Tag Archives: Climate Thailand

Tuesday’s news-April 23


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Today’s news: Hua Hin braces for sweltering week/Water truck in Khao Takiab/Temperatures continue to climb/Special treat for the tummy/30th Anniversary Of Mekong’s Peace Project/For Thailand’s expats, this is hardly surprising/Economy: Thailand’s Resilient Geopolitical Landscape/Baht expected to weaken/Thailand’s semiconductor industry/High-speed rail project approved/Elevate 10 second-tier provinces/Utility cost subsidy/Tourism: Air Asia daily flights between Hua Hin-Chiang Mai/Premier urged to tackle overtourism/Portuguese guest’s topless strut/Phuket anticipates one million Chinese tourists/Thailand Experience: Thai cuisine is having its moment/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thailand environmental news/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin braces for sweltering week, temperatures to 40°C expected

Residents of Hua Hin are facing a week of extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40°C until Friday, and slightly cooler at 39°C over the weekend, according to the Meteorological Department.

The intense heatwave is attributed to a persistent low pressure zone over the region which is expected to last until April 28. With no rainfall forecast, concerns are mounting as the area continues to grapple with a severe drought crisis. Continued …

Water truck to be stationed in Khao Takiab

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul held a meeting on Monday with local government officials to discuss immediate and long-term solutions for the severe drought affecting Hua Hin, particularly impacting residents in Khao Takiab.

The discussions focused on the declining water levels at the Hua Na reservoir, which have significantly reduced the capacity for normal water production and distribution. Continued …

Temperatures continue to climb

Thailand will experience a hot to very hot day today, with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds in some areas, the Thai Meteorological Department said.

Temperatures in the northern region can be expected to hit 44 °C during the day, it warned, adding that people should take care of their health during extreme weather. Continued …

A special treat for the tummy during the Thai summer

With temperatures in Thailand nudging 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months, have you ever wondered how our ancestors cooled themselves before refrigeration existed?

During the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868), chefs at the royal court created a dish with a cooling effect on the body. Called Khao Chae and consisting of cooked rice cooled in flower-scented water served with various condiments, it remains the go-to meal for the summer months even though it can be hard to find. Continued …

Thailand, Laos, Australia Mark 30th Anniversary Of Mekong’s Peace Project

Thailand, Laos and Australia are this week holding a series of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first infrastructure project to reinforce the peace and promote travel, tourism, transportation and trade as a conduit for the economic development of the post-war Indochina region.

The 1,170-kilometer bridge was launched on April 8, 1994, completed ahead of schedule at a cost of $A42 million (750 million baht, at the then exchange rates), including cost of construction, feasible studies, design and fabrication. Funded entirely by the Australian government, it was inaugurated by His Majesty the late King Rama IX the Great, Laotian President Nouhak Poumsavanh and Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating. Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thai police said corrupt, but for Thailand’s expats, this is hardly surprising

Long complained about in online forums, the open secret of police corruption has once again been thrust into the limelight with the case of suspended Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn.

Surachate, embroiled in allegations of bribery and money laundering linked to illegal online gambling rings, is just one of many police allegedly involved in the crime. This news is not shocking to many especially Thailand’s expatriate community who have long witnessed firsthand Thai police corruption. Continued …

Thailand’s Resilient Geopolitical Landscape: A Beacon of Stability

The geopolitical situation in Thailand has witnessed a positive shift, heralding a new era of stability, economic prosperity, and regional leadership.

Thailand has skillfully managed the intricacies of international relations in the context of the changing global order, cultivating alliances that support its economic expansion and regional influence. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Thai baht expected to weaken against US dollar

The Thai baht is expected to weaken to an estimated 37.20 baht against the U.S. dollar later this week, due to the continued Middle East tensions, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). The economic indicators from the U.S., due for release this week, are also predicted to bolster the dollar’s strength.

Monday morning trading saw the Thai currency quoted at 36.97 baht to the greenback, the lowest in half a year. This was followed by a minor rally to 36.94-96 baht, in comparison to Friday’s close of 36.86 baht. The weakened state of the baht is attributed to the global gold price drop and the fluctuations of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen. Continued …

Thailand’s semiconductor industry poised for global growth

The global semiconductor industry is facing supply and demand imbalances, driven by disruptions in the supply chain and increased demand from countries shifting toward digital economies.

Thailand has the potential to become a significant player in the semiconductor industry through the relocation of production facilities and increased investments. The country’s strategic geographical location, coupled with its robust infrastructure and workforce, provides a competitive advantage for the semiconductor industry. Continued …

Second phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project approved

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, which spans from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has an investment total of 341.35 billion baht.

Details were shared by SRT Gov. Nirut Maneepan, who disclosed that the project’s approval occurred during a recent board meeting. Chirute Visalachitra, deputy director-general of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), presided over the meeting. Continued …

Call to elevate 10 second-tier provinces

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has called on the government to promote 10 second-tier provinces as first-tier tourist provinces to expand revenue distribution.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the TCC, said in order to raise annual GDP growth to 3%, in accordance with the target, the TCC, in cooperation with the government, is preparing a flagship project to promote secondary cities with economic potential in terms of trade, investment and tourism to become major cities. Continued …

Government launches utility cost subsidy for welfare cardholders

A new government initiative has been launched to alleviate the burden of utility costs for households in Thailand. The program, aimed at state welfare cardholders, offers a single electricity and water subsidy per household, linked to one household registration code.

Eligible participants must confirm their identity and register for the subsidy, which applies to either electricity or water services, not both. Continued …

Air Asia to launch daily flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai until Aug 31

Air Asia has announced an expansion of its flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. From May 3, travelers can look forward to daily flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai until Aug. 31.

The new daily flight schedule is divided as follows: flights will depart from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin at 10:20 AM and from Hua Hin to Chiang Mai at 12:20 PM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Continued …

Premier urged to tackle overtourism

With opposition to overtourism arising in many countries, Thai tourism operators are urging the government to seriously consider the nation’s carrying capacity, while some have suggested collecting a 300-baht tourism tax in a bid to solve the problem.

As Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vowed to make 2025 a landmark year for tourism, Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA), said a white paper that the federation will present to the government will include solutions to prevent overtourism, which was seen in Thailand before the pandemic. Continued …

Portuguese guest’s topless strut causes chaos

A Portuguese woman yesterday left guests gobsmacked by walking around a Phuket hotel with her boobs out and reportedly refused to settle her accommodation bill.

The Phuket Times, yesterday, April 21, issued a warning to accommodation operators in the province to be aware of the 31-year-old Portuguese woman, Nadiya Serivna Varshawa. Continued … 

Phuket anticipates one million more Chinese tourists post-Songkran

The popular tourist resort island of Phuket is gearing up to welcome an additional influx of 1 million Chinese tourists this year. This forecast comes in the wake of a targeted tourism promotion that took place across three Chinese cities.

Anupab Vejwanichsanong, who occupies the role of the vice president for the Phuket Administration Organization, revealed yesterday that the road show’s organizers are confident that the event will bring an added one million Chinese vacationers to Phuket by the year’s end. Continued …

Why these two celebrity chefs believe Thai cuisine is having its moment now

It’s about time that Thai food is fully recognized for the talent that Thai cooks exhibit. They’re damn fine cooks, they’re instinctive cooks and they are splendid cooks,” says David Thompson with his trademark vigor from his abode in Krabi.

It’s no surprise that the Australian-born, naturalized Brit is so vocal about the talent of Thai cooks — as one of foremost chefs in the Thai culinary space, Thompson has devoted his entire career to promoting the kingdom’s fiery gastronomy. Continued …

Today’s Thailand environmental news

Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. Continued …

Indonesia eyes September for mass relocation of civil servants to Nusantara

With just under four months to go until the country celebrates its 79th anniversary, the government is finalising its plans and preparations to relocate almost 12,000 civil servants to the new capital still under development in East Kalimantan. Continued …

First high-definition lunar geological atlas released

The world’s first complete high-definition geological atlas of the moon, released by China on Sunday, will provide basic map data for future lunar research and exploration. The atlas set, available in both Chinese and English, includes the Geological Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the Map Quadrangles of the Geological Atlas of the Moon, the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geochemistry said. Continued …

#huahinexpats #thailandnews #huahinnews #thailandtourism #thailandeconomy #thailandenvironment

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

 

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586

Saturday’s news-April 20


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Today’s news: More water restrictions/Thailand Elite Visa referral program/Diesel price rising/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy/Former opium-producing towns cashing in/Thai plastics firm to pay $20M/Plan to build world’s tallest tower/Thailand’s public banks post earnings reports/Tourism/ Hua Hin, Cha Am promoting in Chiang Mai/Decline in British tourists, expats/Goal For 1.7 Million Indian Tourists/Don’t cheap out on travel medical/Pattaya Wanlai Day/Don Mueang ranked 10th/Thailand Experience/Food of Southern Thailand/Tortoise farming in Thailand/7 Isaan restaurants in Bangkok/Bang Khun Phrom Palace/Climate Thailand/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

#manoravillas

Hua Hin imposes more water restrictions

Hua Hin municipality has announced drastic new measures in response to the severe drought crisis affecting the region. Effective from yesterday, residents will experience reduced water pressure, a move aimed at conserving water stored in the area’s critical reservoirs. #huahinwater

The decision comes as water levels in the Kaeng Krachan and Pranburi dams have dropped significantly, prompting local officials to implement intermittent reductions in water pressure. Continued … 

Earn extra income with the Thailand Elite Visa referral program

Private individuals and commercial entities alike can earn extra income through the new Thailand Elite Visa referral program by simply helping clients, friends, and family members sign up for the Thailand Privilege program. #elitevisa

The program’s operator, the Thailand Privilege Card Co. (TPC), has authorized Siam Legal Thailand to build out its sales network by rewarding affiliates for every successful applicant they refer. Continued …

Diesel price rising by another 50 satang today

Diesel prices will rise by 50 satang a litre today after an excise tax cut for the fuel expires, energy policy makers said on Friday.

The government has decided not to extend the one-baht reduction in the excise tax, meaning the new pump price for diesel would be 31.44 baht a liter, up from 30.44 baht on Friday. However, a subsidy of 50 satang has been approved to reduce the price to 30.94 baht. Continued …

#iccurtains

  • French national apprehended in Bangkok on kidnap charge – Continued …
  • Egyptian Man Arrested in Patong for Overstay – Continued …

How former opium-producing towns in Thailand’s Golden Triangle are cashing in

The confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers sits in a sleepy, broad plain that runs through a historically lawless section of highland Southeast Asia.

It marks the three-way border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, and the virtual center point of one of the world’s main opium-producing regions, an area that America’s Drug Enforcement Administration in 1971 dubbed “the Golden Triangle”. Continued …

Thai plastics firm to pay $20M to settle US Iran sanctions breach

A Bangkok-based plastics firm has agreed to pay US$20 million to settle with the U.S. over 467 “egregious” violations of Iran sanctions, the U.S. Treasury announced on Friday. #scgplastics

SCG Plastics Co. used U.S. banks to process US$291 million in sales of Iranian high-density polyethylene resin from 2017 to 2018, according to the signed settlement agreement between the firm and Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Continued …

#anantasila

PM touts plan to build world’s tallest tower

A group of investors led by a Dubai-based real estate developer is in talks to build a mixed-use tower in Thailand that may vie for the title of the world’s tallest building, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Srettha met with a group of Middle Eastern and Chinese companies, including Emaar Group, Broad Group and Vatone Group, and discussed plans to “build the world’s tallest building in Thailand”, he said. Continued …

Thailand’s public banks post earnings reports

  • Krungsri Bank’s 1Q24 earnings: Bt7.54 billion – Continued …
  • CIMB THAI posts net profit of Bt626.1 million for 2024 – Continued …
  • SCBX announced first-quarter net profit of Bt11.3 billion – Continued …
  • TMBThanachart Q1 2024 net profit at THB5,334 million – Continued …

#nicesolid

Hua Hin, Cha Am promoting themselves in Chiang Mai

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Phetchaburi office, Prachuap Khiri Khan office, and the Chiang Mai office, alongside the Hua Hin-Cha Am Tourism Business Assn. and AirAsia, are set to host the “Amazing Cha Am–Hua Hin Consumer Fair” April 26-28. #chiangmai

The event will take place at the Central Festival Chiang Mai Shopping Center, drawing over 20 leading tour operators from the coastal regions of Cha Am and Hua Hin to Thailand’s northern capital. Continued …

Thailand faces a decline in British tourists and expats

Thailand, a country that has long held a special place in the hearts of British travelers and expats, is witnessing a significant drop in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom. #britishtourists

A detailed analysis by the Pattaya Mail, along with insights from industry experts, highlights a complex set of factors driving this shift. This trend raises concerns for Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy, its expat community, and its future appeal to British travelers. Continued …

How Thailand Hopes to Meet Its Goal For 1.7 Million Indian Tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday hosted a group of more than 8,000 incentive visitors from India. The delegation is part of the authority’s goal of receiving at least 1.7 million Indian visitors this year. #indiantourists

India is one of the most important source markets for Thailand and is also the fastest-growing. In 2023, over 1.6 million Indian travelers visited Thailand, making the country the fourth-largest source market for Thailand. These tourists spent more than Bt63 billion ($1.7 billion). Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Don’t cheap out on travel medical, experts say

The experience of a woman seriously injured in a scooter crash in Thailand is a reminder to travelers to do their research before purchasing travel medical insurance, say travel experts. Danielle Kliaman broke all the bones in her foot when she was hit by a truck while riding a scooter on the island of Ko Samui last week. #travelinsurance

After her foot became infected, her family paid $30,000 for an air ambulance to fly her to a hospital in Bangkok. But the family has had difficulty getting her travel medical insurance company to pay for her transport and medical care. Continued …

Pattaya Wanlai Day 2024 Draws Tens of Thousands of Tourists

The Wan Lai Festival, also known as the Big Day of Songkran, kicked off yesterday, transforming the Pattaya’s world-famous beachfront into a lively spectacle of water splashing.

The atmosphere along Pattaya Beach Road, from Pattaya Klang Intersection to Walking Street in South Pattaya, was electric as thousands of Thai and international tourists immersed themselves in the last day of Songkran festivities. Continued …

Don Mueang ranked 10th among world’s best budget airline terminals

Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport was ranked in 10th place on Skytrax’s 2024 list of world’s best low-cost airline terminals published recently. #donmueang

The UK-based consulting firm, which specializes in airline and airport reviews, said the list covered airport terminals that specialized in providing service to low-cost airlines. The rankings were based on its world airport survey that covered several aspects of the airports, including design and environment, transportation, facilities, airport staffers and service quality. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

#sivanavillas

Seafood, spice, and coconuts — the food of Southern Thailand

Writer and photographer Austin Bush came to Thailand as a University of Oregon linguistics student. He stuck around and ended up living here for more than two decades. #thailandfood

In 2018, he released The Food of Northern Thailand, a cookbook that aimed to broaden diners’ horizons. But what about the rest of the country? In The Food of Southern Thailand, Bush once again expands his geographic and culinary horizons. Continued …

Tortoise farming in Thailand

A photojournalist has a newfound passion for tortoise farming, sparked by an unexpected detour during a work trip, and it has proven to be a profitable pursuit. Video …

7 Isaan restaurants in Bangkok that should be on your list

When it comes to Isaan food, most locals have their go-to places that speak to their taste buds. Maybe it’s the right amount of saltiness, the strong smell of pla ra, the crispy skin of fried chicken, or the bouncy flash of raw shrimp. #isaanrestaurants

Although you may have your favorites, we’d like to recommend these Isaan restaurants in Bangkok that will not disappoint. Continued …

#kensbistro

Bang Khun Phrom Palace – former royal residence rich in history, art and architecture

If you would like to take a step back in time, to explore the charm of Siam during the King Rama V era, Bang Khun Phrom Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in Bangkok, would be a great place to explore.

Bang Khun Phrom Palace is a former royal residence of His Royal Highness Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand, one of the heirs of King Rama V. The palace was, however, turned into government offices after the Siamese revolution in 1932, which forced the prince to live in exile in Indonesia until his death in 1944. Continued …

#tonysbookshop

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 4-June 14

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 10:20am–11:50am
  • Hua Hin Chiang Mai, 12:20pm–13:35pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 9am–10:30am
  • Hua Hin–Chiang Mai, 11am–12:15pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586

Friday’s news-April 19


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Today’s news: Keep vehicles off beaches/Income tax law seminar/Bangkok Chess Club Open/Surge in road accidents/Economy: Cabinet okays 2025 budget bill/Restaurateurs adapting/Diesel subsidy possible/Thailand bids for OECD membership/Thai herbs to be promoted/Bangkok Bank announces net profit/Medical products plant/Tourism: Phuket’s tourism crisis/Pattaya sees record tourist surge/TAT to organize October festival/50% surge in international tourists/Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan/New York officially recognizes Songkran/Thailand Experience: Sunrise at Hua Hin Beach/Climate Thailand/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Keep your vehicles off the beaches: Hua Hin officials

Following a surge in complaints from locals and tourists, Hua Hin authorities are reiterating their call to the public to keep motorized vehicles off the beaches.

This reminder comes in response to several incidents involving cars, motorcycles, and ATVs disrupting the peace and safety on the beach during the recent Songkran Festival. Continued …

New expat income tax law seminar May 9 in Hua Hin

Following the news that regulations requiring tax residents to pay personal income tax on income brought into Thailand from overseas may soon start being enforced, an event due to be held in Hua Hin in May aims to provide up to date information on the situation.

The event will feature industry leading experts and, notably, and expert from Thailand’s Revenue Department, who will aim to provide some clarity on the latest tax implications, in particular with regards to personal income tax for people residing in Thailand. Continued …

21st Bangkok Chess Club Open 2024 at Sheraton Hua Hin

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, in partnership with the Bangkok Chess Club, is currently hosting the 21st Bangkok Chess Club Open 2024, welcoming over 300 chess enthusiasts from about 50 countries.

Taking place from April 13-21, this event promises to be an engaging showcase of strategic prowess as participants of all ages gather to test their skills against grandmasters. Continued …

Songkran festival sees surge in road accidents across Thailand

Thailand is grappling with a surge in road accidents, with an alarming tally of 2,044 mishaps leading to 2,060 injuries and a tragic loss of 287 lives. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) released these figures as part of their Seven Days of Road Safety Campaign, which covered the Songkran festival period from April 11 to April 17.

The northern province of Chiang Rai topped the list for the highest number of fatalities and accidents, recording 17 deaths and 82 accidents, respectively. The province of Phrae unfortunately, saw the most injuries with a total of 80 individuals affected. Continued … 

Cabinet okays 2025 budget bill allocating Bt3.752 trillion spending

The Cabinet on Thursday approved the budget bill for fiscal 2025, with government spending totaling 3.752 trillion baht, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said. The bill has allocated 3.752 trillion baht for government spending in fiscal 2025, which begins on Oct. 1.

The projected spending is divided into 2.704 trillion baht for fixed expenditure, 908.223 million baht for investments and 150.1 million baht for loan repayment. Continued …

Restaurateurs adapting to maintain competitiveness

While monitoring domestic purchasing power, Thai restaurant operators have adapted to stay competitive and grow their businesses in response to evolving customer preferences and lifestyles, says the head of a conglomerate.

“The food business in Thailand this year is highly competitive,” said Nath Vongphanich, president of Central Restaurants Group. Continued …

Diesel subsidy possible if excise tax cut ends

The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) says it will continue to subsidize retail diesel prices if the government decides to end the diesel excise tax cut.

The tax cut of one baht a liter is scheduled to expire today, but the issue was not raised at the cabinet meeting on Thursday. Continued … 

Thailand advances its bid for OECD membership to boost economy

Thailand is forging ahead with its application to become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a move that is anticipated to significantly enhance the country’s economic growth.

The Thai Foreign Affairs Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, took a proactive step on Tuesday by submitting an official letter of intent to Mathias Cormann, the secretary-general of the OECD, at the organization’s French headquarters. Continued …

Thai herbs to be promoted as soft power product

The government is promoting Thai herbs as a soft power product, in a bid to increase their value in the global market.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wants to promote the country’s herbal industry by developing products from Thai herbs to not only meet demand domestically and overseas, but also raise the profile of Thai herbs on the world stage. Continued …

Bangkok Bank announces net profit of Bt10.524 billion for Q1

Bangkok Bank subsidiaries saw an 18.7% profit increase in the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year to Bt10,524 billion, with net interest income affected by rising deposit rates.

Non-interest income rose from investments and service fees, with operating expenses down and a cost-to-income ratio of 47.1%. Prudent management included setting aside THB8.582 billion for expected credit losses. Continued …

Thai and Taiwanese firms join to build medical products plant

Aiming to capitalize on the government’s initiative to make Thailand a medical hub in Southeast Asia, Thai firm Namwiwat Medical Corp. (NAM) and Taiwanese company Somnics Inc. have joined forces to construct a new manufacturing plant. The facility, intended to serve as an export base, will produce a wide range of medical products, including sleep-enhancing devices.

NAM, a local sterilized medical equipment provider, and Somnics, a Zhubei-based firm specializing in obstructive sleep apnea treatment technologies, formalized their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding signed recently. The forthcoming factory, to be managed by this joint venture, will occupy a 10-rai site in Samut Prakan, informed Viroj Chaiturdkiet, the chief executive of NAM. Continued …

Can a radical proposal save Phuket’s tourism crisis?

In a bid for autonomy, Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas is leading a daring move to transform the city into a special administrative organization to save it from a tourism crisis. The current system, he claims, is holding back progress, leaving the island paradise struggling to keep pace with global rivals.

“Tourist cities in many countries are far ahead in their development, so Phuket will lose its competitive edge if it continues to use the same administrative system.” Continued …

Pattaya sees record tourist surge during Songkran

As the extended Songkran holiday wrapped up on Tuesday, tourists bid farewell to the sun-kissed islands surrounding Pattaya, turning the Bali Hai Pier area into a buzzing hub of activity. Local authorities ramped up services to cater to the influx, ensuring convenience for visitors throughout the holiday period.

Officers stationed at the pier witnessed an influx of tourists from April 12 to 15, with an average of 30,000 Thai visitors and foreign tourists per day seeking leisure and relaxation on the islands. On April 12 alone, 8,102 tourists set sail on island adventures via 42 ferry services. The numbers surged the following day, reaching 16,885 visitors served by 87 ferry trips. Continued …

TAT to organize October festival to draw Chinese tourists to Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning a month-long event titled “Nihao Festival” from Oct. 1-31 to lure Chinese tourists looking to holiday in Thailand during the Chinese National Day break, Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Thursday.

Oct. 1-8 is considered China’s National Day Golden Week, a time when millions of Chinese travel to their hometowns, as well as internationally. Continued …

True reports 50% surge in international tourists for Songkran

True Corp. unveiled insights into the Songkran festival through mobility data, providing an overview of mobile users’ movements.

In Bangkok, there was a significant increase of approximately 19% in outbound travel, compared to mobility data from before Songkran and during the festival from April 13-15. Continued …

Email link: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists

The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development.

Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates a remarkable surge in the number of Kazakh tourists, with figures rising from 60,000 to 172,000 within a single year. The majority of these travelers comprise families and couples who choose to spend an average of 14 days in Thailand. Continued …

New York officially recognizes Songkran as an important cultural event

The legislative assembly of New York State has adopted a resolution designating Songkran as an important cultural event for the Asian-American community in the state.

The resolution, proposed by Steven Raga, a legislator in New York State, was adopted during a meeting of the assembly in Albany, the capital of New York State, on April 1. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

The wonder of sunrise at Hua Hin Beach

A sense of wonder can find you in many forms, sometimes loudly and sometimes whispering.

To me, the most awe-inspiring moment is watching the sunrise at Hua Hin beach. As the first light of dawn slowly seeps into the sky, life comes to a standstill. The sun soon emerges from behind the horizon, casting its warm and vibrant glow over the beach. The fishing boats in the distance begin to set out for the day’s first catch, and the silhouettes of Monkey Mountain and the Buddha statue are bathed in golden hues. The ocean, playing its role in the spectacle, provides the perfect soundtrack with the gentle rhythm of waves kissing the sand. Continued …

Today’s Thailand environmental news

Israeli officials claim strikes on Iran

The Israeli military struck Iran early Friday, according to two Israeli defense officials, in what appeared to be Israel’s first military response to Iran’s attack on Israel five days earlier. Continued …

Stocks sink, oil surges on reports of Middle East attacks

Asian shares and bond yields sank on Friday, while the dollar, yen, oil and gold surged after reports of a sharp escalation in Middle East hostilities. Continued …

Indonesians leave homes near erupting volcano, airport closes

Indonesian authorities closed an airport and residents left homes near an erupting volcano Thursday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami. Continued …

Russia seeks more contract soldiers

Russia plans to recruit approximately 400,000 contract soldiers in 2024, according to the British Ministry of Defense. According to the intelligence report, the spring draft in Russia began on April 1. This spring, the enemy plans to draft around 150,000 soldiers aged 18-30, which is consistent with previous draft numbers. Continued …

Apple to invest $250M to expand Singapore campus

Apple Inc. plans to invest more than US$250 million to expand its regional campus or operations in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore, according to a company statement on Wednesday. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 4-June 14

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 10:20am–11:50am
  • Hua Hin Chiang Mai, 12:20pm–13:35pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

  • Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 9am–10:30am
  • Hua Hin–Chiang Mai, 11am–12:15pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586