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Monday’s news-March 2

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  • Makha Bucha and total lunar eclipse/Unstable weather for PKK/Family of woman murdered will receive 140,000 baht/PKK food businesses food safety training/Hua Hin Championship Road Race/Run for Salesian Centenary/Revenues Increased After Alcohol Sales Ban Lifted/Reprieve for salt tax/Thai Woman Marries Two Austrians/Gold rush hits Loei
  • NEW MIDEAST WAR: ‘Peace’ prsident vows to avenge US deaths/combat operations in Iran will continueIsraeli forces launched strikes on Lebanon/110,000 tHAI Nationals on Alert/Aircraft to Standby to Evacuate Thais/Thailand rolls out energy crisis plan/Urgent Economic Review in Thailand/Oil jumps 13%/What Escalation in the Gulf Could Mean/Strait of Hormuz: why it matters/Thai exports to Iran face risk/Global aviation chaos/AOT says 134 flights affected/Iran’s Search for a Third Supreme Leader
  • ECONOMY: Back to the drawing board on US tariffs
  • TOURISM: Increased Vigilance at Pai, Chiang Mai Sites/stricter checks at Thai airports/Thailand dental tourism market/Tourism surge meets reality check
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok vendors: lives on the street front/Essential Tips for Summer Vacation in Thailand/Five Southern Gems for Nature Lovers
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Makha Bucha night to bring a rare total lunar eclipse over Thailand tomorrow

A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place tomorrow, which also falls on Makha Bucha Day. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.

If you miss this viewing, the next one will not happen again until the New Year period, from the night of Dec. 31, 2028, into Jan. 1, 2029. Continued …

Unstable weather for PKK through Friday

A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Prachuap Khiri Khan, with officials urging residents to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds across the province from tomorrow through Friday.

The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said all districts could be affected by unstable weather conditions during the four-day period. Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates and announcements closely. Continued …

Family of woman murdered in Hua Hin will receive 140,000 baht

The family of a woman who was murdered at a hotel in Hua Hin will receive 140,000 baht in compensation, following a decision by a provincial subcommittee last week.

The compensation for the murder victim was approved during a meeting of the Provincial Subcommittee on Compensation for Injured Persons and Compensation and Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases, chaired by Sakorn Sitthisak, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued … 

PKK food businesses receive food safety training

Food safety training was the focus of a workshop held in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, as local food business operators gathered to strengthen hygiene standards and protect consumer health.

The session, organized by the Restaurant and Street Food Vendors Association of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan chapter, took place yesterday at Pranburi Cabana Resort in Sam Roi Yot district. It aimed to raise food safety standards among restaurant owners, street food vendors, and food handlers across the province. Continued … 

Hua Hin Championship Road Race attracts 600 cyclists

The Hua Hin Championship Road Race attracted more than 600 Thai and international cyclists yesterday morning, underlining the growing profile of road cycling in Prachuap Khiri Khan and reinforcing Hua Hin’s position as a sports tourism destination.

The second edition of the Hua Hin Championship Road Race was held at Wat Huay Mongkol, which served as the start and finish point for the event. Preeda Sukjai, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over the opening ceremony. Continued … 

Run for Salesian Centenary draws more than 2,000 runners

The Run for Salesian Centenary drew more than 2,000 runners to Hua Hin Wittayalai School yesterday morning, marking 100 years of the Salesian congregation’s mission in Thailand. The charity event aimed to raise funds for scholarships for underprivileged students, as well as new learning equipment to modernize teaching at the school.

Participants competed in 10km, 5km and 3km categories. The route started at Hua Hin Wittayalai School, continued along Soi 88, passed Hua Hin Railway Station and Hua Hin City Municipality, and followed Phetkasem Road toward Amari Hua Hin before returning to the school. Continued … 

Revenues Increased After Alcohol Sales 2–5pm Ban Lifted

Since the government canceled the long-standing prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages between 2-5 pm, in a move aimed at stimulating the economy and tourism, the early assessments indicate the change is likely to increase restaurant revenues by more than 20%, after aligning sales hours more closely with tourist behavior.

Information from the Ministry of Public Health, shows that during a two-month evaluation period for December and January, the average hourly rate of drink-driving between 3-5 pm was significantly lower than during the same period last year. The accident-occurrence graph remained stable and did not spike, despite the New Year festival period and heavy travel. Continued … 

One-year reprieve for salt tax on snacks

Food manufacturers will be given a one-year adjustment period to reformulate their products to reduce salt content if a sodium tax is introduced, according to the head of the Excise Department.

Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the department, said the proposal for a sodium tax is being considered by the agency. Relevant stakeholders were invited to jointly design the tax measure to ensure the policy is carefully developed, he said. Continued … 

Thai Woman Marries Two Austrians in One Ceremony

A 37-year-old Thai woman has drawn widespread attention after marrying two Austrian men in a single ceremony in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province.

Duangduan Ketsaro, also known as Gig, wed Roman, a retired Austrian police officer and Macky, who is currently serving in the Austrian police force. The trio said they agreed to build a life together after both men fell in love with her. Continued … 

Gold rush hits Loei as Mekong villagers pan for treasure amid record prices

A gold rush has swept along the Mekong River in Pak Chom district after gold prices surged to a record 78,400 baht per baht-weight, prompting villagers to flock to newly exposed sandbanks in search of the precious metal.

Over the weekend, more than 150 panning spots were set up along a 10- to 20-meter stretch of riverbank in tambon Pak Chom, including Ban Sri Phuthorn and Ban Hat Bia. With the Mekong’s water level dropping significantly, wide sandbars have emerged, allowing residents to access sediment long buried beneath the river. Continued … 

‘Peace’ president vows to avenge first US deaths as Iran war intensifies

US President Donald Trump vowed yesterday to avenge the first US deaths in the war he launched to topple Iran’s cleric-run state, which fired missiles across the Middle East even as the headquarters of its elite Revolutionary Guards was reduced to rubble.

Trump said he was planning for around four weeks of conflict after Saturday’s massive US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Continued … 

Trump says combat operations in Iran will continue until all objectives achieved

U.S. President Donald Trump warned yesterday that combat operations in Iran were continuing and would carry on until ‌all of Washington’s objectives are achieved.

Trump confirmed three U.S. service members had been killed and said ​there would likely be more casualties, vowing to ‌avenge the deaths of Americans. Continued … 

Israel hits Lebanon after Hezbollah fire, expanding Iran war

Israeli forces launched strikes on Lebanon including the capital Beirut today, the military said, after Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. The Israeli military said it had “begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization across Lebanon”.

The Israeli strikes followed rocket and drone launches from Lebanon, the first attack on Israel claimed by Hezbollah since a November 2024 ceasefire agreement that followed more than a year of war between them. Continued … 

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Puts 110,000 Nationals on Alert as Middle East Crisis Deepens

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened an urgent press conference on Sunday yesterday to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, following Israeli air strikes on Tehran, retaliatory Iranian missile attacks on American military installations across the Gulf, and the confirmed death of Iran’s supreme leader.

Panidone Pachimsawat, deputy director-general of the Department of Information and acting spokesman for the ministry, told reporters that the Thai government is “closely monitoring the situation with grave concern” and has activated a dedicated emergency operations center — dubbed the “War Room” — to track developments around the clock. Continued … 

Anutin Orders Aircraft to Standby to Evacuate Thais From Iran

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Air Force commander to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran, placing all relevant agencies on 24-hour standby. The order was issued yesterday as tensions in the Middle East escalate.

Anutin warned that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to intensify and could affect the global economy, including Thailand. Although Thailand is not a party to the conflict, he noted that many thousands of Thai citizens live and work in countries across the region. He said Iran and Israel are of particular concern. Continued … 

Thailand rolls out energy crisis plan: export curb, alternative supplies

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began Saturday, and is expected to continue, has caused oil-price volatility. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil-shipping route, affecting supply equivalent to 20% of global demand.

At present, Thailand has four crude-oil import shipping routes: 1, Upstream source: Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), via the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and the Gulf of Thailand. Continued … 

Middle East Tensions Spark Urgent Economic Review in Thailand

As direct military confrontations between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has joined an emergency briefing with the prime minister to mitigate the fallout for domestic businesses and consumers. Speaking prior to the meeting today, TCC Chairman Poj Aramwattananont issued a stark warning regarding global economic stability.

He noted that significant volatility in energy and financial markets was already being felt and that the private sector was entering the discussions with a clear view of the “grave risks” facing the Thai economy. Continued … 

Oil jumps 13% at the open as Middle East war intensifies

Crude oil prices jumped more than 10% on Monday, surging about 13% at the market open as the escalating war in the Middle East rattled global markets. US stock index futures opened sharply lower, while gold climbed alongside oil as investors moved into perceived safe havens.

Bloomberg’s morning market wrap said S&P 500 futures fell nearly 1% at the open and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1.2%. Australian equities also opened lower as traders fled risk. Continued … 

What Escalation in the Gulf Could Mean for Asia, Thailand, and Global Markets

The rapid escalation of conflict in the Gulf region is once again reminding the world how closely geopolitics, markets, and tourism are intertwined. As military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran reverberates across the Middle East, reports of retaliatory strikes and heightened security alerts have created understandable concern well beyond the immediate region.

While the human and humanitarian implications must always come first, there are also clear economic consequences that merit careful examination, particularly for travel, tourism, and investor confidence across Asia and Thailand. Continued …

Strait of Hormuz: why it matters to global shipping and energy

The rising Middle East tension triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran has intensified to the point of wider fighting, and is now causing turbulence across the global economy — particularly in global exports and the shipment of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has declared the route closed and has banned the United States from sending warships through the Persian Gulf sea lane, following the attack on Iran. Continued … 

Thai exports to Iran face disruption risk as conflict escalates; fruit, rubber shipments most exposed

Thailand’s exports to Iran, led by canned and processed fruit and rubber-related products, could face disruption risks as fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, raising concerns over logistics, insurance costs, and payment channels for trade with the region.

Trade data from the Ministry of Commerce shows Iran is a relatively small trading partner for Thailand, but Thai exporters still ship a range of consumer and industrial products to the country. Continued … 

Global aviation chaos as Middle East airspace shuts for second day

The conflict involving Iran has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry after large swathes of Middle East airspace remained closed for a second consecutive day, triggering thousands of cancellations and reroutes and leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded worldwide.

Major Gulf transit hubs — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha — were shut or severely restricted, disrupting one of the world’s most important east-west travel corridors. Dubai, the world’s busiest international hub, remained closed for a second day, with ripple effects felt as far as Bali, Kathmandu, and Frankfurt. Continued … 

AOT says 134 flights affected by Middle East tensions

Airports of Thailand (AOT) said unrest linked to Israel-Iran clashes led some airlines to adjust flight plans, affecting 134 flights across AOT-managed airports. AOT said all six airports remain open and passenger assistance is in place.

AOT said it has been closely monitoring the situation across its six main airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai — and has been informed that a total of 134 flights were affected during the period. Continued … 

Iran’s Search for a Third Supreme Leader Amid the Fires of War

The Islamic Republic of Iran has entered its most precarious era of political transition since its inception in 1979. Following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike on Saturday, the nation’s unique “theocratic democracy” faces an existential hurdle: appointing a third supreme leader while under active military bombardment.

For nearly four decades, Khamenei ruled without ever publicly designating an heir. Now, the Assembly of Experts — an elite body of 88 senior clerics — must convene to select a successor who meets the strict constitutional requirements: a male cleric of high moral standing with proven political competence and absolute loyalty to the revolutionary system. Continued … 

Back to the drawing board for Thailand on US tariffs

A new wave of uncertainty is sweeping through global trade as US President Donald Trump has announced a 10% global tariff, with a potential increase to 15%. This move follows the Supreme Court ruling Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, started last year, are unconstitutional.

For Thai goods, the US tariff is reduced from 19% to 10%, but the strong baht places Thailand at a disadvantage, with the competitiveness of Thai exports in the US market hinging on production costs. Continued … 

ISOC Urges Increased Vigilance at Pai, Chiang Mai Sites

Authorities have stepped up security at symbolic sites in Pai and Chiang Mai following the conflict between Israel and Iran. Col. Phumirat Dusadee, director of the Mae Hong Son office of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), said yesterday that heightened monitoring was under way to prevent potential incidents.

Security has been tightened at the Chabad House in Pai, as nearly 4,000 Israelis are currently residing in the area, and at US-affiliated locations in Chiang Mai. Phumirat said northern Thailand hosts locations associated with Israeli and US interests and attracts large numbers of tourists. Continued … 

Passengers advised to prepare for stricter checks at Thai airports

Stricter checks of passengers’ belongings have been implemented at all Thai airports in compliance with safety standards and requirements imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has therefore issued a notice this week advising all air passengers to be aware of and well prepared for stricter automated screening of their belongings at checkpoints. Continued … 

Thailand dental tourism market reaches 972,000 patients annually

Medical Tourism Corp. (MTC), a Dallas-based international healthcare facilitation organization, has released its Thailand Dental Tourism Market Research Report 2026, a comprehensive analysis of patient demand patterns, competitive positioning, and strategic growth opportunities across six major Thai cities.

The study reveals Thailand’s position as the undisputed leader in Southeast Asian dental tourism, with 972,000 international dental patients annually — a market volume 12 times larger than Vietnam’s emerging sector. Continued … 

Tourism surge meets reality check as Pattaya expats warn of premature optimism

Optimism is never in short supply in Pattaya. Every long weekend is called a “boom.” Every busy flight is the start of a “record year.” Every crowded night on Beach Road signals the return of the golden days. But not everyone is convinced.

Following reports of a holiday air travel surge and renewed interest from international markets, some business owners have declared that Pattaya is on the brink of a major comeback. Yet, a growing number of long-term expatriates remain skeptical — especially with escalating tensions in the Middle East clouding global travel confidence. Continued … 

Bangkok vendors: lives on the street front

For decades, street vendors have been Bangkok’s heartbeat — feeding office workers, day laborers. and night wanderers alike. Bustling roads and alleys have long been a familiar sight in the city, recognized by many international travel blogs and tourism rankings for its street food culture.

People in the profession, however, have faced recurring challenges. Sivarod is a second-generation owner of Hia Hui Soy Milk in Khlong Toey, a shop that has been serving customers for more than 40 years. The shop once stood on the sidewalk of Ratchadaphisek Road but was recently forced to relocate about 450 meters away under city regulations. Continued … 

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation in Thailand

Thailand’s hot weather often sends people straight to the beach. Whether you are after high-energy activities such as diving and jet skiing, or you would rather unwind by the sea and snap the perfect holiday photos, it is the ideal time to make the most of summer.

Thailand’s summer typically falls between March and May, though the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts that this year’s season will run from late February to mid-May. Continued … 

Five Southern Gems for Nature Lovers and Slow Life Enthusiasts

Thailand’s southern region offers travelers an escape into nature and authentic local experiences. From Ranong to Songkhla, these five provinces blend scenic landscapes with community culture, while supporting the regional economy.

Ranong, a tranquil province rich in natural wonders, rewards those seeking wellness and rejuvenation. The renowned Raksawarin Hot Springs (Raksa Warin), located just 2 kilometers from the town center, features natural mineral water reaching 65°C — considered the purest hot spring water in Thailand with no sulphur content. Continued … 

  • Four Brits Arrested Over Pattaya 2-million-baht Safe Raid – Continued … 
  • Pattaya Police Arrest Two Indians in Sex Trafficking Case – Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, healthcare, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-Oct 11

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Rainfall drowns domestic travel plans for Hua Hin/Heavy downpours in 43 provinces/Flood-related bacterial infections/Fabric shops in Chiang Mai slash prices/Phuket’s reservoirs overflow/Key industrial estates safe from flooding/Enterprise Mobility Opens Hua Hin Location/Youth ministry meets in Hua Hin/Hua Hin cycling event/Top 10 most developed provinces/New Bangkok Rules Limit Street Vendors/True preps for unification/Wild Elephant Attacks/US ambassador vows stronger ties/China aims to strengthen traditional friendship/Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Real estate experts warn of continued crisis/Google’s Strategic Expansion/Ban on TEMU a bad idea/Thailand seeks crypto hub status/Tourism: Floods impact Thai tourism/Top 10 travel influencers/Thailand Experience: Thai cuisine enchants Europe/Climate Thailand: Sustainability Expo 2024 ends/Research institute urges ‘greener’ policies/International/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Heavy rainfall drowns domestic travel plans for Hua Hin, Thailand

Heavy downpours in Hua Hin and Cha Am are expected to affect tourism during the three-day holiday this weekend, worsening domestic sentiment, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted natural disasters as the most critical factor to watch during the high season.

Earlier this week, Cha Am, Hua Hin and parts of Phetkasem Highway were affected by flooding measuring 20-40 centimeters, attributed to persistent rainfall. Continued …

Heavy downpours set to flood 43 provinces in Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued another warning for continuous heavy rainfall impacting 43 provinces, including Bangkok and southern regions, with 70% of the areas affected, posing risks of flash floods.

The southern region (east coast) will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with very heavy rainfall expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. The minimum temperature will be between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 29 and 34 degrees Celsius. Continued …

Flood-related bacterial infections on the rise

Thailand’s Disease Control Department is alerting the public to a rapid rise in cases of Leptospirosis and Melioidosis during the rainy season and floods. They are bacterial infections to which children are particularly prone and which require close monitoring.

Dr. Weerawat Manosuthi stated that there were about 6,000 cases of these diseases reported, with 119 deaths, in the first nine months of this year. Continued …

Fabric shops in Chiang Mai slash prices on flood-damaged inventory

Dozens of fabric shop owners in Chiang Mai’s main market have been selling their flood-damaged stock at discounted prices, in an attempt to recoup some of their losses.

They were seen displaying their cloth on the pavements of Waroros Market, near their shops, which are still closed pending post-flood restoration. Continued …

Phuket’s reservoirs overflow, more rain on the way

Phuket’s reservoirs are bursting at the seams, with Bang Niew Dam in Srisoonthorn now at 103% capacity. The island is bracing for more rain and potential flash floods through Saturday, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of continued downpours.

Bang Niew Dam currently holds 7.39 million cubic meters of water, surpassing its official capacity of 7.2 million. According to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), 7.36 million cubic meters is usable volume but the sheer volume has locals on edge. Continued …

Key industrial estates in Ayutthaya safe from flooding

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) says its three estates in Ayutthaya will be safe from flooding this year despite massive runoffs from upstream provinces.

IEAT Acting Gov. Sumet Tangprasert said on Thursday that the Hi-Tech Industrial Estate and the Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Bang Pa-in district and the Nakhon Luang Industrial Estate in Muang district will most certainly be unaffected. Continued …

Enterprise Mobility Opens Hua Hin Location as Part of Asia Sweep

Enterprise Mobility recently opened Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo branches in Thailand through franchise partner Thai Rent-A-Car. This new market is part of a larger expansion plan across the Asia-Pacific region, which includes several new branch openings in Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

The Enterprise, National and Alamo brands are now available in 10 branches nationwide, including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok downtown Petchaburi Road, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai Airport, Khon Kaen Airport, Krabi Airport, Samui Airport, and Phuket Airport. Continued …

Youth ministry meets in Hua Hin

The Commission for Salesian Youth Ministry in Thailand rcently organized a meeting of young people in the Salesian Family at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Khao Takiap, Hua Hin, on the theme “The dream that makes you dream”; 134 students from nine institutes of the Salesian Family participated in the event.

The first day of the meeting began with an orientation by Fr. Nopphadon Joseph, responsible for the pastoral work of young Salesians in Thailand. The opening rite was presided over by Fr. Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, superior of the THA Province. Continued …

Hua Hin cycling event set for Feb 9

Continued …

Top 10 most developed provinces in Thailand (Excluding Bangkok)

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces, each contributing to the nation’s vibrant tapestry. Among them, certain provinces stand out for their technological advancements and economic prowess.

These developed provinces not only lead in technology but also in economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life. From bustling urban centers to serene coastal areas, they offer a diverse array of experiences and opportunities. Continued …

New Bangkok Rules Limit Street Vendors to Designated Zones

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced new rules to regulate street vendors, aiming to clear pavements and create more organized, hawker-center-style areas. The policy restricts vendor activities to specific zones, part of a larger scheme to improve public space management in the Thai capital.

Under these rules, only “poor Thais” are permitted to be vendors, with restrictions on employing migrants. To qualify, applicants must be Thai citizens meeting at least one criterion: possessing a state welfare card, participating in the Baan Mankong housing scheme, or receiving aid from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Continued …

True preps for unification of 5G brands

True Corp. is developing a single platform of its back-office operations to pave the way for consolidation of the commercial brands of True 5G and DTAC 5G in the near future. True Corp. was created through the official amalgamation of True and Total Access Communication (DTAC) in March 2023.

The merged entity will have to continue to serve customers under the existing True and DTAC brands for at least three years post-merger, in accordance with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s requirements. Continued …

Wild Elephant Attack Leave One Dead and One Injured in Chanthaburi

A wild elephant attack in the Kaeng Hang Maew area on Oct. 10 has injured one individual and resulted in the death of another during a rubber-tapping incident.

At approximately 6:40am, officials from the Khao Si Fif Chan National Park received an urgent report from the district chief of Kaeng Hang Maew regarding an attack involving the wild elephant, which occurred near the villages of Nong Samet, Moo 12, and Nong Tien, Moo 6, in the Khun Chong subdistrict. Continued …

US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand

In a high-profile diplomatic push, the U.S. ambassador to Thailand, Robert Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government.

This pledge came during a meeting Wednesday with Chusak Sirinil, minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Continued …

China aims to strengthen traditional friendship, cooperation with Thailand

Premier Li Qiang stated that China is ready to work with Thailand on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, to enhance traditional friendship, boost strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane. Continued …

Move over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai

In a bold move to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 new markets, including Thailand. With Thai language support now on the table, Meta is upping the stakes in the race for AI chatbot supremacy.

Big tech companies have been fiercely competing to attract consumers to their AI platforms, and Meta is no exception. By adding language support for Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Arabic, the company is making sure its chatbot is more accessible than ever. Continued …

  • Pattaya Police Raid Poker Gambling Ring, Arrest 9 Foreign Players – Continued …
  • Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis – Continued …

Real estate experts warn of continued crisis, seek government support

Real estate experts have warned that the sector remains in crisis as we enter the final quarter of the year, citing high mortgage rejection rates and plummeting sales, while urging the government to extend supportive measures to bolster the market.

Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Assn., said the Thai real estate market in the fourth quarter of 2024 still faced challenges from sales and transfers, hampered by loan rejection and high interest rates. Continued …

Google’s Strategic Expansion: $1 Billion Leap into Thailand’s Digital Future

Google has made a landmark announcement regarding a substantial investment of 36 billion Thai baht, approximately $1 billion, aimed at bolstering Thailand’s digital infrastructure through the establishment of a data center and cloud region. This ambitious initiative is projected to significantly contribute to the Thai economy, with an estimated boost of 140 billion Thai baht by 2029.

In addition to economic growth, the project is expected to generate approximately 14,000 jobs annually, providing a much-needed impetus for local employment. Continued …

A ban on TEMU would be a bad idea, experts say

Experts have advised Thailand against an outright ban on the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, advocating instead for the establishment of rigorous standards to enhance trade opportunities between the two nations.

This recommendation follows Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, a significant player in the Chinese e-commerce market. Continued …

Thailand seeks crypto hub status

Thailand has the potential to become a digital asset hub if strategic policies are implemented to support development, while clearer regulations and greater institutional investment are driving the cryptocurrency market to new highs this year, says the Thai Digital Asset Assn.

Association President Nares Laopannarai said regulatory clarity and institutional involvement in cryptocurrencies have reached new heights in 2024. Continued …

Floods impact Thai tourism, but recovery plans emerge

Though flooding in the north and northeast has dealt a significant blow to tourism, some agencies have devised plans to stimulate the industry during the last three months of the year.

Pakakrong Tapparak, a lecturer at the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya’s Faculty of Liberal Arts, said the tourism industry will benefit from the cooler weather in the north and northeast, travelers on long vacations and festivals like the Chinese National Day, the Vegetarian Festival, Loy Krathong and Christmas and New Year. Continued …

Top 10 travel influencers in Thailand

For many, Thailand is the traveler’s ultimate dream. It is full of interesting and beautiful sights, delicious food, and some of the nicest people you will meet on Earth. However, there are probably too many things to see and there might be a lot more that you don’t know about Thailand and that’s where the top travel influencers come in.

With everyone scrambling to visit Thailand from abroad, you all might have seen the same things, eat the same food, or met the same people even, and you might find yourself short on more things to do. Armed with a camera and an adventurous spirit, these travel influencers open up Thailand more to show you everything that it has to offer, and help you learn more about this majestic country or find out where to go on a free weekend. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

The magic of Thai cuisine enchants Europe

Renowned chef Chumpol Jangprai wowed audiences in Denmark and Switzerland with a taste of authentic Thai cuisine last month.

In Copenhagen, the “Taste of Thailand” event held at the Thai ambassador’s residence featured a master class highlighting delicacies from Thailand’s five regions. Guests enjoyed dishes like Thai curry noodles, green curry, papaya salad, rice noodles with crab curry, and mango sticky rice. Continued …

Sustainability Expo 2024 ends with record attendance

The Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX 2024) has come to a successful close, reaching a record high of over 700,000 visitors.

The Bangkok’s Sustainability Expo will also continue until 2030, serving as the leading “collaboration platform” for global sustainability efforts, aiming to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and create new sustainable models going forward. Continued …

Research institute urges rollout of ‘greener’ policies

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) is demanding that the government put strategies in place to cope with the impact of climate change, given the huge risks to the economy and society in general.

TDRI President Somkiat Tangkitvanich said yesterday that the country’s flooding, which is occurring more frequently and with greater severity, is partly because the average global temperature keeps rising to the point of being considered “global boiling.” Continued …

Oil prices rise on US storm, fears of Israel-Iran conflict

Oil prices rose on Thursday, underpinned by a spike in fuel demand as a major storm barreled into Florida and concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East amid heightened tensions between Israel and major oil producer Iran. Continued …

China defies South China Sea claims, blames foreign meddling at ASEAN talks

Southeast Asian leaders stepped up pressure on China to respect international law following clashes in the disputed South China Sea, but Chinese Premier Li Qiang was defiant during annual summit talks on Thursday, as he blamed “external forces” for interfering in regional affairs. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

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, climate change, hua hin

Friday’s news-May 31

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Today’s news: The flower of World No Tobacco Day/Makro to upgrade/Chadchart warns street vendors/Escaped Kangaroo Confirmed Dead/Quake in Koh Samui/Economy: Factory output unexpectedly rises/Concerns raised about acquisition of land/Minimum wage policy faces resistance/Solutions to nominee business issues/China firm wins port contract/Amazon Web Services to launch data center region/Subaru to end car-assembly operations/Tourism: 300 baht landing fee/Upgrade of tourism ‘infrastructure’/Excessive tourism on Koh Larn/British man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan/Thailand Experience: 17 Durian Destinations/International news/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/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

Expat News is pleased to welcome our newest sponsor – Trattoria by Andreas

From Trieste, a little town in the northeast of Italy, a region called Friuli Venezia Giulia, Andreas Bonifacio has learned his craft through postings at prestigious restaurants in London and Bangkok. He now operates the fine-dining establishment Trattoria in Hua Hin.

In his early days, his experience came from many famous restaurants and pastry shops in Italy and around Europe. His experience includes at the 5-star Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d’Ampezzo, at the famous London hotel The Dorchester, and at Bangkok’s Fallabella, part of the prestigious Royal Bangkok Sport Club.

Video 

Trattoria proudly presents its new “Set Lunch” that will run every week from Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00 (last order 13.30). The menu will change every two weeks. It is very simple, with the price of the main dish comes one starter of your choice and a complimentary bread basket. We are looking very much forward to have you at Trattoria for lunch. For reservations, call 096-995-0242

Leelawadee, the flower of World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31, with ashtrays and fresh flowers used as a common symbol in marking the occasion. Thailand, however, doesn’t use any common blooms to mark this important day but rather a specific flower – leelawadee.

Leelawadee (plumeria or frangipani), a small flowering tree often grown as cosmopolitan ornamentals, has long been used by Thais as a symbol of quitting personal vices. The meaning came from its former name “lan thom”, with lan meaning to abandon and thom denoting sadness or bad things. Continued …

Makro to upgrade, grow stores

Makro, under CP Extra Plc, is upgrading its brand to a modern wholesale and retail business, aiming to expand its market both online and offline to cope with changing consumer behavior.

According to Tanit Chearavanont, chief executive of Makro Thailand, the company’s plan for this year includes expanding its branches, currently tallying 168, while renovating stores to create a new look and enhance the brand, as consumer behavior has changed since the pandemic. Continued …

Chadchart warns street vendors of income checks and tax bills

Bangkok City Hall is imposing measures to rein in street vendors, including checking their income, taxing them, and eventually ending hawking on pavements altogether.

The measures were announced by Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt after a meeting he chaired on Thursday on the orderliness of city surroundings. Continued …

Escaped Kangaroo Confirmed Dead after Chiang Mai Search

The director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand confirmed that officers discovered the body of a runaway kangaroo near Chang Khian Waterfall, close to the foothills of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai.

The red kangaroo, aged two years and six months, escaped from Chiang Mai Zoo early yesterday morning, prompting a major search operation. Continued …

2.4-magnitude quake in Koh Samui

An earthquake, measuring 2.4 on the Richter scale, struck Koh Samui at 8.24am on Thursday. Jirawat Kamchadphai, a meteorologist at the Earthquake Observation Division, said the quake happened in tambon Ang Thong on the western part of the island.

The epicenter of the tremor occurred at a depth of four kilometers under Thaweerat Phakde, a loop road around the island. Continued … 

Factory output unexpectedly rises for first time in 19 months

Thailand’s manufacturing production index unexpectedly rose 3.43% in April from a year earlier, increasing for the first time in 19 months, helped by higher exports and tourism, the Industry Ministry said on Thursday.

The figure compared with a forecast of a 1.1% year-on-year fall for April in a Reuters poll and followed an annual decrease of 5.13% in March. Continued …

Concerns raised about acquisition of land for mega project

Private companies interested in investing in the government’s land bridge project expressed concern over legal issues that could delay land delivery in the mega project that will serve as a link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the south of Thailand.

The mega project involves constructing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong provinces and transforming transport routes between Chumphon and Ranong to link the ports. The land bridge will help ease shipping congestion in the Malacca Straits, currently the main regional trade route for cargo. Continued …

Minimum wage policy faces winds of resistance

Since the day the government pinned the 400 baht minimum daily wage to the chat, Thailand has witnessed a robust debate about the policy. The members of the Tripartite National Wage Committee, which involves the government, the employers and the employees, do not appear to be on the same page.

What does each of them think about the 400-baht minimum wage? What do studies show about the impact of wage rise on the economy? Here is an overview on the trajectory of this debate with a mock-up chatroom. Continued …

Experts point out solutions to nominee business issues

The Lawyers Council of Thailand under Royal Patronage, in cooperation with the Thai-Chinese Journalists Assn., organized a seminar entitled “Unveiling and Closing Loopholes in Nominee Structures: Dissecting Thai-Chinese Investment Laws.”

The aim of the seminar was to address concerns and uncertainties regarding direct and indirect foreign investment affecting Thailand’s protected professions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Continued …

China firm wins Bt7-billion Laem Chabang Port contract

China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC) has won the infrastructure contract for phase 3 development of Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) announced on Wednesday.

PAT Director-general Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk said the Chinese company’s contract bid was 160 million baht lower than the project’s estimate of 7.38 billion baht (about US$200 million) to construct infrastructure, buildings, docks, roads and other facilities. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Amazon Web Services to launch data center region early next year

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing arm of Amazon, is ready to launch its new data center region in Thailand by early next year as part of a commitment announced in 2022.

An investment of more than 190 billion baht (US$5.15 billion) in Thailand through 2037 will provide developers, startups, entrepreneurs, enterprises, government, educators and non-profit organizations greater choice when running their applications, while serving end users from data centers located in Thailand, according to AWS. Continued …

Subaru to end car-assembly operations in Thailand

TC Subaru (Thailand) announced recently that all Subaru vehicles will be imported now that Tan Chong International (TCIL) and Subaru Corp. have decided to cease car-assembly operations in Thailand by year end.

“From 2025, cars sold in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia will transition to imported cars from Japan. This will enable the introduction of new products to markets like Thailand more quickly and strengthen brand-building through new Subaru models in premium segments that emphasize technology,” the statement said. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

300 baht landing fee ‘unlikely to be scrapped’

Thailand is unlikely to abandon the controversial tourist tax called “Kha Yeap Pan Din” (fee for stepping on Thai soil), also known as a “landing fee”, according to new Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich.

The measure, approved in principle by the Cabinet in February last year, aims to levy 300 baht ($8.17) for foreigners arriving by air and 150 baht ($4.09) for those arriving by land or sea. Continued …

Ministry prioritizes upgrade of tourism ‘infrastructure’

Thailand still has weaknesses in infrastructure and services, as destinations have not developed to keep pace with demand, though the government has pledged to improve the nation’s ranking in the tourism development index during its four-year term.

Thailand fell in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index to 47th from 36th, with Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich acknowledging some tourism destinations still have flaws in infrastructure and services, requiring a special improvement plan for upgrades. Continued …

Excessive tourism could jeopardize Koh Larn’s future

A member of Pattaya City Council, Phasakorn Yusoomboon, has expressed concern over the increasing number of tourists and unchecked development on Koh Larn Island.

Phasakorn, who represents Pattaya District 1, brought up the issue at the recent council meeting, pointing out that the island daily receives over 10,000 tourists. This number can even reach up to 20,000 during peak seasons. Continued …

British man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for illegal tour operations

Police arrested a British man in Koh Pha Ngan yesterday for illegally working as a tour guide, charging foreign tourists 70,000 baht each and enjoying free accommodations in Thailand.

Reports received detail that Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division 5 Sak Sirah Phueak-am, in collaboration with the district chief of Koh Phangan, had apprehended 25-year-old Briton Jabrane Eelahi at a hotel in Ban Tai, Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani Province. Continued …

17 Durian Destinations to Visit

Recently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled an enticing guide, “17 Durian Destinations to Visit Before You Die,” highlighting Thailand’s esteemed durian cultivation spots.

Just a short drive from Hua Hin, the tranquil Pa La-U rainforest harbors Thailand’s prized durian varieties.

For both seasoned connoisseurs and novices eager to delve into the world of this infamous fruit, this list serves as a treasure map, promising a journey through a spectrum of sweetness and creaminess. Continued …

Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes

Donald Trump became the first former American president to be convicted of felony crimes Thursday, as a New York jury found him guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news

 

 

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

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, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Feb 2

  • Muay Thai Festival starts today at Seapines/
  • Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae/
  • National park in Nan opts for bamboo over plastic/
  • Bangkok air pollution worsens/
  • Air Pollution Hits Unhealthy Levels in Chiang Mai/
  • Summer season starts in Thailand at the end of February/
  • Fruit vendor wins 30 million baht lottery jackpot/
  • Myanmar citizens in Thailand protest on coup anniversary/
  • Tourism: Bangkok police crack down on checkpoints after actress bribe scandal/Tourists ‘told to pay or go to jail’/Thailand is most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests/Taxi scam concerns visitors the most/Bangkok opens first free space for street hawkers/Krabi hotel accused of favoring foreigners over Thais/
  • Thailand Experience: You Think You Understand Thai Culture Because You Eat at Thai Restaurants?/Restaurant Review: Praça at The Standard Hua Hin/
  • International: Philippines to expand US access to military bases/Australia to oust monarch from banknotes/’Surprising’ ancient Egyptian mummy ingredients discovered/
  • 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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Muay Thai Festival starts today at Seapines

Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae

The Fantasy Kite and Flag Festival, featuring more than 100 kites, is set for this weekend in Thap Sakae on Ban Thung Pradu Beach.

The event is organized by the Thap Sakae Beach Love Group, the Thap Sakae Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thailand Kite Flying Assn., Prachuap province tourism and sports officials and the Ban Thung Pradu tourism community. Map 

National park in Nan opts for bamboo over plastic

Sri Nan National Park in northern Nan province is the latest public attraction to go plastic-free by providing bamboo cups and other naturally derived utensils made by people living in adjacent communities.

Staff at the park, known for its campgrounds amid beautiful mountain scenery, worked with a team from Chulalongkorn University and had the support of Thailand Science Research and Innovation to plan the project and recruit craftspeople in Ban Wana Phrai, Ban Nongphum and Ban Nam Pi to make the utensils.

Associate Professor Dr Khemarat Talerngsri, the project leader, said bamboo sheath and pluang leaves are run through specially developed forming machines to ensure good quality and reduced production costs.

Bangkok air pollution worsens

Seventy air-quality monitoring stations reported unsafe levels of air pollution in Bangkok as of 7am today, with the number rising to 80 by noon, the Bangkok Air Quality centrer said.

Four stations detected “red” levels of PM2.5.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles of dust in the air. It can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause premature death from lung and heart conditions, especially among the elderly and those with health complications. Continued …

Air Pollution Hits Unhealthy Levels in Chiang Mai

The northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday was blanketed with haze from forest fires, while the visibility was reduced, many people suffered eye and nose irritation.

The PM 2.5 level in the city reached 56 micrograms per cubic meter, while at Hot district of Chiang Mai, PM 2.5 level was measured at 93 micrograms per cubic meter. The air quality index (AQI) in Chiang Mai stood at 203, which is considered harmful to people’s health.

Inside the campus of Chiang Mai University, the air pollution detectors were installed at every faculty to monitor the level of PM2.5, starting on Wednesday morning for real time results hourly. Continued …

Summer season starts in Thailand at the end of February

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is predicting a scorching high of 43 degrees Celsius in Thailand this summer, and that the new season will kick in before the end of February.

The TMD reported yesterday that the summer season in Thailand would be delayed by one or two weeks this year. The weather will get warmer by the end of February and the summer season will end around May.

March and April will bring hot, humid weather with thunderstorms, and temperatures will be about 35.5 degrees Celsius, a bit higher than last summer. Continued …

Fruit vendor wins 30 million baht lottery jackpot

A fruit vendor from Rayong province in eastern Thailand won 30 million baht (US$916,310) in the government lottery yesterday. He says it will pay off his debt and pay for his children’s education.

The new-found millionaire, 33-year-old Phongpat Witheethep, was at the market in Pluak Daeng district where he sells fruit for a living when he spotted a lottery ticket that he “liked the look of.”

Phongpat had such a good feeling about the number 297411 that he decided to buy five tickets with the same number. Continued …

Myanmar citizens in Thailand protest on coup anniversary

Hundreds of Myanmar citizens and workers gathered in front of the Myanmar embassy in Thailand to mark the second anniversary of the military coupin their home country, calling for the release of their duly elected leader Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Video 

Bangkok police crack down on checkpoints after actress bribe scandal

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has warned officers to abide by Royal Thai Police regulations on setting up and operating road checkpoints.

Station chiefs and their superiors at two levels would be made responsible for any failures to comply with these regulations, said MPB chief Thiti Saengsawang in an urgent order dispatched on Tuesday.

The order was issued after Huay Kwang police reportedly admitted to extorting 27,000 baht from a Taiwanese actress in exchange for turning a blind eye to her illegal vaping device. Continued … 

Tourists ‘told to pay or go to jail’

A Singaporean man who was with a Taiwanese actress who alleged earlier that her group was extorted said police told him to pay up or spend two days in jail for having vaping devices he’d bought in Bangkok. Continued … 

Thailand is most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests

Thailand is the most searched destination for Chinese Airbnb guests. According to Airbnb’s data, Thailand was the most searched spot for Chinese guests within 24 hours of the government’s announcement on Dec. 26 to lift inbound quarantine requirements.

The top cities within Thailand that Chinese guests searched for were Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

Searches among Chinese guests have spiked for the categories of historical homes, domes, boat houses, and camping tents. These became the most anticipated searches by Chinese users in 2023. Continued … 

Taxi scam concerns visitors the most

Overpriced taxi services are the leading complaint among foreign tourists, along with poor garbage management and facilitation at the airport, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).

TCT’s quarterly survey, which polled 200 Western tourists in Thailand during the final quarter of 2022, showed satisfaction with taxi services received the lowest score of 3.5 out of 5, with tourists indicating this is the most critical problem that should be solved immediately.

The survey of tourists in Bangkok found they were not satisfied with what they deem to be unfair treatment, as taxi drivers often only take passengers who agree to pay a fare without using the meter, which means drivers can arbitrarily charge higher prices for their service. Continued … 

Bangkok opens first free space for street hawkers

Bangkok kicked off a project to offer space free of charge for hawkers and street vendors in the heart of the city on Wednesday, clearing cluttered pavements.

City Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the launch of the “Hello Hab-Re” (Hello Hawkers) project outside Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road.

The project will reorganize hawkers and street vendors in the city by allocating suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. The operator of Samyan Mitrtown, a mixed-use shopping complex, has agreed to provide space next to its building in Soi Chula 42 for registered vendors to use for free from Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm and 3pm-8pm. Continued …

Krabi hotel accused of favoring foreigners over Thais

Thai tourists condemned a hotel in Krabi for discriminatory service standards after they claimed the hotel provided better treatment to foreign guests and neglected domestic tourists. They claimed that the hotel prioritized foreign guests with higher purchasing power over them for financial gain.

A Thai man posted three videos to share his bad experience at a hotel on Railay Beach. The incident was reported to have happened last Sunday.

In the videos, the man and his friends explained to the hotel staff that they booked the hotel for 5,000 baht per night. The fee included a shuttle golf cart from a car park to the Nam Mao Pier and a boat trip from the Nam Mao Pier to Railay Beach, where the hotel was located. Continued … 

You Think You Understand Thai Culture Because You Eat at Thai Restaurants?

Growing up in the American South, I was usually the only Thai person in any room. I’m used to seeing the limited knowledge that many Americans have about Thai culture, often reducing it to a takeout order or an object of fetishization.

As a Thai-American person, I find myself thinking a lot about my own experiences, as well as my family’s of being Thai restaurant owners, and I come back to this quote by scholar Jennifer Ho: “I understood my identity through my family and foodways.

Food has played a significant role in the ways people perceive my family’s identity in America. Witnessing members of my family being expected to fulfill a role of being easy-going (Thailand is marketed as “The Land of Smiles”) and serving delicious food compels me to explore the origins of this concept of “Thainess.” Continued …

Praça at The Standard Hua Hin

Be it at home or when traveling, the Let’s Eat team is always on the lookout for a great bar serving original quality drinks.

Such appealing watering holes receive bonus points if they are beach side in an idyllic, tropical, Insta-worthy setting. Double bonus if they have a food selection perfect for nibbling or sharing. Triple points if that food offering is inventive, appealing, and veers from the “usual” food and drink selection.

One such example is in Hua Hin, and it’s called Praça. Blessed with a prime beachfront location at the modish The Standard Hua Hin Hotel, Praça, is Portuguese for plaza or piazza, signifying a local meeting place. With its seaside garden setting and restored heritage beach house, Praça must be one of the coolest meeting places on Hua Hin’s beachfront. Continued …

Philippines to expand US access to military bases

The United States and the Philippines are expected to announce a deal Thursday that will give U.S. troops access to another four military bases in the Southeast Asian nation, as the longtime allies seek to deter Chinese aggression in the region. Continued … 

Australia to oust monarch from banknotes

Australia will erase the British-based monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image on its $5 note with a design honoring Indigenous culture, the central bank said Thursday. Continued … 

‘Surprising’ ancient Egyptian mummy ingredients discovered

The discovery of dozens of beakers and bowls in a mummification workshop has helped reveal how ancient Egyptians embalmed their dead, with some “surprising” ingredients imported from as far as Southeast Asia, a study said Wednesday. 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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting