bluport -

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Bluport Hall opens/5 Best Places To Retire/State hospitals ‘facing financial troubles’/Locals given chance to shine/Thailand braces for flood of rain/Most severe flooding in 40–50 years/36,000+ families still flooded in/Chiang Rai grapples with flood/Bishop describes ‘unprecedented flooding’/Boats Carry Terrified Children To Safety/PM speeds up flood aid/Sinking strategy on floods/Flights resume at Chiang Rai airport/Lisa wins 2024 MTV Video Music Award/King cobra in senior’s home/Economy: PM announces policies/Thailand’s ‘Happy go-Lucky’ Economy/Digital wallet handouts to start/Consumer confidence drops/Consumers shift focus to essentials/Household debt hits new record high/Thai Gen Z’s strategic shopping/Bank lowers 2025 outlook/Casinos could end up in monopoly/ASEAN’s ‘golden era’/Tourism: World’s Most Overcrowded Destination/World’s best hotel/Tourism agency’s post-flood plans/Thailand’s new tourism campaign/Thailand Experience: A Luxurious Cultural Experience/Must-visit fried rice restaurants/Cannabis-Infused Wellness Treatments/Climate Thailand: The cheapest electric vehicles/Koh Lanta’s war on waste/Sustainability Expo/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

Bluport Hall conference and event center opens

Continued …

5 Best Places Where You Can Retire with $250,000 in Savings and Feel Rich

Explore the five best places where you can retire with $250,000 in savings and feel rich.

Hua Hin, Thailand

Referred to as the “Royal City of the East”, Hua Hin is a stunning resort area where you can retire on $250,000 and feel rich. From beautiful seaside houses and villas to summer palaces, Hua Hin offers retirees the luxury of choosing a retirement home that best suits their desires. Its delightful mix of beaches, warm tropical climate, and cultural festivals are everything a retiree hopes to enjoy in their golden years. As a single expat retiree, expect to live a comfortable retirement here on $1,000 a month. Continued …

State hospitals ‘facing financial troubles’

A top Public Health Ministry official has admitted that state-owned hospitals nationwide are facing financial problems, and cooperation is urgently needed from their directors to help fix the issue.

Dr. Opas Kankawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said the ministry is struggling to run the public health system due to an insufficient budget, which is affecting around 1,000 hospitals that fall under its responsibility. He was speaking to medical staff from around the country at an annual academic conference on public health in Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday. Continued …

Locals given chance to shine in Thai Open in Hua Hin

Five Thai players have received singles wildcards into the WTA Thailand Open, tournament director Paradorn Srichaphan said on Thursday.

Two players – world No.187 Lanlana Tararudee and the 333rd-ranked Thasaporn Naklo – have received singles main draw wildcards of the tournament in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …

Thailand braces for flood of rain until Tuesday

Heavy rain and potential flash floods have been forecast across Thailand until Tuesday, Sept. 17, warns the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The announcement cautioned that several regions would experience increased rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand.

In the coming days, substantial rainfall will hit Thailand, particularly in the northeast, central, eastern, and western southern regions. Continued …

Northern Mekong River provinces battling the most severe flooding in 40–50 years

Northern Thailand is on high alert after heavy flooding mid-week hit Chiang Rai province, particularly the Mae Sai district. However, as water recedes there after closing Chiang Rai Airport, the Mekong River will continue to rise from Friday until next Tuesday.

For instance, elevated water levels were measured as rising 1.23 meters in Nong Khai on Thursday as rescue services and officials prepare for the threatened overflow of the river. This is due to 2-3 times the normal rainfall in the region over the last few days, caused by an acute depression. Rescue workers and local reports describe the worst flooding in 40-50 years, with more expected until the middle of next week. Continued …

36,000+ families in north, central Thailand still flooded in

As many as 36,199 households in 24 districts of seven provinces in the north and central regions are still overwhelmed by heavy flooding, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said. In its last update on Thursday, the department said 545 villages in 24 districts in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya were still inundated.

From Aug. 16, a total of 106,467 families in 2,975 villages in 125 districts in 27 provinces were affected by floods, the department said. Since then, some 33 people have died from drowning or landslides, and 24 have sustained injuries. Continued …

Chiang Rai grapples with flood disaster

The economic center of Thailand’s northernmost province is now inundated, with floodwaters reaching waist-deep levels and continuing to rise due to the overflowing Kok River.

Flooding on Thursday led to the closure of Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, with a Thai AirAsia flight departing at 1.10pm the last flight to operate. The airport was reopened to limited flights today. Continued …

Catholic bishop describes ‘unprecedented flooding’ in northern Thailand

Continuous heavy rains over the past few days after typhoon Yagi made landfall in Vietnam have triggered flash floods, river overflows, and landslides across various areas of the northernmost Diocese of Chiang Rai in Thailand.

“The flood water level has been rising all the time since Monday. The cathedral is flooded up to the altar. (The bishop’s) two-story residence is uninhabitable, even on the second floor. We have no more electricity now,” Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom said. Continued …

Boats Carry Terrified Students To Safety In Thai Floods

Rescuers in boats carried 60 schoolchildren to safety in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on Thursday after they were stranded by what residents said was the worst flood in decades.

The children, students at Samakkhi Witthayakhom School, spent a terrifying night trapped in a dormitory as the floodwaters, swollen by torrential rains from Typhoon Yagi, surged on Wednesday afternoon. Continued …

PM speeds up flood aid

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed agencies to step up relief measures to help flood victims in flood-ravaged provinces in the north, especially Chiang Rai, as quickly as possible.

Immediately after outlining the government’s policy statement in parliament on Thursday, Paetongtarn called an urgent meeting of cabinet ministers to discuss relief measures for flood victims in the north. Continued …

A sinking strategy on floods

The heavy flooding in northernmost Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province is not just another serious flood – it is a warning sign that our country lacks an adequate flood warning and monitoring system.

For three days, hundreds of flood victims in Mae Sai district have been stranded on their roofs, as evacuation boats were thwarted by a strong deluge. Now, professional jet-ski athletes are helping to rescue senior citizens and only military forces can access the area delivering food and flood relief items. Continued …

Flights resume at Chiang Rai airport

Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport will operate four inbound and four outbound flights on Friday, but passengers are advised to allow up to five hours to reach the terminal due to severe flooding.

The airport announced that Thai Airways International, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai AirAsia will offer a combined total of four flights from Bangkok to the northern border province and four return flights. Continued …

Lisa’s star shines bright at 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Thailand’s very own K-pop princess Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban has made history by winning her second “Best K-pop” title at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Thursday.

Lisa, who clinched her first MTV VMA in 2022, said her latest single “Rockstar” released on June 28, marks her comeback as a solo artist since her first single “Lalisa” hit the charts on Sept. 10, 2021. Continued …

King cobra slithers into senior’s home

A large king cobra measuring 3.5 metres was found hiding in the kitchen of a 73-year-old woman’s house, prompting her to call the Southern Venomous Snake Team for assistance.

The incident occurred yesterday when Taweesak Boonsed, an official from the Southern Venomous Snake Team, received a distress call from Yingdee Suwannarat, who resides in Moo 8, Thap Chang subdistrict, Na Thawi district, Songkhla province. Continued …

PM announces policies as opposition criticizes progress

Newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her policy statement in Parliament on Thursday, focusing on measures to improve citizens’ financial status and increase state income.

During her 58-minute-long policy statement, Paetongtarn, who is the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, outlined plans for comprehensive debt restructuring, particularly concerning home and car loans, alongside support for informal debtors. These measures would not compromise the country’s financial stability, she said. Continued …

End of the road proposed for Thailand’s ‘Happy go-Lucky’ Economy

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gave her government’s policy statement to parliament on Thursday. The plans outlined by Paetongtarn are decidedly more ambitious and groundbreaking than her predecessor’s. Certainly, at its core is a radical plan to eliminate Thailand’s massive grey economy.

In short, the government intends that every worker in Thailand, as well as foreigners, will be brought into the tax net. The plan envisions a reverse tax system where low-paid workers will be incentivised to do so. This will be achieved by income supplements tied to specific income thresholds. Continued …

First phase of digital wallet handouts to start Sept 25

The government is to launch the first phase of the digital wallet scheme on Sept. 25, disbursing 10,000 baht a head to approximately 14.2 million people from a budget allocation of 140 billion baht, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday.

About 90% of target recipients have been screened and checked for qualification, Pichai Chunhavajira, deputy PM and finance minister told members of the House of Representatives on Thursday in the session following the delivery of the government’s policy statement by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Continued …

Thailand’s consumer confidence drops to 13-month low

Thai consumer confidence dropped for a sixth consecutive month in August to a 13-month low, weighed by concerns about slow economic growth and higher living amid uncertainty over a new government’s policies, a survey showed on Thursday.

The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) fell to 56.5 in August from 57.7 in the previous month, the university said in a statement. Continued …

Thai consumers shift focus to essentials

More than half (54%) of Thai consumers are concerned that macroeconomic volatility will affect the country’s economic outlook, according to PwC’s latest survey.

This has led them to opt for spending more on essential goods. Social media has emerged as the most favored channel for shopping among Thais, although concerns about personal data leakage persist. Continued …

Average household debt in Thailand hits new record high of 606,378 baht

The average household debt in Thailand has reached a record high, increasing by 8.4% from the previous year due to slow economic growth, lower incomes, and high living costs.

The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reported that household debt in Thailand is at its highest level in 16 years, with an average of over 606,000 baht. The survey of 1,300 people found that almost all households (99.7%) carry debt, with most of it categorized as formal debt. Continued …

Thai Gen Z leads Asia in strategic shopping

Generation Z in Thailand is at the forefront of strategic shopping behaviors across Asia, driving significant shifts in consumer trends and market dynamics, according to the consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ (NIQ).

With their research-intensive and price-sensitive habits, Gen Z is reshaping the retail landscape in Thailand and beyond, the NIQ Spend Z Report has found. Continued …

Bank sees soft landing, lowers 2025 outlook

SCB EIC, the research center of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), forecasts Thailand is likely to experience a soft economic landing next year as growth momentum slows.

The center maintains its 2024 economic growth forecast for Thailand at 2.5%. However, EIC downgraded the 2025 outlook to 2.6% from previous forecasts of 2.9%-3%. Continued …

Casinos could end up in monopoly hands: coalition MP

Bhumjaithai, a key coalition party, yesterday reiterated its support for Pheu Thai’s idea of legalizing casinos, but it also voiced concern over possible monopolies reaping most of the benefits.

Bhumjaithai has never objected to Pheu Thai’s entertainment complex idea, but it does not want to see only one or two companies dominating the industry, says Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong. Continued …

Thailand’s industrial park giant gears up for ASEAN ‘golden era’

WHA Corp, Thailand’s largest industrial estate developer, has announced aggressive plans to attract foreign investment in the second half of 2024, after predicting a surge in demand due to global relocation trends and geopolitical shifts.

The strategic business plan, unveiled by CEO Jareeporn Jarukornsakul on Wednesday, aims to capitalize on global companies’ increasing interest in Southeast Asia investments. Continued …

Phuket Named World’s Most Overcrowded Destination, Pattaya 2nd, Krabi 3rd

Phuket, Thailand’s picturesque island getaway, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most overcrowded destination. Once renowned for its serene beaches and tranquil atmosphere, Phuket now sees tourists outnumbering locals by an astonishing 118 to one.

The issue of overtourism has been thrust into the spotlight since the global travel industry roared back to life post-Covid. Holidaymakers, eager to make up for lost time, have inundated many popular spots, putting immense pressure on local infrastructure and environments. Continued …

Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental named world’s best hotel

Bangkok’s iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel has officially snagged the prestigious title of the Best Hotel in Asia and the World, according to The Telegraph’s Hotel Awards. The British media giant placed the luxurious Thai retreat at the top of its 2024 list, beating fierce global competition. This award comes after The Telegraph’s hotel and destination experts combed through 10,000 hotel reviews to determine the crème de la crème. (The Thaiger)

Tourism agency making post-flood plans for north

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is monitoring flooding in the north and its impact on tourism, while it plans to launch tourism campaigns and promotions to stimulate these provinces after the inundation eases.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said when the water level recedes and the situation eases, the agency will evaluate the impact by dividing affected businesses into three groups. Continued …

Thailand’s new tourism campaign expected to generate 800 million baht

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a new initiative to invigorate the country’s tourism sector with the “Charming Thailand: 5 Regions” event series. Announced by TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this campaign aims to highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage and modern attractions through a series of large-scale events, expected to draw over 147,000 visitors and generate more than 800 million baht in tourism revenue.

The event series will span five regions throughout September, offering a variety of immersive cultural experiences in food, music, and art. These events will also feature free concerts by well-known artists. Continued …

How to Enjoy a Luxurious Cultural Experience in Thailand

Are you looking to immerse yourself in a world where luxury meets tradition? Thailand, with its golden temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture, offers a perfect blend of opulence and heritage.

For those seeking a lavish cultural adventure, here are some of the ultimate indulgences that Thailand has to offer, from exquisite dining experiences to exclusive cultural encounters. Discover how to experience the best of Thailand in style and sophistication, as the government boosts global Thai cuisine appeal, elevating the country’s culinary delights to new international heights. Continued …

Must-visit fried rice restaurants in Bangok

If you’re in Bangkok and craving delicious fried rice (Khao Pad), you’re in for a treat! Fried rice is one of Thailand’s most loved dishes, offering a perfect mix of rice, vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried together.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the best place to enjoy this flavorful meal is always exciting. Khao Pad is quick, tasty, and loved by people of all ages. To make your search easier, we’ve gathered some must-visit fried rice restaurants in Bangkok. Each spot offers its own unique twist on this classic dish, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Continued …

Inside The Thai Retreat With Cannabis-Infused Wellness Treatments

U..S. cannabis edibles brand KANHA has partnered with an award-winning luxury beachfront hotel on Thailand’s Koh Samui Island, The Beach Samui. This partnership introduces a range of cannabis-infused treatments, aiming to enhance the guest experience and offer something unique within wellness tourism.

“Wellness enthusiasts around the world have been seeking a place where they can enjoy premium cannabis treatments in a resort setting,” stated Cameron Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Sunderstorm, the parent company of KANHA. “The partnership between KANHA and The Beach Samui delivers on this market demand with one-of-a-kind experiences that allow travelers to enjoy cannabis as they relax and recharge in a luxury resort on one of the best islands in Asia.” Continued …

The cheapest electric vehicles to buy in Thailand

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle in Thailand but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. With the rising fuel prices and increasing environmental concerns, more and more people are looking for affordable electric vehicle (EV) options that won’t break the bank. Luckily, Thailand’s market has some budget-friendly EVs that are both economical and environmentally friendly.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the cheapest electric vehicles available in Thailand, helping you find the perfect match for your budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re a city commuter or someone who loves weekend road trips, there’s an affordable EV out there for you. Continued …

Koh Lanta’s war on waste hailed as breakthrough for green tourism

A groundbreaking community waste-management program on the island of Koh Lanta in Krabi province is being hailed as a game-changer in the fight against environmental damage caused by overtourism in Thailand.

Launched by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) in 2021, the initiative is setting a new standard for sustainable tourism and preserving the island’s natural beauty for generations to come. Continued …

Sustainability Expo aims to raise awareness, inspire immediate action

In the face of multiple challenges posed by escalating climate crises, the 5th edition of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) is being taken to the next level, cementing its position as ASEAN’s largest sustainability trade show, the organizer told a press conference on Thursday.

Scheduled from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the expo will operate under the theme “Good Balance, Better World”. The event aims to raise awareness and promote immediate action on climate change through a variety of activities, said Tongjai Thanachanan, director of the SX Organizing Committee. Continued …

Tech billionaire pulls off first private spacewalk high above Earth

A tech billionaire popped out from a SpaceX capsule hundreds of miles above Earth and performed the first private spacewalk Thursday, a high-risk endeavor once reserved for professional astronauts. Continued …

Malaysia expands probe into Islamic business group over child abuse claims

Malaysian authorities have widened their investigation into a prominent Islamic business organization, a day after police rescued more than 400 children suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes run by the group. Continued …

Red Cross pushes for aid corridors into war-torn Myanmar

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is in talks with Myanmar’s ruling military government, its armed opponents and its neighbors to provide cross-border humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country, its chief said on Wednesday. Continued …

Gold prices set fresh record

Gold prices rose more than 1% to reach a record high on Thursday, helped by expectations of an interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next week after U.S. data signaled a slowing of the economy. Continued …