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Friday’s News-March 10

  • Hua Hin dealing with water supply problems/
  • Free pet rabies vaccinations offered in Hua Hin/
  • Hua Hin Magic during the 2023 Thailand Open/
  • No hike in electricity rates until August, minister assures/
  • Summer storm warning for Bangkok and 41 other provinces/
  • Avoid eight types of foods to prevent kidney disease/
  • Being an English teacher in Thailand 2023 – What is it like?/
  • Measures sought to stimulate property market/
  • As election nears, PM vows no more coups/
  • Thailand improves but still ‘not free’/
  • Big Joke prepares cases against 116 corrupt immigration officers/
  • Thailand unveils 3 strategies to become global EV-manufacturing center/
  • Dept of Corrections denies existence of ‘VIP rooms’ in Thai prisons/
  • Tourism: Tourism sector braces for 80 million visitors by 2027/’Gangs of foreigners’ accused of stealing jobs from locals in Phuket/Rayong cheers as Chinese tourists return on first flight to U-Tapao/First of many? Russian Man Arrested on Pha-ngan Island for 188 days of Overstay/Two Thai destinations win awards in Germany for sustainable tourism/Take Advantage of Eco-Tourism Travel Apps in Thailand/
  • International: Indonesia unveils construction site of new capital city/China’s Xi handed historic third term as president/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin dealing with water supply problems

Hua Hin is facing issues with the supply of drinking water, as its main storage facility for raw water is at a low level. Some residents have experienced no water or a drop in water pressure in recent days.

Officials say repairs to water pipes in Phetchaburi have significantly reduced flow to the reservoir. The repairs were due for completion yesterday.

Also contributing to the problem is the lack of rainfall recently, as well as the increased visitor numbers.

Free pet rabies vaccinations offered in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is launching a vaccination campaign for dogs and cats in all communities to prevent the spread of rabies during the hot season and ensure safety for residents and tourists.

The municipality is currently promoting a week-long vaccination campaign for rabies prevention as part of the “Disease-free Animals, Safe Humans” project.

The project aims to provide vaccination services to the town’s dogs and cats, as well as offer owners information and advice on observing the behavior of pets and animals living in public areas that may be infected with rabies. Continued …

Hua Hin Magic during the 2023 Thailand Open

The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin presented by E@, a WTA 250 tournament held in Hua Hin in February, still lingers in the minds of professional tennis players and remains their topic of conversation, even past its completion more than a month ago.

Hua Hin boasts a number of famous tourist spots, all of which are well known to foreigners who have visited before. In fact, this resort town actually offers a lot of charming aspects that are worth discovering.

Thus, Proud Group and True Arena Sport Club, on behalf of the organizers, joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to carry out special activities to highlight Hua Hin as a city of culture and health to tourists from across the world using social media and word-of-mouth. Continued …

No hike in electricity rates until August, minister assures

There will be no increase in electricity rates from May to August this year for both the household and industrial sectors, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Thursday.

He made the remark during the seminar “The Next Thailand’s Future” at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

Supattanapong said that electricity is currently at 4.72 baht per unit for the household sector and at 5.33 baht per unit for the industrial sector. Continued …

Summer storm warning for Bangkok and 41 other provinces

People living in 42 provinces in the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions of Thailand, including Bangkok and its suburbs, are advised to brace for summer storms, which will bring heavy rain and hail to some areas from Sunday until next Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department said today that a moderate cold front is forecast to blanket the northern part of Thailand and the South China Sea and this will collide with the westerly winds over the northern region, as the country is experiencing hot weather.

This weather condition will create summer storms, with strong winds in the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions, as well as hail in some areas, said the department. Continued …

Avoid eight types of foods to prevent kidney disease

The Department of Health has advised Thais to avoid eight kinds of foods and ingredients that cause kidney disease.

They comprise:
– Foods with high sodium content, such as MSG, sauces, and seasoning powder;
– Processed meats such as sausages and ham;
– Foods that contain butter and cream, such as cake, pizza, and pastries;
– Foods with high phosphorus content, such as dairy products, animal innards, and dried prawn; Continued …

Being an English teacher in Thailand 2023 – What is it like?

Have you ever considered teaching English abroad? If you’re looking for an adventure and an opportunity to make a positive impact, then being an English teacher in Thailand might be just what you’re looking for.

First things first, why Thailand? Well, it’s a beautiful country with a rich culture and warm, friendly people. The food is amazing, the beaches are stunning, and there’s something for everyone here. Plus, the cost of living is incredibly low compared to Western countries, so you’ll be able to save money while living comfortably.

Now, let’s explore what it’s like to teach English in Thailand and why it might be the perfect opportunity for you. Continued …

Measures sought to stimulate property market

The next government should revise loan-to-value (LTV) limits, reduce the minimum land size for low-rise houses and extend the leasehold period to stimulate residential demand amid unfavorable conditions, according to property associations.

Meesak Chunharuckchot, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn., said the easing of LTV limits should be extended to those borrowing for more than two years, as it would help boost both the new and second-hand home market.

“Borrowers who have been making payments on a home loan for over two years are generally considered to be reliable borrowers,” he said. “They should get a 100% loan-to-value if they want to buy a second home as their income rises,” Meesak said yesterday at the Property Focus 2023 seminar. Continued …

As election nears, PM vows no more coups

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday vowed there would be no more coups, saying the 2014 putsch was the last, in an attempt to allay fears as the general election nears.

Prayut was responding to a question regarding remarks written by Deputy Prime Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon on Facebook on Wednesday.

In the post, Prawit, who is the PPRP’s prime minister candidate, said he can do better than others in promoting national reconciliation and coordinating national development between politicians and the elite. Continued …

Thailand improves but still ‘not free’

Thailand has improved slightly in an annual assessment by Freedom House but remains “not free” overall, the U.S. democracy research group said on Thursday.

The country was assigned a score of 30 out of 100, compared with 29 out of 100 in the group’s 2022 report. The total score consists of two main components: Political rights (6 out of 40), and civil liberties (24 out of 60).

“Following five years of military dictatorship, Thailand transitioned to a military-dominated, semi-elected government in 2019,” the authors of the Freedom in the World 2023 report wrote. “The combination of democratic deterioration and frustrations over the role of the monarchy in Thailand’s governance triggered massive demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. Continued …

Big Joke prepares cases against 116 corrupt immigration officers

The investigation against 116 allegedly corrupt immigration police officers is moving apace. It involves the issuing of visas to foreigners.

A huge amount of evidence of their taking of bribes and back-handers is being sifted through.

Nine immigration offices across the northeast and the north are in the crosshairs. Continued …

Thailand unveils 3 strategies to become global EV-manufacturing center

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) on Thursday unveiled its three-point strategy to forge a global manufacturing hub for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030. TAI comes under the Industry Ministry and is tasked with developing the Thai automotive sector.

TAI President Kriengsak Wongpromrat said the domestic auto industry’s transition to ZEV manufacturing is being guided by the institute’s “Reshape the future” roadmap.

“TAI is also helping businesses in the automotive industry cope with the transition, especially small and medium enterprises,” he said. Continued …

Dept of Corrections denies existence of ‘VIP rooms’ in Thai prisons

Contrary to allegations in the media that inmates in Thai prisons can buy their way into an air-conditioned, smoking room with unlimited TV, the Department of Corrections says there is no such thing as a VIP room when you’re behind bars in Thailand.

On Tuesday, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections Sitthi Suteewong said he would like to clarify several points about inmate life in Thailand.

Sitthi says there is no smoking whatsoever in any of Thailand’s prisons. Before 2018, inmates were allowed to smoke cigarettes outside at specified times. In 2019, the Ministry of Public Health declared prisons “smoke-free zones,” prohibited the sale of tobacco in prisons, and completely banned smoking on prison grounds. Continued …

Tourism sector braces for 80 million visitors by 2027

Intense congestion at popular tourist destinations needs to ease in order to accommodate a new target of 80 million foreign arrivals by 2027, says Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“It might be harsh to say this, but Thailand should never return to the conditions of 2019 when almost 40 million foreign tourists flocked to the country, with many destinations overcrowded like slums,” said Phiphat.

Speaking at a seminar held by Krungthai Bank on Thursday, he said the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) wants the tourism industry to contribute 25% of GDP by 2027, up from 17.8% in 2019, generating a minimum of 6 trillion baht. Continued …

‘Gangs of foreigners’ accused of stealing jobs from locals in Phuket

The hospitality sector in Phuket is urging the government to solve the issue of foreign mafia on the resort island.

It is concerned the group is now exploiting laws to run their own businesses while also taking up the jobs traditionally reserved for locals.

Speaking during a recent meeting about tourism issues in the three Andaman provinces, Kata Group Resorts founder and President Pramookpisitt Achariyachai said some foreigners were breaching rules on jobs that are normally restricted to Thais. Continued …

Rayong cheers as Chinese tourists return on first flight to U-Tapao

U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport in Rayong welcomed 160 Chinese tourists on the inaugural flight of China’s Loong Air to the eastern province on Thursday.

Flight GJ8973, an Airbus A320, arrived from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in northwest China carrying tourists who wish to explore Thailand, said airport Deputy Director Kiatkul Suwan.

A group of dancers and drummers from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya welcomed Chinese visitors with a Thai traditional music show at the airport. Each tourist also received a floral garland and souvenir from the airport. Continued …

First of many? Russian Man Arrested on Pha-ngan Island for 188 days of Overstay

A 50-year-old Russian man was arrested on Pha-ngan Island in Surat Thani for 188 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.

Surat Thani Immigration officers said they arrested Leonid Toisloi, 50, a Russian national. He was arrested in front of a convenience store in Chalok Lam, on Pha-ngan Island. Continued …

Koh Mak

Two Thai destinations win awards in Germany for sustainable tourism

Two Thai destinations have won prestigious awards in Germany for sustainable tourism. The destinations are the island of Koh Mak, located in the eastern Trat province, and Huay Pu Keng village in the northern Mae Hong Son province.

The two picturesque locations won top spots at the Green Destinations Story Awards held at ITB Berlin 2023 in Germany. The awards ceremony honors the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development across six categories from submissions to the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition. Continued …

Take Advantage of Eco-Tourism Travel Apps in Thailand

A growing number of tourists around the world are looking to travel more sustainably. The market for eco-tourism products and services rose from $157 billion in 2021 to $185 billion in 2022. As customers become more concerned about sustainability, more countries are embracing sustainability to earn tourist dollars.

Thailand is among the countries that has made sustainability a priority. In fact, Thailand has been rated the number one country in Southeast Asia for meeting the United Nations Sustainability Goals.

Since Thailand is so dedicated to sustainability, more eco-tourists are likely to visit the country in the future. If you are an eco-friendly traveler, you will want to consider the ways that you can enjoy the area. Continued …

Indonesia unveils construction site of new capital city

Orange-red ground has been broken in the jungle of East Borneo, where the Indonesian government has begun construction of its new capital city. Officials promise a “sustainable forest city” that puts the environment at the heart of development and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045. Continued …

China’s Xi handed historic third term as president

Xi Jinping was handed a third term as Chinese president today, capping a rise that has seen him become the country’s most powerful leader in generations. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News – March 8

  • Why International Women’s Day matters/
  • Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up/
  • Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25/
  • Mask use urged as haze fastens grip/
  • Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks/
  • Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests/
  • Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand/
  • Foreigners picked to buoy property market/
  • Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year/
  • PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf/
  • Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation/
  • Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea/
  • WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge/
  • Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?/
  • Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint/
  • Tourism: Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome/People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms/German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island/
  • Thailand Experience: How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?/Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit/Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Why International Women’s Day matters

Today is International Women’s Day.

It has been observed by the United Nations since 1975 and celebrated by many countries before then. Yet, if one looks on social media, many still argue that International Women’s Day should not be celebrated for different reasons. (“Why is this a thing? Why is there an international women’s day but not an international men’s day?”)

But the most compelling reason that even feminists may side with is: why should International Women’s Day be celebrated, when women’s rights should be advocated for every day, not just on March 8 of each year? To this I say, yes, women’s rights should be advocated for every day, but that does not mean that we should not dedicate a special day to commemorate it. Continued …

Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up

Thailand’s average headline inflation in February was at 3.79%, the lowest in 13 months, following a drop in fuel prices, the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Tuesday.

The average headline inflation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which in February dropped from the previous month by 0.12% to 108.05.

The office also expected electricity bills and the price of cooking gas to go up in March due to continued economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector. Continued …

Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25

The upcoming Anzac Day memorial service to be held on Tuesday, April 25, starts with a dawn service at 5:30am, while the public will be welcome to enter the complex from 3am onward. The service will be followed by the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, with refreshments and snacks donated by Australian-Kiwi communities here in Thailand.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass is the only official memorial service in Thailand, and is jointly hosted by both the Australian and New Zealand embassies.

Located in Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center is a memorial site established and maintained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australian government. It is dedicated to those who were forced to work and build the railway connecting Burma and Thailand during the Second World War. Over 60,000 Allied prisoners worked on the railway, with approximately 12,500 lost lives, including British, Australian, Dutch, American and tens of thousands of Asian laborers (Romusha).

For decades, this place has become a significant commemoration site for Anzac Day – a memorial service that honors and acknowledges all Australians and New Zealanders who served and sacrificed their lives in war.

Mask use urged as haze fastens grip

A pulmonologist from Siriraj Hospital has suggested people wear masks to protect themselves from dust pollution, as the number of patients with respiratory diseases continues to rise, especially among children.

Meanwhile, 48 provinces were found to have ultra-fine dust particles (PM2.5) levels above the safe threshold on Tuesday.

Dr. Nitipatana Chierakul, head of the Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, said hospitals nationwide have seen a spike in cases that began in December. Continued …

Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks

Areas of three national parks in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand were declared off limits due to the risk of fire. They are the Sai Yok, Khao Laem and Lam Klong Ngu parks.

Helicopters did 38 sorties carrying 19,000 liters of water to douse flames.

People rearing buffaloes, in particular, were ordered to stay away from affected areas. – Thai Rath

Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests

The Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department is expected to be cloud-seeding from this Saturday until next Monday to help contain fires in Thailand’s western forests, which appear to be out of control.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said yesterday that may hot spots have been detected in the forests north of the Srinagarind Dam in Kanchanaburi.

He said that fires have now spread to dry evergreen woodland, which is only accessible after several hours of trekking through the forests. Continued …

Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand

It is not just forest land that has been affected by fires in Bo Rai district of Trat in eastern Thailand.

Wild elephants were also fleeing the impact of the fires that had burned over 2,500 rai in the Nonsri and Dan Chumphon areas.

Pictures of almost 20 elephants show them were trumpeting their displeasure at having to leave their regular stomping grounds in two areas. – Siam Rath

Foreigners picked to buoy property market

Despite the economic recovery, the property market this year may depend heavily on foreign demand, as negative factors still affect domestic buyers, according to economists and property analysts.

Piyasak Manason, senior vice president of the wealth research department of InnovestX Securities, said property market growth this year would likely slow because of various financial policies.

“When inflation is high, the Bank of Thailand will raise interest rates to cope with it,” he said. “With the termination of the lending-curb easing, which affects lower-end home demand, we do not expect to see a strong real estate market in the near future.” Continued …

Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year

A weaker baht and improvement in many countries’ production index will boost the Thai export market, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) says.

TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said on Tuesday that Thai export value in February should hit US$22 billion (760.34 billion baht), especially since the baht has weakened to about 34-35 to the dollar.

Thailand’s exports in January were 4.5% less at $20.24 billion (705.45 billion baht) due to an 11% contraction in the Chinese market and a delay in orders for electronic goods. Continued …

PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf

PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) was awarded exploration and production licenses at two of three new petroleum blocks in the Gulf of Thailand, a move that should pave the way for more domestic oil and gas supply to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The company was awarded the rights for blocks G1/65 and G3/65, while U.S.-based Chevron Offshore (Thailand) was awarded a license for block G2/65, according to the Department of Mineral Fuels. Continued …

Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation

A Thai seller of a rubber ducky calendar has been found guilty of royal defamation. The 26-year-old man, “Tonmai,” was arrested on Dec. 31, 2020, and charged with royal defamation. Now, he will serve two years in prison after being found guilty.

The Taling Chan Criminal Court ruled that the depiction of the rubber duck was a mockery of Thailand’s head of state. According to Prachatai English, the rubber ducks first arrived at pro-democracy demonstrations back in 2020. Continued …

Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea

An American language teacher, 45, was charged with negligent homicide on Tuesday after an eight-year-old boy drowned in the sea of Chumphon province, despite the boy’s parents not wanting to see him charged.

The American teacher was an employee of a local church in Pathio District, Chumphon province. His family, consisting of his wife, son and four children friends of his son, were on a holiday in Thung Zang Bay.

While everyone was relaxing on the beach, his son and Wiwat, 8, were playing in the water. The two boys were holding onto a fish-shaped rubber bouy, meters from the shore when they lost control. The teacher’s son was rescued by a Myanmar worker in time while Wiwat drowned. Continued …

WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge

SET-listed WHA Utilities & Power Plc (WHAUP), which provides utilities under WHA Corp., Thailand’s biggest industrial land developer and operator, expects its rooftop solar panel installation service to grow by 24% to 300 megawatts this year, thanks to greater adoption of clean energy in the industrial sector.

Last year, solar panels installed by WHAUP under private power purchase agreements stood at 133MW.

Rooftop solar panels with an electricity generation capacity of 1MW can lead to a reduction of 700 tons of carbon dioxide a year, so with a combined capacity of 300MW, up to 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be cut annually, said Somkiat Masunthasuwun, chief executive of WHAUP. Continued …

Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?

Authorities have blamed the latest monkey smuggling case in Thailand on demand from traditional Chinese medicine – but evidence indicates traffickers supplying U.S. laboratories are the real culprits.

In the latest smuggling case, 47 long-tailed macaques were found caged in a truck stopped by police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Non Sung district on Monday. Police said the two suspects had confessed, claiming they did know that long-tailed macaques are protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The suspects had agreed to smuggle the monkeys from Khao Ta Khrong National Park in Ratchaburi to Laos via Nong Khai in exchange for 17,000 baht, investigators said.

Peersasak Paksasuay, director of conservation for Nakhon Ratchasima, said national parks were working with police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Buri Ram to stop wildlife smuggling. He added that the macaques were destined for China for probable use in Chinese traditional medicine. Continued …

Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint

The highlight of the second day of the Six Red World Snooker Championships 2023 in Pathum Thani was the evening appearance of Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time.

A packed TV arena at the Thammasat Convention Center gave Englishman O’Sullivan a rousing reception, then watched in awe as he stormed into a 4-0 lead against compatriot Jimmy Robertson inside 25 minutes.

But Robertson, 36, was not there to make up the numbers against his 47-year-old opponent. He made the score 4-3 before O’Sullivan closed out the match. Continued …

Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome

Thailand gave a special welcome back to the first direct flight from China to Koh Samui since the pandemic.

Surat Thani Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan and local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Kanokkitika Kritwuthikorn were on hand with many other officials to welcome a full load of 130 tourists aboard Chengdu Airlines EU 2807.

The auspicious flight – the first direct flight from China to the holiday island in the south of Thailand since February 2020 – was met with much pomp and ceremony. Continued …

People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms

People rushed to book hotels during the first day of the latest phase of the hotel subsidy program, with 112,876 room nights reserved out of 560,000 available under the scheme within six hours.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the value of transactions during the first six hours of availability on Tuesday reached 443 million baht from 112,876 room nights.

Of the total amount, 60% or 273 million baht was paid by the purchaser and 170 million baht (40%) came from the government subsidy. Continued …

German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island

A German tourist drowned near a beach on Samui Island.

Bo Phut Police said they were notified that a male foreign tourist drowned at Chaweng Beach on Monday. Emergency responders and police arrived at the beach.

The man was identified by police as a 58-year-old German man. His body had already been pulled from the water. Continued …

How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?

The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is renowned for its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline.

Starting in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, one can visit the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that has been the home of Thai kings for over 150 years. The palace is surrounded by temples, shrines, and halls, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colorful mosaics. Visitors can also see a statue of the Emerald Buddha made from a single jade block and considered one of Thailand’s most important religious artifacts.

For a unique shopping experience, one can visit the largest open-air marketplace in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to food and antiques, it’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and taste some local street food. Continued …

Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit

A firm favorite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife.

But while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further.

“We are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear. Continued … 

Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation

The islands of Tarutao National Park are not the most touristy beaches in beautiful Southern Thailand. These 51 islands have jaw-dropping scenery, yes, but lack the raving full moon parties of Koh PhaNgan, the impossible-to-escape reputation of The Beach filming location on Koh Phi Phi Le, and the 2.3 million vacationers who flocked to Phuket last year in just nine months alone.

With only 238,000 visitors throughout the entire year, Tarutao beckons to adventurous, nature-loving wanderers looking for more than just a party scene studded with bucket-sized cocktails.

Across these archipelagos, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, so many pristine shorelines, trails leading to vistas for sunsets and sunrises, as well as a thought-provoking tribute to the biggest island’s sobering past. Park-goers can explore a self-guided jungle trail to learn about how the government transformed a now-defunct prison into an outdoor museum memorializing all those who struggled and lost their lives onsite, a dark moment in human history that’s been returned to — and reclaimed by — nature. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 3

  • Campfire Fest on the Beach March 11/
  • Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26/
  • Hua Hin Red Cross Fair set March 31-April 9/
  • Thailand issues 24/7 hotspot alert as thousands of fires deepen haze crisis/
  • Real estate trends to watch in 2023/
  • Merger perks coming for True, DTAC customers/
  • Telenor Asia anticipates $2.5B gain via True-DTAC merger/
  • Thai economic woes grow with a 10-year high trade deficit/
  • Industry panel does not expect a recession in Q1/
  • Go easy on fried dough, Thai tea, say health experts/
  • Experts ask for healthcare system reform to address new challenges/
  • PTT sees EVs as new revenue stream/
  • Tourism: Other Voices: Thailand bets on sustainable tourism/Will air pollution levels stall Thailand’s plans to boost tourism?/Pattaya gets set for Chinese despite concern/Fishing boat blockade causes chaos for tourists heading to Koh Lipe/Thailand launches free gastronomy tourism e-guidebook/Police say Canadian tourist lied about attack, started fight/
  • Thailand Experience: 6 ethical elephant adventures in Thailand/Best Stays in Thailand When You Want to Work Remotely/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26

The first-ever Racer Marina Hua Hin Boat Show will take place in Pak Nam Pran from March 24 to 26.

The show will showcase a selection of boats, as well as a variety of marine accessories and equipment. Visitors can speak to industry experts, view boats and purchase the latest equipment from some of Thailand’s leading suppliers and brokers.

Several of Thailand’s biggest yachting companies are taking part in the event, including Simpson Marine, Asiamarine and Motorfield, while Suzuki and Tohatsu will also be at the show.

For more information; tel: 032 632 206.

Hua Hin Red Cross Fair set March 31-April 9

The Red Cross Festival returns March 31-April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort Hua Hin. The event features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment, games and entertainment.

Proceeds go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged.

Thailand issues 24/7 hotspot alert as thousands of fires deepen haze crisis

Authorities have been placed on a 24/7 high alert for forest fires in the country’s northern, northeastern and central regions, as the number hotspots continues to rise.

Firefighters are on standby and agencies in risk areas are establishing war rooms at national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, under urgent orders issued by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Thursday.

Firefighters have also been told to ensure their equipment is in good condition. Continued …

Real estate trends to watch in 2023

Thailand has entered 2023 with a positive outlook economically and for the real estate sector in general. The property consultant CBRE Thailand has identified key trends to watch in the residential, office, retail, industrial, hotel, and industrial and logistics sectors. Continued …

Merger perks coming for True, DTAC customers

True Corp., the new company formed by the merger of True and Total Access Communication (DTAC), has vowed that customers of both brands will automatically receive cross-company privileges and other benefits from the tie-up.

The new entity has begun by offering privileges such as top-up bundling of all existing promotional packages as a favor to its combined 55 million mobile phone subscribers.

On Thursday, the company also announced it would give 10 gigabytes of free internet for seven days to all prepaid and postpaid mobile subscribers. Continued …

Telenor Asia anticipates $2.5B gain via True-DTAC merger

Telenor Asia expects a synergistic effect worth up to US$2.5 billion over the next three years from the mergers of True Corp. and Total Access Communication (DTAC) in Thailand, and Celcom and Digi in Malaysia.

Telenor Asia celebrated the telecom merger with a $20.7 billion enterprise valuation in Thailand, Jørgen Arentz Rostrup, executive vice president and head of Telenor Asia, said. He is also deputy chairman of True Corp., the name of the newly merged firm.

“Thailand is a tech-savvy market and one of the most valuable for Telenor. We’ll continue our investment in the region,” he said. Continued …

Thai economic woes grow with a 10-year high trade deficit

The chances of Thailand entering into a technical recession in the first quarter of the year rose on Thursday when the country’s exports for January fell by 4.5%, a sharper drop than expected, leaving the kingdom with a near-record trade deficit of $4.65 billion for the month.

The rising economic headwinds caused by heightened inflation in its export markets now leave the kingdom precariously dependent on accelerated foreign tourism growth this year.

Thailand posted its largest trade deficit in 10 years on Thursday when the Ministry of Commerce revealed that exports for January had contracted at a sharper-than-expected rate of 4.5%. Continued …

Industry panel does not expect a recession in Q1

Thailand will not enter a recession in the first quarter of 2023, thanks to tourism recovery, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) said.

Thailand’s gross domestic product contracted by 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022 from a huge drop in exports.

However, the JSCCIB does not expect the economy to continue to contract in the first quarter of 2023, mainly because of the higher-than-expected number of tourists that were boosted by China’s reopening. Continued … 

Go easy on fried dough, Thai tea, say health experts

Thai people love their street food, but too much “pa thong ko” (fried dough) and Thai iced tea can be bad for you, says the Health Department.

The department’s Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai spoke after TasteAtlas, an online food travel guide, put pa thong ko on its list of 10 best Thai dishes.

But a 100-gram serving of pa thong ko contains as many as 441 calories. Continued …

Experts ask for healthcare system reform to address new challenges

Despite Thailand gaining global recognition for its world-class medical and wellness facilities, lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, rising health expenditure, and the surge in the aging population are putting increased pressure on future healthcare services.

Speaking at a recent seminar on “Health and Wellness Sustainability”, Associate Prof. Chanchai Sittipunt, dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, said that the government must reform the healthcare system based on people-centered health services in response to the needs and expectations of its population. Other challenges to be addressed are primary care, integrated care, and patient-centered care.

Nowadays, poor health is not only caused by known illnesses but by many factors, including PM2.5 pollution, emerging diseases, global warming and overflowing garbage. Non-communicable conditions, as well as a fast-growing aging population also affect health and become challenges for the future health system. Continued …

PTT sees EVs as new revenue stream

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is angling toward becoming a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in Thailand, as construction of its assembly plant in Chon Buri is scheduled to finish next year.

EVs are among the new S-curve businesses being promoted by PTT and its subsidiaries to create new revenue sources, said Buranin Rattanasombat, senior executive vice president.

These businesses have the potential to grow rapidly, he said. Continued …

Thailand bets on sustainable tourism

The coronavirus pandemic caused extensive pain and hardship for Thailand’s tourism industry, but now there may be a silver lining. Visitors are returning to enjoy a coastal environment that has had a chance to recover. Whale sharks and sea turtles are back, and the new buzz phrase is sustainable tourism.

Last November, almost 400 divers from around the world gathered for a special event at the popular beach resort of Phuket. Their task was to collect garbage from the sea in an initiative that would reap benefits for the environment and the tourism sector alike.

“We set up this event to create awareness among foreign visitors,” says Chiravadee Khunsub, an executive director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “We want them to know Thai people prioritize conservation and sustainability now, after the pandemic.” Continued …

Will air pollution levels stall Thailand’s plans to boost tourism?

After an unexpected economic slump in the last quarter, Thailand is seeking ways to boost its tourism industry in a bid to negate the effects of falling exports. But the country’s air pollution levels can put a dampener on all its efforts.

In February this year, air quality levels in the capital Bangkok and its surrounding regions deteriorated sharply, with PM2.5 levels almost 14 times the recommended levels by the World Health Organization, according to a Reuters report. The pollution levels in the country still remain high, with the atmosphere hazy around many tourist hotspots.

As per a Nikkei Asia report, the Thai government and the tourism industry have promoted the dry season (from November to February) as the best time of the year to visit the country. But international tourists may “postpone their travel to Thailand, or worse, choose instead to go to a different country with cleaner air,” Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries told Nikkei while talking about the air pollution levels in the county. Continued … 

Pattaya gets set for Chinese despite concern

Pattaya has shrugged off concerns over Chinese businesses, including those using Thai nominees, partly because the tourism market from the mainland is slowly reviving.

Titipun Pettrakul, deputy mayor of Pattaya City, said the number of Chinese tourists remained relatively low compared with other markets, such as India, Vietnam and South Korea, the top three source markets at the moment.

Titipun said the city should wait until the second quarter to see a significant volume of Chinese arrivals. Continued …

Fishing boat blockade causes chaos for tourists heading to Koh Lipe

Over 100 fishermen parked their boats to block the waterway leading to Pak Bara Pier in La-ngu district, in response to the arrest of 24 fishermen for allegedly trespassing in Tarutao National Park. Protestors argue that the national park overlaps with commercial fishing areas, making the arrests unfair.

The Pak Bara Pier is a gateway to tourist islands, including Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, and Koh Ra Wi, as well as Tarutao National Park. Tourists are currently stranded on boats unable to dock at the pier due to the blockade, with some being forced to transfer to speedboats heading to Laem Te Ban Pier, an alternative route to Koh Lipe.

Meanwhile, tourists returning from the islands are having to detour to other piers to get to the mainland so they do not miss their flights. Continued …

Thailand launches free gastronomy tourism e-guidebook

The Thai government has launched a free guidebook to promote gastronomy tourism for Muslim and other foreign tourists, an official said on Thursday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the Thai and English versions of the e-book, “Muslim Friendly & Gastronomy Tourism Routes”, is available for free download.

Rachada said the guidebook from the Tourism Department of the Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to support self-drive tourism connecting 14 southern provinces, and extending to Malaysia, Singapore, and Batam Island in Indonesia. Continued …

Police say Canadian tourist lied about attack, started fight

A Canadian tourist has been charged for fighting in public before being reported to the Thai Immigration office after he first claimed that he was attacked and robbed.

According to Thai police, the man lied and had actually started the fight.

The Patong Police said Thursday that after a full investigation they found that William Lamarche-Saint-Louis, 28, a Canadian national, was not robbed as he said at first. The actual situation was a fight between Lamarche-Saint-Louis and beach vendors that spilled into a nearby beach restaurant. Continued … 

6 ethical elephant adventures in Thailand

Say no to cruel riding camps and animal performances, and visit one of these ethical sanctuaries that allow rescued elephants to thrive in their natural jungle environment.

1. Elephant Nature Park

The inspirational Lek Chailert (herself a Karen woman) has spent years supporting elephants across Thailand. Her excellent sanctuary currently hosts 118 pachyderms, many of them elderly retirees from logging or tourism. It allows day visits as well as week-long eco-volunteering stays. Where: Chiang Mai; more information.

Best Stays in Thailand When You Want to Work Remotely

The holiday blues are probably coming in strong right about now. Summer has come and gone and dreams of a lazy mid-year escape feel like a lifetime away. Throw in the fact that you’re probably out of annual leave and have even less cash than usual to splash on a luxe resort (#costofliving, amirite?), and any ideas about sipping a margarita on a sunny island are slipping away.

So, would you believe us if we told you we’ve found a single solution that will solve every one of your ‘I need to find a way to make money without eating into my holiday allowance while also enjoying a fresh cocktail’ dilemmas at once? Unofficial title: Operation Working Holiday in Thailand.

Start by doing the hard yards and figure out how that digital nomad thing works (note: we’re using the term ‘hard’ loosely here, because it’s actually pretty easy). Then, the only thing you need to decide on is where you want to base yourself for that first bowl of Pad Thai. Whether you dream of urban style or beachy chic, we chatted to Tourism Authority of Thailand and got their suggestions for the best accommodation options for those considering a remote working holiday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-March 2

  • Old Days Festival at Bluport this weekend/
  • Cha Am seafood festival set for March 11-18/
  • Beach Party/Music Festival in Cha Am April 29/
  • Makha Bucha Day Monday: lots of Buddhism, no alcohol/
  • Trafficker abandons 106 illegal migrants stuffed inside truck in PKK/
  • FTI anticipates lower May power tariff/
  • Lazada Thailand says its e-commerce merchants rose 30% last year/
  • US serviceman found dead in Thai army barracks in Lop Buri province/
  • China-Laos Railway has carried 10 million passengers/
  • Dams constructed by China and Laos on the Mekong pose major problems/
  • 50 elephants ‘addicted to sugarcane’ destroy 2000 rai of crops/
  • Man arrested with 30 live monitor lizards, large quantity of reptile flesh/
  • Yes, you can have a lion as a pet in Thailand/
  • Foreigners flee Thai stocks at rapid rate/
  • London dogs head to Thailand to sniff out pangolin smugglers/
  • ‘Happy toilets’ on the way at land offices/
  • The highs and lows of liberalizing marijuana/
  • How Thailand’s booming cannabis industry can benefit all/
  • Tourism: Over 7,000 Russians in Phuket apply for visa extensions/Where are rich Russian holidaymakers going to avoid travel sanctions?/Expensive flights to Thailand too hot for Chinese/Taiwanese Tourist Dies After Snorkeling in Krabi/New Zealand Tourist Rescued After Getting Lost in Phangan Island Jungle/German Tourist Rescued After Getting Injured Inside Krabi Cave/Two Russian Kids Back with Parents after Being Lost in Patong/
  • International: Finnish parliament passes NATO bill with large majority/APEC posts lower economic growth, weaker trade activity/The ultra-rich lost 10% of fortune in 2022/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cha Am seafood festival set for March 11-18

Cha Am will hold its annual seafood festival between March 11-18, with the festival taking place on the viewpoint on Cha Am beachfront.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the wide range of locally caught seafood that will be available for visitors to sample. From grilled prawns and squid to fried fish and crab, there will be something to please everyone’s taste buds.

The festival also features a walking street and night market where visitors can purchase local products and souvenirs. There also will be live music every night.

Beach Party/Music Festival in Cha Am April 29

The NangLay Beach Party and Music Festival will be held at the northern end of the Cha Am beach area, near the Triple Tree Resort on Saturday, April 29.

The non-stop party features many popular artists, including Bright Vachirawit and Nanon, Billkin, Palmy, Potato, Paradox, Joey Boy, Three Man Down, Tillybirds, Paper Planes And Sarah Salola, with a light and sound system throughout the night.

Early ticket sales start on March 31 HERE, in every 7-Eleven store or HERE.

Makha Bucha Day Monday: lots of Buddhism, no alcohol

Next week, Thailand will celebrate Makha Bucha Day, an important religious holiday for Thai Buddhists. The holiday falls on Monday, March 6.

While the day may not hold the same religious significance for non-Buddhists, it is still recognized as a significant day in Thai culture, and for tourists for the banning of alcohol sales.

Makha Bucha Day falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Even the massive Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan, which rarely follows the rules and laws, postpones the big event by one day in observance of Buddha Day. Other parties start after midnight when it is technically the next day and drinking is legal again. Continued … 

Trafficker abandons 106 illegal migrants stuffed inside truck in PKK

Police discovered 106 illegal migrants crammed into a truck in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday. The driver was nowhere to be found.

A concerned forklift driver rang officers at Bang Saphan Police Station to say that he believed that a “suspicious” vehicle parked on the side of Petchkasem Road was carrying illegal immigrants.

Police arrived to find a six-wheel truck, about 20 meters in size, with a Bangkok registration plate. The truck driver was not there. Continued …

FTI anticipates lower May power tariff

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expects the new mid-year power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills, to not exceed 5 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) following a drop in liquefied national gas (LNG) prices.

The current rate for businesses, in effect from January to April, is 5.33 baht a unit.

Energy authorities are discussing the adjustment of the tariff, to be imposed from May to August. Continued … 

Lazada Thailand says its e-commerce merchants rose 30% last year

The number of retailers using the platform of e-commerce firm Lazada Thailand rose 30% last year, its chief business officer, Thanida Suiwatana, told a press conference on Wednesday.

The company will provide more innovative features and services to attract more shoppers to its platform, Thanida said.

Although she did not provide comprehensive details, she did give some examples. Lazada will make it easier for users to get refunds and accelerate deliveries, Thanida said. Its average delivery time is 1.1 days, she added. Continued …

US serviceman found dead in Thai army barracks in Lop Buri province

Thai police are investigating the death of a U.S. serviceman who was found lifeless in a bathroom of the 31st Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards barracks in Lop Buri yesterday.

The American was a member of the U.S. force participating in the Cobra Gold 2023 joint exercise, being held in Lop Buri Province.

The body has been sent to the Ananda Mahidol Hospital, where a doctor said that there was a wound to his head. Mueang district police said that they have reported the incident to the Immigration Bureau for further action. Continued …

China-Laos Railway has carried 10 million passengers

The China-Laos Railway operated 20,000 passenger trains and carried 10.3 million passengers by Jan. 31, 2023, according to an update from the China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co.

The China-Laos Railway, with a total length of 1,035 km, runs from Kunming in China to the northernmost provinces and Vientiane in Laos.

Since the full line was made operational on Dec. 3, 2021, related departments in Laos have scientifically analyzed the travel rules for passengers, constantly enriched passenger transport products, optimized station services, and set up ticket offices in major cities in Laos to extend the pre-sale time. Thus, the China-Laos Railway is able to meet the travel needs of passengers better. Continued …

Dams constructed by China and Laos on the Mekong pose major problems

Video 

50 elephants ‘addicted to sugarcane’ destroy 2000 rai of crops

A herd of around 50 wild elephants has migrated into farmland in Loei province in northeast Thailand, destroying 2000 rai of crops so far. There is no sign of them retreating into the forest.

Recently, around 50 elephants migrated into agricultural land in the Phra Kradueng district from the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.

No wonder the elephants moved away from their home, given the goodies on offer – the herd has worked their way through entire fields of sugarcane, bamboo, bananas, and cassava, and even chomped on rubber trees. Continued …

Man arrested with 30 live monitor lizards, large quantity of reptile flesh

Wildlife officials and police have arrested a man and seized 30 live monitor lizards (Varanus salvator), 59 lizard carcasses and several live turtles in a raid on an illegal slaughterhouse in Suphan Buri province.

Padet Laithong, director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, said that the meat was being sent to wildlife restaurants in Trat province, falsely identified as tree monitor (Varanus bengalensis) meat.

He also said that officials are investigating a report in social media that the monitor lizard meat might have been sent to customers to turn into meatballs. Continued …

Yes, you can have a lion as a pet in Thailand

Thai media were reporting that you can keep a lion as a pet in Thailand, as long as you have the required paperwork and tell the authorities in good time.

Earlier, a senior Pattaya policemen, vets and park staff, had been alerted to a foreigner keeping a lion at a housing estate in Nong Prue.

Neighbors were terrified that their children might soon be attacked and eaten by the lion – still actually a cub – that was allowed to prowl round the house. Continued …

Foreigners flee Thai stocks at rapid rate

Foreign investors were net sellers of US$1 billion (37 billion baht) worth of shares on the Thai stock exchange in February, the highest value among Asian bourses for the month and the biggest net sell-off on the exchange since April 2020, with several factors pressuring investments, according to analysts.

Foreign investors sold 3.33 billion baht worth of Thai shares on Tuesday, according to LH Securities. The current account deficit reached $2 billion in January, as reported by the Bank of Thailand on Tuesday, prompting continued capital outflows and a further weakening of the baht. Continued … 

London dogs head to Thailand to sniff out pangolin smugglers

Two Labrador dogs, which have been trained by British police, are to be flown to Thailand to help crack down on the smuggling of critically endangered pangolins, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) said on Tuesday.

Pangolins, nocturnal creatures famed for their full armor of scales, are the most trafficked mammal in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund, and all eight species are on the red list of threatened species and at risk of extinction, the ZSL said.

The two dogs, Buster and Bess, who have already undergone an eight-week training program with London’s Metropolitan Police, will be sent to Thailand to complete their training, and then use their sniffing skills to detect pangolins being smuggled through airports, ports and by road. Continued … 

‘Happy toilets’ on the way at land offices

The Health Department and the Department of Lands have teamed up to renovate 461 public restrooms at land offices nationwide to meet health, accessibility and safety (HAS) standards.

During the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Bangkok Metropolitan Land Office between the two departments, Amporn Chantawibul, a senior sanitary expert of the Health Department, said the project aims to provide hygienic restrooms. Continued … 

The highs and lows of liberalizing marijuana

A boom in cannabis businesses has helped jolt the tourism industry back to life, as travelers flock to Thailand for marijuana tourism.

However, decriminalization preceded passage of the legislation needed to control and regulate cannabis, which has led to a free-for-all in the industry, as businesses, many owned by foreigners, invest in cannabis outlets and users buy weed with little or any medical or consumer guidance. Continued …

How Thailand’s booming cannabis industry can benefit all

 

With the increasing legalization of medical cannabis in many countries, a unique opportunity has arisen for Thailand to use this industry as an engine for positive change. An innovative example is Bloom Thailand using cloning technology to bring education and resources to disadvantaged communities in Bangkok.

Bangkok Community Help Foundation and Bloom sponsored a workshop in the Khlong Toei community to teach cloning techniques for growing vegetables.

The goal of the workshop was to empower the community to cultivate its own food using sustainable methods, leading to greater self-sufficiency. Continued … 

 

Over 7,000 Russians in Phuket apply for visa extensions

Over 7,000 Russians in Phuket are applying for visa extensions in a bid to stay in Thailand. Local immigration chief, Thanet Sukchai, says the great weather is one factor in their attempts to stay.

“Phuket is a nice place to visit, with delicious food and good weather. As word has spread about the island, Russian tourists keep coming to the province.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 last year, Thailand has become a refuge for Russian citizens, as reported by Al Jazeera. Continued …

Where are rich Russian holidaymakers going to avoid travel sanctions?

Travel sanctions didn’t stop rich Russians from going on holiday last year, a new report has revealed.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union suspended visas for Russian travelers. But wealthy tourists simply decided to holiday elsewhere.

According to research from flight data firm ForwardKeys, wealthy Russians returned to travel “with a vengeance”. Continued … 

Expensive flights to Thailand too hot for Chinese

Expensive flights to Thailand from bigger cities in China are delaying Thailand’s tourism recovery. Most tariffs are still one and a half times more than pre-pandemic prices, while for smaller cities, fares are more than double previous levels.

According to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn, while most tickets are cheaper than last year, prices for March and April are still higher than before the pandemic in every Chinese city.

Prices of flights from major cities in the mainland are 1.5 times higher, with prices from Shanghai as high as 24,500 baht (US$690). Ticket prices to and from smaller cities – in China a city of 4.2 million like Xiamen is considered “smaller” – are still around double the previous rates, and direct flights are still hard to come by from most transit hubs. Continued …

Taiwanese Tourist Dies After Snorkeling in Krabi

A Taiwanese tourist died after snorkeling at an island in Mueang Krabi.

The Mueang Krabi Police said they were notified of the incident by Krabi Hospital on Tuesday. Yueh Lee, 36, a Taiwanese national, was taken from Hong Island in the Khao Thong subdistrict. He was pronounced dead at the Krabi hospital. A doctor said he died from drowning.

Yueh’s unidentified friend told police that they went to Hong Island for snorkeling. Continued …

New Zealand Tourist Rescued After Getting Lost in Phangan Island Jungle

A tourist from New Zealand has been rescued after he got lost in a forest on Phangan Island in Surat Thani.

The Samui Tourist Police said on Monday they were notified that a 56-year-old New Zealand tourist was missing.

His friends told police that he was missing from a resort at 4am on Sunday. They went out to search for him but failed before they called for help. Continued …

German Tourist Rescued After Getting Injured Inside Krabi Cave

A German tourist has been rescued after she sustained injuries inside a cave in Mueang Krabi.

Emergency responders were notified on Tuesday from a local long-tailed boat operator that a 61-year-old female German tourist fell and injured herself inside a cave.

Rescue workers went into the area with the long-tailed boat before climbing up on a ladder in the natural hall inside the cave, which is more than 10 meters high. Continued …

Two Russian Kids Back with Parents after Being Lost in Patong

Two Russian kids are back with their parents after they got lost near Bangla Road.

The Phuket Tourist Police said on Sunday night at 9:35pm that they were notified by a Russian woman that she had lost her two kids aged four and five years old.

The Phuket Tourist Police, the Patong Police, and the Patong Beach lifeguards searched for the kids along Patong Beach. Continued …

Finnish parliament passes NATO bill with large majority

Finland’s parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly backed its bid to join NATO. Approval of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s treaties and Finland’s accession passed with 184 members of the 200-seat parliament voting in favor, seven against and one abstaining. Continued … 

APEC posts lower economic growth, weaker trade activity

The Asia-Pacific’s economy grew 2.6 % in 2022, a decline from 6.1 % growth in 2021, according to a new report published by the APEC Policy Support Unit. The region’s economy is expected to pick up in the short term with the gross domestic product (GDP) projected to expand by 3.1% this year. Continued …

The ultra-rich lost 10% of fortune in 2022

The world’s ultra-richest saw their fortunes shrink by 10% in 2022, due to the war in Ukraine, a study said Wednesday, but the outlook for them this year is bright. The study, by London-based property consultants Knight Frank, examined the fortunes of what it calls ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs): people with a net worth of at least $30 million, including their main residence. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

baht, bangkok, cha am, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Feb 28

  • Camping Festival at Market Village March 1-10/
  • ‘Dustman’, the Gravel Bike Race this weekend/
  • Phetchaburi Immigration to move closer to Cha Am March 20/
  • March flight schedule for Hua Hin Airport/
  • Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin opens its doors/
  • Baht declines amid volatile markets/
  • Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world/
  • Haze problem set to worsen in March/
  • Elephant time: Have a smile at Thailand’s new elephant heartthrob/
  • Two Wild Elephants, Mother and Son, Are Rescued – video/
  • The Problems with Thailand’s Thailand’s Long-Term Visa/
  • Indian, Chinese Investors Buying Pubs, Restaurants In Pattaya/
  • ‘Wild Boar’ Duangphet to be cremated in England today/New round of state welfare card benefits to cover 14.5 million Thais/Over 52 million Thais eligible to vote during May 7 election/2% fewer drinkers in Thailand since booze controls in 2008/Thai government plans major push to Laos train service/Thailand and China to Expand Free Trade Agreement/Mega-flood ‘likely’ in the next decade/Cobra Gold 2023 officially begins in eastern provinces/
  • Tourism: Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists last month/Pattaya’s Songkran Day on April 19/Thailand strengthens tourism ties with China/Outbound visa applications in Thailand increase 576%/Expats voice their opinions on Thailand vs Vietnam/
  • Thailand Experience: High-Quality Cannabis Food Sets a New Standard for Thai Cooking/
  • Covid: Songkran to test Thailand’s Covid defenses/Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days/
  • International: Exporters fear costs of EU carbon scheme/Antarctic sea ice shrinks to record low/Kremlin ‘drift’? Georgia turns on Russian opposition exiles/Finland moves closer to joining NATO without Sweden/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Camping Festival at Market Village March 1-10

‘Dustman’, the Gravel Bike Race this weekend

Phetchaburi Immigration to move closer to Cha Am March 20 – Location

March flight schedule for Hua Hin Airport

Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin opens its doors

Radisson Hotel Group has announce the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin, featuring 243 well-appointed rooms and suites, all with modern interiors and balconies overlooking the sea.

Six different accommodation types are available, including family suites with bunk beds and children’s amenities. A full range of leisure facilities includes an outdoor pool with a water slide, a water sports activity hub, a fitness center, spa, skate park and direct beachfront access.

A diverse collection of dining and social venues includes Horizon Restaurant with daily buffet breakfast, JoeKool Terrace Restaurant, which offers an elevated seafront experience with Thai and international cuisine, and JoeKool Pool Bar. The coastal Beach Club & Cabanas offers a long list of freshly caught seafood, barbecued on the spot, plus a regular calendar of uplifting events and entertainment, and the Champions Sports Bar provides cold beverages, light bites and live sports.

With a total of six function spaces, the resort offers a diverse mix of indoor and outdoor locations for business events and social celebrations.

Baht declines amid volatile markets

The baht fell to less than 35 against the U.S. dollar on Monday and recorded its lowest level for two months, after being the most volatile currency traded in the region this year.

The baht opened at 34.93 per dollar on Monday. During day-trade, it weakened to 35.16 against the greenback before closing at 35.10.

Roong Sanguanruang, head of global markets and research at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), said that over the past two months the baht had been the most volatile currency in the region. Continued …

Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world

The Pew Research Center reported that Thailand has the most motorcyclists in the world. Similarly, most victims of road accidents in the country are riding motorcycles.

If you’ve ever visited Vietnam, you might have noticed the abundance of motorbikes on the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. It may lead you to believe that Vietnam has the highest number of motorcyclists in the world.

However, a recent report by the Pew Research Center indicates that Thailand takes the lead in terms of motorbike ridership globally. According to the report, 87% of households in Thailand own at least one motorbike, beating Vietnam by only a sliver, where 86% of households own a motorcycle. Continued …

Haze problem set to worsen in March

The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) on Monday revealed that the haze pollution the country faces, especially in the northern region, will likely worsen next month, while Bangkok and its adjacent provinces will likely experience high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

On Monday, the CAPM reported that the air quality in 25 locations across the country is at unhealthy levels, as PM2.5 levels have surpassed the safe threshold of 50μg/m³. Continued …

Elephant time: Have a smile at Thailand’s new elephant heartthrob

“Tula” is a Thai wild elephant calf who has gone viral online due to its mischievous behavior. The rescued juvenile jumbo likes to tease its human babysitter during bath time. Check out Tula’s playful and naughty nature captured in this video.

Tula became separated from its herd at Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chanthaburi province in October last year. Video 

Two Wild Elephants, Mother and Son, Are Rescued

Rescue wildlife officers saved two wild elephants, mother and son, that fell into a 5-meter deep hole in the middle of the Forest Protection Conservation Unit Khao Borae, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi, on Monday.

Residents reported to officials at the nearby Lam Khlong Ngu National Park at on Sunday. Officials then prepared the rescue mission with elephant conservation volunteers and rescue workers.

Video 

The incident in which the mother elephant and her 2-month-old son fell was a 5-meter sinkhole. Officials prohibited people from being near it because a herd of about 10 elephants was nearby trying to help the mother and son, which could pose a danger to people. Continued …

The Problems with Thailand’s Long-Term Visa

The Thai LTR (long-term residency) visa was introduced in September 2022, but the Board of Investment is currently looking for international investment firms to promote more golden eggs to be laid by wealthy foreigners. There are issues to solve.

Although Thailand promotes its version of LTR, other nations are discontinuing theirs – because immigrants, particularly Chinese and Russians, have been utilizing their resident permits to purchase up desirable houses, causing inflation and making it impossible for less-fortunate citizens to go on the property ladder, Portugal and Ireland recently canceled their 10-year options.

The same sell-out accusations were voiced in Thailand last year, forcing the government to scrap any plans to let wealthy foreigners purchase freehold homes or property in November. Only condominiums are permitted. Continued …

Indian, Chinese Investors Buying Pubs, Restaurants In Pattaya

While many foreigners are investing in Chonburi province, Indian and Chinese investors have channeled the most funds in buying up businesses in Pattaya to cater to their countryfolk holidaying at this seaside tourist city, business people in this province said.

Indian investors bought up pubs and restaurants on Pattaya’s Walking Street before China lifted travel restrictions on Jan. 8, but their investment is not fully integrated as is the pattern of Chinese investors.

Chinese investors have started buying restaurants, three- to four-star hotels and pool villas in Bang Lamung area, Pattaya city and Jomtien beach. Their investment includes chartering tourists attractions to integrate as a comprehensive tourism venture to cater to Chinese tourists, these business sources said, adding that it is likely the zero-dollar tours will return. Continued …

‘Wild Boar’ Duangphet to be cremated in England today

The parents of Duangphet “Dom” Promthep, 18, one of the 12 boys rescued from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai in 2018, will hold a funeral ceremony today to coincide with his cremation in England where he died.

Duangphet, one of the Wild Boar football team members who, along with their coach, was trapped in Tham Luang Cave in 2018 for over two weeks, died in England on Feb. 14, after collapsing in his dormitory room on Feb. 12.

He had won a scholarship to study at Brooke House College, a football academy about 150 kilometers north of London, in August last year, and subsequently flew to England in September. Continued …

New round of state welfare card benefits to cover 14.5 million Thais

About 14.5 million low-income earners will be eligible for benefits under the new round of the state welfare card scheme, the Finance Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry will propose the plan for this year’s first round at a Cabinet meeting today, said minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

After approval from the Cabinet, he expects to disburse the benefits from April 1 onward. Continued … 

Over 52 million Thais eligible to vote during May 7 election

As many as 52.32 million people are eligible to vote in the upcoming general election, with most voters aged between 42 and 57, social-tracking website Rocket Media Lab learned.

As per the Election Commission’s data, 52,322,824 out of 66,090,475 people across 400 electoral constituencies nationwide are eligible to vote.

Thais have the constitutional right to exercise their ballot once they turn 18. Continued …

2% fewer drinkers in Thailand since booze controls in 2008

The implementation of the alcoholic drink control act 15 years ago has led to a 2% drop in drinkers in Thailand, a seminar was told.

The seminar, titled “Different Views on 15-year Enforcement of the Alcoholic Drink Control Act”, was held on Sunday at Bangkok’s Asia Hotel. It had been organized by Moonlanithi Pua Sukphawa (Foundation for the State of Happiness) and the Network of Creative Media for Social Change.

Associate Prof. Dr. Udomsak Sae-ngow, director of the Research and Innovation Institute for Excellence at Walailak University, said since the act was implemented in 2008, there has been a definite drop in the number of boozers in Thailand. Continued …

Thai government plans major push to Laos train service

The Thai government plans to increase train service between Nong Khai province in Thailand and Thanaleng Station in Laos to 16 round trips a day in two years.

Work on the railway line between Nong Khai and Thanaleng, near Vietniane, was completed on June 30, 2022, and is presently operating, Tipanan Sirichana, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said.

Currently, the train service runs twice a day, facilitating easy travel for Thai and Lao people. Continued …

Thailand and China to Expand Free Trade Agreement

Thailand has been stepping up trade cooperation with China by upgrading the free trade agreement (FTA) between China and ASEAN, including expanding mini FTAs with Chinese cities and provinces, Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has said.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit made the announcement at the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce last week.

Jurin said the two countries enjoy practical cooperation under mechanisms including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and mini FTAs between Thailand and Chinese provinces such as Hainan and Gansu. Continued … 

Mega-flood ‘likely’ in the next decade

Thailand is likely to suffer from another “mega-flood” similar to the historic inundation in 2011 in the next decade, as climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events all over the world, a conference was told on Monday.

The director of Climate Change and Disaster Center, Seree Supratid, said at a press conference organized by FutureTales Lab by MQDC and Esri Thailand, that according to climate forecasting models, Thailand is likely to be seriously affected by widespread inundation in the next few years, with up to 34% of about 70 million Thais set to be affected by floods. Continued …

Cobra Gold 2023 officially begins in eastern provinces

Thailand Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Chalermpol Srisawasdi and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec today presided over the Cobra Gold 2023 opening ceremony at the Royal Thai Naval Airbase, Royal Thai Air Fleet in Rayong province.

Also attending the ceremony were the ambassadors to Thailand from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The Cobra Gold exercise is the largest joint multilateral military exercise in Southeast Asia, co-hosted annually in Thailand by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Continued …

 

 

Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists last month

Thailand welcomed 2.14 million international tourists in January, data from the tourism ministry showed today. The data showed a small decline from the previous month.

The top three source markets last month were Malaysia with 288,745 tourists, Russia with 202,759 tourists, and South Korea 169,462 tourists.

However, the return of travelers from China, following the removal of Covid-19 restrictions, helped boost the numbers. A total of 91,841 Chinese tourists flocked to Thailand last month, compared with 3,110 in the same period last year. Continued … 

Pattaya’s Songkran Day on April 19

Pattaya’s biggest and wettest party officially returns for the first time in four years due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Songkran, which in one form or another will likely last a bit over a week in Pattaya, will culminate as it usually did, before Covid, with Wan Lai, or the “Big Day” on April 19.

This is, without a doubt, Pattaya’s biggest and wettest party but also polarizing especially to many expats, as hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists convene on Pattaya. Continued …

Thailand strengthens tourism ties with China

Thailand continues to strengthen tourism ties with China following the high-profile meeting between Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s minister of tourism and sports, and Hu Heping, minister of culture and tourism of the People’s Republic of China, taking place in Beijing on Feb. 21.

Also present at the meeting were Atthayut Srisamut, Thailand ambassador to China, Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, and Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Ratchakitprakarn said, “On behalf of the Thai government and the Thai people, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Chinese government for its continued confidence in Thailand as a preferred holiday destination, and for including the kingdom among the 20 pilot destinations for the resumption of group travel from China.” Continued … 

Outbound visa applications in Thailand increase 576%

Applications for all visa types made between Jan. 1–31 last year grew by 576% when compared with applications made in the same time frame in 2021, reports VFS Global.

The fivefold increase shows that Thais are regaining their sense of adventure amid relaxed global restrictions, although visa applications are still not hitting pre-pandemic figures, reports TNA.

Head of VFS Global Australasia, Kaushik Ghosh, said, “The significant surge in visa applications from Thailand indicates that travelers’ confidence has rebounded faster than expected. With the peak outbound travel season expected to start in March, we expect this momentum to grow further and, therefore, those planning foreign travel outside of Thailand must apply for visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.” Continued …

Expats voice their opinions on Thailand vs Vietnam

There are obvious reasons while Thailand has been more attractive to tourists than Vietnam, but many expats also vouched for Vietnam as a nice destination that still has space for improvements.

“I, between Thailand and Vietnam, prefer Vietnam. I find the people in Vietnam nicer, friendlier and more polite. And I find a more genuine environment without seedy places like Thailand’s red-light districts, and I hope I never see them in Vietnam. The problem is that I am retired and eager to stay in Vietnam most of the year, (I like to live in Hanoi from March until mid-December) I am forced every 30 days to fly to Bangkok in order to be able to get a new visa of only 30 days, resulting in financial and time expense. Why not grant a visa of at least 3 months?” – Steve Continued … 

High-Quality Cannabis Food Sets a New Standard for Thai Cooking

Think again if you believe that the deliciousness of Thai food cannot be improved. Thai cuisine has changed as a result of the expanding culinary cannabis craze. Imagine combining the advantages of marijuana with the flavors of Thai food. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect marriage?

Thailand made history by legalizing marijuana in June 2022 for both medical and culinary purposes. It took a long time for this historic decision to be made, which represents a major shift in how the nation views marijuana.

The government has allowed companies to sell a variety of cannabis-infused foods by removing marijuana from the list of narcotics that are prohibited for consumption or distribution. Entrepreneurs and chefs can then explore the herb’s potential in novel and interesting ways, while showcasing their culinary creativity. Continued …

Songkran to test Thailand’s Covid defenses

Thai hospitals and community health centers have been ordered to prepare for a spike in Covid-19 infections over Songkran in April and schools reopening in June.

Hospitals have admitted 204 Covid-19 cases in the past week (Feb. 19-25), 66 of whom were suffering severe symptoms, said Public Health Permanent-secretary Opas Karnkawinpong on Monday.

Nine patients died of Covid-19 in the past week, all of them belonging to at-risk groups (over 60 and/or with chronic conditions). Continued …

Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days

Hong Kong is scrapping its mask mandate from tomorrow, Chief Executive John Lee announced, ending the financial hub’s last major Covid curb as it seeks to emerge from the pandemic.

The city was one of the last places in the world to require face coverings in virtually all public settings, with everyone over the age of two required to wear one or face a fine of up to HK$10,000 ($1,275).

“I announce that the masking requirement will be completely canceled starting tomorrow, March 1, including for indoors, outdoors and (on) public transportation,” Lee said at a brief press conference today. Continued …

Exporters fear costs of EU carbon scheme

Asian exports could potentially face a higher cost burden as the EU is preparing to launch a new regulation pertaining to imported carbon-intensive commodities later this year, experts say. Continued …

Antarctic sea ice shrinks to record low

Antarctic sea ice likely shrunk to a record low last week, U.S. researchers said on Monday, its lowest extent in the 45 years of satellite record-keeping. Continued … 

Kremlin ‘drift’? Georgia turns on Russian opposition exiles

Like thousands of Russians who decided to emigrate after their country invaded Ukraine, Anna Rivina moved to neighboring Georgia. But, a year later, she is no longer welcome. Continued … 

Finland moves closer to joining NATO without Sweden

Finland, which has one of Europe’s longest borders with Russia, today kicks off a parliamentary debate aimed at accelerating the country’s bid to join NATO, increasing the likelihood it will leave neighbor and military partner Sweden behind. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

 

 

90-day online reporting

hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s News-Feb 22

  • Shops, people warned against reserving areas of public roads for personal parking/
  • Netflix Thailand slashes basic service by 60%/
  • Global conditions hinder Thailand’s economic recovery/
  • Young Thais urged to eat more rice, as records show slump in demand/
  • Tops rebranding drive makes headway among consumers/
  • Three men found shot in head in car in swamp in southern Thailand/
  • Tourism: 8 places worth visiting in Prachuap Khiri Khan/The Hidden WOW tourism campaign in Prachuap Khiri Khan/Arrival of Chinese Tour Groups Still Unexpectedly Low/Thailand expects big jump in tourists from China/Best Western betting on Thailand with eight new hotels, one in Hua Hin/
  • Thailand Experience: Spice up your life with Thai food/10 Simple Thai Recipes To Add Some Spice To Your Plate/
  • International: ‘Terrible toll’ of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine/Putin accuses West of stoking global war to destroy Russia/Four-day work week in UK gains converts/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Shops, people warned against reserving areas of public roads for personal parking

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Tuesday warned shops and people against reserving public roads for personal parking, saying they could face fines of up to 10,000 baht.

The CIB posted on its Facebook page that reserving parts of public roads as personal parking space would violate both the traffic law and the “Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country BE2535 (1992)”.

Fights for parking space on roads in front of shops or houses often lead to heated disputes and sometimes even deadly squabbles. Continued … 

Netflix Thailand slashed basic service by 60%

Mixed news for series addicts on a budget: Starting today, Netflix has reduced the monthly rate for its basic package by 60%, but users may not share their accounts.

The basic monthly package now runs THB169, down from THB279. That means enjoying the latest episodes of psycho thriller You, searing K-dramas, or any of Note Udom’s comedy specials at 720p resolution, which qualified as HD in 2010. The package limits users to only one device at a time.

Those already subscribed to the basic package will automatically pay the new rate on their next billing cycle. Continued …

Global conditions hinder Thailand’s economic recovery

Thailand’s economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year has disappointed many people. Real gross domestic product (GDP), a broader measure of economic output, grew just 1.4% year-on-year, decelerating sharply from 4.6% growth in the third quarter.

The 1.5% negative contraction quarter-on-quarter has raised questions whether the economy might enter a technical recession if it contracts again in the first quarter of this year.

Thailand’s exports had seen a steep drop by 10.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter. Continued …

Young Thais urged to eat more rice, as records show slump in demand

The Commerce Ministry has launched a campaign calling on young Thais to eat more rice after a recent study showed that the consumption of rice in Thailand has plummeted.

“In 2018, the rate of rice consumption among Thais, particularly the younger generation, dropped from 100 kilos per person per year to 72kg per person per year,” said Udom Srisomsong, deputy director-general of the Department of Internal Trade.

“In Bangkok, the rate of consumption has dropped to just 50kg per person per year.” Continued …

Tops rebranding drive makes headway among consumers

Central Food Retail Co., the operator of Tops grocery stores under Central Retail Corp. (CRC), vows to continue opening new stores and renovating existing outlets.

The company also wants to complete its rebranding plan by the end of this year.

Stephane Coum, Central Retail’s chief executive for the food group, said the company’s major rebranding effort to unify all brands as Tops starting in October last year received a positive response from consumers. Continued …

Three men found shot in head in car in swamp in southern Thailand

Buketa police in Waeng district of Narathiwat in the far south of Thailand and the military responded after reports that three men were found in the boot of a car in the Jeurae swamp.

A large group of locals were gawking at the scene in Mae Dong subdistrict when forensics officers arrived.

Three shirtless men were in the boot of a blue Toyota Yaris. It’s registration plate was found detached in the swamp. Continued … 

8 places worth visiting in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The Hidden WOW tourism campaign in Prachuap Khiri Khan is a promotional initiative aimed at promoting some of the lesser-known attractions and destinations in the province.

The campaign focuses on showcasing the unique and authentic experiences that the area has to offer, such as stunning natural landscapes, local cultural activities, and important religious sites.

The goal of the campaign is to attract tourists to all eight districts of the province, boosting the local economy and preserving the cultural heritage of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …

Arrival of Chinese Tour Groups Still Unexpectedly Low

The number of Chinese tour groups traveling to Thailand remains unexpectedly low due to a lack of flights, said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Association of Tourism Businesses (ATTA).

Sisdivachr disclosed that most Chinese arrivals in Thailand were free independent travelers (FIT), which refers to tourists who travel on their own without a tour guide or joining a tour group. These types of visitors are largely attributed to the majority of recent Chinese arrivals, while the number of tour groups was still very low despite China already allowing outbound group travel, Sisdivachr said.

The ATTA president associated this unexpected phenomenon with insufficient flights. Continued …

Thailand expects big jump in tourists from China

Thailand has revised its forecast upward for the number of inbound Chinese tourists in 2023, following a strong recovery in China’s tourism market.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of Thailand’s Tourism Authority, said the figure has been raised by 2 million from the previous estimate of between 5 and 6 million. Thailand is now expecting between 7 and 8 million Chinese visitors.

He made the remarks in Shanghai on Monday at the “Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters Roadshow to China 2023.” Continued …

Best Western betting on Thailand with eight new hotels, one in Hua Hin

Best Western is looking east. The U.S.-based global hospitality group will open eight new hotels in Thailand this year to capitalize on the Kingdom’s resurgent tourism, and as part of its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, a top-ranking executive said last week.

Best Western Hotels (BWH) operates 16 properties in Thailand under three brands: one World Hotels Collection hotel, 13 Best Western Hotels and Resorts properties, and two Sure Stay Hotels. The new ventures represent a 50% increase in BWH’s Thai portfolio.

They include properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin, basically all the major tourism centers in the Kingdom. Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are also under consideration as new locations, the company said. – thaiembdc.org

Spice up your life with Thai food

Thai food is a cuisine that is beloved by people all over the world for its complex and diverse flavors. From the sour tang of tom yum soup to the spicy kick of green curry, Thai food offers a unique culinary experience that satisfies the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

But Thai cuisine is more than just a delicious meal. It’s a reflection of the country’s rich history and cultural influences. The story of Thai food is one that spans centuries. It has roots in various countries and cultures that have come together to create a unique and vibrant culinary tradition.

In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of Thai food, from its background and earliest roots to its modern-day popularity. Continued … 

10 Simple Thai Recipes To Add Some Spice To Your Plate

Thai cuisine is a tantalizing combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that has become increasingly popular worldwide. A melting pot of influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines, Thai cooking is characterized by its bold use of herbs, spices, and aromatics, as well as its emphasis on fresh, vibrant ingredients.

From the classic tom yum soup to the iconic pad Thai, Thai cuisine is an explosion of taste that has captured the hearts and palates of many food lovers.

One of the most notable features of Thai cooking is the use of fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime (leaves and zest), Thai basil, coriander, and bird’s eye chilies. These ingredients are often used to make curry pastes, marinades, and sauces that infuse dishes with intense and complex flavors. Thai cuisine also relies heavily on stir-frying, grilling, and steaming to create dishes that are healthy, quick, and easy to prepare. Continued …

‘Terrible toll’ of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine

When Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, he started a war that has killed tens of thousands of people, ravaged cities, and pummeled the country’s economy. Continued … 

Putin accuses West of stoking global war to destroy Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday vowed to continue with his country’s year-long war in Ukraine and accused the United States-led NATO military alliance of fanning the flames of the conflict in the mistaken belief that it could defeat Moscow in a global confrontation. Continued …

Four-day work week in UK gains converts

The largest-ever trial of the four-day work week has found that most UK companies participating are not returning to the five-day standard, and a third are ready to make the change permanent. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Feb 7

  • Inflation in January falls to 9-month low as cost-of-living crisis eases/
  • What you need to know about that knee problem/
  • Dental seminar set at Be Well Clinic Feb 18/
  • Muay Thai world record set – video/
  • Chinese buyers seek quick move amid zero-Covid fears/
  • Thailand deploying 20-member urban search and rescue team to Turkey/
  • Thai foodies angered as Kaeng Som named among world’s worst dishes/
  • 110 Thai immigration police officers charged in visa scandal/
  • Many Thai workers ill-prepared for old age/
  • Tourism: Forest park in Phetchaburi to become geological tourist attraction/PKK’s Golden Swan in Thap Sakae/First Chinese tour group in 3 years arrives in Phuket/Ministry to probe attack on Chinese tourist/Chinese investors return to Chiang Mai, Bangkok/Nine Swedish Tourists Survive after Boat Capsizes in Krabi/Body of German tourist who jumped from Koh Pha Ngan ferry found/Foreigners, particularly Russians, accused of working illegally in Phuket/
  • Thailand Experience: Thai cuisine comes in at 13 in TripAdvisor’s latest ranking/Northern Thai Food: A Guide to Regional Specialties in Thai Cuisine/
  • Covid: New Covid cases, deaths dropped by about half last week/
  • International: Rescuers Scramble In Turkey, Syria As Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,000/Why was the Turkey-Syria earthquake so deadly?/Single-use plastics production still on the rise/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Inflation in January falls to 9-month low as cost-of-living crisis eases

Thailand’s headline inflation fell to a nine-month low of 5.02% in January, from 5.89% in December, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) announced Monday.

TPSO Director-general Wichanun Niwatjinda said the inflation slowdown reflected falling prices of energy and fresh foods. The TPSO expects inflation to drop further this month.

Wichanun said headline inflation in January stood at 108.18 points, up 5.02% year on year but still the lowest for the past nine months. Continued … 

What you need to know about that knee problem

Your knees are essential to your health. They have an incredibly important job of supporting and stabilizing your body as you walk, run, dance, or play sports. But most people don’t think about them until they start hurting.

Knee pain can be experienced in many different guises, it is common during growth spurts in children, or with trauma from sport or falls, or it may come on as we age with wear and tear. Knee pain can stem from the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage or meniscus. It can sometimes also be referred from the hip joint or lower back.

Acute knee injuries often occur with sports that involve rapid acceleration or deceleration, twisting, kicking or sudden changes of direction. More gradual onset of knee pain can occur due to repetitive running, jumping and landing, kicking or squatting. Continued … 

Dental seminar set at Be Well Clinic Feb 18

The Be Well Medical Clinic in Hua Hin will hold a dental seminar, hosted by the Be Well Dental Department, on Feb. 18.

The seminar will address degeneration prevention, restorative dentistry (e.g., crowns and bridges), esthetic treatments (e.g., whitening, veneers), implants, and the speakers will also cover the possibilities, risks and costs of various therapies.

Registration will start at 9.30am with the seminar starting at 10am.

The clinic is located at the Coral Restaurant @ Banyan Resort (next to the Be Well Medical Center) Petchkasem Road, between Soi 120 and 122.

@BeWell members and Banyan Privilege Club members can attend for free, for others the fee is THB500. Advance registration is by email at event@bewell.co.th. For more information.

Muay Thai world record set

Renowned Muay Thai fighter Sombat “Buakhao” Banchamek teamed up with 3,650 soldiers to break a Guinness world record by performing the traditional Thai dance, Wai Kru, at the Amazing Muaythai Festival 2023 in Hua Hin.

Feb. 6 of every year is marked as Muay Thai Day to preserve and promote Thailand’s soft power Thai boxing.

Video 

Commander of the Royal Thai Army, Narongphan Jitkaewtae, wanted to celebrate and promote the cultural heritage of Muay Thai. So, the army collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and other relevant departments to host a celebration event named Amazing Muaythai Festival 2023. Continued …

Chinese buyers seek quick move amid zero-Covid fears

Ready-to-move-in condos in Thailand are attracting Chinese buyers, as the majority of them want to speed up relocation to the country due to concerns over the future of Beijing’s zero-Covid policy.

Kashif Ansari, co-founder and chief executive of Juwai IQI Group, the real estate marketing firm that owns the international real estate portal juwai.com in China, said Chinese buyers had a sense of urgency, which never appeared prior to the pandemic.

“If Chinese nationals are planning to move to Thailand, they want to do it right away, not in two years. These are the first movers,” he said. Continued …

Thailand deploying 20-member urban search and rescue team to Turkey

Thailand will deploy a 20-member urban search and rescue (USAR) team to the disaster zone of major earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said 20 fully equipped members of USAR Thailand are on standby and will depart as soon as they get the green light from Turkish authorities.

USAR Thailand team members are trained experts with experience in search and rescue operations in large-scale disasters at both national and international levels. Continued … 

Thai foodies angered as Kaeng Som named among world’s worst dishes

Thais are struggling to digest the news that one of their favorite foods, kaeng som (spicy-sour fish curry), has been ranked the 12th worst dish in the world by a global foody website.

Netizens are venting their anger and disgust after the distinctive watery Thai curry received a score of 2.3 out of 5 in the online food guide TasteAtlas on Saturday.

Kaeng som is made from a paste of shrimp and shallots, its sharp sweet-sour flavor coming from the addition of tamarind and sometimes lime juice. Continued …

110 Thai immigration police officers charged in visa scandal

More than 100 immigration police officers, including three generals, have been found to have issued visas illegally to foreign visitors, Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, said yesterday.

All 110 of them have been charged with malfeasance in office and taking bribes, he said, adding that he expects the case to be sent to the public prosecutors this week.

The probe into visa scandal, in which immigration police officers and several local administration officials are implicated, is an extension of an investigation into the conduct of a handful of immigration police officers who were allegedly involved in issuing visas for Chinese businessman Chaiyanat Kornchayanant and other Chinese businessmen allegedly involved in “gray” businesses in Thailand. Continued …

Many Thai workers ill-prepared for old age

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith is concerned that more than 16 million informal workers have yet to participate in any savings scheme to prepare for life during retirement, even though Thailand is expected to become an aged society in the next two years.

He said that Thailand is now an aging society, as at least 10% of the population has been 60 years old or more since 2005. A total of 12.5 million people, or 19% of the population, is currently over 60. Thai people are also enjoying a longer life span.

Arkhom added that the country is expected to become an aged society in the next couple of years when elderly people will surge to 20% of the total population. It is set to become a super-aged society in 2034 when the elderly proportion of the population reaches 28%. Continued …

Forest park in Phetchaburi to become geological tourist attraction

Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to develop the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park in Phetchaburi province into a geological tourist destination, to promote geological study and conservation of natural resources.

Geologists from the Department of Mineral Resources have recently found many fossilized marine creatures embedded in the limestone mountain in the park, which are thought to be from about 250 million years ago, during the Permian period.

The fossilized marine creatures include bivalves, single-shell mollusc and corals.

The limestone mountain in the forest park was created by the massive accumulation of calcium carbonate sediments, dating back more than 250 million years. Some of the fossilized corals appear like tree branches or horns, called Rugose corals, which became extinct about 250 million years ago. – thaipbsworld.com

PKK’s Golden Swan in Thap Sakae

One of the most significant religious sites in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is the “Giant Golden Swan” located on the Hua Hin-bound side of Petchkasem Road in Thap Sakae. Believers say it is a gathering spot for angels. It was built by the former abbot of Huay Luek Temple, “Phra Kru Paisarn”. People who make merit at the temple do so to ask for fortune or money, and when the request is granted, frequently bring bracelets or sculptures of swans to say thank you. (HHT)

First Chinese tour group in 3 years arrives in Phuket

Phuket tourism officials have welcomed the first Chinese tour group to visit the island in three years. The group touched down at Phuket International Airport at 3.15pm yesterday.

Passengers were welcomed by airport director Monchai Tamod and Montree Manator from the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. There were 180 passengers in the group, arriving on a direct flight from Shanghai with Spring Airlines.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese tour groups were a regular feature on the island. However, harsh outbound travel restrictions imposed by Beijing meant there have been none for nearly three years. Continued …

Ministry to probe attack on Chinese tourist

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is rushing to investigate a case involving a Chinese tourist who was assaulted by a travel agent in Phuket after the case went viral, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is still hoping to secure 7-8 million tourists from China this year as the first batch of tour groups touched down in the country on Monday.

A viral TikTok clip showed a Chinese tourist being assaulted with a knife by a member of staff at a tour agency in Phuket during an altercation after the agency was unable to return in full a 5,000-baht deposit for a Similan Islands tour package, which a tourist had booked in advance for his group.

The tourist claimed the members of the group were instead left stranded at their hotel on the morning of Jan. 31, when they were supposed to take the tour. Continued …

Chinese investors return to Chiang Mai, Bangkok

Thailand welcomed 2.24 million foreign tourists in December, a surge from 1.17 million in July. The figures are expected to exceed 2 million people in January, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimated.

The significant recovery of the tourism industry has been able to attract foreigners to invest more in the supply-side business in Thailand – especially the major tourist destination cities, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. These popular provinces are seeing their bright future, as TAT expects more than 30 million arrivals of foreign visitors in 2023.

The rebounding of tourism sector not only brings back visitors, but also foreign investors, Panlop Sae-Jew, chairman of the Chiang Mai Tourism Industry Council, says. Continued …

Nine Swedish Tourists Survive after Boat Capsizes in Krabi

Nine Swedish tourists have survived after a long-tailed boat capsized in Krabi.

The head of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, Weerasak Srisajjang, stated tthey were notified of the incident on Sunday near the Hong Island in the Khao Thong subdistrict, Mueang Krabi.

Rescue teams went to the scene to find nine male and female Swedish nationals and the boat captain in the sea near the long-tailed boat, which was capsized. Continued …

Body of German tourist who jumped from Koh Pha Ngan ferry found

A body found floating in the sea near Koh Tao is believed to be the missing German tourist who jumped off a ferry shortly after it departed from Koh Pha Ngan in southern Thailand one week ago.

At 4pm yesterday, the Kusol Sattha Rescue Foundation was informed that a tourist boat came across the body of a male tourist floating in the Ao Muong Bay in Koh Tao subdistrict, Koh Pha Ngan district, Surat Thani province. Continued …

Foreigners, particularly Russians, accused of working illegally in Phuket

The Phuket Information Center Facebook page has accused foreigners, particularly Russians, of operating illegal businesses and working illegally in Phuket.

It shared with its followers Sunday that, “A lot of foreigners stay and work in Phuket, both legally and illegally. Recently, a group of foreigners started a car rental business. They offered both cars and minibuses and also served tourists as chauffeurs. They steal jobs from Thai people!”

“If anyone has more information on this, please send it to the page’s admin. We, together with the Phuket Tourist Police, will get rid of this issue.” Continued … 

Thai cuisine comes in at 13 in TripAdvisor’s latest ranking

Despite being a top travel destination for many, Thai cuisine only came in No. 13 in the latest ranking by online travel information and booking website TripAdvisor.

The top three food destinations in the world were the Italian capital Rome, the Greek island of Crete and the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

However, TripAdvisor sang Bangkok’s praises, saying: “Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires … you’ve never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok. Continued …

Traditional Northern Thai food

Northern Thai Food: A Guide to Regional Specialties in Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is a melting pot of diverse flavors and ingredients, each region offering its own unique twist on classic dishes. If you’re tired of the usual pad Thai and green curry, head north to explore the treasure trove of delicious treats waiting to be discovered. Here’s what you need to know about the delicious northern Thai food.

Northern Thai cuisine is famous for its bold and pungent flavors. It uses plenty of chili, herbs, and spices. It’s a feast for the senses, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.

The region is renowned for its sausages, which consist of a mixture of pork and sticky rice. It also has a popular signature dish, Khao Soi. The local people make this rich and creamy curry with egg noodles, chicken, and a blend of spices that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Continued …

New Covid cases, deaths dropped by about half last week

Hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 last week dropped by about half from the week before, Thailand’s Disease Control Department (DCD) said on Monday.

The DCD reported that 252 Covid cases were hospitalized from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, an average of 36 patients per day. That represented a decline of 46.3% from the 472 cases hospitalized from Jan. 22-28, an average of 67 per day.

Deaths from Covid last week dropped to 17 (an average of 2-3 per day), from 29 a week earlier. Currently, 122 Covid patients are being treated in hospital for pneumonia, 78 of whom are on ventilators. Continued …

Rescuers Scramble In Turkey, Syria As Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,000

Rescuers in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria searched through the frigid night into Tuesday, hoping to pull more survivors from the rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more than 4,000 people and toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. Continued … 

Why was the Turkey-Syria earthquake so deadly?

A combination of factors made the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria early Monday particularly deadly, including its timing, location, relatively quiet fault line and the weak construction of the collapsed buildings, experts said. Continued …

Single-use plastics production still on the rise

Minderoo Foundation’s Plastic Waste Makers Index (PWMI) 2023 shows the planet’s plastic pollution problem is worsening, and new estimates of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from single-use plastics demonstrate how single-use plastics producers also contribute to the climate crisis. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-Jan 31

  • Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae/
  • Thailand tops world in motorcycle use/
  • Thailand second-best for paved roads in Southeast Asia/
  • Thailand Businesses Lead the World in Business Health/
  • Fewer smokers, surging taxes hitting Thai tobacco industry hard/
  • JD Central discontinues operations in Thailand on March 3/
  • Five healthy digital habits/
  • Wife ties up gambling husband – quit or she’s going home to mum/
  • Three more smart piers to be opened in 2023/
  • Caught with two meth pills? You will be considered a dealer/
  • Tourism: Actress bribe claim borne out by officers’ confessions/Police fast-track scandal prompts question: Can everything be bought in Thailand?/Thailand’s police caught with their pants down in extortion case/Taiwanese actress case puts e-cigarettes back in the spotlight/Hotels struggle to attract quality staff as tourism recovers/Phuket Expects 12 Million Tourists This Year/Chinese yearning for overseas trips in 2023/Why China isn’t about to save Thailand’s economy yet/Vendors at Bangkok shrine condemned for overcharging Chinese tourists/ASEAN cities face uphill battle to preserve heritage/Thailand Is Building an Epic New $9 Billion ‘Aviation City’ for Tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: 10 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes You Have to Try in Thailand/Unlock the Secrets of Authentic Thai Food with These Essential Ingredients/
  • International: Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 59, Wounds 150 At Pakistan Mosque/France, Australia announce artillery deal for Ukraine/US Fed set to slow down rate rises this year/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Kite festival this weekend in Thap Sakae

The Fantasy Kite and Flag Festival, featuring more than 100 kites, is set for this weekend in Thap Sakae on Ban Thung Pradu Beach.

The event is organized by the Thap Sakae Beach Love Group, the Thap Sakae Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thailand Kite Flying Assn., Prachuap province tourism and sports officials and the Ban Thung Pradu tourism community. Map 

Thailand tops world in motorcycle use

Thailand second-best for paved roads in Southeast Asia

Thailand Businesses Lead the World in Business Health

Grant Thornton released its International Business Report this month, showing that the business health of the Thai mid-market has been at its highest point since 2017. In the second half of 2022, Thailand’s business health improved by 3.8 percentage points over H1 2022, with the index reaching 8.8 – marking the highest point in five years and exceeding regional and global averages for the first time since 2017.

In contrast, ASEAN business leaders are more cautious, while Asia Pacific and global business leaders remain bearish.

Ian Pascoe, CEO and managing partner at Grant Thornton in Thailand, said this on the findings: “Business leaders are better prepared after having gone through 3 years of unprecedented economic turbulence as Thailand emerges from the pandemic. Our business survey indicates Thai businesses share a positive sentiment in their outlook for 2023 and are more positive about the effects of the external factors on their business.” Continued … 

Fewer smokers, surging taxes hitting Thai tobacco industry hard

The Tobacco Curers Development Assn. is calling on the Tobacco Authority of Thailand (TOAT) and the Finance Ministry to review the current tax structure as the dual cigarette tax rates are affecting them financially.

TOAT recently announced that it was earmarking 56.16 billion baht to provide a 50% subsidy for production to tobacco farmers and independent tobacco curers.

Arun Pothita, secretary-general of Chiang Mai’s TOAT branch and a representative of an alliance of tobacco farmers in Thailand, said farmers under contract with TOAT are aware that the agency’s earnings are also affected by the tax structure. Continued …

JD Central discontinues operations in Thailand on March 3

Online shopping platform JD Central (www.jd.co.th) announced on Monday that it was discontinuing its operations in Thailand from March 3, though customer service will be available until March 31.

The company said the JD Central official store will stop accepting orders from 11.59pm on Feb. 15, while the JD Central platform with other vendors will stop accepting orders from 11.59pm on March 3.

The company has promised to fulfill all orders placed on or before March 3. The time taken for deliveries will be determined by the third-party logistics provider and seller. Continued …

Five healthy digital habits

Early January is a great time to start using healthy digital habits, and you still have time to make a promise to yourself and try to follow them during the next year. It’s certainly easier than mending our ways regarding health, exercise and self-improvement!

A set of simple healthy digital habits that can strengthen the safety of your data and make life easier in the coming year. Kaspersky experts prepared this list:

#1 New Year, new passwords!

Start the New Year with a real password revision. Now is the time to check and change passwords on all accounts. And remember the main rule – don’t use the same password for multiple accounts! Continued …

Wife ties up gambling husband – quit or she’s going home to mum

Thailand was having a great laugh – usually signified by 555 (ha ha ha) – after an online post of a man who had been tied up by his wife.

The errant husband was bound hands and feet before he agreed to stop his gambling habits.

Fah – the wife – said that when a message came in on her husband’s phone she thought he was chatting to another woman. Continued …

Three more smart piers to be opened in 2023 in Bangkok

Three more smart piers will be opened by this year, namely Rama VII, Tha Tien and Kiakkai, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Monday.

She said the project to build 29 smart piers across Greater Bangkok at a total cost of 942 million baht aims to facilitate travel and tourism.

She added that this project is in line with the government’s 20-year national strategy, which aims to make Thailand a developed country with security, prosperity and sustainability without leaving anyone behind. Continued …

Caught with two meth pills? You will be considered a dealer

In an effort to effectively combat the illegal drug trade, a law is being amended in Thailand so that anyone caught in possession of more than one meth pill will now be considered a drug dealer. Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul announced this change on Monday, stating that the current regulation has been exploited by those who actually intend to sell the drugs.

The harsh new law will view anyone with more than one pill as having the drugs with intent to sell, instead of the current standard of 15 pills or fewer being considered for personal use only.

The amendment, which has already been prepared by the Committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts, is awaiting a signature from the Health minister. It will then go to the Cabinet for its sign-off before ultimately being published in the Royal Gazette, making the law official. – thethaiger.com

Actress bribe claim borne out by officers’ confessions

A number of officers among the seven Huai Khwang policemen accused by Taiwanese actress Charlene An of extorting 27,000 baht from her in the early morning of Jan. 4 have now admitted she was telling the truth, according to a police source.

The source was quoting information discussed by executives of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during Monday’s meeting of a committee that screens senior police officials for promotion.

The seven officers who stopped the Taiwanese actress and her companions in a Grab taxi for a security check at a checkpoint in front of the Chinese embassy on Ratchadaphisek Road did, in fact, demand 27,000 baht not to arrest the actress, who was found in possession of a vaping device, said the source. Continued …

Police fast-track scandal prompts question: Can everything be bought in Thailand?

Countless numbers of Thais have flown in and out of Thailand over the years, but few have paid much attention to fast-track services at airports. That changed last week when a Chinese tourist posted a clip of herself enjoying VVIP services from police at a Thai airport.

The tourist’s clip went viral and stirred up a huge controversy. In the clip, the female creator gives a frank and positive review of the VVIP service she received, with police facilitating her entry into Thailand at every step.

She describes how she was greeted by a policeman as soon as she walked off her flight. She was then guided to a special immigration lane, helped with her luggage, and led to a private sedan for transfer to her hotel. Police motorcycle outriders accompanied her sedan all the way to her hotel in Pattaya, clearing traffic to ensure she had a smooth and uninterrupted journey. And all for a modest price of around 7,000 baht. Continued …

Thailand’s police caught with their pants down in extortion case

The case of the extortion of a Taiwanese actress and her friends in a late night shakedown outside the Chinese Embassy in Huay Khwang on Jan. 4 took several new twists yesterday.

Increasingly, it appears that the police – specifically officers from the Huay Khwang force – have been caught with their pants down. It is no longer an “alleged extortion”, according to sources.

Attempts to wriggle their way out of the damaging case for the RTP and Thai tourism are now in tatters. And things look set to only get worse for the so-called BiB. Continued …

Taiwanese actress case puts e-cigarettes back in the spotlight

Punishments related to the import and sale of what Thais call “buree fai faa” – e-cigarettes and “nam yaa buree fai faa” – vaping fluid are back in the spotlight.

The issue is one of the features of the extortion case surrounding the Taiwanese actress Charlene An that is the talk of Thailand.

Many tourists are confused by the law and there have been calls for signage at airports to clarify the issue as it relates to visitors. Continued …

Hotels struggle to attract quality staff as tourism recovers

Working in a hotel used to be considered an attractive career, as not only was the job itself interesting but the monthly salary was relatively decent and there were other benefits, too. But the Covid-19 pandemic changed all that, and now hotel operators are having to work harder than ever before to recruit staff as tourists start coming back to Thailand.

Operators of hotels with fewer than 5 stars are facing the biggest headaches. Experienced staff who are returning to the industry have mostly moved to work at the top hotels where the pay is higher. As thing stands now, many hotels in the provinces want to resume full operations but can’t because they don’t have enough staff. Continued …

Phuket Expects 12 Million Tourists This Year

The Phuket Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket TAT) is expecting 12 million tourists to visit Phuket this year.

The director of the Phuket TAT, Nathasiri Ronnasiri, said, “We are expecting 12 million tourists to visit Phuket this year. This will be roughly the same number of tourists as before Covid-19.”

“Last year, the number of visitors in Phuket was 9,260,657. Of those numbers 46.4 percent were foreign tourists and 53.6 percent were Thai tourists. Phuket has generated 74.4 percent of its income from foreign tourists.” Nathasiri stated. Continued …

Chinese yearning for overseas trips in 2023

A recent report by tourism website Qyer unveiled that most Chinese plan to travel overseas within a year, as the country’s adjusted Covid-19 response has lifted restrictions on overseas trips.

It revealed that Chinese travelers are yearning for overseas trips — 75.4 % of the subjects paid attention to outbound tourism content while they were browsing travel tips.

About 38.5 % of the subjects wanted to have an outbound travel within half a year and 12 % planned to do so during the approaching Spring Festival holiday. Over half said they wanted to have a 10-day overseas trip. Continued …

Why China isn’t about to save Thailand’s economy yet

The recent surge of optimism that the world economy would have a soft landing is largely due to China’s decision to ditch its “zero-Covid” policy. Clearly, the reopening has lessened the risks and uncertainty surrounding the outlook.

China’s real GDP increased by 3% overall in 2022 from the previous year, which was the second-worst performance since 1976, the final year of the Cultural Revolution (the worst being 2020, when the pandemic began).

The earlier and faster than expected ending of zero-Covid restrictions in China bodes well for the global economy and adds to the recent run of positive news. But how significant will the spillovers from China’s policy likely be for Thailand and the global economy? Continued …

Vendors at Bangkok shrine condemned for overcharging Chinese tourists

Thai netizens condemned vendors selling religious offerings to foreign tourists at extortionate prices outside the famous Erawan Shrine in Bangkok after a video went viral on social media of a vendor charging Chinese tourists over 10,000 baht for an offering set.

Erawan Shrine is one of the most popular religious sites in the capital city. Formally known as the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, the shrine houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

The name might also refer to Mahabrahma, the ruler of the Brahma realm in Asian mythology. It is located in Bangkok city center at Ratchaprasong intersection, near the CentralWorld shopping mall. Continued …

ASEAN cities face uphill battle to preserve heritage

Right behind San Sebastian Basilica, one of Manila’s most revered churches, a high-rise condominium is under construction, triggering a conflict between developers and conservationists. The unsavory development also threatens to derail the Philippines’ bid to have the monument listed as a World Heritage Site and preserve the country’s heritage value.

In some other ASEAN nations, like Thailand or Cambodia, which prioritized their tourism agenda to propel economic growth, activists are fighting a losing battle against developers for heritage preservation.

“The impact of this is the commodification of natural and cultural heritage with the results in the loss of authenticity, and sometimes irreversible damage not just to nature but also culture,” said Johannes Widodo, professor at the National University of Singapore and a senior adviser to the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA). Continued …

Thailand Is Building an Epic New $9 Billion ‘Aviation City’ for Tourists

An historic airport in Thailand will soon be taken to new heights.

The Thai government is spending $8.8 billion (฿290 billion) to turn the country’s Vietnam War–era U-Tapao airport into a new “Eastern Aviation City.” Construction on the massive megastructure is set to begin early this year. The project will reportedly generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and bolster Thailand’s aviation industry.

Covering approximately 1,040 hectares (2,570 acres) in the country’s industrial east, the new transport hub is aiming to attract more tourists to the tropical archipelago.

The new international terminal will be linked with a budget airport (Don Muang) and Thailand’s main airport (Suvarnabhumi) in order to bring passengers an array of flights and carriers. In addition, the city will include a free trade zone for commodities, a flight training center and an aircraft maintenance center. Continued …

10 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes You Have to Try in Thailand

If you are looking for delicious, authentic food that will tantalize your taste buds, you should definitely head to Thailand. The tasty and unique flavors of Thai cuisine are notorious around the world and the country is home to some of the most amazing dishes.

The best Thai food has a unique blend of all five flavors: spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and creamy. Let’s explore the 10 must-try dishes when visiting Thailand.

Tom Yum Goong

You can’t go wrong with starting your culinary journey in Thailand with some tom uum goong. This classic dish features a spicy and sour soup with shrimp as the main ingredient. Tom yum goong also includes lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, mushrooms, shallots, and tomatoes to enhance the flavor. Another key feature of this dish is the access to a special chili paste called nam prik pao that you can use to add a tasty kick of heat. Continued …

Unlock the Secrets of Authentic Thai Food with These Essential Ingredients

Are you tired of eating the same old food day in and day out? Do you want to add a little spice to your life? Look no further, because Thai cuisine is here to save the day!

Thai food is popular for its bold and flavorful taste, and the secret to its deliciousness lies in the unique ingredients in its dishes. In this guide, you will learn all about the essential Thai ingredients and pantry staples you need to cook authentic Thai food in your own kitchen.

1. Essential Thai Ingredients

Thai food is all about balance. The flavors of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and savory must all be present in every dish. The following ingredients are the building blocks of Thai cuisine and are present in almost every dish. Continued …

Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 59, Wounds 150 At Pakistan Mosque

A suicide bomber struck a crowded mosque inside a police compound in Pakistan on Monday, causing the roof to collapse and killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 150 others, officials said. Continued … 

France, Australia announce artillery deal for Ukraine

France and Australia announced a deal to jointly produce 155 mm artillery shells for Ukraine on Monday after a ministerial meeting in Paris that showcased efforts to relaunch ties between the Pacific allies. Continued … 

US Fed set to slow down rate rises this year

The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to lift interest rates by just 0.75% this year amid improving economic figures, benefiting Asian stock markets as well as high-risk assets, investment company Principal Asset Management said yesterday. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-Jan 26

  • 4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao/
  • Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023/
  • Rising living costs take toll on spending/
  • Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address/
  • Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend/
  • Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand/
  • Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025/
  • Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk/
  • School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: ‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’/Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video/Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists/Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’/Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi/Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years/Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups/Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away/Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die/Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?/
  • Thailand Experience: 4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid/
  • Covid: Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January/China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%/
  • International: Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana/Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976/Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule/Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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4-meter-high waves at Ao Manao

Large waves up to 4 meters high resulted in the main road along the Prachuap Bay beachfront in Prachuap Khiri Khan being partially flooded. The beaches in Prachuap bay and Ao Manao were marked off limits on Wednesday after strong winds and waves made conditions too dangerous for swimming.

Asia’s economies show resilience and growth for 2023

Asia can defy a global economic slowdown in 2023 through an acceleration in digital transformation, greater regional coordination, and balanced monetary policies, according to new research from the London-based think tank, Asia House.

The Asia House Annual Outlook 2023 examines how Asia’s economies can prevail and deliver robust growth through increased domestic demand for goods and services, countering the global headwinds of high inflation, tighter monetary policy and increasing geopolitical tensions.

Key among the Annual Outlook’s recommendations are those relating to prioritizing innovation – to spur carbon pricing, lower green premiums for zero-carbon alternatives, and boost underfunded and high-impact projects with blended finance. Continued … 

Rising living costs take toll on spending

Cautious spending, flexible payment and authentic automation are among the key consumer trends to look out for in Thailand this year, according to London-based market research firm Euromonitor International. Continued … 

Bangkok’s new central station still has some problems to address

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has vowed improvements at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal after numerous complaints from passengers.

The agency admitted “many issues” had arisen at the new 34-billion-baht national terminus in Chatuchak district after it became the hub for long-distance trains running north, northeast and south last week.

“SRT governor Nirut Maneepan has ordered its officials to improve services in response to passengers’ complaints as soon as possible,” SRT public relations director Ekarat Sriarayanpong said on Tuesday. Continued … 

Bangkok, six northern provinces to see air quality worsen over weekend

Bangkok and six northern provinces in Thailand are expected to see air quality worsen over the weekend, according to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD).

The PCD reported yesterday that air quality across the country ranged from very good down to a health-threatening level at 11 am. The amount of PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere also exceeded the standard level in many areas nationwide: Continued … 

Migrating Russian ducks chill out in northern Thailand

Thailand’s chilly temperatures have brought thousands of wild ducks to a Yasothon reservoir after their 5,000-kilometer journey from Siberia. Lam Thuan Reservoir in Muang district provided a treat for birdwatchers on Wednesday as the migrating flock basked in the cold 13C sunshine of the northeastern province. Yasothon has declared the reservoir a no-hunting zone to protect the ducks and other wild birds that have migrated from the frozen Siberian tundra in Russia. They fly back north during the summer months when temperatures in the Land of Smiles are too high for them to mate and lay their eggs. (The Nation)

Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla chosen as venues for SEA Games 2025

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) on Wednesday selected Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla provinces as the venues for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be hosted in 2025.

The board of directors made the selection during a teleconference meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and SAT Gov. Kongsak Yodmanee attended the meeting.

The 33rd SEA Games will be held Dec. 9-20,2025. The biennial multi-sport event brings together participants from the 10 ASEAN members and Timor-Leste. Continued … 

Thai FDA recalls South Korean noodles over cancer risk

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has recalled over 3,500 instant noodle cups from South Korea over concern they contain a harmful carcinogen.

Thailand has frozen shipments of Nongshim Shin Ramyun, an instant noodle from South Korea, after suspicions that its seasoning packets contain ethylene oxide, according to FDA Deputy Secretary Withit Saritdeechaikul. The chemical is linked to cancer and used to produce compounds such as car engine antifreeze or pesticides.

A total of 3,520 Nongshim Shin Ramyun cups were seized by FDA for lab testing They will report the results at a later date. Continued … 

School of Italian Culinary Arts opens its flagship school in Bangkok

ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts — an authoritative center for high education in Italian cuisine and hospitality internationally — officially marked the opening of its first flagship school in Southeast Asia with a special inauguration ceremony at The Food School Bangkok, Thailand’s first multinational culinary school, where ALMA, alongside TSUJI Culinary Institute and Dusit Thani College, is based.

Presided over by Enzo Malanca, president and CEO of ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts, Paolo Dionisi, ambassador of Italy to Thailand, and ALMA’s Italian chef Instructors, the inauguration ceremony served as a platform to welcome the first batch of students of ALMA’s Italian cuisine and Italian bakery and pastry certificate courses. Malanca also shared the inspiration and vision behind opening the first flagship ALMA school in Southeast Asia at The Food School Bangkok. Continued … 

‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’

The national police chief has ordered the police inspector-general to launch an investigation after a popular Facebook page alleged that VIP fast-track entry services sponsored by Thai police have been advertised in China for more than 10 years.

Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he had assigned the police inspector-general to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

“Please be assured that no one will be spared,” the national police chief said. Continued … 

Airport cracks down on police following Chinese influencer’s video

Suvarnabhumi International Airport has sent a notice to police, customs and excise agencies to ensure their personnel comply with security measures following a viral clip of police providing fast-track entry services for a Chinese tourist.

Jiraporn Wongtala, director of the security division of the airport, issued the circular on Monday, addressing it to the headquarters of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, Tourist Police Division 1, Immigration Police Division 1, the Suvarnabhumi Customs Office and the Samut Prakan Excise Office 2.

The five agencies must instruct their personnel to strictly wear uniforms and carry ID cards openly when they enter the airport, Jiraporn said in the notice. Continued … 

Facebook page exposes ‘VIP fast-track’ entry services for Chinese tourists

A Thai Facebook page has exposed that multiple fast-track entry services have been available for Chinese tourists on a Chinese e-commerce platform despite denial by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The page “Lui Chin” (Shoot to China) said in a post on Tuesday that multiple “VIP” fast-track entry services at Thai airports were sold on China’s Taobao e-commerce platform.

The post on the FB page was apparently in response to an announcement by the TAT earlier on Tuesday that its offices in China could not find the ad offering such fast-track entry services to Chinese tourists. Continued … 

Taiwanese celeb says she was ‘extorted by Thai police’

Following news that the Royal Thai Police had allegedly offered a special “VVIP” airport to hotel fast-track service to a Chinese tourist for 7,000 baht comes even worse press for Thailand’s recovering tourism industry.

That case – revealed in a clip – involved the tourist being escorted by immigration officers via a police motorcade to Pattaya.

Now a Taiwanese celebrity called An Yu Ching in Chinese and known as Charlene An in English has taken to Instagram to relate her experience just after New Year. Continued … 

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

A tunnel of monkey flower trees, also known as “Pradu Daeng”, is ready to welcome visitors who drive along a road at the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm in Saraburi province. Somporn Srimuang, director of the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand, said, “Monkey flower trees bloom once a year from January to February,” adding that they are older than 10 years and are located on a mountainous route. (The Nation)

Koh Samui welcomes first Taiwanese tour group in 3 years

Thailand’s tropical holiday island of Koh Samui welcomed its first Taiwanese tour group in nearly three years on Tuesday. The group of 142 tourists enjoyed Koh Samui’s nature tourism, as well as its temples and shrines.

The group also planned to travel to Koh Ang Thong, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan for four days. The group had a three-night trip planned for Surat Thani, the former president of the Samui Tourism Assn. said. Continued …

Pattaya prepares for return of Chinese tour groups

Pattaya is preparing for Chinese tour groups to finally return to the renowned party city. On Tuesday, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches met with the Thai-Chinese Tourism Assn. to discuss how best to accommodate the influx of Chinese tourists to the city.

The association’s president, Chanaphan Kaewklachaiwut, advised Poramese to step up Pattaya’s security and sanitation to impress Chinese tourists.

Chanaphan said a tour company in the association would create a tour package for Chinese tourists. The package will be divided into three groups: luxury, medium, and normal. Continued … 

Asia travel hotspots quiet as Chinese tourists stay away

Just a handful of Chinese visitors were posing for photos and basking in the sun this week in the market and plazas near Chiang Mai’s ancient Tha Phae Gate, one of many tourist hotspots still waiting for millions of Chinese travelers to return.

The beaches and temples of destinations like Bali and Chiang Mai are the busiest they have been since the pandemic struck three years ago, but they’re still relatively quiet.

Still, Chanatip Pansomboon, a soft drinks seller in the Chinatown district of Chiang Mai, a scenic riverside city in northern Thailand, was upbeat. He trusts that with the number of flights from China steadily increasing, it’s only a matter of time. Continued … 

Longtail boat sinks off Krabi, 2 Malaysian tourists die

A longtail boat carrying a family of Malaysian tourists sank off the coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand yesterday.

A 36-year-old pregnant woman and her six-year-old child died, while the father and Thai boat operator survived with the help of a local fisherman.

A young fisherman, 21-year-old Warit Changmin, went out fishing for squid in Laem Hang Nak cape, Mueang district, when he decided to turn back to shore due to sudden rain and strong winds yesterday afternoon. Continued …

Should tourists in Thailand take a gamble on Poipet?

Poipet, a boomtown on the Khmer side of the Thai – Cambodian border, is known for two things: visa runs and gambling.

Just 3.5 hours away from Bangkok, Poipet is popular with tourists looking to exit and reenter Thailand’s border to gain more time in the kingdom.

Beyond the immigration office lies an otherwise unspectacular-looking urban municipality that transforms into a glittering, neon-lit gamblers’ Disneyland after dark. Continued … 

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

Giant online travel agency Booking.com offered tourists four off-grid places across the country since its research revealed that “Back to Basics” has become the newest travel trend among Thai tourists in 2023.

The sample group of research respondents includes 504 Thai people who plan to travel for work or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months.

It was shown that 69% of Thai travelers are looking to escape from reality this year by embarking on an off-grid vacation; 78% desire to learn essential survival skills, while 70% want to go back to basics with only the bare necessities. Continued …

Covid hospitalizations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of January

Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths dropped in the third week of January, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Wednesday.

A total of 627 people were hospitalized with severe Covid symptoms from Jan. 15-21, an average of 90 per day. This was lower than the 969 hospitalized from Jan. 8-14, averaging 138 patients per day.

So far this year, 2,593 people have been admitted to hospital for Covid-19 symptoms. Continued …

China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%

The number of daily Covid-19 deaths in China has fallen by nearly 80% since the start of the month, authorities have said, in a sign that the country’s unprecedented infection surge may have started to abate.

A wave of virus cases has washed over the world’s most populous nation since Beijing abruptly ended its zero-Covid policy last month.

Beijing’s figures are believed to only represent a fraction of the true toll, given China’s narrow definition of a Covid death and official estimates that swathes of the population have been infected. Continued … 

Japanese government set to legalize medical marijuana

The Japanese government is poised to allow the use of medical marijuana to treat patients with intractable diseases, according to the outline of bills revealed on Tuesday. The government is considering submitting bills including one to revise the Cannabis Control Law during the current Diet session. Continued …

Philippines shakes off inflation for best growth since 1976

The Philippines weathered the fastest inflation and highest policy rate in 14 years to deliver one of Asia’s strongest expansions, shoring up the economy by the most in decades amid a bleak global outlook. Continued …

Myanmar opium cultivation surging under military rule

Opium cultivation in military-ruled Myanmar jumped 33% last year, reversing a six-year downward trend in the strife-torn country, a United Nations report said today. Continued …

Meta says Trump to be allowed back on Facebook, Instagram

Social networking giant Meta announced Tuesday it would soon reinstate former president Donald Trump’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram with “new guardrails,” two years after he was banned over the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

 

90-day online reporting

cha am, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-Jan 25

  • Cha Am pedestrian overpass finally completed/Fine increased for zebra crossing violations/New wall for Hua Hin Hospital to mute train sounds/February flight schedule for Hua Hin AirportThailand Open at True Arena starts Saturday/Krung Thep Aphiwat: All aboard the ‘smart’ future of Thai rail travel/Budget for four more months of power subsidy approved/Songkran on UNESCO list as intangible cultural heritage/80 immigration police face charges for accepting money to extend visas/Malaysian victims accuse Royal Thai Police of soliciting bribes of over 100,000 baht/Bangkok administration urges working from home due to air quality/Thai military’s ties to Myanmar junta compromising efforts to resolve crisis/Thailand’s 50 Richest in 2023/Thai exports fell for third successive month in December/Record-breaking year for Thai movie industry/Thief leaves an apology note in Chiang Mai/Thailand, US team on climate change initiative/MP says cannabis helps reduce meth addicts in Bangkok/
  • Tourism: More European tourists than Chinese in Hua Hin/Thailand Sees About 25%-30% of Chinese Tour Group Bookings/Thailand VIP packages offered on Chinese e-commerce platform/Outcry over police VIP airport escort service/Chinese New Year generates at least 2.6B baht in tourism revenue for Phuket/Cabinet approves 5th phase of tourism subsidy scheme/
  • Thailand Experience: 20+ places to check out in Bangkok’s Chinatown/Cooking Thai food at home: Tips and tricks/
  • Covid: Covid-19 vaccine available for foreigners nationwide/
  • International: US poised to approve sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Cha Am pedestrian overpass finally completed

A pedestrian overpass has finally opened in Cha Am, built over safety concerns for Hup Khapong villagers, especially school children crossing Phetchakasim Road. It took 19 years, but yesterday officials welcomed the opening of the overpass. Many agencies and local people cooperated for the project to be completed to reduce road accidents and increase safety in the area. (RCR)

Fine increased for zebra crossing violations

Motorists who fail to stop their vehicles for pedestrians at zebra crossings face a maximum fine of 4,000 baht and have one point deducted from their driving license immediately under the new law.

Previously, the fine was 1,000 baht.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the new law, which was put into effect on Jan. 9, increases penalties and adopts the point deduction system to ensure the safety of pedestrians at zebra crossings. Continued …

New wall for Hua Hin Hospital to mute train sounds

A new wall is being constructed behind Hua Hin Hospital, which will result in a one-way traffic system from Jan. 26.

The concrete wall be built between Soi 10 and Soi 14.

The ‘sound proof wall’ is being built to reduce the impact of noise from the new train line.

Thailand Open at True Arena starts Saturday

Krung Thep Aphiwat: All aboard the ‘smart’ future of Thai rail travel

Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal was touted as the “smart” future of rail travel in Thailand on Tuesday, days after it took over as the national hub from the century-old Hua Lamphong station.

Krung Thep Aphiwat “is considered the first smart railway station in ASEAN, with facilities, such as robots called SRT Bots, smart wheelchairs and smart closed-circuit television cameras,” government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said.

It also connects with Bangkok’s urban train and bus system to provide seamless travel links to the rest of the city, he added. Continued …

Budget for four more months of power subsidy approved

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a budget of 7.5 billion baht as subsidy for household use of electricity for four more months.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the subsidy would be given to household users of electricity from January to April.

A household must not use more than 300 units of electricity to be eligible for the subsidy, he added. Continued …

Songkran on UNESCO list as intangible cultural heritage

UNESCO has included the Songkran festival in a tentative list to be considered as Thailand’s intangible cultural heritage.

Thailand now has four items awaiting consideration at the end of this year — Khon, traditional Thai massage, Nora, and Songkran.

Intangible cultural heritage is considered by member states of UNESCO in relation to the tangible World Heritage focusing on intangible aspects of culture. Continued …

80 immigration police face charges for accepting money to extend visas

About 80 immigration police officers, including three generals, face disciplinary and criminal charges for allegedly extending visas for Chinese nationals involved in “gray’ businesses in Thailand in exchange for financial gain, according to Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief.

He said all the suspects have been questioned and police investigators are expected to meet on Monday to conclude the case and submit the findings to the police inspector-general for further action.

He maintains that there are no exceptions being made for the three police generals allegedly involved, despite the fact that they were his classmates at the police academy, noting that their cases will also be sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Continued …

Malaysian victims accuse Royal Thai Police of soliciting bribes of over 100,000 baht

Two Malaysian victims told local media that corrupt Royal Thai Police solicited bribes of 100,000 baht to return their stolen cars, which were taken from their native country and driven to Thailand.

The Malaysian news agency, The Star, reported that the cars were stolen from Malaysia and shipped to Thailand. The media also added that RTP officers were involved in the car smuggling. Continued …

Bangkok administration urges working from home due to air quality

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has sought cooperation from the public and private sectors by allowing their staff to work from home tomorrow, in anticipation of poor air quality in the city, which may reach health-threatening levels.

BMA officials and the Pollution Control Department met on Tuesday to discuss the air pollution problem, caused by the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is likely to worsen on Thursday due poor air circulation.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said that the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in the capital has been increasing over the past two days, although the situation improved slightly Tuesday due to strong winds. Continued …

Thai military’s ties to Myanmar junta compromising efforts to resolve crisis

Thailand’s lenient stance, as well as the close ties between its armed forces and the Myanmar military — also known as Tatmadaw — would undermine the efforts of ASEAN and the international community to ease the ongoing crisis in that country, according to many independent observers.

Thousands of people have died in the neighboring country and over a million have been displaced since a military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.

The latest move that raised eyebrows in international circles was a meeting between the chief of Thailand’s Defense Forces, Chalermphon Srisawasdi, and Minister Aung Hlaing, the top commander of the Tatmadaw, at a resort in Myanmar’s strife-torn Rakhine state from Jan. 19-21. Continued …

Thailand’s 50 Richest in 2023

Thailand is home to a number of extremely wealthy individuals, many of whom have made their fortunes through a variety of industries including real estate, finance, and retail. As of 2023, the 50 richest persons in Thailand have a combined net worth of over $150 billion.

Leading the list is Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, a Thai businessman and founder of the TCC Group, one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates. With a net worth of $9.8 billion, Sirivadhanabhakdi has a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, beverages, and retail.

Coming in second is Dhanin Chearavanont, the chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Thailand, with interests in agriculture, retail, and telecommunications. Chearavanont has a net worth of $9.1 billion. Continued … 

Thai exports fell for third successive month in December

Thai exports fell for a third consecutive month in December, but the 2022 total rose 5.5% year-on-year to US$287.06 billion (9.406 trillion baht), according to the Commerce Ministry.

Total imports last year rose 13.6%, leading to a trade deficit of $16.122 billion (528.56 billion baht).

December saw exports contract 14.6% year-on-year, while imports shrank 12%, generating a trade deficit of US$1.03 billion (33.85 billion baht). Continued …

Record-breaking year for Thai movie industry

The Thailand Film Office (TFO) reported 2022 was a record-breaking year for the Thai movie industry despite a sluggish start to the new calendar year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TFO compiled a list of impressive statistics for filming foreign movies in the Land of Smiles for 2022.

It recorded that film crews shot 348 different types of movies and generated a record-breaking 6.4 billion baht, the highest since the TFO collected foreign film shooting statistics in Thailand. Continued … 

Thief leaves an apology note in Chiang Mai

A thief stole over 12,000 baht from an electrical appliances store in Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand on Sunday morning and left behind a note apologizing for his crime.

CCTV footage captures a masked assailant, a man estimated to be around 30 years old, breaking into an electrical appliance store next to Wat Tha Mai-i Temple in Chiang Mai’s Mueang district at 1am. Continued …

Thailand, US team on climate change initiative

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and Dr. Karen M. St. Germain, Earth Science Division director at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), have launched the SERVIR-Southeast Asia program – a collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and NASA – to help communities across Southeast Asia adapt to regional and transboundary climate issues and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“This new program expands the geographic focus of SERVIR in Southeast Asia and deepens our engagement with regional institutions to accelerate climate resilience,” said Godec. “SERVIR-Southeast Asia will go a long way to ensure that communities and businesses throughout Thailand and across ASEAN are not only resilient to the impacts of climate change, but prosper in spite of these challenges.” Continued … 

MP says cannabis helps reduce meth addicts in Bangkok

Bhumjaithai Party MP Suphachai Jaismut says the legalizing of cannabis has led to a decrease in the use of methamphetamine (also known as Yaba) in Bangkok.

The Bhumjaithai Party MP admitted that he never expected legalizing cannabis would decrease the use of methamphetamine. He initially focused on its potential medical benefits and didn’t consider this possible outcome.

However, he stated that he had come to believe in the connection between cannabis legalization and decreased Yaba use based on information provided to him by community leaders. Continued … 

More European tourists than Chinese in Hua Hin

More European tourists are making their way back to Thailand’s coastal paradise of Hua Hin than Chinese tourists, according to officials. The vice president of the Thai Hotel Assn. Said most of Hua Hin’s tourists are European, from Scandinavia, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The vice president,Udo m Srimahachota, said the number of foreign tourists is expected to rise throughout the year. He said the number of Chinese tourists will be small compared to the number of tourists from other countries. He noted that Chinese tourists prefer to visit Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket.

Udom said foreign tourists now make up around 60% of all tourists in Hua Hin, Thai media reported. He said foreign tourists flooded Hua Hin’s beaches, hotels, restaurants, and gift shops this past weekend. Continued …

Thailand Sees About 25%-30% of Chinese Tour Group Bookings

After China approved overseas group tours to resume to several countries, including Thailand, from Feb. 6, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has seen about 25%-30% of Chinese tour group bookings.

TAT deputy governor of marketing for Asia and South Pacific, Thanet Phetsuwan, said Thailand is among 20 countries approved by China for outbound tour groups.

The TAT joined hands with leading Chinese tour agencies to prepare for tour package sales in major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Kunming next month. Continued …

Thailand VIP packages offered on Chinese e-commerce platform

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) insists no VIP service packages, or fast passes, have been made available for purchase in China, despite a Thai travel blogger revealing that those services and elite visas are indeed available to buy on the Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao.

Thai police are already under fire over the video of three police officers escorting a female Chinese tourist and her mother from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to a hotel in Pattaya.

The Chinese woman stated in the video that she booked an airport transfer service with an agency and that agency urged her to pay more to get a better, more convenient service provided by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Continued …

Outcry over police VIP airport escort service

Tourism operators have slammed the Thai police VIP escort service sold online in China, saying the move severely damaged the image of Thailand.
Continued …

Chinese New Year generates at least 2.6B baht in tourism revenue for Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says Phuket generated at least 2.6 billion baht in tourism revenue during the recent Chinese New Year holiday. This will come as a much-needed boost for the island’s recovering tourism sector, which was crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The real test will now be if the return of Chinese travelers extends past the Chinese New Year holiday, but new flights are being added each week, so a slow rise of Chinese tourism is expected throughout this year.

Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, director of the TAT’s Phuket office, says the island welcomed 150,000 domestic and international tourists during the recent Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) holiday. Continued …

Cabinet approves 5th phase of tourism subsidy scheme

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the fifth phase of the tourism subsidy scheme, with a budget of 2.016 billion baht, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Phiphat said the Cabinet had approved the fifth phase of the Rao Thiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) scheme, as well the budget for the subsidy.

Phiphat said the government expected to allow Thai tourists to register for the subsidy from next month. The ministry forecast that the subsidy rights would be grabbed by some 112,000 people and the program would generate tourism revenue of 12.539 billion baht. Continued …

20+ places to check out in Bangkok’s Chinatown

From a legendary 60-year-old braised goose stall and an authentic Hakka hole-in-the-wall to emerging hip businesses, there’s a side of Chinatown that retains and extends its charm.

Soi Song Wat, a historic road in the capital’s old town, is also a lesser-known hidden gem great for foodies and arts and culture fiends. The road’s name, which literally means “drawn by the king,” was built during the reign of King Rama V, who ordered the road’s construction (it’s said that the king himself wrote the line with a pencil on the map).

The century-old road runs along the Chao Phraya River for one kilometer and contains a mix of old and new — from colonial-style shophouses, street food stalls and long-standing restaurants to modern hostels, minimalist cafes, and laid-back bars. It can be reached from MRT Sam Yot or MRT Wat Mangkon. Continued …

Cooking Thai food at home: Tips and tricks

Do you love Thai food? Have you ever wanted to try and cook it at home? Well, you’re in luck! Thai food is incredibly flavorful, and it’s not as difficult to make as you might think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook Thai food in your own kitchen.

The first thing you need to do is to make sure that your pantry is well-stocked with the essential Thai ingredients so you’ll be ready to cook authentic Thai dishes whenever you like. Remember, Thai food is sweet, salty, and sour. In order to achieve this balance of flavors, you’ll need all the right ingredients. Here is a list of must-have ingredients to cook authentic Thai food.

1. Fish sauce

First, you need to make sure you have fish sauce, which is made from fermented fish. This is an essential ingredient used in many Thai dishes. It has a salty, umami flavor and is used to add depth to dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and noodles. If you can’t find fish sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. Continued …

Covid-19 vaccine available for foreigners nationwide

The Public Health Ministry plans for at least one Covid-19 vaccination center per province for foreign tourists paying for shots, while foreign residents will continue to get free jabs. Continued …

US poised to approve sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine

The United States, in a reversal, is poised to start a process that would eventually send dozens of M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, two U.S. officials said Tuesday. Such a decision by the United States would come just days after Washington argued against sending the Abrams, despite demands from Kyiv and public pressure from Berlin as it faced calls to send German-made Leopard battle tanks. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

 

90-day online reporting