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Today’s news: War on farm fires/Unexpected traffic fines in PKK/Covid Strain Sweeping Thailand/Energy board sets electric price/Stars to gather in Hua Hin/Woman crafts dolls for survival/Cannabis control not finished/Economy: How does Thai situation measure up?/December consumer confidence/3.2% GDP growth ‘pie in the sky’/Tourism: New wellness clinic in Hua Hin/Bangkok as global aviation hub/Russian, Thais Tourists Rescued/‘The White Lotus’ in Thailand/Thailand Experience: Sand designs on the beach/Cultural heart of Thailand/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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Chiang Mai’s war on farm fires heats up

Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn is leading the charge against the annual curse of PM2.5 pollution caused by the burning of agricultural residue. In a teleconference with the province’s 25 district chiefs, he laid down strict instructions to tackle the issue head-on.

The provincial administration has already taken a decisive step by banning unauthorized burning of farm waste from Jan. 1 to April 30. Farmers must now obtain approval from the district office before resorting to burning, and a cutting-edge app named FireD will be used to monitor and report the process. Continued …

Unexpected traffic fines surprise vehicle owners at tax renewal in Prachuap Khiri Khan

At the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, vehicle owners renewing their annual taxes are being hit with unexpected charges, 735,000 baht in total, for unpaid traffic fines.

Those who are unable to pay the fines immediately are issued a temporary tax renewal slip, valid for 30 days, during which they must clear their fines to receive their official tax renewal documents. Continued …

New Covid JN.1 Strain Sweeping Thailand

A prominent virologist said this morning that a new Covid-19 strain, JN.1, has now taken hold in Thailand and is turning into the most widespread variant, as it is highly contagious, and this leading to a spike in the number of patients.

Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said that a test of 14 samples in December, with there being a few more to be analyzed, but the total is low because of limited budget, shows JN.1 is the most common strain. Continued …

Energy board sets electricity unit price at Bt4.18

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has set the fuel tariff (FT) surcharge on electricity, for the January through April period, at 39.72 satang per unit and the electricity unit price at 4.18 baht, after adjusting the formula for the calculation of natural gas and electricity prices.

Komkrit Tantravanich, secretary-general of the office of the ERC, said today that, in setting these FT and electricity unit prices, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Thailand’s major power producer, will have to bear the loss, estimated at 15 billion baht, for the 4-month period. Continued …

Stars to gather in Hua Hin for Thai Open

China’s Zhu Lin could have a tough time defending her Thailand Open crown this year, as the field is studded with big names like Poland’s Magda Linette and former world No.2 Paula Badosa of Spain.

The organizers confirmed on Wednesday that the WTA-sanctioned tournament will take place from Jan. 29-Feb. 4 at Arena Hua Hin. Continued …

Disabled Thai woman crafts dolls for survival, selling from 15 to 120 baht

A disabled woman, crafting dolls for a living to provide for her son and sick mother, reached out to the public to buy her produce. Abandoned by her husband for another woman, she now fights for her survival. Those wishing to assist can buy her crafts today.

Several state agencies have visited her in the past and extended some assistance. Those interested in her work and wishing to help can contact her via phone at 061-3050176 and 061-3766440. Continued …

Draft bill on cannabis control not finished

The drafting of the new cannabis and hemp control bill is still not complete and it has not yet been forwarded to the cabinet for approval, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said on Wednesday.

He said the drafting of the cannabis legislation was expected to be finished next week. He was speaking after advocates of cannabis legalization criticized his decision to endorse the draft bill without consulting the civil sector, as he had earlier promised. Continued …

How does Thai situation measure up against World Bank’s crisis criteria

There is disagreement between those backing the Thai government’s digital wallet scheme and those opposed to it on whether the country is in an economic crisis to warrant the stimulus measure.

Amid these varying interpretations, it might be a prudent move to evaluate the present situation based on the seven assessments of the World Bank in defining an economic crisis. Continued …

December consumer confidence at high of nearly 4 years

Thai consumer confidence rose in December, reaching the highest level in 46 months, boosted by government measures to ease living costs and increased tourism, a survey showed today.

The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) increased to 62.0 in December from 60.9 the previous month, the university said in a statement. Continued …

3.2% GDP growth ‘pie in the sky’

This year must be my lucky year. One of the key points of this article is to underline the risk of financial crisis compared to 1997. But this time it would not come from bank failures, it would come from defaults on corporate bonds and commercial papers.

The reasons are the low cash position of corporates from many years of weak economic performance and, most importantly, today’s super-tight domestic liquidity to refinance matured bonds and papers. Continued …

Thonburi hospital to open wellness clinic in Hua Hin

Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is studying seven new investment projects as part of its strategic plan to expand aggressively in the wellness and aesthetics market over the next several years.

Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is studying two wellness projects located outside Bangkok, the first of which is the 30-unit Jin Sabai Wellness Residence in Hua Hin, a 650-million-baht wellness facility and spa, which is expected to open in mid-2025. Continued …

AirAsia boss pushes Bangkok as global aviation hub

Commenting after his meeting with Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, Tony Fernandes, the chief executive officer of Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, said it was time Bangkok became the global aviation hub of ASEAN, just like Dubai is the global hub in the Middle East.

Based in Malaysia, AirAsia is operating low-cost airlines in four ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. The company is planning to launch the newest addition, AirAsia Cambodia, in March. Continued …

Six Russians and Three Thais Rescued after Yacht Capsizes in Rawai

Six Russian tourists and three Thais have been rescued after a yacht capsized near an island in Rawai.

The Phuket Marine Office said that at 3:50 Ppm on Tuesday they were notified of the accident by the yacht captain. He was carrying six unidentified Russian tourists and two Thai passengers. Continued …

‘The White Lotus’ season 3 filming location revealed

The rumors have finally been confirmed – season three of the HBO hit TV series “The White Lotus” is coming to Thailand.

In statements released this week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and HBO announced filming on the show, created by Mike White, is scheduled to begin in February in Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Continued …

Have you ever wondered what creates those sand designs on the beach?

Spectacular artworks created by a colony of resident artists are wowing visitors to a beach in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Phang Nga province.

Masterpieces carved by sand bubbler crabs are turning the beach into a gorgeous natural mosaic, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Continued …

Chiang Mai considered cultural heart of Thailand

In the northern reaches of Thailand, amid the scenic mountainous landscapes and hill tribes, lies Chiang Mai, a city that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern allure. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is now considered the cultural heart of Thailand, second only to Bangkok in its appeal to tourists.

Travel experts suggest the best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February. During this period, travelers can enjoy comfortable temperatures and partake in the city’s most enchanting festivals, Yee Peng and Loy Krathong. These events are renowned for their mesmerizing display of lanterns and floating candles, illuminating the city in a spectacle of light and color. Continued …

Gloomy global economic outlook outlined in new World Bank report

In its global economic trend report published on Wednesday, the World Bank forecasts just 2.4% global economic growth year-on-year in 2024, with higher interest rates a major factor. Global trade and investment would continue to be stifled by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, it said. Continued …

Unveiling world’s most powerful passports in 2024

There has been a shake-up in the passport world. For the past five years, Singapore and Japan have boasted the world’s most powerful travel documents, granting their citizens access to more countries without a prior visa than anyone else. This year, however, things have changed. Continued …