers and ensure they keep bringing in the money. She pointed out that owners of venues where sex is traded must themselves pay officials under the table, as prostitution remains illegal in Thailand. Continued …

11 die in passenger van crash

Eleven people were killed and one injured when a passenger van drove into a roadside ditch and caught fire on the Friendship Highway in Sikhio district of Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday night.

The only survivor, who managed to escape from the burning van, told Si Khieu district police that he boarded the van in Amnat Charoen, heading to Nakhon Pathom, and that there were 12 passengers, including himself, on board.

He said he did not know what happened because he was sleeping and woke up as the van was plunging into the ditch. Continued …

Confidence in police plunges amidst policing scandals

Most Thais lack confidence in the police, and less than 10% say they have plenty of confidence in them, according to a survey published on Sunday.

The survey was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration from Jan. 18-20 – amidst high-profile scandals involving Thai police.

The institute said 1,310 people aged 18 and above responded to the survey nationwide. They represent a range of income and educational backgrounds, the institute said. It released the following summary of the survey: Continued …

‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble

Two of the three police officers who allegedly provided “special services” to a Chinese social media “influencer” have been transferred, Royal Thai Police said.

Spokesman Police Maj-General Atchayon Kraithong said on Saturday that the National Police chief ordered an investigation into claims by the Chinese influencer that she received “special services” from Thai police – for a price. The tourist’s TikTok clip of her “special” police escort to Pattaya has gone viral.

The tourist claimed that upon arrival, she was fast-tracked through immigration and then rushed through traffic to her hotel in the resort town. The trip took only one hour when it can take up to three hours in traffic. Apparently, a police siren was used during the trip and she claims it cost her no more than 7,000 baht. Continued …

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!

‘Kitty’ out to play in Kanchanaburi

People living in communities near the Srinagarind Dam, in Si Sawat district of Kanchanaburi province, have been advised not to forage in the forest or allow their children to play near the dam after a tiger was recorded by CCTV walking on the top of the dam early on Sunday morning.

The tiger, identified as “SLT022” by its stripes, is confirmed to have come from the Salak Phra forest, according to Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary chief, Paitoon Indharabut.

SLT022 was spotted at about 2am walking along the crest of the dam, said Paitoon, as he explained that the big cat might have used the same route previously, but had not been captured by the CCTV system before. Continued …

2023: What’s in the Rabbit’s hat for you this year?

The Rabbit has hopped into our lives for 2023, and with its Water element it brings “hope” for a peaceful and prosperous year. According to the Chinese zodiac, the luckiest signs this year will be the Ox, Tiger and Snake, followed by Dogs, Horses, Sheep and Pigs.

Poor Roosters and Monkeys will need to work really hard to make headway in 2023, while the fortunes of the Rabbit and Rat may face turmoil from Tai Sui, or the “Grand Duke of Jupiter”.

Here’s a quick look at how the gentle Water Rabbit may affect you this year, according to your birth sign: Continued …

Three faces of the Chinese rabbit you may not know

The Year of the Rabbit should not just conjure images of lithe, fluffy Peter Rabbits or Judy from Zootopia.

As China ushers in the Year of the Rabbit, a variety of bunnies have stormed the country’s shopping malls, parks and social media platforms. Clad in golden armor, riding on ferocious tigers or holding herb-pounding pestles, some may be less recognizable for non-Chinese rabbit lovers.

On the eve of the ChineseLunar Ne ear, which fstarted yesterday, Xinhua has rounded up some of the most famed rabbits in China and is offering explanations of their changing symbolism in modern-day China. Continued …

British diver dies in mysterious circumstances on Koh Tao

A British man was found dead on Thailand‘s notorious Koh Tao – also known as Death Island – on Wednesday. The circumstances around his death are a mystery.

The body of 48-year-old diving instructor Neil Giblin, from Birmingham, UK, was found dead in his rented bungalow on the island after he failed to turn up to a diving lesson.

Police say that he died from natural causes and there was no sign of struggle. Continued … 

Govt to give away 100 million condoms to Thailand’s sexually active

In a bid to crack down on unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV, the government is giving away free condoms to holders of the 30-baht universal healthcare card.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) intends to distribute about 100 million condoms to sexually active holders of 30-baht universal healthcare cards.

NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Chadet Thammathat-aree made known that the condoms, along with lubricating gel, will be distributed via the Paotang application starting from Feb. 1. Continued … 

Thailand’s Japanese eateries rise 22%

The number of Japanese eateries in Thailand rose by more than 20% last year, and they are poised to continue dominating the restaurant market, outpacing foreign peers.

According to the latest market survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the number of Japanese restaurants in Thailand in 2022 increased by 21.9%, or 955, from the year before to 5,325, the highest growth in 15 years.

The number of Japanese restaurants in Bangkok’s surrounding provinces and other provinces, in particular, posted remarkable growth. Continued …

Thailand among 23 ‘best places to visit’ in the world this year

Thailand has been included in this year’s Insider.com list of 23 best travel destinations in the world.

In an article published on Jan. 1, the website’s news and lifestyle editor Alesandra Dubin explained what these 23 destinations had to offer, though she did not rank them in a “best of” category.

Thailand was the 12th destination to be mentioned after Bhutan, Western Australia, the Cayman Islands, Dubai, France’s Loire Valley, Japan, Las Vegas, Bali in Indonesia, Merida in Mexico, Canouan Island in the Caribbean, and Turkey. Continued …

Foreign Ministry to expand e-visa system for tourists

The government has assigned the Foreign Ministry to further refine the e-visa system so that tourists from all nations can apply for entry visas more conveniently, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Trisulee Trisaranakul said the Foreign Ministry has been told to expand the capacity of the e-visa system so that it can handle the increasing number of foreign tourists who want to use it.

Trisulee said the government wanted to treat foreign tourists from all countries with the same standards and the number of foreign arrivals was rising – especially after the Chinese government ended its quarantine requirements. Continued …

Chinese group tours arriving from Feb 6

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Transport, Public Health and Tourism and Sport ministries to take appropriate steps to cope with increased arrivals from China, as the Chinese government has decided to allow group tours to visit 20 countries, including Thailand, effective from Feb. 6.

The other 19 countries are Indonesia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Lao PRD, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina.

Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul said that the China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has imposed a set of measures with which Chinese local administrations, tour agencies and Chinese tourists are required to comply.

Chinese tour companies, she said, have been instructed to comply strictly with Chinese health measures, and those of destination countries, and urge their customers to undergo COVID screening before departure. Continued …

Surat Thani to welcome first international chartered flight in 3 years

The southern tourist province of Surat Thani will welcome its first international chartered flight since the pandemic, which will land with about 180 visitors from Taiwan.

Surat Thani Gov. Wichawut Jinto said on Sunday that the fully booked Thai Lion Air flight SL-7391 from Taiwan would arrive at Surat Thani airport this evening. Continued …

Chiang Mai expects up to 1 billion baht in tourist revenue during Chinese New Year

Chiang Mai has been bustling with both Thai and Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year break, with many hotels boasting 90% occupancy.

The northern capital also expects to earn as much as 1 billion baht in revenue during this period.

This year, Chiang Mai is holding the Trok Lao Zho festival in Chinatown, while the municipality has also set up the Warorat Market in Muang district. The city, where most residents are ethnic Chinese, has burst into color for Chinese New Year after celebrations were suspended for two years during the pandemic. Continued … 

An elephant being “trained” for tourism

Phuket camp adds elephants for tourists to ride on

Chinese tourists are returning to Thailand, and with it, operators at elephant sanctuaries and shows are expecting a swell in customers. The Pang Chang Kamala Elephant Camp in Phuket has recently bought six new elephants to keep up with the rise in bookings after the Lunar New Year.

The camp offers a variety of activities for the new tourists streaming in. They offer activities such as elephant showers, as well as new programs such as elephant care. They also offer the often controversial elephant ride, which many argue constitutes animal cruelty and abuse.

Camp owner Wittaya Taweeros explained that they have increased the number of elephants, with the new six making a total of 25 elephants on-site. This allows the elephant camp to accommodate up to 300 guests per day, a significant increase from 200 customers a day previously. Continued … 

Does Phuket need 14 million tourists?

Assistant Professor Dr. Chayanon Phucharoen, deputy dean for research and graduate studies, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket campus, this week asked the most pressing question currently facing Phuket: Does Phuket need 14 million tourists? Continued …

Video: Surat Thani’s new hidden gem

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Ban Nam Rad Headwaters Forest, Surat Thani’s sparkling hidden gem. And stop to pay respect at the Surat Thani City Hall for good luck! VIDEO 

Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours

Clocking in at 10.7 million residents, Bangkok is an incredible, massive undertaking of a city. A seemingly endless sprawl of low-rise buildings punctuated by massive skyscrapers and tranquil temples, delicious food and bustling bars everywhere, there is an endless range of ways one could spend their days exploring what BKK has to offer.

Sadly, most Thailand tourism consists of travelers who are only stopping by Bangkok for a couple of days on their way into or out of the country. So what is one to do when they only have 48 hours in Bangkok?

One of the main challenges to experiencing the city in a short burst involves the sheer size of the place and the traffic that tends to inundate it, which makes it difficult to get anywhere fast, unless it happens to be along a Sky Train route. Continued …

Tom Yum Mama

Best Bangkok Local Food Stalls and Restaurants To Try

Many come to the Land of Smiles for various reasons, shopping for most, Thai massage for some, but for the Pandas, it is definitely the food. Be it fine dining, to local Thai fares, Bangkok has a lot to offer. Though, unlike the ever-changing cafe scene, the local food has much more to offer, including some institutions which we are only slowly to discover. Here is an ever-expanding list of recommended local Thai restaurants to check out.

Jeh O Chula

Perhaps the most popular and Instagram-worthy restaurant on this list, Jeh O Chula is basically a local Thai eatery serving up affordable comfort food. Their signature dish has to be the Tom Yum Mama, where you will find a big pot of instant noodles in Tom Yum broth together with a myriad of ingredients including prawns, cuttlefish, crispy pork belly, meatballs, and the raw eggs right in the middle. This is the perfect noodle after a long day out shopping in Bangkok, or for that late night supper. Continued …

This Treepod Restaurant in Thailand Has Ziplining Servers and Unreal Views

We are elevating higher, climbing toward the top of the forest. Our host pulls a lever to raise our bamboo treepod, where we’re lounging on canvas-cushioned seats, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Suddenly, a man who appears to be our dinner server — dressed in khaki and a harness — swiftly ziplines to a wooden footboard melded into a nearby Singapore Almond tree. There, we dangle mid-air as he gathers plates to serve into our levitating booth.

Safeguarded by harvested bamboo, the tableware stays put while the pod sways with the ocean breeze. Slipping through the ancient rainforest, dodging branches and the dangers of towering heights, the host seems to imitate Indiana Jones. Continued …

Vegan and vegetarian options in Thai cuisine

Thai cuisine is renowned for its rich, flavorful dishes. But did you know that it is also surprisingly abundant in vegan and vegetarian options?

While many dishes are traditionally made with meat and fish, there are plenty of Thai vegan and vegetarian food available. From noodles to curries, there is something for everyone no matter what your dietary preference.

Thai vegetarian food is mouth-watering and packed with an array of spices and herbs. Whether you are looking for something light and refreshing or something more substantial, Thai cuisine has it all. So, let’s explore the delicious Thai vegan and vegetarian options that Thai cuisine has to offer! Continued … 

How climate change, smaller yields are affecting Asian rice production

In 2022, Thailand’s Hom Mali rice lost its title of the World’s Best Rice to Cambodia’s Phka Rumduol grain, marking an embarrassing defeat for the crop often touted as the pride of the nation. Continued …

Russia suffers 180,000 dead or wounded in Ukraine

Russia has suffered 180,000 killed or wounded in Ukraine so far, while the figure for the Ukrainians is 100,000 military casualties and 30,000 dead civilians, according to estimates released Sunday by Norway’s army chief. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

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