Feedback/Royal Blossom train journey/Cha Am bypass now open/Monsoon strengthens/Your Cat’s hidden language/ECONOMY: Paetongtarn’s suspension hits economy/Thailand braces for US tariff deadline/Trump’s Tariffs Would Cost US Employers $82.3 B/Export-led model needs rejig/Thailand’s Strategic Position in ASEAN Supply Chains/China braces for US trade deals/Red Bull family the richest/TOURISM: Separatists sow fear in south/Bugs in travel subsidy system/Bangkok’s biggest market feels the drop/Pattaya’s New Tourist Tide/Austrian Tourist Dies/British Teen Contracts Deadly Scrub Typhus/Thai AirAsia Launches Suvarnabhumi–Buriram Flights/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top 100 F&B experiences in APAC/CLIMATE THAILAND: ‘Dangerous feedback loop’ in sudden sea ice melt/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
Re: Lottery tickets for foreigners
“It might be possible to buy tickets as a farang, but from my own personal experience you will need a Thai person to claim anything if you win (and hope they then give it to you). “ – AH
Re: New airport committee
“Another new committee to promote the airport in Hua Hin or Prachuap Khiri Khan? What did the previous ones achieve?” – ES
Royal Blossom train journey from Hua Hin to Bangkok sells out in hours
An exclusive rail journey organized by long-time British expat and travel blogger Richard Barrow recently sold out within hours, highlighting growing interest in train tourism in Thailand.
The special trip, set to depart from Hua Hin to Bangkok aboard the Royal Blossom tourist train on July 12, was offered through Barrow’s Asian Train Guide platform. All 52 seats were quickly snapped up, with most passengers being expatriates living in Hua Hin. Continued …
New intersection on Cha Am bypass now open to traffic
A new intersection along the Cha Am bypass is now fully open to traffic, marking a milestone in the ongoing expansion of Highway 37 between Cha Am and Hua Hin.
The overpass at the Huai Ta Paet intersection in Sampraya subdistrict, opened at the end of June and allows vehicles to travel smoothly in both directions — northbound toward Bangkok and southbound toward Hua Hin and Pranburi. Continued …
Monsoon strengthens, bringing heavy rain and flash flood risk
A strong monsoon trough is currently stretching across the north and upper northeast of Thailand, extending into a low-pressure cell over lower Laos and central Vietnam, the Thai Meteorological Department said today. Meanwhile, a moderate southwest monsoon continues to affect the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
These conditions are expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall across the country, with isolated very heavy rain likely in the north, upper northeast, and east. Residents in these regions are advised to be on alert for possible flash floods and run-off, especially near foothills, rivers and low-lying areas where water accumulation is more likely. Continued …
Uncovering the hidden language of your feline’s affection
Although cats are often perceived as independent or emotionally reserved animals, their behavior reveals that they are capable of forming deep emotional bonds with humans.
Unlike dogs, whose affection is typically overt and energetic, feline affection is expressed through subtle, often overlooked gestures and body language. Understanding these behaviors allows cat owners to better interpret their pets’ signals. Continued …
Paetongtarn’s suspension hits Thailand’s troubled economy
Thailand’s ruling coalition was already fraying when a court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday, raising fresh doubts about her survival, the country’s economy, and the future of a dynasty that has loomed over the Southeast Asian nation for decades.
In a blow to a country long plagued by political instability, the Constitutional Court sidelined the 38-year-old leader over a complaint linked to a leaked phone call in which she appeared to criticize the army and side with Cambodia in a border dispute — a potential breach of conduct under the constitution. She has 15 days to respond. For now, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit leads a shaky coalition. Continued …
Thailand braces for US tariff deadline, hopes for extension
The 90-day U.S. tariff suspension on Thailand is set to expire on July 9, and while China has already reached an agreement with the U.S., several countries, including Thailand, are still in talks. Within ASEAN, no nation has concluded negotiations yet.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer today to discuss reducing the countervailing tariffs imposed on Thailand from 36% to the lowest possible rate. Thailand has made several proposals, receiving positive signals from the U.S. side. Continued …
Analysis Shows Trump’s Tariffs Would Cost US Employers $82.3 Billion
An analysis finds a critical group of U.S. employers would face a direct cost of $82.3 billion from President Donald Trump’s current tariff plans, a sum that could potentially be managed through price hikes, layoffs, hiring freezes, or lower profit margins.
The analysis by the JPMorganChase Institute is among the first to measure the direct costs created by the import taxes on businesses with $10 million to $1 billion in annual revenue, a category including roughly a third of private-sector U.S. workers. These companies are more dependent than other businesses on imports from China, India and Thailand — and the retail and wholesale sectors would be especially vulnerable to the import taxes being levied by the Republican president. Continued …
Thailand’s export-led model needs rejig
Time is running out for Thailand, and the stakes have never been higher. As Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira arrived in Washington this week for critical trade talks with the U.S. negotiation team, Thailand confronts not just a tariff negotiation but an existential challenge to its export-dependent economic model.
With U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day grace period expiring on July 8, Thailand must secure a deal or face a punishing 36% tariff that threatens to unravel decades of export-led development strategy. Continued …
Thailand’s Strategic Position in ASEAN Supply Chains
Amid ongoing global disruptions caused by Covid-19, geopolitical tensions, and rising costs in China, Thailand has established itself as a critical hub in ASEAN’s supply chain resilience. Its advantageous geographic position, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it an ideal location for reshoring, nearshoring, and regional diversification efforts.
Thailand’s logistics sector continues to develop, centered around its key port, Laem Chabang, which handled 9.46 million TEUs in FY 2024, reflecting increased maritime trade. The nation’s port infrastructure is bolstered by Map Ta Phut, Sattahip, and the land bridge megaproject, designed to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand and reduce reliance on the Strait of Malacca. Continued …
China braces for US trade deals that aim to shut it out
eijing may be holding for now, but China is increasingly wary about what’s happening elsewhere: U.S. efforts to forge deals that could isolate Chinese firms from global supply chains.
Ahead of a July 9 deadline, U.S. officials are deep in talks with major trading partners in Asia and Europe, pushing for new agreements that would include restrictions on Chinese content, or secure commitments to counter what Washington sees as China’s unfair trade practices. Continued …
Red Bull family the richest in Thailand
Red Bull co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya is the richest person in Thailand this year with a net worth of US$44.5 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $35.7 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
A huge boost in the fortunes of the top three entrants on the list of Thailand’s 50 richest families propelled a rise of more than 11% in combined wealth to $170.5 billion, Forbes said. Continued …
Separatist ‘white faces’ sow fear in south
Recent bomb discoveries in the tourist provinces of Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi are believed to mark a strategic expansion of southern insurgent activity, aimed at undermining tourist confidence and damaging the local economy, particularly in the tourism sector, says a security source in the deep south.
Security analysts say the latest attacks represent a new tactic by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a major separatist group in the far south. Unlike past incidents, these operations were carried out by so-called “white faces”, new recruits with no criminal or intelligence record, making them difficult to detect by security forces. Continued …
Bugs being fixed in travel subsidy sign-up system
Lessons learned from previous travel subsidy schemes that cost the government 2.3 billion baht due to fraud have the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) defending the complicated registration process for the latest program.
The agency has been working on fixing problems that led to crashes on the first day of registrations on Tuesday. As of last evening, it was still deciding whether it would have to suspend registrations, in which case it would inform the public, said TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool. Continued …
Nobody spends like the Chinese: as Bangkok’s biggest market feels the drop
As Thailand continues to battle economic headwinds and a shift in travel patterns, even Bangkok’s iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market — one of the largest outdoor markets in the world — is feeling the pinch.
Vendors report that Chinese tourist numbers, once their biggest customer base, have dropped sharply in recent months. Sales for many stalls are down by 50%, despite a steady stream of visitors from India, Vietnam, and Europe. Continued …
Pattaya’s New Tourist Tide
As July begins, Pattaya’s tourism officials shift their focus to local visitors and the Half-Half travel scheme, aiming to boost tourism during the slower season. With fewer long-haul travelers predicted, Thai families on school break and an increasing number of regional tourists from the Indian subcontinent are stepping in to fill the gap.
However, questions have arisen about whether this influx will generate the desired “holiday rush.” Many say the core issue isn’t just the number of tourists, but the type and whether they significantly contribute to local businesses. Continued …
Austrian Tourist Dies After Drunken Fall at Koh Samui Hotel
An Austrian tourist has died in an incident on Koh Samui after falling down a flight of stairs at his hotel while reportedly intoxicated. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning and police have ruled out foul play.
The 45-year-old deceased was discovered by hotel staff at a resort on Beach Road in the Bo Phut area of Koh Samui, in Surat Thani province. His body was found lying face-up on the concrete floor of the stairwell leading to his third-floor room with a visible head wound. Continued …
British Teen Contracts Deadly Scrub Typhus After Thailand Trip
A North Yorkshire mother has issued a grave warning after her teenage daughter fell ill with scrub typhus, a life-threatening bacterial infection, following their trip to Thailand. The family, frequent visitors to the Southeast Asian paradise, were blindsided by the sudden health crisis.
Initially mistaking the symptoms for dental issues, the 17-year-old’s condition rapidly deteriorated, manifesting in swollen neck glands and jaundiced skin. Alarmed by potential liver failure, doctors performed tests for tropical diseases, ultimately diagnosing scrub typhus — contracted through unnoticed bites from chigger mites. Continued …
Thai AirAsia Launches Direct Suvarnabhumi–Buriram Flights
Thai AirAsia has officially launched a new direct flight route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Buriram, aiming to improve regional connectivity and stimulate both tourism and local economic growth.
This newly introduced route marks a significant development in strengthening Buriram’s position as a key tourism and sports destination in northeastern Thailand. The route offers travelers more flexibility, now providing alternatives to travel from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok. Continued …
Thailand responsible for 80% of top 100 F&B experiences in APAC
Traveloka reports that Thailand is cementing its place as Asia Pacific’s culinary capital, attracting traveling epicureans from around the region and beyond. Based on the online travel platform’s latest search rankings, approximately 80% of the top 100 food and drink experiences may be found in Thailand.
That said, the country has certainly become a regional hub for gastronomic tourism, further driving it to its goal of becoming a global hub for gastronomy by next year. The Traveloka report shows that Bangkok is the beating heart of what is now Southeast Asia’s culinary epicenter, as 60% of top dining experiences may be found there. Continued …
Scientists find a ‘dangerous feedback loop’ in sudden sea ice melt
It’s about as remote as it gets, yet what happens in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica impacts all of us. And what’s going on down there? Over the past few years, researchers have discovered dramatic and “unexpected” shifts in the Southern Ocean, with saltiness rising and sea ice in steep decline, according to a new study.
It matters, researchers say, because losing Antarctic sea ice is a planetary problem: “If this salty, low-ice state continues, it could permanently reshape the Southern Ocean – and with it, the planet,” said study lead author Alessandro Silvanoof the University of Southampton. Continued …
4 dead, 38 missing after ferry sinks on way to Bali
At least four people were dead and dozens unaccounted for today after a ferry sank on its way to the resort island of Bali, according to local authorities who said 23 survivors had been plucked from the water so far. Rescuers were still racing to find missing people after the vessel carrying 65 passengers sank before midnight yesterday. Continued …
Ukraine left scrambling after US says halting some arms shipments
Ukraine appealed to the United States for clarity yesterday after it was caught off-guard by a White House announcement that Washington was halting some arms shipments to the war-battered country. The Ukrainian defense ministry, which is deeply dependent on U.S. arms, said it had not been prior notified about the reduction in aid announced one day earlier. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The 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.
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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