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Rama II Road Death Toll Rises to Six/Thai Property Reforms/Songkhla declares disaster zones/Floods shut down hospitals/Flood aid for south/19 billion baht allocated for flood repairs/Inside Thailand’s rental marriage trend/Thailand to host 2025 SEA Games/Bangkok’s new pet rules/Civil service salary increase/German Developer Charged in Samui/Thailand’s new tax on expat income/ECONOMY: Tourism, private consumption boost economy/Government raises elderly allowance/Sizing up the recovery scheme/Thais shift to renting/Driving Phuket’s land prices/Top 10 Property Developers/Rice prices soar/TOURISM: 9 Travel Trends/Tourism talks to remove hurdles/Thailand US to Resume Direct Flights/Russian Tourists Swept Away/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Favorite Dishes from MICHELIN Guide Thailand/Craftsmen of Ban Bu/CLIMATE THAILAND: US hits Southeast Asian solar imports/Thailand’s hand-raised baby leatherback sea turtles/EGAT Plans for Carbon Neutrality/Recycled plastic for food packaging/Chinese EV companiesat Thailand expo/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

Steel Beam Collapse on Rama II Road Death Toll Rises to Six

The construction incident on Rama II Road has claimed the lives of six people, as rescue and recovery efforts are expected to take two to three days. Authorities have temporarily closed the road and diverted traffic and advised motorists to avoid the area.

Samut Sakhon Gov. Narit Niramaivong and other key officials, including Lt. Col. Santhiti Thammajai from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, inspected the site. “Our priority is clearing the debris and restoring traffic on this vital route, which serves many commuters,” said Narit. Efforts are underway to coordinate with the construction company to expedite debris removal and road repairs. Continued …

Thai Property Reforms: A Boon or Burden for Foreign Buyers?

Thailand is currently at a crossroads, deliberating potential reforms to its property laws that could significantly alter the landscape for foreign buyers. Prominent figures are advocating for changes to bolster foreign investment in the country’s real estate market, hoping to invigorate economic growth that has remained sluggish in recent years.

At present, Thailand’s property laws are quite restrictive to foreign ownership. Foreigners can own a maximum of 49% of condominium units in any building, ensuring that Thai citizens maintain majority control. Land leases, on the other hand, are typically capped at 30 years, a policy designed to prevent permanent foreign ownership over what is deemed a national asset. Continued …

All districts in Songkhla declared disaster zones

All 16 districts of the southern border province of Songkhla have been declared disaster zones due to severe floods, triggered by days of heavy rain, affecting more than 95,000 people.

On Friday, Songkhla Gov. Chotnarin Kerdsom signed an order to declare the 16 districts disaster zones after heavy downpours continuously pounded the tourist province from Nov. 22 to 28, inundating 671 villages. A total of 95,221 people from 48,947 households have been affected. Continued …

Pattani floods shut down hospitals

Four hospitals in the southern province of Pattani have been forced to close their doors as relentless floodwaters swamp their compounds, leaving patients to be evacuated to emergency field hospitals.

The disaster, which has engulfed Nong Chik, Yaring, Thung Yang Daeng, and Mae Lan hospitals, is wreaking havoc in this southern border province. The crisis, fueled by heavy rain and high sea tides, has created a dire situation, particularly in areas near the Pattani and Sai Buri rivers. Continued …

Government revs up flood aid in south

The government is stepping up efforts to help flood victims in several provinces in the south, as more than 240,000 households were hit by severe flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall.

Speaking after Friday’s mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she instructed Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit to oversee flood relief operations. Continued …

19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs

Thailand’s government has allocated 19 billion baht for infrastructure and utility repairs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, responding to the recent severe floods, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.

This announcement followed a Cabinet meeting conducted in Chiang Mai, where an economic and social development plan was approved, as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council. Continued …

‘Wife for hire’: Inside Thailand’s rental marriage trend

Thailand’s “rental wife” trend is turning heads and sparking heated debates. Dubbed the “black pearl” phenomenon, this controversial practice is thriving in Pattaya’s red-light districts, offering foreign tourists a temporary taste of companionship for a fee.

The practice, often called “temporary marriage,” sees women from impoverished rural areas become companions to tourists, offering services ranging from casual companionship to acting as tour guides. Contracts last anywhere from a few days to several months, with fees varying based on the woman’s looks, age, and education — ranging from US$1,600 to an eye-watering US$116,000. Continued …

Thailand to host 2025 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced yesterday that Thailand will host the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and ASEAN Para Games, with a budget of over 2 billion baht.

Thailand is set to host the 33rd SEA Games, which will take place in three main provinces: Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla, from Dec. 9 to 20, 2025. The country will then host the ASEAN Para Games from Jan. 20 to 26, 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima, a province in the Isaan region, also known as Korat. Continued …

A guide to Bangkok’s new pet rules

Tens of thousands of Bangkok residents have one year to comply with new city rules on keeping pets. A recent survey found that nearly 200,000 cats and dogs live in the capital, including about 29,000 strays – over 9,000 dogs and 19,900 cats. The remaining population are pets – 53,911 dogs and 115,821 cats.

City authorities have unveiled a radical plan to hold pet owners accountable for problem animals and curb the growing stray population by preventing pet abandonment. Continued …

Thai Cabinet approves civil service salary increase proposal

The Thai Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to adjust the starting salaries for new civil service recruits, with a bachelor’s degree holder earning no less than 18,000 baht and a vocational certificate holder receiving a minimum of 11,000 baht. This adjustment is expected to utilize a budget of 2.67 billion baht.

A meeting took place at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai yesterday. Karom Polpornklang, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, announced after the off-site Cabinet meeting that the proposal aims to adjust the initial salary rates and compensate those affected by economic changes. Continued …

German Developer Among 16 Charged in Samui in Thai nominee case

Police have charged 16 individuals, including a German national and several Thai nominees, in connection with an illegal luxury villa development scheme on Koh Samui island, Thailand’s Police Region 8 Commander Surapong Thanomchit announced yesterday.

The investigation began when Koh Samui municipal officials and the Office of the Ombudsman discovered 15 unauthorized building plots on hillside land during an inspection in February. The findings led to a formal complaint filed at Bo Phut Police Station regarding foreign business operations using Thai nominees. Continued …

Learn about Thailand’s new tax on expat income

Hua Hin Expat News listened in on an online webinar regarding the new tax on expat income to be implmented in Thailand next year. There is a great deal of confusion on this subject and the group presenting the webinar has researched how it affects expats from a number of countries.

The group has a website offering insight into this new expat tax HERE.

Before sending a question, however, they suggest looking at its Frequently Asked Questions page, where they have answered hundreds of questions already.

You may also find valuable information in their Insights and Videos sections, which cover a range of common tax topics and practical advice.

Tourism and private consumption boost Thailand’s economy: BOT

The Thai economy has demonstrated positive momentum over the past month, propelled by a significant surge in tourism revenue and robust private consumption, partly fueled by the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout scheme, according to the Bank of Thailand (BOT) on Friday.

This economic upturn is characterized by increased trade activities and a rebound in manufacturing production, driven by improved exports — excluding automobiles — and stronger domestic demand. Government spending has expanded, reflecting both current and investment expenditures. However, some sectors continue to face challenges due to persistent structural issues, the BOT said. Continued …

Government raises elderly allowance, adjusts money for children, disabled

The cabinet agreed on Friday to raise the monthly allowance for senior citizens and adjust the allowances for children and the disabled.

The elderly allowance will be increased according to age brackets, said government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap. The new allowances for the elderly are as follows: Continued …

Sizing up the recovery scheme

The economic slowdown across the industrial, agricultural and trade sectors, coupled with a persistently high level of household debt, have hampered low-income earners and entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In the short term, the government remains focused on increasing income and easing the cost of living for vulnerable groups, offering subsidies for low-income earners, people with disabilities and the elderly. Continued …

Thais shift to renting as property market booms in tourist cities

This year has presented significant challenges to Thailand’s real estate market, marked by slow economic growth, weakened purchasing power and rising household debt. Adding to the strain, banks have tightened credit approvals and interest rates remain high.

Phuwanai Phattaraphokin, CEO of LivingInsider Co., a real-estate platform, said at the NEXT 7.0 Conference on Thursday that data shows consumer searches for rental properties surged to 57 million views this year, a 13% increase from 2023. In contrast, searches for properties to buy dropped to 47 million views, down 20% year-on-year. Continued …

Five booming businesses driving Phuket’s land prices sky high

Phuket, the island resort province in the Andaman Sea, in the south of Thailand, is enjoying a booming economy and increasing land prices, thanks to the growth of supporting businesses, leading property developer Sansiri said on Friday.

Driven mainly by tourism, Phuket’s economy is estimated to be worth around 500 billion baht, making it the second biggest economy following Bangkok, Sansiri Chief Executive Uthai Uthaisangsuk said. Continued …

Top 10 Property Developers in Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant real estate market, particularly in the luxury segment. As more people seek to invest in luxury villas for sale, understanding the top property developers is essential. This article highlights the leading developers in Thailand, showcasing their unique offerings and contributions to the market.

1. Sansiri

Sansiri is one of Thailand’s oldest and largest property developers, established in 1984. They are known for their high-quality projects and diverse range of residential properties. Whether you are looking for a condo, townhouse, or even a luxury mansion, Sansiri has something to offer for everyone. Continued …

Rice prices soar as global markets heat up

Global rice markets are heating up as prices for parboiled rice surged this week, driven by robust demand in major export hubs India and Thailand. After three weeks of stability, Indian and Thai exporters are now cashing in on renewed interest, while Vietnamese traders grapple with stagnant sales.

India, the world’s largest rice exporter, saw its 5% broken parboiled rice hit US$445 to US$453 per ton, its highest since Oct. 24, up from US$440 to US$447. Indian 5% broken white rice also rose to US$450 to US$458 per ton, compared to last week’s US$445 to US$452, said a Kolkata-based exporter. Continued …

9 Travel Trends in 2025: Redefining travel for the year ahead

From addressing travel is life in the previous year, travelers are “rewriting their playbook” in 2025; defying the rules of conventional getaways, and, as a result, forging new connections with themselves, their loved ones, those they meet along the way, as well as the destinations they visit.

To understand how people plan to break away from the status quo, Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories to present nine travel predictions that foresee 2025 being the year that ushers in new ways of experiencing the world – from millennials rethinking the airport experience to thrill-seeking boomers. Continued …

Tourism talks aim to remove hurdles

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is planning a discussion with representatives of four groups — shopping malls, foreign ambassadors, online travel agents and hoteliers — about how to remove obstacles in the tourism sector.

Now that the government has declared 2025 the “Grand Tourism and Sports Year”, the ministry wants to enhance tourism performance, said Vice Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham. It will start by gathering information from key stakeholders to formulate short-, medium- and long-term plans to improve the industry. Continued …

Thailand and US Set to Resume Direct Flights by February

Direct flights between Thailand and the United States are poised to restart in February, following the expected upgrade of Thailand’s aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced positive evaluations from the FAA after a recent inspection. The FAA conducted its review from Nov. 11-15, where the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) received high marks, indicating a significant boost in the country’s aviation safety standards. Continued …

Russian Tourists Swept Away by Waves at Koh Samui Viewpoint

Two Russian tourists are missing after being swept into the sea by powerful waves at a scenic viewpoint on Koh Samui, despite warning signs advising against entering the area.

The incident occurred yesterday afternoon when a Russian woman drove a red car to the Laad Viewpoint in Bo Phut, Koh Samui. She and a male companion ventured down to the rocks below the viewpoint with a pink inflatable mat. Continued …

MICHELIN Inspectors Share Their Favorite Dishes from MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025

As The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 makes its grand debut, we’re taking a closer look at the standout dishes that wowed our secretive Inspectors. We asked our Inspectors to recount their most unforgettable dining experiences in Thailand.

Their picks were as dynamic as Thailand’s cuisine itself — featuring creative delicacies, time-honored recipes, and inspired innovations born of each chef’s distinct artistry. Continued …

The craftsmen of Ban Bu

Ban Bu, an artisan community located along the banks of the Bangkok Noi canal, is renowned for its meticulous production of khan long hin, or stone-polished bronze ware. This traditional craft has its roots in the Ayutthaya period. Video …

US hits Southeast Asian solar imports with duties up to 271%

Solar imports from Southeast Asia are being unfairly sold in the U.S. below their production costs, according to initial findings of a Commerce Department review that laid out duties of as much as 271% to counteract the practice.

The preliminary determination released yesterday marks another victory for U.S. solar panel makers that argued those cheap imports are harming their business and undermining government investments meant to nurture a domestic supply chain. Continued …

Thailand’s hand-raised baby leatherback sea turtles fight extinction

Thailand is only one of five countries in the world to have successfully raised and released newborn leatherback sea turtles back to the wild. The leatherback sea turtle is one of seven sea turtle species facing extinction and it plays a huge role in the marine ecosystem. The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) aims to protect it by taking care of newborns that typically face low survival rates, and releasing them into the wild once they are ready. Video …

EGAT Unveils Plans for Carbon Neutrality by 2030

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) reaffirmed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 during its participation in a side event at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Representing EGAT, Dr. Pisut Painmanakul participated in the seminar “Energy Transition towards Carbon Neutrality”, where the organization presented its strategic framework under the 4D1E policy and highlighted its progress in renewable energy initiatives. Continued …

Thailand pioneering the use of recycled plastic for food packaging

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Thailand, a nation grappling with a severe plastic waste crisis, is pioneering the use of recycled plastic (rPET) for food packaging.

This innovative approach, spearheaded by the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. The move is also expected to help the country address the plastic waste crisis. Continued …

Chinese EV companies set to shine at Thailand expo

Chinese electric vehicle brands are among the most anticipated participants at the 41st Bangkok International Motor Expo, which kicked off on Friday.

With many brands set to reveal new models, analysts said Chinese automakers are expected to play a key role in lifting Thai car sales in the second half of this year. Running until Dec. 10, the expo offers 42 car brands from nine countries, 22 motorcycle brands from seven countries, and five used car firms the chance to reach an estimated 1.5 million visitors. Continued …