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Cha Am Beach ‘Fish Crowding’/Bluport Hua Hin: A multifaceted destination/WFFT seeks land for tigers/Black Mountain Asian tour event/Hua Hin Wine Expo/Thailand flood news: Flood alert for Bangkok/Heavy monsoon rains coming/Chiang Mai’s Ping River recedes/Hotel occupancy rate in Chiang Mai down/‘Ticking time bombs’/Invasive tilapia into tasty sauce/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Headline inflation quickens/Action sought on cheap Chinese imports/Casino bill faces overhaul/US-China tensions boost Thai economy/EVs Fuel Boom in Commercial Real Estate/FARM EXPO 2024/Thai Mangosteen Retains Global Market/New microelectronics plant/10,000 tech startups/New ASEAN pact/Tourism: Thai visa shake-up/Amazing Thailand is back/TAT seeks 10 million arrivals/Thailand Experience: Perfect Family Trip in Thailand/A Michelin culinary experience/Food With An Extra Kick Of Spice/Climate Thailand: Dammed in the Mekong/Plastic waste will surpass marine life/Hydrogen: The new hope/Potential in clean energy transition/PTT unveils ambitious strategy/MEA Energy Awards/EGCO Group to bid on solar projects/Raising tourist taxes for climate/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

Cha Am Beach Sees Rare ‘Fish Crowding’ Phenomenon as Locals Gather Seafood

Residents and tourists flocked to Cha Am Beach in Phetchaburi Province yesterday to catch various sea creatures washed ashore due to a phenomenon known locally as “nuea bia,” or “crowding water.”

Armed with nets and baskets, they collected blackfin seabass, cuttlefish, shrimp, and blue crabs, which had surfaced and were stranded along the beach. This bounty offered locals and visitors a rare opportunity to gather fresh seafood for meals. Continued …

Bluport Hua Hin: A multifaceted destination for MICE and tourism growth

Bluport Hua Hin’s transformation into a multifaceted destination blends retail, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, cultural attractions, and wellness services. Khun Vajee KlomKliang, executive committee and VP marketing and business partner at Bluport Hua Hin, shares insights into the Proud Group’s vision for turning Hua Hin into a key player in Thailand’s tourism and business landscape. Video …

WFFT seeks land to expand tiger sanctuary

A vital tiger sanctuary has completely run out of space, and until it can be enlarged, tigers currently caged in awful zoos and circuses cannot be rescued. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), has an opportunity to expand its sanctuary by purchasing a piece of neighboring land – but it needs help.

Tigers like Susu, a Bengal tiger who was chained up for 15 years in Phuket Zoo in southern Thailand, woefully mistreated for human “entertainment”. Every day of those 15 years, she lived in anguish, locked up like a prisoner. Her “crime?” Being born in a country where animals are commodities, used to make money until they offer no more value to their owners. Continued …

Black Mountain Asian tour event Oct 17-20

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Hua Hin Wine Expo set for Nov 1

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Fresh flood alert for parts of Bangkok

City Hall on Monday warned people living along the Chao Phraya River in areas with no permanent barriers to prepare for flooding next week.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said residents of areas prone to flooding due to lack of an embankment should move their belongings to high ground and keep a close watch on the river level from Oct. 14-23. Continued …

Heavy monsoon rains and thunderstorms to hit Thailand regions

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm for the eastern and southern regions, warning that heavy monsoons are on the horizon. With a 60% to 70% chance of thunderstorms, locals are being advised to prepare for potential flash floods.

While Bangkok braces for its own thunderous downpours, those in the northern and northeastern regions can expect a rather cool start to their mornings. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s Ping River recedes, but downstream areas still at risk

Chiang Mai authorities announced that the Ping River, which had broken its banks and flooded the province earlier, has dropped to 3.85 meters, though downstream areas were still at risk of flooding. Muang Chiang Mai Municipality announced that the river’s level at the P1 measuring station by the Nawarat Bridge stood at 3.85 meters as of 10am on Monday.

The Chiang Mai Irrigation Office expected the water level to further drop to 3.7 meters by 3pm and said that if there was no more rain upstream, the Ping River should soon return to its normal level. Continued …

Hotel occupancy rate in Chiang Mai down 30%

Hotels in Chiang Mai saw the average occupancy rate decline by 30% over a three-day period of severe floods covering Oct. 4-6, which heavily impacted 1,500-2,000 rooms in the province.

La-iad Bungsrithong, board adviser for the Thai Hotels Assn., said the situation has been gradually improving since Monday, as many hotels in the affected areas had begun to clean up their properties once the floodwaters began to recede. Continued …

‘Ticking time bombs’: Experts warn of old buses, safety loopholes after deadly blaze

This month’s horrific school bus blaze, which claimed the lives of 20 children and three adults, has once again highlighted the safety crisis on Thai roads, ranked among the most dangerous in the world.

On Oct. 1, a bus carrying 44 passengers on a school trip from Uthai Thani to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi caught fire on the outskirts Bangkok. This is not the first time that a bus has erupted in flames, causing mass fatalities in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand turns invasive tilapia into tasty sauce

Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has unveiled an innovative approach to combat the invasiv blackchin tilapia by converting them into fermented fish sauce.

To tackle the spread of this species, which endangers commercially valuable fish stocks in nine provinces, the department will collaborate with local communities to process the blackchin tilapia into the popular condiment, according to department chief Bancha Sukkaew. Continued …

Thai Officers To Sue Chinese-Funded Project for Defying Construction Ban Sign – Continued …
Jet-ski joyrider in deep water after Patong Beach hit-and-run – Continued …
Russian Man Arrested at Phuket Airport, Accused of Helping Fugitive – Continued …
Luxembourger Arrested for Illegally Guiding Tourists on Rattanakosin Island – Continued …
Chinese Fraudster Evading Arrest with Face-lift Nabbed in Bangkok – Continued …
Danish man stabs himself with medical knife in Bangkok hospital – Continued …

Headline inflation quickens in September

Thailand’s annual headline inflation quickened in September due mainly to higher prices of diesel and some vegetables, the Commerce Ministry said on Monday, and was still below the central bank’s target range of 1% to 3%.

The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.61% in September from a year earlier, after August’s annual increase of 0.35%, and missed a forecast rise of 0.80% in a Reuters poll. Continued …

Thai firms call for urgent and robust action on cheap Chinese imports as manufacturing shrinks

Business leaders fear the government lacks the mettle to follow through on promises made before the new government was formed regarding cheap Chinese goods being dumped on the Thai market. In particular, they are concerned about a recent tête-à-tête between the new Ministry of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan and the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.

That meeting appears to sidetrack the pressing issue facing many small Thai firms, which is cutthroat competition from China across a growing list of sectors. Indeed, it is increasingly clear that Thailand’s trade and industry policy is out of touch with small, struggling private sector firms. Continued …

Thailand’s casino bill faces overhaul

The Fiscal Policy Office has completed public hearings on the entertainment complex bill and will submit its results to the Cabinet soon, a well-informed source said.

The source explained that the FPO has categorized the results of the hearing into 45 main points, which it will ask the Cabinet to consider and select for improving the draft. Earlier, the House of Representatives had studied and concluded that the government should allow entertainment complexes with casinos to be set up in the kingdom to attract foreigners and generate more revenue. Continued …

Thailand gets into gear as US-China tensions boost its economy

As the United States and China continue their economic tug-of-war, Thailand has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary on the global stage. The Southeast Asian nation is poised to become a formidable player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, a development that could reshape the automotive landscape in the region and beyond.

This revelation came to light during the 4th Sweden-Thailand Sustainable Development Forum, a cornerstone event of the Sustainability Expo 2024 held in Bangkok. The forum, which ran from late September to early October, brought together a diverse array of experts and diplomats to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Continued …

Thailand’s Electric Vehicle Industry Fuels Boom in Commercial Real Estate

Thailand is set to become Southeast Asia’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub by 2030, with an anticipated $6.5 billion commercial real estate market according to JLL.

This growth is driven by ambitious government policies like the 30@30 initiative, aiming for 30% of vehicle production to be electric, alongside significant foreign investments, expected to reshape the real estate landscape. Continued …

FARM EXPO 2024 Emerges as Thailand’s Largest Indoor Agriculture Event

The FARM EXPO 2024 was Thailand’s biggest indoor agriculture expo, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, featuring the latest advancements in farming equipment, agrotech solutions, and sustainable practices. Enhancing Thailand’s agriculture sector requires incorporating innovation and technology to boost farm productivity.

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The expo brought together farmers, industry leaders, and technology innovators under one roof, showcasing the latest advancements in agriculture. Spanning over multiple halls, the event featured state-of-the-art farming equipment, cutting-edge agrotech solutions, and sustainable practices poised to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Continued …

Thai Mangosteen Retains Global Market; Growers Urged to Maintain Quality

The Commerce Ministry revealed that Thai mangosteen is still the world’s No. 1, earning 17 billion baht ($502 million) annually in exports. Orchard owners have been advised to maintain quality due to increasing competition.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO), Ministry of Commerce, disclosed the situation of Thai mangosteen exports in 2024. Currently, mangosteen is the fruit for which Thailand holds the world export championship, exporting 91% (including fresh and processed) and consuming only 9% domestically of the country’s total mangosteen production. Continued …

Big things expected from new microelectronics plant

Thailand’s first-ever silicon carbide wafer factory slated to start production in Lamphun province within the next two years will set a milestone for the country’s semiconductor industry, according to the Thai Microelectronics Center (TMEC), the national research and development unit of wafer fabrication.

TMEC senior researcher Wutthinan Jeamsaksiri said the factory in Lamphun Industrial Park aims to cater to the increased global demand for power electronics. Continued …

TSRI to help establish 10,000 tech startups

Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) plans to contribute to the development of 10,000 new technology startups within two years.

The move is to drive the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups to serve the industries of artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and the bio-circular-green (BCG) economy, according to Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, chairman of the National Commission on Science, Research and Innovation. Continued …

New ASEAN pact set to transform regional trade, connectivity

ASEAN is on the cusp of entering a “golden age” driven by five key factors and a landmark digital economy agreement, said Jirayut Subsrisopa, founder and chief executive officer of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings.

Speaking at the ASEAN Economic Outlook 2025 seminar on Monday, Jirayut outlined how the upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) could inject up to US$2 trillion (66.88 trillion baht) into the region’s economy. Continued …

Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only

Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past.

In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia (Phnom Penh) will close their doors to in-person visa applications. Some of these have already shut their consular services in anticipation of the e-visa launch, scheduled for next Tuesday (Oct. 22). Continued …

Amazing Thailand is back

The government has launched “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025” alongside six global tourism companies to help attract more visitors and meet its targets.

Jirayu Huangsap, an adviser to the prime minister, told a press briefing on Monday that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a roundtable meeting with executives from the six leading firms – Grab, Agoda, Expedia, IHG, Marriott International and Trip.com Group – to engage them in the plan. Continued …

TAT seeks 10 million arrivals in final quarter

The fourth quarter will require at least 10.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, or a 25% year-on-year increase, in order to reach the 36.7 million tourists targeted for 2024, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said attracting at least 3.5 million foreign arrivals per month during the last three months of the year remains achievable, attributed to numerous promotions, events and an increase in seat capacity, particularly from new routes. Continued …

How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip in Thailand

Thailand is one of the best family destinations in Asia, with opportunities to see elephants, go kayaking, ride in tuk-tuks, stay in floating villas, and relax on palm-shaded beaches.

The country’s robust tourism, infrastructure, family-friendly hotels, just-for-kids experiences, and widely spoken English are some of the reasons I recommend it for family adventures. Here are some standouts. Continued …

A Michelin culinary experience on Thailand bus tour

Launched in 2018, the Thai Bus Food Tour allows tourists to savor Thai cuisine from renowned Michelin restaurants while exploring Bangkok’s iconic landmarks.

The tour’s signature double-decker bus features dining tables, seating, food preparation areas, and large glass windows, providing passengers with unobstructed views of the city. The bus accommodates up to 32 passengers. Continued …

Thai Restaurants In Bangkok That Serve Food With An Extra Kick Of Spice

Thai cuisine isn’t monolithic in nature, and spans a multitude of different flavors throughout various regions. The southern part of the country is especially recognizable for its predilection toward more potent, spicy flavors. If you’re ever curious to venture forth and explore, then try out the best southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

Thai food varies a lot throughout the regions, but the spice is what holds it together. The south of Thailand gets a lot of influences from Malaysia and Indonesia, and the abundance of fresh ingredients grown locally also add another dimension to the dishes. From the rich yellow curry to the heat-filled khua kling, these southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok bring in all the right notes that have our tastebuds dancing straight to the city. Continued …

Dammed in the Mekong: Averting an Environmental Catastrophe

Environmental degradation caused by infrastructure development in the Mekong basin, especially large-scale hydropower and sand mining, threatens the region’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of 70 million people. Over the past 30 years, developers have largely ignored the natural ecosystems’ environmental and social value, while the emergence of new infrastructure and industries has deepened inequality within states.

None of the Mekong basin states – China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – has achieved a satisfactory balance between the imperatives of economic growth and environmental preservation, while climate change has resulted in higher temperatures and severe droughts, exacerbating the harmful effects of new infrastructure. Continued …

Plastic waste will surpass marine life by 2050

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Its pervasive presence, from the depths of the oceans to the peaks of the highest mountains, reminds humanity’s unchecked consumption of single-use plastics and the inadequate systems in place to manage plastic waste.

Globally, an estimated 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and roughly half of this is for single-use items such as packaging, bottles and bags. Alarmingly, over 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in oceans annually, according to the United Nations. This accumulation of plastic in the environment has devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Continued …

Hydrogen: The new hope for clean energy in Thailand

As the world faces an environmental crisis, clean energy becomes a key to a sustainable future. One promising source of energy is hydrogen, which is being developed in Thailand to transition toward an environmentally friendly energy system and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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Hydrogen is an abundant element that can be used as a clean fuel because its combustion releases only water and oxygen, causing no pollution. It also serves as an energy storage medium, capable of generating electricity through fuel cells, helping to strengthen energy security for the future. Continued …

Gulf Energy sees potential in Thailand’s clean energy transition

Gulf Energy Development has highlighted Thailand’s potential for growth in clean energy and its role in enhancing the country’s energy security, its chief asset management and investment officer, Smith Banomyong, said on Monday.

He delivered this perspective and outlined the company’s vision at the “ASEAN Economic Outlook 2025” seminar, organized by Krungthep Turakij to celebrate its 37th anniversary. Despite Thailand’s relatively modest 2% economic growth compared with regional powerhouses like Vietnam, Banomyong highlighted significant opportunities in the kingdom’s service sector. Continued …

PTT unveils ambitious strategy for sustainable growth in ASEAN

PTT, Thailand’s top energy company, has unveiled its strategy for driving sustainable growth in the ASEAN region through carbon-capture storage (CCS) and hydrogen technologies.

At the “ASEAN Economic Outlook 2025” forum on Monday, PTT’s CEO and President Kongkrapan Intarajang outlined the company’s vision for balancing energy security with environmental responsibility in the rapidly developing region. Continued …

125 venues in Greater Bangkok win MEA Energy Awards

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) recognized the sustainable energy efficiency practices implemented by 125 establishments in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan at the 2024 MEA Energy Awards ceremony on Friday.

The 125 winners, including one university, two schools, four hospitals, four hotels, 46 convenience stores, six hypermarts, nine shopping malls, 38 offices and 15 cafes, were chosen from a shortlist of 194 participants. Continued …

EGCO Group to participate in bidding for over 10 solar projects

Electricity Generating Public Co., or EGCO Group, will participate in the second phase of renewable energy bidding (RE Big Lot) called by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Thailand (ERC) and enter more than 10 ground-mounted solar projects into the bid.

The company’s participation in the RE Big Lot bidding is in line with EGCO Group’s goal to increase the proportion of renewable energy capacity up to 30% by 2030, which will support Thailand’s transformation toward a low-carbon society and attract foreign investment through clean energy promotion. Continued …

Many destinations are raising tourist taxes, but are they accomplishing their goal?

Travelers eager to explore ancient ruins and relax on beaches with some of the bluest waters in the world will now face a new tax in Greece. Unlike a visa fee or general excise tax, this charge is specifically aimed at addressing climate change.

Earlier this year, the Mediterranean country announced it was introducing a new accommodations tax called the “resilience fee for the climate crisis,” only to be applied during peak travel season of March through October. When in effect, it nearly doubles the former accommodations tax. Continued …

Insurers prepare for more global disasters

The insurance industry is facing the consequences of growing geopolitical conflicts, as well as natural disasters, prompting insurers to prepare for greater business risks, according to participants at the 23rd conference of the Association of Insurers and Reinsurers of Developing Countries (AIRDC). Continued …

Fighting Myanmar’s patriarchy, one all-male panel at a time

A panel discussion in Myanmar about female leadership had two speakers. Both were male. Another talk, about how to stay safe from the military government’s deadly bombing campaign against civilians, featured four men and no women. Yet another, an event to raise funds for rebel forces, gathered more than a dozen speakers online, all of them men. Continued …

China’s travel industry faces reality check of ‘worst ever’ season

Over the summer and Mid-Autumn Festival peak travel seasons, China’s major cities buzzed with tourists, with travel data painting a picture of a vibrant recovery. However, the reality for many in the tourism industry tells a different story, with operators lamenting the peak seasons as the “worst ever”. Continued …