Hua Hin Food Festival/Hard Rock Cafe coming/Bright Dawn Foundation celebrates/Hua Hin Taekwondo Championship/Awareness of insect-borne diseases/Maraleina crowned champions/Crackdown on Illegal Expat Workers/Thailand Battles Covid Surge/Thailand to Regulate Ride-Hailing Apps/What expats save on healthcare/Border arbitration is impossible/Strong rebuke of Cambodia/Dutch Embassy Sale/ECONOMY: Restaurant sector faces crisis/Stimulus requests exceed 400 billion/TOURISM: Diversify tourist markets/Pattaya’s new Walking Street/Has Pattaya tourism lost its way?/Foreign tourists in Pattaya fed up/Bangkok rises as conference destination/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Understanding Kreng Jai/Building a life on Koh Samui/CLIMATE THAILAND: Toxic habit of burning garbage/I tried solar panels for 9 months/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Hua Hin Food Festival to return in August
Hua Hin City Municipality is moving forward with plans to host this year’s Hua Hin Food Festival, with the event set to return in August. A preparatory meeting was held last week to plan the 2025 edition of the popular annual festival, which draws large crowds eager to sample a diverse selection of culinary offerings.
For this year’s festival, organisers are planning to stage the event at Hua Don Beach. The exact dates are still being finalized. The festival will feature a wide range of activities and highlight local cuisine from across Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Continued …
Hard Rock Cafe coming to Hua Hin Hilton
International restaurant and entertainment brand Hard Rock Cafe is preparing to open a new location at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa. A memorabilia retail store, part of the new venue, is now open to the public.
The bar and restaurant are expected to begin operations next month, although no official launch date has been announced. The opening at Hilton Hua Hin marks the brand’s return to the resort town, where it had previously operated a location on Soi Bintabaht before closing several years ago. Continued …
Bright Dawn Foundation celebrates 15 years in Hua Hin
The Bright Dawn Foundation has commemorated its 15th anniversary, celebrating a remarkable journey of enhancing the lives of low-income Thai children through dedicated healthcare and educational support in the Hua Hin area.
Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has grown from supporting a single school to empowering over 700 children across five primary schools in the Hua Hin region, delivering tangible improvements in health, education, and community well-being. Continued …
5th Hua Hin Taekwondo Championship opens at Market Village
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul on Saturday presided over the opening ceremony of the 5th Hua Hin Taekwondo Championship, held at the third-floor sports arena of Market Village Hua Hin.
The event was organized by Orathai Khemnak, president of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Taekwondo Sports Club. It brought together around 1,000 male and female athletes from 22 clubs across the country to compete in various categories. Continued …
Hua Hin launches campaign to raise awareness of insect-borne diseases
Hua Hin City Municipality has launched a public health campaign to raise awareness of insect-borne diseases and encourage preventative action among local residents. The campaign was officially launched Friday at the Hua Hin Municipal Demonstration School.
The campaign, organized by the Public Health and Environment Division, is aimed at promoting greater public understanding of diseases transmitted by insects, such as dengue fever, and at encouraging sustained prevention and control measures. Officials said the initiative is expected to contribute to a reduction in infections and deaths, while building stronger community-level cooperation. Continued …
Maraleina crowned champions at Copa Tailandesa in Hua Hin
After a week of competitive youth football, Maraleina has been crowned champion of Copa Tailandesa 2025, following the conclusion of the tournament yesterday at Arena Hua Hin.
Now in its second year, the international youth football competition brought together five teams who competed over five days in morning fixtures open to the public, drawing strong support from local spectators and visiting fans. Continued …
Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Expat Workers
Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on expatriates occupying jobs reserved for Thai citizens. Over the last nine months, 4,400 arrests have been made, as the government stamps down on illegal foreign employment, aiming to safeguard jobs for domestic workers.
Labor Ministry spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that the initiative targets offenders in “List-1” occupations, such as street vending, barbering, and traditional Thai massage, which are strictly off-limits to expats. Of the thousands apprehended, only 417 have faced charges. Continued …
Thailand Battles Covid Surge with 12,000 Cases in a Single Day
Thailand is in the grip of a new Covid-19 wave as over 12,000 people tested positive on Friday, as confirmed by the Department of Disease Control. This increase includes three fatalities, underscoring the significant health challenges the country faces.
Authorities announced on Saturday morning that the precise tally reached 12,181, rocketing the total confirmed cases to 471,781. The fresh data also raised the nation’s death toll to 151. Continued …
Thailand to Regulate Ride-Hailing Apps for Fairer Competition
In a significant shift for ride-hailing services, Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is acting swiftly to bring digital platforms like Grab under new regulations. Within the next 90 days, app-based taxi and motorbike operators are to register under a government system, addressing long-standing fairness concerns compared to traditional taxis.
This is part of a pathway toward a level playing field, ensuring app-based taxis comply with the standards set forth by the Transport Ministry. DLT Director-general Jirut Wisanjit confirmed this development following a draft from the Electronic Transactions Commission. It sets a mandate for all ride-hailing vehicles to legally register and meet DLT service application standards. Continued …
Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like cardiac surgery and diagnostic imaging. Routine medical care is also much cheaper, often costing 50%-75% less.
Western healthcare systems are often expensive, with high premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and long waiting times, making healthcare unaffordable for many. Thailand offers affordable, high-quality healthcare, with major savings compared to Western countries for treatments like surgeries, IVF, and diagnostic imaging. Continued …
International border arbitration is impossible for Thailand
The prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are categorical not to cede one inch of their territory. Saturday saw the bilateral meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission but that won’t consider the meaty issues of borders in four contested areas, ownership of a clutch of temples or even the recent closure of a land crossing by the Cambodian side.
If the two ASEAN partners can’t solve their territorial issues alone – a foregone conclusion, for sure – Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will lead a team to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Holland for “a final resolution”. Continued …
Thailand breaks silence with strong rebuke of Cambodia on border disputes
Thailand has been deeply disappointed by Cambodia’s continued refusal to cooperate in resolving border tensions, particularly its decision to seek intervention from the World Court regarding four disputed sites.
The Thai Foreign Ministry said the move clearly reflected a lack of genuine determination to resolve sensitive issues through existing bilateral mechanisms and in the spirit of good neighbors. Continued …
Dutch Embassy Sale Sparks Debate in Bangkok
The Dutch Association in Thailand is taking action against a plan to sell the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. The embassy, located at 206 Wireless Road, faces potential sale to local developers as part of a Dutch government cost-cutting initiative. Willem Pentermann, chairman of the association, discovered the plan from De Telegraaf, a Dutch newspaper.
Negotiations are reportedly in progress concerning the sale of the embassy’s property, which is owned by the Dutch government and managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This is part of a broader government effort to reduce costs, and the ministry’s budget will see significant cuts,” said Willem Pentermann, presdient of the association. Continued …
Thailand’s estaurant sector faces ‘boiling frog’ crisis lasting up to 3 years
Paisarn Aowsathaporn, senior executive vice president and head of food business (Thailand) at Thai Beverage Public Co. — one of the country’s four leading restaurant operators, with brands such as Shabushi, KFC, Hyde & Seek, and Food Street — said the company is set to reach 888 outlets by the end of this year. He noted that the overall food and beverage industry in Thailand, across all segments, is valued at nearly 700 billion baht and continues to expand in line with economic trends.
However, the outlook for 2025 points to a slowdown. According to a report by the Department of Internal Trade, around 3,000 restaurants closed during the first quarter of the year. At the same time, a significant number of new establishments also opened, reflecting the natural business cycle of entries and exits in the sector. Continued …
157-billion-baht stimulus requests exceed 400 billion baht
While the government’s economic stimulus budget of 157 billion baht is scheduled for final approval later this month, the value of funding requests received from various ministries exceeds 400 billion baht.
The government is exercising extra caution to ensure the proposed projects comply with its frameworks, amid concerns over transparency and the intended economic impact, as there are fears that some projects could be used to pave the way for an election campaign or to benefit specific groups. Continued …
Thailand has no choice but to diversify tourist markets, such as Europe and the Middle East
With more than 15.5 million international arrivals recorded between Jan. 1 and June 9, Thailand’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong rebound — but not without challenges. The latest figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) show impressive double-digit growth from Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, but a noticeable shift away from its once-dominant reliance on Chinese arrivals.
Malaysia has now overtaken China as the top source of foreign tourists during the recent green season period (June 1–9), with arrivals from the southern neighbor up 13.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, European markets such as Germany (up 71%), Italy (+28%), and Switzerland (+24%) have surged forward, alongside Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman — all posting gains above 30%. Continued …
Pattaya’s new Walking Street: Critics say, ‘Might as well call it Indian Street now’
The city of Pattaya has begun dismantling the old sign and installing a new LED-lit gateway at the entrance to its iconic Walking Street, temporarily closing access for the long-planned upgrade. While city officials tout it as a move toward modernization, not everyone is impressed.
As the fresh sign flickered to life in dazzling colors, the first reaction was exactly what authorities hoped for — crowds of tourists snapping photos beneath the bright new archway. But the second reaction was far less flattering: heavy traffic congestion and a flood of sarcastic commentary from foreign residents and visitors. Continued …
Has Pattaya tourism lost its way?
Pattaya, once the beating heart of Thailand’s tourism industry, now feels like a ghost town to many of its most loyal residents — its long-term foreign visitors. As this year’s low season hits new depths, foreign retirees, digital nomads, and working-age Westerners are asking a pointed question: If City Hall won’t listen to the people who live here year-round, who exactly is Pattaya listening to?
According to several long-term residents, the city’s attempts to chase mass tourism numbers — particularly from short-term markets like China and India — have come at the cost of alienating those who gave Pattaya its original international appeal. Continued …
Foreign tourists in Pattaya fed up being asked to buy something every five minutes
Pattaya Beach, once celebrated for its laid-back charm and natural beauty, is increasingly being described by long-term visitors as overrun with commercial activity. Food stalls, beach chairs, water sports vendors, street performers, hawkers, and even blaring music from nearby bars now compete for attention — and space. For some tourists, especially those seeking quiet relaxation by the sea, the experience can feel chaotic rather than calming.
Foreign visitors, especially older travelers and long-term stayers, often come to Pattaya in search of serenity — a place to walk, read, and take in the sea breeze. But many complain that entire sections of the beach are now dominated by commercial operators who rent chairs, sell goods, or push loud activities like jet skis and banana boats. Continued …
Bangkok rises to 7th place globally as top international conference destination
Bangkok has made global headlines by climbing to 7th place in the world rankings for international conference destinations, according to the latest 2024 report by the International Congress and Convention Assn. (ICCA), released at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany.
This marks a significant leap from 15th place in 2023 and reflects Thailand’s growing potential and readiness to be a true global hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). Continued …
Understanding Kreng Jai: The hidden heart of Thai politeness
Thailand is famously known as the “Land of Smiles.” Visitors often describe Thais as kind and polite. But beneath that warm exterior lies a deeply rooted cultural value: kreng jai.
There’s no perfect English equivalent for kreng jai, but it loosely translates to a mix of consideration, deference, and reluctance to impose. It’s more than just being polite — it’s a mindset, a way of thinking that reflects a desire not to inconvenience or embarrass others. Continued …
Starting over in paradise: Building a life on Koh Samui
On this sun-drenched tropical island, time moves more slowly — and that’s exactly what many people were looking for when they chose to make it home. I had just wrapped up an interview with a millennial who left his life in the U.S. Behind to become a Muay Thai fighter. Next, I was heading off to speak with the French owner of a boutique hotel.
Three days into my reporting trip, I was starting to see why so many people are drawn to Koh Samui, the Thai island that’s recently been thrust into the global spotlight thanks to HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus.” Long before the show put it on the radar of TV audiences, Samui had already been quietly attracting people in search of something different: an unhurried pace of life, a lower cost of living, and the promise of a fresh start far from home. Continued …
Resident dismayed over neighbors’ toxic habit of burning garbage
Something that seems obvious but is incredibly easy to take for granted is the fact that we live in a society. Our actions do not occur in a vacuum — what we do affects those around us, and we should live our lives knowing that our choices may impact others.
So, when people who obey that social contract come into contact with those who have forgotten it, frustration is only natural. As an example, several photos show a neighbor burning their trash, to the point where the air became almost unbreathable. Continued …
I tried solar panels for 9 months
Solar panel performance update nine months after installation. This video covers energy production, expenses, and savings from the solar panel system. Video …
‘No Kings’ Protests Decry Trump Across the US
The grand military parade that U.S. President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against a counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king. Continued …
Trump administration weighs adding 36 countries to travel ban
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering significantly expanding its travel restrictions by potentially banning citizens of 36 additional countries from entering the United States, according to an internal State Department cable. Continued …
UK appoints Blaise Metreweli first woman head of MI6 spy service
The UK government has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the first-ever woman to head its MI6 spy service as the country faces “threats on an unprecedented scale”, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday. The MI6 Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) achieved global fame through Ian Fleming’s fictional agent James Bond. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
90-day online reporting 
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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