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Friday’s news-Jan 5

January 5, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

Today’s news: Starbucks cup of coffee/Foreign woman collapses on breakwater wall/PM2.5 air pollution budget/256 people killed in road accidents/Five sustainable living trends/Rooftop solar option reviewed/Top predictions for IT/Regulate Artificial Intelligence?/Giant King Cobra scatters golfers/Economy: Baht to strengthen/Short-term stimulus measure planned/Energy minister’s plan sparks potential/Online sales reporting/200,000 Jobs In EEC Smart City/Tourism: Operators question 40 million target/Airports chief expects 8 million Chinese visitors/60 countries and territories can visit Thailand without visa/‘100% recovered’ by December/Phuket Boat Drivers Test Positive/Thailand Experience: Beginner’s Guide To Thailand/January festivals/Why You Should Travel To Chiang Mai/12 best luxury resorts/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

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Starbucks cup of coffee now costlier than Thailand’s minimum wage

Starbucks, one of Thailand’s most popular coffee chains, announced that the prices of its beverages will be increased by 5 baht at all of its stores across the country from today. One cup of coffee from Starbucks is now more expensive than Thailand’s national minimum wage.

The corporation says the reason for the price hike is due to the current economic situation, which, according to an official Starbucks statement, has caused the cost of operation and management to increase its prices. Continued …

Foreign woman slips and collapses on breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach

The non-profit organization Beach for Life Thailand called for enhanced safety measures following an incident in which a foreign woman slipped and fell on a breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. This infamous location has previously caused harm, resulting in a disability for a Thai man.

The foreign woman reportedly lost consciousness after collapsing on the slippery breakwater wall on Jan. 2. A local rescue team went to the scene to provide first aid and take the foreign victim to hospital. The condition of the foreigner has not yet been released. Continued …

‘Disappointing’ budget to fight PM2.5 air pollution

A Move Forward Party MP on Thursday accused the Pheu Thai of not living up to its pre-poll promise to tackle PM2.5 air pollution, as the ruling coalition had allocated too little funds to combat air pollution.

Move Forward’s Chiang Mai MP Phattarapong Leelaphat said on the second day of the budget bill debate that the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had made tackling PM2.5 issue a national agenda but the budget allocation was “disappointing”. Continued …

256 people killed in over 2,000 road accidents during New Year holidays

More than 2,000 road accidents occurred during the New Year holiday break, leaving 256 people dead and 2,106 others injured between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

A total of 2,083 road accidents were reported nationwide during those six days, Education Ministry permanent secretary Suthep Kaengsanthia told a press conference at the department. Continued …

Five sustainable living trends that could catch on in 2024

Saving the world from climate change and other environmental impacts is a common aspiration of all society, and the private and public sectors worldwide are paying attention to this issue.

Despite accounting for only 0.8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions annually, Thailand is among countries severely affected by climate change. Continued …

Rooftop solar option reviewed as energy alternative

Following the past year’s cabinet meeting on Dec 19, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said the government would continue to subsidize electricity to households, declaring the move as a “New Year for the people”.

This would seem risky in light of the Energy Regulatory Committee’s recent ruling that an increase in electricity tariff rates was necessary, as the country imports expensive liquified natural gas (LNG) to keep power plants running. Continued …

Top predictions for IT organizations and users in 2024

Gartner’s top predictions explore how generative AI (GenAI) has changed executive leaders’ way of thinking on every subject and how to create a more flexible and adaptable organization that is better prepared for the future.

“GenAI presents an opportunity to accomplish things never before possible in the scope of human existence,” said Daryl Plummer, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner. “CIOs and executive leaders will embrace the risks of using GenAI so they can reap the unprecedented benefits. Continued …

Does Thailand Need to Regulate Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful force for good in Thailand, improving healthcare, reducing carbon emissions, bridging educational divides and many more. But AI also comes with new challenges in terms of safety, privacy, skills and competitiveness gaps.

To ensure that AI moves ahead on the right track, True Corp. recently organized the AI Gets Good seminar. Representatives from the government sector, the academic sector, and the business sector came together at the event to discuss “How to ensure that AI creates positive impacts in Thai society?” Continued …

Giant King Cobra scatters Chonburi golfers

In the Ban Bueng district of Chon Buri, a typical day of golfing transformed into a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary when an enormous king cobra raised its scary head.

The beastly serpent, sprawled across the green, caused a stir among golfers, who promptly vacated the area in all directions. Upon receiving the distress signal, volunteer rescuers from the Silarattham Samakom Foundation, aptly skilled in handling such incidents, arrived at the golf course. Continued …

Baht to strengthen against US dollar

The baht could strengthen to 33 to the U.S. dollar in the near term as the market is convinced the U.S. Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates by as early as March, bringing back fund inflows to the Thai currency.

The baht traded at 34.26-34.28 to the greenback on Wednesday, weakening slightly from Tuesday’s close of 34.14. The depreciation was in line with other regional currencies as the U.S. bond yield rose and there was higher demand for the dollar. Continued …

Short-term stimulus measure planned until budget bill is passed

The Finance Ministry is drafting a short-term plan to stimulate the economy, to be implemented before the budget bill for fiscal 2024 takes effect, Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said on Thursday.

Parliament is currently deliberating the first reading of the government’s proposed 3.48-trillion-baht budget, which concludes today. Continued …

Energy minister’s plan sparks potential for across-the-board cost cuts

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga unveiled a plan that could slash energy cost across the board.

Pirapan declared that a paradigm shift is imminent in the gas supply sector, aiming to empower power producers and significantly cut down on electricity expenses. The key? A strategic merger of gas pools to unleash a domino effect that could alter the fortunes of power and petrochemical players. Continued …

Online sales reporting ‘could bring in Bt10 billion in taxes’

A requirement for online platform operators to submit sellers’ income statements to the Revenue Department should increase tax revenue by roughly 10 billion baht, says Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance.

The new reporting rules, which took effect on Jan. 1, apply to digital platform operators registered in Thailand with annual revenue of more than 1 billion baht. Businesses already supervised by the Bank of Thailand or the Stock Exchange of Thailand will not be subject to the rule. Continued …

Thailand Aims To Create 200,000 Jobs In EEC Smart City

The Thai government approved on Jan. 2 the establishment of the EEC Business Center and Livable Smart City, a special economic zone in the eastern part of Thailand. The zone is expected to become a regional business and financial center by 2027 and one of the 10 most livable smart cities in the world by 2037.

Chai Watcharong, spokesman for the prime minister’s office, revealed that the EEC board, chaired by Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy prime minister and minister of commerce, has agreed with this plan. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target

The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue, with only 3.5 million visitors last year, a sharp decline from the nearly 10 million seen in 2019. Continued …

Airports chief expects 8 million Chinese visitors this year

Airports of Thailand expects the Thai-Chinese visa-free agreement will help bring 8 million Chinese visitors to the country this year, or about 70% of the record total set in 2019, says President Kerati Kijmanawat.

The bilateral agreement between Thailand and China, under which nationals of both countries will no longer have to apply for visas before traveling, is expected to be launched on March 1. A six-month visa-free trial program for Chinese visitors is scheduled to expire at the end of February. Continued …

People from over 60 countries and territories can visit Thailand without visa for 30 days

Foreign visitors from more than 60 countries and territories can enter Thailand without a visa and stay in the country for up to 30 days.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affairs, these countries and territories include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. Continued …

Hotel industry ‘100% recovered’ by December end

The Thai hotel industry is expected to see a full recovery from the pandemic’s fallout by the end of the second half of this year, Thai Hotel Assn. (THA) President Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi predicts.

The average occupancy rate of Thai hotels was 60% in 2023, compared to 75% in 2019, the last full year before Covid-19 struck worldwide. Continued …

Five Phuket Boat Drivers Test Positive for Illegal Drugs

Five boat drivers tested positive for illegal drugs recently at a pier in Thalang after a random check.

Phuket Gov. Sophon Suwannarat ordered drug testing for boat drivers at piers in Phuket following a fatal boat accident that took the life of a young Russian girl in which the captain later tested positive for amphetamines. Continued …

A Beginner’s Guide To Thailand

With an estimated 24.6 million foreign tourists arriving in 2023 (as reported by Skift), the Kingdom of Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

For first-time visitors interested in immersive culture, eye-widening landscapes and epic gastronomy, here are some highlights from Thailand’s cities, seas, mountains and jungles: Continued …

January festivals from flowers to music and boats

Lovers of flowers, light and sound, cultural shows, music and boat racing — whatever your interest, there’s an abundance of festival choices for all from the kingdom’s north to its south throughout the first month of 2024.

Key festivals throughout January that promise to impress include:

The 20th Chiang Rai Flower Festival, running from now until Jan. 15, is being held by the Muang Chiang Rai municipality at the Tung and Khom Park. The festival also features music in the park from 8pm to 9pm every Saturday from now until Feb. 17. Continued …

Here’s Why You Should Travel To Chiang Mai

When it comes to Thai destinations, Bangkok often steals the spotlight with its busy streets, neon-lit nightlife, and the ever-present hum of activity. But hold on to your tuk tuks because there’s a gem up north quietly asserting itself as the preferred choice for discerning travelers — Chiang Mai.

Step aside, Bangkok, and make room for the city that effortlessly serves cultural richness, natural beauty, and a laid-back vibe. Continued …

The 12 best luxury resorts in Thailand

Thailand is a place where culture, tradition and creativity thrive, and where nature abounds. Bangkok caters to every whim, craving and desire. The chaotic city soon gives way to wild plains and verdant jungle, followed by dreamy coastlines and beautiful islands. Here, the hospitality is warm, the resorts spectacular and the ocean views unrivaled.

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Wellness reigns supreme here for mind, body and soul. Contemporary spa concepts are delivered through the lens of Thai ritual, a transformative experience that harmonizes the relationship between mental and physical states. Food is fresh, nourishing and largely sourced from the sea, and the luxury properties that pepper the region provide personalized service and peaceful surrounds. Continued …

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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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

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Friday’s News-Dec 30

December 30, 2022 Hua Hin Expat News

Hua Hin Dustman Gravel races March 4-5/Hua Hin Bikini Run March 25/Best Western opens first resort in Hua Hin/What’s hot and what’s not in the year to come/Bank of Thailand updates Thai economic recovery momentum/Business associations succeed in lowering rise in power price/Massive investment planned for new Smart City in Eastern Economic Corridor/Mass New Year exodus from Bangkok to Isaan begins/Two male foreign bodies found floating near Racha Island, Phuket/More than 30 Thais feared dead in Poipet casino inferno/Forgetful husband accidently abandons wife on a road trip after taking a quick leak/Deadly clashes continue between Myanmar troops and Karen rebels near Thai border/
Tourism: The outlook for Tourism in Thailand in 2023/2022 marks revival of Thailand’s tourism after two years in the wilderness/No Special Measures for Chinese Visitors/Phuket eyes Bt100-billion New Year windfall/
Thailand Experience: Thai Basil To Lemongrass, Ingredients That Complete Thai Food/The best new restaurants in Bangkok/15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand/
Covid: What new Covid restrictions are Chinese travelers facing?/
International: Russia pummels Ukraine’s power and water sectors/Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82/US winter storm death toll rises to 61/
Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Best Western opens first resort in Hua Hin

Best Western Hotels and Resorts has continued to expand its portfolio with the launch of its inaugural property in Hua Hin: Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin.

Set around a series of lagoon pools in Khao Tao, just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin and approximately 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok, the resort features a free-flowing organic design, a wide range of accommodations and facilities for leisure and business. Continued …

What’s hot and what’s not in the year to come

Trends change by the year, with some things in and others out, and 2023 will be no exception. Remember when the SMS was “in” some years ago? Here’s what we predict will be making a splash or quietly bowing out in the next 12 months.

In – cashless, out – coins and banknotes

Credit where it is due. The government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme has made cashless payment widespread, accelerating it with sellers, including street vendors who are learning to accept payment via the scheme. Another reason, on the buyer’s side, is the pandemic, which made people afraid of contracting Covid through contaminated coins and banknotes.

A couple of years back, we’d never imagined leaving home without a wallet. Now those pockets can stay empty as long as you have a smartphone with you. Even better, a purchase – no matter how small the amount is – can be done via a number of cashless methods. Credit cards can’t do that 40 or 50 baht payment. Continued …

Bank of Thailand updates Thai economic recovery momentum

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) says the Thai economy is still in a recovery mode, and that the momentum was driven by the continuous recovery of the service sector following the increase in the number of foreign tourists and the improvement in private consumption indicators.

Chayawadee Chai-Anant, assistant governor at BoT, said the the Thai economy was still in a recovery direction. The momentum was driven by the continuously recovering service sector following the increasing number of foreign tourists.

She said that seasonally adjusted number of foreign tourists increased from the previous month from many nationalities, especially Europe and the United States. Continued …

Business associations succeed in lowering rise in power price

The cost of electricity for businesses will not rise as much in January as proposed earlier this month, following an intensive and coordinated effort by Thailand’s largest business associations to prevent what they described as a crippling rise in the fuel tariff (Ft) rate.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a decision by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to reduce a rise in the Ft rate during the first quarter of next year, commission Secretary-general Komkrit Tantravanich said on Thursday.

The Ft rate is determined by the cost of fuel used for generating electricity and the cost of buying power from private generating plants. Continued …

Massive investment planned for new Smart City in Eastern Economic Corridor

The government will invest 1.35 trillion baht to transform the eastern seaboard’s Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC) into a regional financial hub and a world-class smart city by 2037, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday.

(What is a Smart City? A smart city is typically a kind of municipal Internet of Things – a network of cameras and sensors that can see, hear and even smell. These sensors, especially video cameras, generate massive amounts of data that can serve many civic purposes like helping traffic flow smoothly.)

In the first 10 years, the focus will be developing the business and financial area, regional business offices, government offices, medical facilities, and educational centers, she said.

This will be followed by creating a world-class smart city by 2037 to serve as a model for the development of smart cities across the country, Rachada added. Continued …

Mass New Year exodus from Bangkok to Isaan begins

The mass exodus for New Year from the Thai capital Bangkok to the northeastern Isaan region has begun in earnest. To accommodate the traffic, special lanes were introduced to ease the flow in the area of Wang Noi at KM 106.

Police in the city of Saraburi also opened a special lane under the turn-off bridge and from KM marker 17 to 43, Thap Kwang to Klang Dong.

Gas stations were opening past regular hours, as large numbers of people used their facilities for fuel and rest stops. Continued …

Two male foreign bodies found floating near Racha Island, Phuket

Two bodies of male foreigners were found floating in the sea near the Racha Island, south of Phuket.

The Royal Thai Navy said that at 12:35pm yesterday they were notified from a tour boat captain that two bodies were found floating near the Rang Gai Beach, east of the Racha Noi Island off the Chalong area.

At 4:50pm, the Royal Thai Navy and rescue divers arrived at the scene to find two bodies tied with ropes connected together with a floating life jacket and a buoy. Continued …

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More than 30 Thais feared dead in Poipet casino inferno

Thai rescuers estimated that more than 30 Thai nationals perished in the massive blaze that engulfed the 355-room Grand Diamond City Hotel and Casino in the Cambodian border town of Poipet late Wednesday night, while a Cambodian official warned that the death toll could rise to the hundreds.

Banteay Meanchey provincial spokesman Sek Sokhom said late Thursday afternoon that the death toll could rise to the hundreds. He said the casino complex had 400 staff and an unknown number of guests. Anyone trapped in a room during the fire can be presumed dead, he said.

Rescue officials from Thai foundations who crossed the border from Sa Kaew’s Aranyaprathet district to the impoverished casino town on the Cambodian side of the border, said they retrieved bodies believed to be Thai. Continued …

Forgetful husband accidently abandons wife on a road trip after taking a quick leak

For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part, and in an emergency toilet break situation, every marriage is tested to some degree. And, an absent-minded husband truly tested the strength of his marriage on a road trip last week.

He pulled over by the roadside to quickly take a leak before climbing back into the car and driving off – leaving his wife behind who had wandered into a nearby jungle for a pee.

Boontom Chaimoon and his wife, Amnuay Chaimoon, took a road trip on Sunday to spend the seasonal holidays in her hometown in the Maha Sarakham Province. Continued …

Deadly clashes continue between Myanmar troops and Karen rebels near Thai border

More than 1,000 resistance forces were involved in a fierce battle against Myanmar junta troops at a Karen town near the border with Thailand.

Reports said many people were killed and injured in the armed clashes that have continued for over two weeks in a battle for the control of Kawkareik, a town in Myanmar’s Karen State.

The exact number of casualties could not be independently confirmed. Continued …

The outlook for Tourism in Thailand in 2023

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious food. In 2023, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has announced a new plan to attract even more visitors to the country.

One of the main focuses of the 2023 tourism plan is sustainability. TAT has pledged to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the industry. This includes efforts to reduce plastic waste, protect natural habitats, and encourage sustainable transportation.

In addition to sustainability, TAT is also focusing on promoting diversity and inclusivity in its tourism efforts. This includes efforts to showcase the country’s diverse cultural heritage and promote equal access for all visitors, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Continued …

2022 marks revival of Thailand’s tourism after two years in the wilderness

After bolting the doors for two years following the outbreak of the pandemic, Thailand decided to fully reopen the country in 2022, removing the COVID-19 restrictions that had throttled tourism, a key engine of economic growth.

Before fully reopening, Thailand had begun a carefully planned, phased and controlled return of international tourists beginning July 1, 2021. The Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs were implemented with caution to ensure COVID cases would not soar. This was followed by a four-phase reopening time line from October 2021 to January 2022 in which destinations throughout the country were reopened to tourists.

On July 1 this year, the government removed the Thailand Pass registration requirement, allowing foreign nationals to arrive if they could show proof of vaccination or a negative antigen test taken not later than 72 hours before the flight. Continued …

No Special Measures for Chinese Visitors

The country will not need any strict disease control measure for Chinese visitors, the public health minister said.

Anutin Charnvirakul, public health minister and deputy prime minister, said officials from the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Transport discussed measures to be imposed in response to China’s planned country reopening on Jan. 8, and they agreed that existing measures would be enough.

The Chinese government required outbound Chinese travelers to undergo RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 and receive at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Most Chinese people had natural antibodies for COVID-19 also because 60% of the Chinese population already contracted the disease, Anutin said. Continued …

Phuket eyes Bt100-billion New Year windfall

Phuket expects to earn more than 100 billion baht in revenue from tourism during the New Year period.

Bhumikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman of the Phuket Tourist Assn., said on Thursday the situation is rebounding quickly in the resort island during the New Year period, as hotel room reservation rates on Kata, Karon, Patong, and Nai Harn beaches are averaging 70%. Continued …

Thai Basil To Lemongrass, Ingredients That Complete Thai Food

Thai food is incredibly effective at drawing foodies under its spell of flavor. You’ll be compelled to indulge in their decadent sweets, flavorful appetizers, fragrant sauces, and rich and creamy curries again and time again.

It takes talent to master, but the secret to making any Thai cuisine is to balance the five essential flavors of sour, bitter, salty, sweet, and spicy. As a result, no Thai food is ever monotonous and always gives your taste the much-needed punch.

Almost all Thai dishes start with a paste. Although you can buy pre-made Thai pastes (such red, yellow, and green curry), they won’t have the same flavor and scent, much alone the nutrition, of a paste produced from scratch. Continued …

The best new restaurants in Bangkok

What a year to eat out. Slowly yet stylishly reclaiming the steps we had fallen during the dark period of 2020-2021, the year 2022 saw Bangkok’s food and beverage scene gently rock up on its feet again. Here are all the new restaurants we loved this year.

New bar and restaurant openings were aplenty, new menus were flung left and right, and some of the world’s most renowned chefs visited our city, beautifully continuing to mark it as one of the greatest culinary hubs in the region.

We hosted the Asia’s 50 Best Bar Awards in Bangkok for the first time at the beginning of the year, as well as the Top 50 Pizza Asia Pacific ceremony. On the former, we saw five entries, and on the latter we were proud of five entries. Continued …

15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

A list of must-dos holiday destinations for countless individuals, Thailand genuinely has everything: the turbulent appeal of Bangkok, the legendary tropical wildernesses, probably the best road food on the planet, and palm-lined sea shores that appear to continue for eternity.

Whatever your justification behind getting away to the place that is known for grins, Thailand will not frustrate. Assuming that you’re exploring locations and what should be done on your next tropical getaway, look at our rundown of the most ideal getaway spots in Thailand.

11. Hua Hin

While simply a calm town most popular for being the lord’s mid-year retreat, Hua Hin has turned into a well-known ocean-side hotel destination. Try not to expect wonderful turquoise waters or vivacious ocean-side life here; however, this is to a greater extent an objective for those meeting with family, or singles who need to sunbathe in harmony, away from the groups. Continued …

What new Covid restrictions are Chinese travelers facing?

Countries are imposing or considering imposing curbs on travelers from China amid a Covid-19 surge there after authorities relaxed “zero-Covid” rules.

They cite a lack of information from China on variants and are concerned about a wave of infections. China has rejected criticism of its Covid data and said it expects future mutations to be potentially more transmissible but less severe.

Below is a list of new regulations for travelers from China. Continued …

Russia pummels Ukraine’s power and water sectors

Doubling down on its efforts to use winter as a weapon, Russia launched its fiercest attack in weeks Thursday, battering Ukrainian power and water infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. Continued …

Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82

Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82. Continued …

US winter storm death toll rises to 61

The death toll from a fierce winter storm that gripped much of the United States over Christmas rose to at least 61 on Thursday, officials said. Continued …

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Wednesday’s News-Dec 21

December 21, 2022 Hua Hin Expat News

Shoppers’ Rebates, Property Tax Cut as New Year Gifts/Hua Hin community turns to composting its food waste/Elephant rescued from smugglers in Prachuap Khiri Khan/’There weren’t enough life vests on board’/How much plastic is in your Christmas dinner?/Tomorrow brings shortest day of year with barely 11hrs daylight/Police raid Mae Sot factory after Tesco labor abuse allegations/Cabinet approves operational plan for trillion-baht EEC smart city project/Bangkok motorways toll-free over New Year holiday/Auto manufacturers likely to raise prices next year due to rising costs/2022: A roller-coaster ride for Thailand’s cannabis industry/
Tourism: 4am Closing Time for Nightspots in Tourism Areas Postponed Indefinitely/The worsening trend of Brits unable to pay their bills in Thailand/Ferry services in Koh Samui reopen every half hour/Khao San Road runs short of staff to serve flood of festive tourists/Nothing like the North: 5 peak experiences in Thailand’s highlands/Thai AirAsia aims to lure 20M passengers next year/
Covid: Health minister confident COVID infections over New Year are controllable/Waiting for new Covid vaccines? There’s no point, says doctor/
International: Floods hit Malaysia hard, tens of thousands displaced/Taliban bans university education for Afghan girls/Putin says situation in annexed regions ‘extremely difficult’/
Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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Shoppers’ Rebates, Property Tax Cut as New Year Gifts

The cabinet approved its “2023 New Year Gifts” as proposed by the Finance Ministry and they include rebates for shoppers and reduction in property tax and transfer fees.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said that people who make purchases between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, 2023, can receive personal income tax rebates worth up to 40,000 baht.

The rebate measure should have about 56 billion baht circulated in the economic system, the spokeswoman said. Continued …

Hua Hin community turns to composting its food waste

Residents of a community in Hua Hin are being encouraged to compost their food waste and cut down on disposing of it in their household trash.

If you’re unfamiliar, composting is the act of turning food scraps and other materials into a nutrient soil. It’s one of the easiest ways to help the environment.

In December, Pailin Kongpan, deputy mayor of Hua Hin city,Amorn Pattong, vice president of the Municipal Council, and Thongchai Petchsongkram, Municipal Council co-chair, formally launched the “Household Waste Management for Vegetable Fertilizer” project at an event held at Klai Kangwon Temple in Hua Hin. Continued …

Elephant rescued from smugglers in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Authorities on Sunday arrested two men who were seen taking a female elephant across the Myanmar-Thai border in Huay Yang District in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The two arrested men were identified as Phongsak Huakaew, a 28-year-old Thai national, and Muytuya, a 28-year-old Myanmar man.

Phongsak was found to be the owner of the truck used by the men. He is known to have transported timber and elephants in the past and has a criminal record. Continued …

‘There weren’t enough life vests on board’

An air and sea search for the 30 missing crew (some media report up to 33) of the HMS Sukhothai frigate continues. One crew member was found and rescued yesterday but fears remain for the welfare of the remainder of the missing crew.

It was also revealed this morning by a spokesperson for the Navy that there weren’t sufficient life vests available for all crew on the ill-fated vessel.

There were 106 crew on board HMS Sukhothai before the incident on Sunday evening around 11.30pm; 75 of the crew were rescued on the first day after life rafts were deployed. A nearby oil tanker responded to the vessels’ SOS alerts. Continued …

How much plastic is in your Christmas dinner?

The traditional roast Christmas dinner could have nearly a quarter of a million pieces of microplastic in it, according to researchers at the University of Portsmouth.

Do you know how much plastic is really in your Christmas dinner? Researchers in England tried to find out by cooking two different roast chicken dinners.

One with all the ingredients wrapped in plastic packaging and the other with no plastic packaging at all.

‘’We found seven times more microplastics in the wrapped dinner than the non-wrapped dinner.” Continued …

Tomorrow brings shortest day of year with barely 11hrs daylight

The shortest day of the year, known as winter solstice, will fall on Thursday (Dec. 22), the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit) said.

The winter solstice occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. This happens twice a year, once in the northern and once in the southern hemisphere.

Winter solstice sees the sun reach its lowest annual elevation in the sky. Continued …

Police raid Mae Sot factory after Tesco labor abuse allegations

Immigration police and labor officials investigated a clothing factory in Tak’s Mae Sot district on Tuesday following reports of slavery-like working conditions.

Workers at the Tesco factory in Mae Sot on the Myanmar border

Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer, is facing legal action from a group of Myanmar migrant workers, alleging dire working conditions at a Mae Sot factory that made clothes for the retailer’s F&F range.

A total of 146 workers, 140 Burmese and six Thai, allege they were made to work up to 99 hours per week on unlawful wages with forced labor conditions at the VK Garments (VKG) factory in Mae Sot between 2017 and 2020. Continued …

Cabinet approves operational plan for trillion-baht EEC smart city project

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the operational plan for a 1.35-trillion-baht business hub and smart city project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said.

Under the plan, the city will be constructed by 2027 and developed as one of the world’s top 10 smart cities by 2037, said Ratchada.

“The city will also serve as a model for development of other smart cities throughout Thailand,” she added. Continued …

Bangkok motorways toll-free over New Year holiday

Toll fees on two motorways – No 7 (Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya) and No 9 (Bang Pa In-Bang Phli-Bang Khun Tian) – will be waived for seven days of the New Year holidays, from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4, the Department of Highways said on Tuesday.

The move aims to minimize queues at toll booths and reduce costs for people visiting their relatives over New Year, said Director-general Sarawut Songwilai.

The department will also waive toll fees on Motorway No 6 (Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima) between the Pak Chong and Kham Thalay Sor checkpoints, which are a gateway to northeast provinces. Continued …

Auto manufacturers likely to raise prices next year due to rising costs

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) on Tuesday predicted that auto manufacturers would raise the prices of vehicles next year because of rising costs.

FTI vice chairman and spokesman for the FTI’s Auto Industry Group Surapong Paisit-Pattanapong said rising labor and electricity costs would leave automakers with no choice but to raise their prices accordingly.

Surapong added, however, that the increase in auto retail prices would have no impact on the economic recovery. Continued …

2022: A roller-coaster ride for Thailand’s cannabis industry

Thailand started 2022 with the bright hope that cannabis would be made completely legal. However, as the year draws to a close, calls for cannabis to be returned to the country’s narcotics list are getting louder.

Over the past several months, both sides of the cannabis legalization argument have battled fiercely over whether Thailand’s policies related to the herb are moving in the right direction.

Critics suggest the government consider canceling the very concept before more damage is done, especially since there is no specific law that can comprehensively govern the use of cannabis. Continued …

4am Closing Time for Nightspots in Tourism Areas Postponed Indefinitely

The Cabinet has indefinitely postponed the proposed extension of nightlife venues’ legal closing time to 4 am from 2am, according to Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

He added that the Cabinet said this was not an appropriate time to do such a thing, given the current situation, without giving further details.

This not-so-shocking move came after Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared on Monday that his ministry was firmly opposed to the proposal. Continued …

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The worsening trend of Brits unable to pay their bills in Thailand

As UK vacationers return to Thailand in big numbers, an old problem has resurfaced with new urgency. What happens when you owe a lot of money and have run out of cash in the Land of Smiles?

The most recently publicized case is Wolverhampton social worker Jo Hoffman whose face was smashed after a horrible scooter accident. The estimated medical bill is 50,000 pounds, with only a third so far raised via gofundme, the best-known crowd cash-raising platform.

Her case is far from unique, as a cursory glance at Google will reveal. 2022 is the worst year in recent memory. There are currently at least seven British accident casualties awaiting collective cash to get back home, together with a mortuary corpse. Continued …

Ferry services in Koh Samui reopen every half hour

Ferries have resumed normal operations after a 2-day suspension due to strong winds and waves in the Gulf of Thailand, according to Surat Thani’s governor.

At 5:30am yesterday local media reported the ferry services in Koh Samui in the Ang Thong subdistrict have re-opened again after being suspended for two days. Continued …

Khao San Road runs short of staff to serve flood of festive tourists

Business is roaring again on Khao San Road as foreign tourists return to celebrate Christmas and New Year. However, business owners in the Bangkok backpacking haven are suffering staff shortages as visitor numbers soar.

Abandoned by foreign tourists for almost three years of Covid-19, Khao San hotels, bars and other businesses have rebounded to almost pre-pandemic levels as Thailand’s high season takes off.

Sanga Rueangwattnakun, president of the Khaosan Road Business Assn., said local business operators are still short-staffed after most workers were laid off or left their jobs during the pandemic. Continued …

Nothing like the North: 5 peak experiences in Thailand’s highlands

Tourists are once again heading north in Thailand as cold weather and seas of mist signal the start of high season.

Here are five unmissable northern tourist attractions for the New Year holiday.

Pang Ung, Mae Hong Son

Visitors to the “Switzerland of Thailand” are immersed in a chilly alpine atmosphere of lakes, mountains and pine forests. Swans gliding serenely by add to the romantic vibe. Villagers under the Pang Tong Royal Development Project protect this pristine environment with sustainable agriculture that bears delicious fruits. Check out the avocados. Continued …

Thai AirAsia aims to lure 20M passengers next year

Thai AirAsia is setting goals for next year in line with tourism growth and revenue from the international market increasing to 60%, up from 40%, aiming for total passengers of at least 20 million.

Santisuk Klongchaiya, chief executive of Thai AirAsia (TAA), said overall passengers this year should total 10 million, which is close to the number of foreign arrivals expected to arrive in Thailand in 2022. Continued …

Health minister confident COVID infections over New Year are controllable

Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is confident that COVID-19 infections during the New Year celebrations will be kept under control, as the Public Health Ministry is fully equipped with manpower and medical supplies to cope with the situation.

He did, however, express concern over those who are over 60, have kidney or heart diseases or cancer, saying that it is imperative that they get vaccinated or are fully vaccinated, to reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

He said that everyone should receive at least four doses of vaccine, which will enhance their ability to avoid serious illness if they become infected, adding that he has been informed that more people have recently been turning up for inoculation. Continued …

Waiting for new Covid vaccines? There’s no point, says doctor

A respiratory specialist has advised people to protect themselves against Covid-19 with currently available vaccines rather than waiting for next-generation vaccines.

Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs of Vichaiyut Hospital explained on Tuesday that the Covid virus is mutating too quickly for next-gen vaccines to keep up.

The next-gen vaccines will target the current dominant strain in Thailand, but this will soon be replaced by new Omicron subvariants, such as BQ.1 and XBB, said Manoon. The new-gen vaccines will not be as effective against these new subvariants, he added. Continued …

Floods hit Malaysia hard, tens of thousands displaced

Floods are hitting Malaysia hard, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced. As of last night, 45,000 victims had been evacuated to relief centers in five states in Malaysia’s peninsula. Continued …

Taliban bans university education for Afghan girls

The Taliban authorities on Tuesday ordered a nationwide ban on university education for females, as the hardline Islamists continue to crush Afghan women’s right to education and freedom. Continued …

Putin says situation in annexed regions ‘extremely difficult’

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday the situation in four territories of Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed but does not control militarily was “extremely difficult”. Continued …

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