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Vogue profiles Chiva-Som/Driving in Thailand/Supercars at Bluport/Thai triathlon on Sunday/Amateur Charity Golf Classic/Secrets of Internet Security/Electricity price will be cut/Cost of coffee to rise/Cold weather, rain predicted/Floods ravage southern provinces/Efforts to Safeguard Buddhism/’Fish cafés’ in spotlight/Kanchanaburi border pass/Heir shuns US$5-billion fortune/ECONOMY: Anti-nominee battle plan/GDP growth camouflages weaknesses/EEC Foreign Investment/Tariffs to benefit Thai real estate/PM hosts 40 US firms/Thai GDP growth at 2.7%/Factory output down/TOURISM: Domestic tourism faces storm/TAT targets 9 million Chinese/Discount for New Year’s domestic flights/Medical Tourism: Can China compete with Thailand?/Jetstar plane makes emergency landing/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Bangkok’s street food tours/Satun’s pristine Koh Bulon islands/Ayutthaya after dark/Thai Village Recognized/Chiang Mai Flower Festival/CLIMATE THAILAND: Clash over clean energy vision/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

Vogue Magazine profiles Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som

When was the last time you didn’t have your phone while waiting for someone in public? I asked myself this over and over again in my head as I sat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin upon my arrival, waiting for my health and wellness adviser. I stared at the “No Phones” sign on the table, battling the urge to grab my phone and pretend to scroll, just to avoid sideways glances from strangers.

For a split second, I felt anxious, lost, and lonely at the same time — but also relieved. Oh, so relieved. It was as if Chiva-Som’s no-phones policy finally granted me the permission to free myself from what society deems the norm: that your phone is a signifier of social adequacy, a tool for camouflage, a natural extension of its owner. Continued …

Essential guidelines for driving in Thailand

Thailand offers expats and tourists the opportunity to explore its scenic landscapes and vibrant cities via self-driving.

However, understanding the rules and procedures for driving in Thailand is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Below are key guidelines and tips for tourists and foreigners driving in Thailand. Continued …

Supercar display at Bluport this weekend

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Thai triathlon coming to Hua Hin Sunday

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Unlocking the Secrets of Internet Security for Everyday Users

Our reliance on the Internet for communication, work, entertainment, and shopping is undeniable. However, this convenience brings with it significant security risks.

For everyday users, understanding how to protect their online presence is more important than ever. In this guide, we will unlock the secrets of internet security and provide you with essential tips and tools to stay safe online. Continued …

Electricity price will be cut to 4.15 baht per unit for January-April

The Ministry of Energy has agreed to cut the price of electricity by three satang, from 4.18 baht per unit to 4.15 baht, from January through April next year.

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said the reduction is aimed at easing the burden of the cost-of-living. He thanked the Energy Regulatory Commission, PTT and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand for their cooperation in helping the people. Continued …

Cost of coffee expected to rise

Coffee futures extended their rampant rally to the highest in more than four decades in New York amid global supply worries, threatening to further raise costs for consumers. Arabica beans — the variety favored for specialty brews — climbed as much as 3.1%, hitting the highest since 1977. The price has jumped almost 70% this year.

A severe drought earlier this year in Brazil has fueled worries about the country’s output. That comes on top of concerns about bean supplies from Vietnam, after a key coffee belt was hit by dryness during the growing period and heavy rains arrived at the start of harvest. Continued …

Cold weather predicted for north, more rain in the south

Thailand is bracing for a turbulent time, as foreboding monsoons and heavy rain are set to hit 11 provinces, bringing the threat of flash floods and landslides. Adding a chill to the mix, temperatures are predicted to plunge in the northern region. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild-weather ride.

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) rang the alarm bells as a fresh wave of moderate to strong high-pressure systems rolled in from China, covering northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea. Continued …

Floods ravage four southern provinces

The four southern provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are being hit by heavy rain and severe floods that have ravaged houses and forced schools and roads to close.

In Songkhla, downpours inundated roads, especially busy Kanjanavanich Road that links Hat Yai district to muang district. Authorities have had to close sections of the road and redirect traffic via detours, including along Lopburi Ramaed Road, according to officials. Continued …

Government Vows Proactive Efforts to Safeguard Buddhism

To bolster Buddhism’s standing and integrity in Thailand, the government has pledged a proactive approach in identifying and solving issues affecting the religion. This comes as a shift from reacting to problems only as they surface, which often happens when they capture public attention or complaints arise.

Chousak Sirinil, a minister at the prime minister’s office who oversees the National Office of Buddhism, has outlined decisive measures aimed at safeguarding the religion, including the proactive identification of issues before they escalate. Continued …

‘Fish cafés’ in hygiene spotlight

The Public Health Ministry has ordered a review of “fish cafés,” in which customers can enjoy meals and beverages while fish swim around their feet, to ensure their levels of hygiene meets the required standards.

The order was issued after such a café in the seaside province of Chon Buri was criticized for being unhygienic, which could pose risks to both customers and the fish. Continued …

Kanchanaburi seeks reopening of border pass

Officials in Kanchanaburi province hope the Ban Phu Nam Ron border pass can be reopened by the New Year to boost cross-border trade, employment and investment between Thailand and Myanmar.

They emphasize that the area around the border crossing is currently safe, with no reported conflicts on the Myanmar side. Immigration and customs facilities in Kanchanaburi are well-prepared for operations, paving the way for smooth management, said Bandit Promthong, chief of the Kanchanaburi provincial office. Continued …

Billionaire’s heir shuns US$5-billion fortune for life as forest monk

In a tale that sounds straight out of a spiritual bestseller, Ajahn Siripanyo, the only son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, turned his back on a US$5 billion inheritance to pursue the humble life of a Buddhist monk.

Ananda, one of Malaysia’s richest tycoons, oversees a sprawling empire that includes telecom, satellites, oil, real estate, and media. Yet, his son, born into unimaginable privilege, made the startling decision at 18 to embrace a monastic path. Continued …

Anti-nominee battle plan drawn up

The government is intensifying efforts to crack down on the use of Thai nominees by foreigners in five high-risk business sectors by 2026: tourism, real estate, logistics, warehousing and agricultural product trade.

Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang said a subcommittee on nominee business prevention and suppression held a second meeting on Wednesday with related agencies to discuss measures to investigate and pursue legal action against companies suspected of using Thai nominees. Continued …

Q3 GDP growth camouflages weaknesses of Thai economy

Thailand’s economy grew 3% in the third quarter, exceeding market expectations, but the underlying details do not paint as encouraging a picture. The expansion of gross domestic product (GDP), a broad measure of economic activities, has accelerated gradually from 1.6% in the first quarter and 2.2% in Q2.

Seasonally adjusted, the economy expanded by 1.2% quarter on quarter, while growth in the first nine months of 2024 was reported at 2.3%, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the state planning agency. Continued …

EEC Foreign Investment Reaches US$1.32 Billion in the First 10 Months of 2024

So far in 2024, 251 businesses have invested 45.7 billion baht in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, a 128% increase, with significant contributions from Japan, China, and Hong Kong.

This surge in investment highlights the growing appeal of the Eastern Economic Corridor as a strategic hub for international businesses. The region’s favorable policies, infrastructure development, and strategic location have attracted major players from various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and logistics. Continued …

New US tariffs to benefit Thai real estate

Thailand’s property sector will benefit from the China + One policy of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, which experts say will drive foreign firms to shift their manufacturing bases to ASEAN and Thailand to evade tariff walls and boost land sales in the industrial sector next year, property consultant JLL Thailand says.

The policy, coupled with growing geopolitical tensions in several parts of the world, will direct foreign manufacturers to high-potential destinations such as Thailand’s EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor), Michael Glancy, JLL’s managing director for Thailand and Indonesia said on Wednesday. Continued …

Thai PM hosts 40 US firms, promises support for investments

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed the executives of some 40 American companies to Government House on Wednesday and assured them that Thailand was ready to host their investments.

The delegation, part of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), was led by U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec and the council’s vice president, Brian McFeeters. They were paying a courtesy call to Paetongtarn to discuss potential business opportunities. Continued …

IMF sees Thai GDP growth at 2.7% this year, 2.9% in 2025

Thailand’s economic growth is projected at 2.7% this year and 2.9% next year, reflecting planned fiscal stimulus measures and a pickup in public investment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

Private consumption growth is expected to remain robust, boosted by government stimulus, while private investment is also projected to increase, the Washington-based IMF said in a statement on Tuesday after a staff visit to Southeast Asia’s second largest economy. Continued …

Thai factory output down 0.91% y/y in October, seen rising in 2025

Thailand’s manufacturing production index dropped 0.91% in October from a year earlier, the industry ministry said on Wednesday, falling less than analysts’ expectations. The figure compared with a forecast fall of 1.85% for October in a Reuters poll, and followed an annual drop of 3.51% in September.

Factory output for the first 10 months of 2024 contracted 1.63% from a year earlier, and the ministry forecast it would fall 1.6% for the full year. Output has been weighed down by weaker car production and high household debt that has crimped domestic spending, the ministry said. Continued …

Thailand’s domestic tourism faces a credit crunch storm

Thailand’s domestic tourism scene is facing stormy weather as concerns mount over rising consumer loans and mortgage defaults, industry insiders reveal. These financial headaches are casting doubts on whether short-term festival and event promos can still work their magic.

The latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council waved a red flag, revealing a troubling uptick in personal loans and mortgage defaults on sub-3 million baht loans. Continued …

TAT targets 9 million Chinese visitors in 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has adjusted its target of welcoming visitors from China in 2025 from 8.8 million to 9 million people, as it eyes achieving at least 90% of the pre-Covid level, Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Tuesday.

Chinese arrivals to Thailand reached a record high of 11 million people in 2019, before the pandemic hit. Thapanee said achieving this 90% milestone would also celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. Continued …

50,000 tickets with 30% discount for New Year’s domestic flights

Six airlines are offering 50,000 domestic flight tickets with a 30% discount to New Year travelers, according to the transport minister

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the tickets were for flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani scheduled for the Dec. 26-Jan. 5 period. Continued …

Medical Tourism: Can China compete with Thailand?

China is aiming to boost its medical tourism industry, but faces stiff competition from neighboring countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan. While China boasts rapid innovation and technological development in healthcare, it lacks the established reputation and branding enjoyed by its neighbors.

Thailand, in particular, has carved a niche for itself in medical tourism due to its high-quality services, affordable prices, and emphasis on hospitality. South Korea has also established a strong presence in medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic surgery, and is aiming to attract 700,000 foreign patients annually by 2027. Continued …

Jetstar plane bound for Thailand makes emergency landing at Sydney Airport

A Jetstar flight bound for Phuket had to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after a wheel was damaged during takeoff, causing a tense situation for all passengers on board.

Flight JQ27, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely at Sydney Airport just before 5pm after circling for nearly two hours to burn off and drain fuel. Jetstar assured passengers and observers that the landing went smoothly, with no injuries reported. Emergency personnel were on standby and ready to take action, but fortunately no one required assistance. Continued …

Bangkok’s memorable street food tours

One of the most delectable, and difficult, articles to write about in this country is on the subject of street food. Where do you start and where do you end?

One of my most enjoyable evenings when we moved to Bangkok many years back was spent sitting on a plastic stool by a noisy road and relishing a plate of pla pao (fish marinated in rock salt and cooked over a charcoal) with a spicy chili sauce washed down with a glass of chilled Chang beer. Continued …

Beyond Koh Lipe: Explore Satun’s pristine Koh Bulon islands

Tour operators in the southern province of Satun are now offering special one-day trips to introduce tourists to the Koh Bulon islands. Away from the hustle of mass tourism on Koh Lipe, Koh Bulon islands offer crystal-clear waters, colorful coral and pristine tranquil beaches.

They lie about 22 kilometers from Pak Bara pier in Satun’s Langu district and some boast long-term foreign residents, who don’t mind living in basic huts. Continued …

Ayutthaya after dark

When the sky is bathed in the glow of twilight, illumination displays will spotlight five historical sites to bring the ancient capital of Ayutthaya back to life as part of Ayutthaya Sundown 2024, which runs until Feb. 16. This schedule gives visitors ample free time for weekend sightseeing excursions between 6pm and 9pm.

Across the front of Wat Phra Ram, a sizable swamp has been turned into a sea of lotuses and passersby can see the reflection of the ancient ruins in the water. Taking a closer look at what was once known as Nong Sano, visitors may recall the time when the Ayutthaya kingdom was established and the dirt beneath the marsh was excavated to expand the vicinity so the surrounding royal palace and temples could be built. Continued …

Thai Village Among Top Rural Tourism Destinations In Southeast Asia

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized four Southeast Asian villages among the world’s best tourism destinations for 2024, including Thailand’s first-ever entry to receive the accolade. Honored for their contributions to rural tourism, these villages (two in Indonesia and one each in Thailand and Vietnam) are renowned for their cultural richness, natural beauty, and sustainable practices.

The awards highlight the transformative power of tourism in preserving cultural heritage, promoting local economies, and improving the quality of life for rural communities. Among 55 top rural destinations worldwide, they honored four villages in Southeast Asia: Jatiluwih and Wukirsari in Indonesia, Bo Suak in Thailand, and Tra Que in Vietnam. Continued …

Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival kicks off

Set against starry skies and mountainous landscapes, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Park will be turned into an illuminated botanical wonder for the annual Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival that runs from tomorrow until Jan. 5.

Visitors can immerse in a sea of colorful tulips, orchids, hydrangeas, marigolds and other flowers in full bloom amid cool temperatures. There will also be four daily rounds of the vibrant fountain show with light and sound, a long tunnel and a beautiful castle will be trimmed with a million light bulbs. A troupe of local artists will also take the stage for Lanna contemporary performances. It’s open daily from 8.30am to 11 pm. Admission is free. Continued …

Thai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision

Tensions have erupted in Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga lock horns over the nation’s clean energy future. A disagreement, which has reportedly been simmering for weeks, boiled over Tuesday, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a National Energy Policy Board meeting.

According to Government House insiders, the PM pressed for the Energy Ministry to fast-track plans to acquire 2,000 megawatts of clean energy from private providers via the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (Direct PPA). In stark contrast, Pirapan ordered the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to hold off on clean energy purchases, effectively stalling the policy’s second phase. Continued …