Video: elephant tosses passenger/Cha Am police arrest four women/PKK as MICE destination/Salesians retreat in Hua Hin/Southern Thailand Security Overhaul/Yala: Security Officer Killed/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: National minimum wage hike/Thailand aims for over 3% growth/10,000 Baht Cash Handout for Thai Youth/Uproar over handout/Should not go to teenagers/Unregulated daily rentals/Cheap foreign goods flood market/Thai car exports threatened/Gem and Jewelry Exports Surge/’Smart complex’ at Bangkok bus station/TOURISM: Tourist Surge from China/Songkran Travel Boost/Phuket Top for Tourism Revenue/28 tourists rescued/Japan rolls out dual-pricing system/CLIMATE THAILAND: Tax incentives for plug-in hybrids/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
Video: elephant tosses passenger from pickup on Pala-U Road
In a wild encounter that’s captured the attention of Thai social media, an angry elephant gave a new meaning to being “trunked” when it tossed a passenger from the back of a pickup truck on Hua Hin’s Pala-U Road. The dramatic moment, caught on camera by a shocked passerby, has rapidly gone viral.
The footage reveals the massive pachyderm as it sauntered toward the pickup truck, then used its trunk with surprising finesse to unceremoniously eject the hapless passenger from the vehicle. Continued …
Cha Am police arrest four women for drug use at pool villa
Police arrested four women suspected of drug use at a pool villa following a tip-off from a concerned resident iIn Phetchaburi’s Cha Am district. The suspects tested positive for drug use, resulting in legal action.
Police from Cha Am Police Station received a report today about a group allegedly using drugs at a residence in the Tri Pool Villa area, located in Mueang Cha Am, Phetchaburi province. Continued …
Sporting events to showcase PKK as MICE destination
Salesians hold annual spiritual retreat in Hua Hin
The Salesians of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos recently held their annual spiritual retreat in Hua Hin from Feb. 23 to March 1 and from March 2 to March 8. The retreat was held at the Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin.
Themed “Bearers of Hope,” the retreat encouraged participants to embrace the grace of the Jubilee Year 2025, deepening their spiritual journey with a renewed sense of hope. A key focus was the invitation to reaffirm God’s call, highlighting the importance of faithfully living out the evangelical counsels. – infoans.org
Southern Thailand Security Overhaul Following Deadly Ramadan Attacks
In response to Saturday night’s deadly attacks in Thailand’s southern border provinces, security forces have implemented revised safety protocols across the region. The twin attacks in Sungai Kolok district, Narathiwat province, and Sai Buri district, Pattani province, claimed the lives of five security personnel and volunteers, while injuring 13 others.
Lt. Gen. Paisan Nusang, commander of the 4th Army Region and director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, visited the attack sites on March 9 to assess damage and coordinate an immediate security response. During an emergency tri-party meeting with military, police, and administrative officials at the Sungai Kolok Police Station, he outlined new security measures. Continued …
Yala: Security Officer Killed in Ambush
A violent attack occurred in the early hours yesterday, when a group of assailants ambushed and shot dead a local security officer in the district of Krong Pinang, Yala. The assailants targeted the officer as he arrived at his residence in the village of Kadudoh at 2am.
According to local authorities, the officer had been out on personal business when he received a call about a fire involving a parked pickup truck outside his home. As he returned to assess the damage, the attackers, hiding near the house, opened fire with a range of weapons, including shotguns, assault rifles (AK-47 and M-16), and a 9mm pistol. Continued …
- Russian ‘Mafia’ Caught Extorting Tourists on Koh Pha Ngan – Continued …
- Chinese Tourists Caught Dining and Dashing across Chon Buri – Continued …
- British Man Arrested in Krabi for Smuggling 34kg Cannabis – Continued …
- Pai Police Arrest 4 Foreign Tourists for Smoking Marijuana on Walking Street – Continued …
- Indian Nationals Caught at Don Mueang with 22kg Cannabis Stash – Continued …
- Chinese Chef and South Asian Overstayers Detained in Phuket – Continued …
Government ‘committed’ to national minimum wage hike
Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is committed to raising the minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, despite concerns over its impact on SMEs and inflation. A tripartite wage committee will review the proposal tomorrow.
Phiphat yesterday addressed a parliamentary inquiry from Sen. Tewarit Maneechai regarding obstacles to the increase. The move followed three postponements of the wage adjustment for all provinces. Continued …
Thailand aims for over 3% growth with Bt150-billion stimulus
The government wants to lift economic growth above its 3% target this year and is confident a strong first half will be followed by momentum from the next phase of its signature stimulus program and measures worth 150 billion baht, officials said yesterday.
Those stimulus measures, including the next stage of its “digital wallet” scheme, will be implemented by the end of the third quarter, said Paopoom Rojanasakul, a deputy finance minister. Continued …
10,000 Baht Cash Handout Announced for Thai Youth Aged 16 to 20
In a bid to stimulate economic activity among the younger generation, the Thai government has announced a new phase of its cash handout scheme, distributing 10,000 baht to nearly 2.7 million young Thais aged 16 to 20. This decision marks the third phase of the initiative, aimed specifically at fostering technology-driven spending habits among tech-savvy youths.
Under this latest policy shift, the Economic Stimulus Policy Board opted to focus solely on the younger demographic rather than the initially broader target group of all Thais aged 16 to 60. Continued …
Social networkers of working age in uproar over third phase of handout
People of working age expressed outrage on social media shortly after the government announced that only individuals aged 16–20 would be eligible for the third phase of the 10,000-baht cash handout. Many social media users argued that it was unfair for working-age taxpayers to be excluded from the scheme, as they contribute to state revenue through their income taxes.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced the third phase of the 10,000-baht handout following a meeting of the Council of Economic Ministers at Government House yesterday. Continued …
Consumers Council: Third digital wallet handout should not go to teenagers
The third phase of the digital wallet handout should be offered to working-age individuals to stimulate the economy instead of adolescents aged 16-20, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) said today.
TCC President Boonyuen Siritham said she agreed with the government’s cash handouts for the elderly and disabled in the first and second phases as they might lack digital literacy. However, she pointed out that the scheme has done little to stimulate the economy. Continued …
Thai hotels sector urges action against unregulated daily rentals
Thailand’s hotel industry is calling on the government to take decisive action against the proliferation of so-called “zero-dollar condos” and unregulated daily room rentals via platforms like Airbnb.
The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) is also urging mandatory registration and stricter enforcement of existing laws, citing unfair competition and security concerns. Continued …
Thai SMEs seek protection as cheap foreign goods flood the market
The Thai Retailers Assn. has called for government intervention to address the growing crisis caused by the influx of cheap foreign goods severely undercutting domestic businesses.
The association also warned of significant consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the broader retail and service sectors. Continued …
Thai car exports threatened by Trump’s 25% US tariff plan
The Thai automotive industry faces potential challenges if U.S. President Donald Trump proceeds with his plan to impose tariffs on car imports, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
There are concerns among Thai auto manufacturers due to the country’s ranking as the 16th largest exporter of passenger cars and the 11th largest for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) shipments to the U.S., as reported by the FTI. Continued …
Thai Gem and Jewelry Exports Surge in January
Thailand’s gem and jewelry exports skyrocketed in January, with total export value nearly tripling compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The sector recorded exports worth $1.73 billion, marking a 148.8% year-on-year increase. When including gold, the total export value reached $2.9 billion, representing a 148.9% surge. Continued …
SRT seeks investors for Bt9.2-billion ‘smart complex’ at Bangkok bus station
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is seeking investment to develop a 51-rai (8.6 hectare) plot, including its office, a bus terminal and 4-star hotel, next to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok.
The Smart Business Complex project is part of a 2,325-rai development around the country’s main rail hub that will also be occupied by the government’s “Homes for Thais” low-cost housing project. Continued …
Thailand Anticipates Tourist Surge from China in May
As Thailand eyes a potential upswing in tourist arrivals from China this coming May, hopes hinge on the five-day Labor Day holiday. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cautiously optimistic, despite a noticeable dip in Chinese visitors earlier this year, attributed to lingering economic woes and safety concerns.
Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT’s deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific, has noted that the current hesitancy among Chinese tourists is partly due to such concerns. A reduction in flights, particularly from China’s secondary cities, has further compounded the issue. Continued …
Songkran Travel Boost: More Flights and Discounts
With Songkran celebrations fast approaching, significant steps are underway to accommodate the anticipated surge in domestic travel. Over the festive period, an additional 25,000 seats will be available on domestic flights, and travelers can expect a reduction of up to 30% on some airfares, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
In a recent meeting chaired by Suriya, preparations for the peak travel window from April 11-17 were discussed. Key representatives from both state agencies and the private sector joined to strategize the response to the expected influx of travelers. Continued …
Phuket Ranks Top for Tourism Revenue in Thailand for 2024
Phuket, province has claimed the top spot in Thailand’s 2024 tourism revenue rankings, raking in a substantial 497.5 billion baht. This financial boon not only cements its status as a premier travel destination but also underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen the tourism industry’s role in the national economy.
As the world slowly emerges from global disruptions, Thailand has seen a robust revival in its tourism sector. Not far behind Phuket, the province of Chonburi secured second place with earnings of 316.8 billion baht, while Surat Thani, known for its popular islands like Koh Samui, contributed 119.1 billion baht to the nation’s coffers. Continued …
28 tourists rescued from leaking speedboat off Krabi mainland
Almost 30 tourists have been rescued from their speedboat, which was leaking en route from Koh Lipe to Phuket.
Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park dispatched a park patrol boat and the Nanthicha 333 speedboat to rescue 28 tourists struck on the Andaman Sea near Koh Poda Nok off the coast of Krabi province yesterday. Continued …
Foreign tourists to pay more as Japan rolls out dual-pricing system
Thais heading to Japan should prepare for potentially spending more, as the country is set to introduce a “two-tier” pricing system at major tourist attractions from July. The policy will set different rates for Japanese citizens and foreign visitors in a bid to tackle over-tourism, while generating additional revenue.
Japan, which has set a target of 60 million foreign tourists annually by 2030, has seen record-breaking visitor numbers, particularly from China and South Korea. The weak yen has further fueled tourism, with 36.86 million international arrivals recorded last year, surpassing Thailand’s 35 million for the first time. Continued …
Thailand plans tax incentives for plug-in hybrids
Thailand plans to offer tax incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturing, with the changes to take effect from 2026 if they are approved, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said yesterday.
Under the plans, tax collection would be based on the travel range per battery charge for a vehicle, with lower taxes for a longer travel range, Paopoom said, adding the proposal would be sent to cabinet by April. Continued …
Markets in turmoil as US tariff policies stoke recession fears
Global financial markets have been rocked by severe volatility in recent weeks, with U.S. equities experiencing particular turbulence as investors react to President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. Despite momentary relief following potential exemptions for Canada and Mexico, market sentiment remains broadly negative, fueled by growing fears of a looming recession. Continued …
Musk says X hit by major cyberattack
Elon Musk said X was hit yesterday by a major cyberattack, raising questions as to whether the politically divisive billionaire is being targeted, or his decision to gut staff at what was once Twitter is haunting the social network. Continued …
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
- Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590