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Torrential rain expected/April showers bring flood horrors/Electricity Cost Cut/Earthquake death toll rises/Scan shows possible survivors/Earthquake triggers 264 aftershocks/Myanmar death toll climbs/Earthquake Damage in Chiang Mai/Bangkok Governor Alone at Collapse Site/China Giant Under Scrutiny/China Railway No.10/Steel supplier also sold for Laos railway/Hospital building, airport terminal also targeted/Condo developers take swift action/Cultural Treasures at Risk/Wildfires choke Chiang Mai/Muay Thai Rules Tightened/ECONOMY: Earthquake Shakes Economy/Up to $8 billion from US tariffs/Tariffs to dent Thai GDP/Tax War could cost global economy/Casino bill debate tomorrow/Bangkok Motor Show/Makro Among Top 5/TOURISM: Earthquake leads to slower bookings/New Safety Focus After Quake/Post-Quake Tourism Concerns/Phuket’s alcohol-free Songkran/Songkhla’s new cruise port plan/Speedboat Fire Off Phuket Coast/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Tigress and cubs spotted/CLIMATE THAILAND: Koh Larn waste incinerator May launch/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

Torrential rain expected through Friday

People in southern provinces are warned of torrenrial rain starting forecast to continue until Friday, with the risk of flash flooding. The easterly wind moving through the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea is bringing more rain to southern provinces, the Meteorological Department reported today.

The warning especially applies to these provinces – Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Phetchaburi, Ranong and Phuket. Continued …

April showers bring flood horrors to Thailand

Thailand’s weather chiefs have issued a dire warning as a monster storm threatens to drench the nation. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today, forecasting torrential downpours and fierce winds across 30 provinces, including Bangkok.

The deluge could trigger flash floods and deadly forest runoff, turning roads into rivers and homes into waterlogged disaster zones. A TMD spokesperson warned locals to take no chances. “This is a serious weather event. Be prepared and stay safe.” Continued …

Thai Cabinet Gives Green Light to Electricity Cost Cut

In a move to ease financial strain, Thailand’s cabinet has greenlit a reduction in electricity charges from 4.15 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour. This decision, targeting the billing period from May 1 to Aug. 31, aims to lessen the financial burden on households and businesses.

A final nod, however, is pending from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The Pheu Thai Party, leading the coalition government, has been a staunch advocate for driving electricity costs below the critical threshold of 4 baht per unit. Continued …

Earthquake death toll rises to 15

Rescue officials this morning used a crane basket to recover the body of a female worker from the rubble of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, following Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar.

As of this morning, the death toll from the incident has risen to 15, with eight males and seven females confirmed dead. Nine others have been injured, and 72 individuals remain missing. Continued …

Scan shows possible survivors deep in collapsed Bangkok skyscraper

Myanmar earthquake triggers 264 aftershocks, affects Thailand

As many as 264 aftershocks had been recorded by today following the initial earthquake in Myanmar, said the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division. The report followed an 8.2-magnitude earthquake centered in Mandalay last Friday, impacting both Myanmar and Thailand.

The division detected earthquakes with magnitudes of 1.0-2.9 in Nan, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, and Lampang between yesterday and today. Continued …

Window to find Myanmar quake survivors closing, death toll climbs toward 3,000

Aid groups in Myanmar yesterday described scenes of devastation and desperation after an earthquake that killed more than 2,700 people, stressing an urgent need for food, water and shelter and warning the window to find survivors was fast closing.

Myanmar’s military ruler said the death toll from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake was expected to surpass 3,000, having reached 2,719 as of yesterday morning, with 4,521 people injured, and 441 missing. Continued …

Earthquake Caused Damage Across 23 Districts in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, faced tremors that disrupted lives as Friday’s massive earthquake shook 23 of its 25 districts. The quake, originating from Mandalay, Myanmar, left the city rattled, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Dusit Phongsapipat, head of the Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, shared some reassuring news. Out of 1,177 bridges and 15 underpasses examined, none showed signs of structural impact. Similarly, most of the 39 key buildings remained steadfast, with 25 declared stable and operational. Continued …

Photo of Bangkok Governor Alone at Collapse Site

China Railway Group: Global Giant Under Scrutiny Over Subsidiary Corruption

The recent collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Thailand, triggered by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, has placed a spotlight on the building’s safety standards and, consequently, on the construction company involved: China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of the infrastructure behemoth, China Railway Group (CREC).

This incident has prompted a closer examination of CREC’s global operations, particularly concerning allegations of corruption and bribery within its international subsidiaries. Continued …

China Railway No.10 and its 13 government contracts worth 7.2B

China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise, has come under intense scrutiny from government authorities and faced public criticism after winning the bid for the construction of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building, valued at over 2.1 billion baht.

The company was part of the ITD-CREC joint venture alongside Italian-Thai Development. However, before construction was completed, the building collapsed entirely following an earthquake on March 28. Continued …

Steel supplier for collapsed Bangkok building also sold products for Laos railway project

Xin Ke Yuan Steel Ltd., the producer of steel bars used in the State Audit Office (SAO) building that collapsed last week, also supplied steel products for the China-Laos railway project, a source revealed yesterday.

The company, which is majority-owned by Chinese nationals, has come under scrutiny following the collapse of the under-construction SAO building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The collapse occurred on Friday afternoon due to the impact of the 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar. Continued …

Hospital building, airport terminal also being built by discredited Chinese company

A new building at Songkha Hospital is being built by the same Chinese company constructing the 30-story State Audit Office building that collapsed during the earthquake last Friday.

These are not the only projects the Chinese construction company is involved in. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said today that China Railway No.10 (Thailand) was also building the new terminal at Narathiwat provincial airport. The work was going very slowly, he said. Continued …

Condo developers take swift action to ensure safety after earthquake

The recent earthquake has caused damage to high-rise buildings in the Bangkok metropolitan area, prompting developers to inspect their buildings to restore confidence among residents and future customers.

Here are the measures rolled out by 15 major real estate developers to boost condo buyers’ confidence: Continued …

Thai Cultural Treasures at Risk After Earthquake Damage Survey

Thailand’s Ministry of Culture has launched an urgent nationwide survey to assess the damage to ancient sites and cultural heritage following the recent earthquake tremors, raising concerns about the structural integrity of some of the country’s most revered landmarks.

Officials are particularly worried about reports of cracks appearing at key locations, including the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok, the pagoda at Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan in Lamphun, and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang. Continued …

Wildfires continue to choke Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is struggling with severe air pollution, as wildfires continue to spread across several districts, with over 150 hotspots detected.

Wildfires continued to burn yesterday in mountainous areas in the northern province, with 150 active hotspots across 15 districts. The hardest-hit districts include Hot with 34 hotspots, Chiang Dao with 26 and Phrao with 23. Continued …

Muay Thai Rules Tightened After British Fighter’s Death in Samui

The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has announced stricter safety enforcement following the death of a British fighter on Koh Samui last week.

In a press conference titled “Not in Our Olympic Muaythai” held at Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok yesterday, IFMA officials presented crucial information regarding athlete safety measures after 30-year-old British national Joseph Itai Rinomhota died following a five-round Muay Thai fight against local fighter Superlek at Samui International Boxing Stadium on March 28. Continued …

Earthquake Shakes Thailand’s Economy: Short-Term Trouble Looms

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that last Friday’s earthquake will affect Thailand’s economy in the short term, especially the property sector. Despite this, the ministry sticks to its 3% GDP growth goal for the year.

In response to the quake’s damage, the Finance Ministry has unveiled a three-pronged plan. It includes releasing THB 200 million to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, financial institutions offering loans, and the Insurance Commission fast-tracking compensation for insured homes and individuals. Continued …

Thailand may see hit of up to $8 billion from US tariffs

Thailand could suffer a US$7 billion to $8 billion hit from potential U.S. tariffs if the U.S. administration were to even up levies between the two countries, but it has a strategy for trade negotiations, senior officials said today.

Thai semiconductor exports may face tariffs of 25% from the United States, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, the permanent secretary for commerce, said ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned announcement of new trade barriers. Continued …

US tariffs expected to dent Thai GDP

The reciprocal tariffs expected to be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump today could shrink Thai GDP by as much as 1.2 percentage points from a forecast of 2.5%, with the Bank of Thailand’s one projected interest rate cut doing very little to shore up the economy, says InnovestX Securities.

Thailand is on the “Dirty 15” list of countries that could be affected by Trump tariffs. On average, the U.S. tariff on Thai imports is 2%, while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on American products. Continued …

Tax War 2025 could cost the global economy $1.4 trillion

A full-scale trade war between the U.S. and its partners could lead to global economic losses of up to $1.4 trillion, according to a newly released report. Economists from Aston Business School modeled various scenarios, including the possibility of a full-scale global retaliation against the U.S. following its imposition of new tariff measures.

Aston’s calculations indicate that such a trade conflict could result in global welfare losses amounting to as much as $1.4 trillion. The report explains that rising tariffs lead to higher prices, reduced competitiveness, and fragmented supply chains — similar to the U.S.-China trade war of 2018. Continued …

House to debate draft casino bill tomorrow

The government’s draft entertainment complex (casino) bill will be debated in parliament tomorrow, a week sooner than expected. The House of Representatives website shows the draft bill on the agenda for tomorrow’s House meeting, together will four other bills proposed by the cabinet.

Parliamentary sources say that the Thursday meeting is usually reserved for the deliberation of motions, interpellations, or reports produced by various House standing committees. The inclusion of the entertainment complex bill in tomorrow’s agenda is a “special case”, according to the sources. Continued …

Bookings surpass 24,000 units at halfway mark of Bangkok Motor Show 2025

The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show has seen a significant surge in vehicle bookings, with 24,744 units reached by the midway point, a 29.1% increase compared to last year. The event kicked off on March 26 and will last until April 6 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province.

Organizer Grand Prix International (GPI) said yesterday the motor show this year features the launch of several new models, especially 100% electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. Continued …

Makro Among Top 5 Thai Firms in Asia

Makro, a leading Thai enterprise under CP AXTRA Public Co., has once again affirmed its regional leadership by securing a place on Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025, a list compiled by TIME magazine and global market research firm Statista. With a score of 90.45 out of 100, Makro ranked 69th among the top 500 companies across the region.

This recognition also places Makro in the top five companies in Thailand and among the top three in the retail, wholesale, and consumer goods sector. Continued …

Earthquake leads to slower bookings, cancellation queries

Friday’s earthquake has struck the Thai tourism industry, leading to slow bookings for the upcoming Songkran holiday, while airlines have started receiving inquiries for refunds and cancellations.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong yesterday discussed the impact of the earthquake on tourism with the tourism sector, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to issue a list of qualified hotels following safety inspections for foreign tourists. Continued …

Thailand Tourism Shake-Up: New Safety Focus After Quake

Thailand is revamping its tourism strategy in the wake of the recent earthquake, aiming to restore confidence and address the dipping Chinese tourist market. AtTourism risk and crisis management team is set to be established, involving various organizations like the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport.

Key initiatives include hotel safety checks, along with plans to engage Chinese media influencers to reassure potential tourists about Thailand’s safety. The quake in Myanmar and Thailand has sparked concerns among tourists, leading to a notable decrease in bookings. Continued …

Thailand Urged to Certify Hotel Safety Amid Post-Quake Tourism Concerns

In the wake of recent earthquakes, private sector organizations are pressing the Thai government to issue safety certifications for hotels to boost tourist confidence. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong recently discussed these matters with various stakeholders, fearing a potential decline in tourist numbers due to the seismic events.

Efforts are underway to clarify that Bangkok is primarily affected, and to reassure travelers, flight and hotel bookings will be closely monitored ahead of the upcoming Songkran festival. The tourism sector is advocating for safety certificates for structurally sound buildings, with the Bangkok governor deploying volunteer engineers for rapid inspections. These certifications, once issued, will be shared globally by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to affirm safety. Continued …

Phuket set for alcohol-free Songkran festival to boost tourism

Phuket will host its annual alcohol-free Songkran festival next Sunday, April 13, featuring traditional activities, cultural performances, live music, and a family-friendly environment.

Phuket Deputy Gov. Samawit Suphanphai recently shared details of the 11th annual Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025. The festival involves the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, Phuket Tourism Business Assn., Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall, and other local enterprises. Continued …

Songkhla sets sail for cruise boom with new port plan

In a bid to transform Songkhla into a cruise hotspot, the local Chamber of Commerce has proposed the development of a dedicated cruise port to woo affluent Western tourists, while still charming traditional visitors from Malaysia and Singapore.

During a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February, Songphon Changsiriwattanathamrong, president of the Chamber of Commerce, pitched the idea. He urged the Marine Department to whip up a design for the port, sparking anticipation for a game-changing boost in local tourism. Continued …

Speedboat Fire Off Phuket Coast Injures three

A speedboat caught fire in the waters off Phuket while carrying 37 people, including 33 Russian and Kazakhstan tourists, one tour guide, and three crew members. The incident occurred yesterday morning when the vessel was approximately 50 meters from Mai Thon Island. Fortunately, all passengers survived the incident.

The twin-engine vessel encountered engine problems and was attempting repairs after notifying the boat owner to send a replacement vessel. While waiting, a fire suddenly erupted and exploded. At that time, only three crew members were on board. All three suffered burns and injuries from explosion debris. Continued … 

Tigress and cubs spotted in Tak sanctuary

A tigress and two cubs were recently photographed in Tak’s Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, the latest sign of progress in Thailand’s efforts to preserve the threatened species, especially in the Western Forest Complex.

The rare sighting was caught by an automatic camera trap. The tigress, codenamed F22, and two cubs aged 4-6 months, were filmed on the night of Feb 15-16, together and apparently in good health. Tigers, which are threatened with extinction, were showing signs of repopulation. They are at the top of the food chain and could thrive only in areas where there is plentiful wild game. – Bangkok Post

Pattaya officials confirm Koh Larn waste incinerator set for late May launch

Mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited Koh Larn to inspect the progress of the island’s waste incineration project yesterday. The inspection focused on the construction of the incinerator facility and the installation of machinery, which is now nearly 80% complete — according to schedule.

Authorities anticipate that the facility will be operational by late May. The new waste-to-energy incinerator will have a capacity to process up to 50 tons of waste daily, including both newly generated and accumulated waste, which currently exceeds 50,000 tons on the island. Additionally, the facility’s machinery will be capable of sorting up to 100 tons of waste per day. Continued …

New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

• The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
• It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
• Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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:

• 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