Rainmaking Center Opens in Cha Am/Hua Hin Muay Thai event/Another week of heavy rain/War on lifestyle diseases/ECONOMY: Tariff decision day looms/Thailand expects similar tariffs/Latest tariff talks satisfactory/Reactions to Trump Tariffs Letter/Strategic Position in ASEAN Supply Chains/TOURISM: Depending on regional visitors/Safer environment for foreign tourists/Facial Recognition at Maya Bay/Maya Bay to close/Vietjet offers zero-baht fares/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok’s epic name/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
New Upper Southern Royal Rainmaking Operations Center Opens in Cha Am
Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukphasuk, chairman of the Royal Rainmaking Expert Advisory Board, presided over the official opening of the Upper Southern Royal Rainmaking Operations Center in Cha Am district, Phetchaburi province.
The centrer located in Samphraya subdistrict, is tasked with supporting royal rainmaking missions and integrated water resource management across eight provinces in Thailand’s upper southern region: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, Chumphon, and Ranong. Continued …
Hua Hin Muay Thai event set for Sept 20-21
A major Muay Thai event aimed at preserving and promoting traditional Thai martial arts will take place in Hua Hin this September. The ‘Yutthasilp Muaythai Prachuapkhirikhan 2025’ tournament is set to be held from Sept. 20–21 at Market Village Hua Hin, with more than 50,000 baht in prize money up for grabs.
The competition is part of an ongoing initiative to promote Muay Thai as Thailand’s national sport and to showcase its cultural significance both locally and internationally. The tournament will focus on the artistic and traditional aspects of Muay Thai, encouraging participation from a wide range of people, not just professional fighters. Continued …
Thailand braces for another week of heavy rain and strong winds
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand, with strong winds expected in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand from today to next Thursday.
Many regions, including northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and western southern Thailand, are expected to experience significant rainfall due to a monsoon trough and a strong southwest monsoon. Continued …
The skinny on Thailand’s new war on lifestyle diseases
The Public Health Ministry has launched an ambitious mission to tackle the epidemic of lifestyle diseases among Thais by lowering their carbohydrate intake. The “Lower Carb, Fewer Health Issues” policy has reached over 31 million people since its launch earlier this year.
By September, that number is expected to grow to 50 million, as more people gain access to health-saving information on carbohydrate intake and its effects. Continued …
Nation edgy as tariff decision day looms
The new U.S. tariffs are set to have global repercussions and impact various countries unless negotiations for more favorable rates can be achieved prior to Aug. 1. The U.S. intends to impose a 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai goods, which could hinder the competitiveness of Thai products in the U.S. market, especially when compared with rival nations such as Vietnam.
Aat Pisanwanich, an analyst in international economics and adviser on ASEAN affairs at Intelligence Research Consultant, recently explored the implications of the policy, its potential impact, and outlined actions that Thailand ought to pursue moving forward. Continued …
Thailand expects similar tariffs to other regional countries: minister
Thailand expects to receive U.S. tariff rates by Aug. 1 that are close to those imposed on other countries in the region, the finance minister said yesterday following talks with the United States trade representative. Thailand faces a 36% tariff from Washington if a deal cannot be reached before Aug. 1.
The United States was Thailand’s largest export market last year, accounting for 18.3% of total shipments, or $54.96 billion. Washington has put its deficit with Thailand at $45.6 billion. Continued …
Latest tariff talks satisfactory, US makes new proposals
During the latest round of tariff negotiations, via video conference on Wednesday, the United States proposed that Thailand increase market access for U.S.-made products, reduce non-tariff barriers, and promote U.S. investment in Thailand, Deputy Commerce Minister Chantawit Tantasith told the media yesterday. He claimed the talks are heading in the right direction, though, as both sides appear to be satisfied.
Thailand’s negotiating team, headed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, will consider how much Thailand can respond to the U.S. requirement for greater market access, as there are over 10,000 types of items involved, including agricultural and industrial goods, said Chantawit. Continued …
Thailand’s Reactions to Trump Tariffs Letter
The tariffs letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to heads of governments and some heads of state around the world earlier this week sent a shockwave through global markets and led to severe uncertainties about the future of world trade and the global economy.
In Thailand, where the standing rate is 36%, with the negotiation dateline on Aug. 1, it was one of the harshest among all trading partners. The public found not just the figure but the content of the letter, a copy of which was sent to then acting PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit and the king, very offensive. Continued …
Thailand’s Strategic Position in ASEAN Supply Chains
Thailand is emerging as a strategic hub in ASEAN for supply chain resilience, with developed infrastructure and business-friendly policies. Key projects include the Eastern Economic Corridor and significant logistics enhancements.
The country’s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia makes it an ideal gateway for trade and investment, connecting businesses to major markets in Asia and beyond. Thailand’s government has been proactive in implementing policies that attract foreign investment, streamline business operations, and enhance competitiveness. Continued …
Thailand tourism depending on regional visitors
New data from Agoda reveals that Thailand remains a top draw for visitors in the region, with Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket as the most popular stops.
A rising star in the tourism scene is Hat Yai. Known for its affordability, Hat Yai has become a favorite for budget-conscious travelers, ranking among Asia’s top three cheapest destinations for two years running. The city is especially appealing to Malaysian and Singaporean visitors due to its vibrant cultural offerings and easy coastal access. Continued …
Tourism minister promises new safer environment for foreign tourists in Pattaya
Tourism Minister Surawong Thienthong was in Pattaya yesterday, vowing a crackdown on crime and a boost in security after a wave of disturbing incidents rocked the tourist hotspot. Thailand’s tourism numbers have dropped over 5% this year — and Pattaya, once a magnet for foreign visitors, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Violent crimes, public disturbances, and attacks on both tourists and bar workers have shaken confidence in the city’s safety. Surawong promised immediate action, including high-tech surveillance upgrades and stronger police presence. Continued …
Facial Recognition to Debut at Maya Bay for Tourist Management
A new facial recognition system will debut at Maya Bay to streamline visitor flow and boost conservation, announced national park officials. Launching on Oct. 15, the system will integrate with the e-ticket platform, verifying tourists in realtime against pre-booked data.
Saengsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, stated the tech will differentiate between Thai and foreign visitors, along with adults and children, to reduce entry delays during peak season. Typically, visitor numbers can soar to 4,000 per day during high season. Continued …
Maya Bay closes for conservation from August 1
Thailand’s famed Maya Bay will be off-limits once again, as officials shut it down for two months to let nature breathe after another hectic high season. The popular tourist magnet will be closed along with neighboring Loh Sama Bay from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.
The temporary closure, announced by the Department of National Parks, is part of an ongoing effort to restore fragile marine ecosystems in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. With millions of footprints, boat anchors, and selfie sticks leaving their mark every season, authorities say the break is vital. Continued …
Vietjet offers zero-baht fares on new Bangkok-Kolkata route
VietJet Thailand is shaking up the skies again, this time with zero-baht fares to India. The budget airline has announced a promotion to celebrate its new direct route from Bangkok to Kolkata, launching this November.
The Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Kolkata service will become VietJet’s third connection between Thailand and India, following the routes to Mumbai from both Bangkok and Phuket. Continued …
Bangkok’s epic name: The longest city name in the world
Did you know that Bangkok holds the title for the longest city name in the world? With 168 characters in Thai, the full name of the Thai capital is a monumental mouthful.
But behind its length lies a story rich in symbolism, spiritual power, and cultural pride. Let’s dive into the fascinating tale of why Bangkok has such a grand name and what it really means. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
90-day online reporting 
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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