el nino haze crisis -

Thailand Hikes Entrance Fees for Foreign Visitors at Historical Attractions/
Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand from July 29 to Aug. 1/
Soi dog from Hua Hin Railway Station finds new home/
As El Nino fuels fire risk, Southeast Asia prepares for haze crisis/
Key considerations when applying for a business license in Thailand/
Don Mueang Airport’s Director Transferred Over Horrific Accident/
Group works to end frozen British expat pensions/
Locals complain as Phetchaburi overrun with thieving macaques/
Pa thong ko named fifth best street food sweet in the world/
Thailand election: MFP seeks reconsideration of Pita’s prime ministerial candidacy/What Pheu Thai’s policies mean for the people and the economy/Meeting in Hong Kong Sparks Speculation on Government Formation/
Economy: Thai GDP growth forecast sees downward revision as tourism revenue below estimates/Rising cost of living top concern among Thais/Thailand ranks 7th among world tea producers/
Tourism: Low-cost carriers ramp up China flights/
Thailand Experience: 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park/
International: Cambodia leader to step down in 3 weeks, his son will succeed him/China, Taiwan Prepare For Their Most Powerful Typhoon This Year/’Second wave has begun’: Ukraine makes push for southern province/Global warming contributing to rise in skin cancer/
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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Thailand Hikes Entrance Fees for Foreign Visitors at Historical Attractions

In a recent move by the Thai government, entrance fees for foreign visitors at historical landmarks have been raised.

This amendment affects both registered historical locations and 72 national museums across the country. However, the fees for Thai nationals will remain consistent with the rates set in 2008. Continued …

Heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand from July 29 to Aug. 1

People living in northern, northeastern, central and southern Thailand can expect heavy to very heavy rain and accumulations, which may cause flash floods and overflows, especially along waterways and lowland from July 29 to Aug. 1, according to the Meteorological Department.

It says that a moderate monsoon trough will move south, to lie across northern Laos, meeting a low pressure cell over the coast of northern Vietnam. In the meantime, the southwest monsoon prevailing over Thailand will strengthen. Continued …

Soi dog from Hua Hin Railway Station finds new home

A heartwarming story about a stray dog in Hua Hin named Chao Long has captured the attention and affection of netizens in Thailand after it went viral on social media earlier this month.

The story revolves around the Hua Hin Railway Police, who had been caring for the dog, and the uncertain fate that awaited Chao Long when the railway police station was slated for closure. Continued …

As El Nino fuels fire risk, Southeast Asia prepares for haze crisis

Southeast Asian nations are gearing up to tackle the threat of a tougher-than-usual “haze” season together, as the El Nino climate phenomenon raises the risk of soaring temperatures.

Ministers and officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Singapore last month, where they vowed to ramp up monitoring of wildfires and efforts to prevent air pollution, and finalize a new plan to boost cooperation. Continued …

Key considerations when applying for a business license in Thailand

Starting a business in a foreign country can be a challenging and complex endeavor, especially when it comes to navigating the legal landscape. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on Thailand law firms and legal services, specifically tailored for entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their businesses in this captivating country.

We aim to break down complex concepts and guide you through the essentials, so you can focus on what truly matters – growing your business in Thailand and achieving success throughout the dynamic market. Continued …

Don Mueang Airport’s Director Transferred Over Horrific Accident

The Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) yesterday transferred the director of Don Mueang Airport to the head office after a female passenger’s left leg was severed to the knee upon being swallowed by a moving walkway on June 29.

The director, Karun Thanakuljeerapat, will now assume the position of a consultant at the head office, while Wichit Kaewsaithiam, the director of Chiang Mai Airport, replaces him at Don Mueang. Continued …

Group works to end frozen British expat pensions

A new page and associated group has been created to assist and support the campaign to “End Frozen Pensions” – for those affected British ex-pats who live in Thailand.

Frozen state pensions is the practice of the British government of “freezing” UK state pensions (that is, not uprating the amount in line with “Triple Lock” on an annual basis, as is done for residents in the UK), for pensioners who live in the majority of other countries, apart from the European Community countries and a few other countries with reciprocal agreements with the UK. Continued …

Locals complain as Phetchaburi overrun with thieving macaques

Phetchaburi authorities are pushing for long-tailed macaques to be removed from the protected animals list because their population has been rising and they are becoming a nuisance for the locals.

Provincial Gov. Natthachai Nampoolsuksan visited the Phra Nakhon Khiri Park on Tuesday after receiving complaints that the long-tailed macaques living in the area have been disturbing locals. Continued …

Pa thong ko named fifth best street food sweet in the world

TasteAtlas, the renowned food website, released its rankings for street food desserts. Topping the list at number one with a rating of 4.8 points is the Portuguese delicacy pastel de nata.

However, Thai street food fares just as well, showcasing its culinary prowess. The delectable Thai snack pa thong ko secured the fifth spot, earning a highly commendable rating of 4.6 points. Continued …

MFP seeks reconsideration of Pita’s prime ministerial candidacy

The Move Forward Party (MFP) is determined to push for a reconsideration of Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate, urging the National Assembly to handle the matter internally without involving the Constitution Court.

The scheduled Parliament meeting for prime minister (PM) selection, initially set for July 27, took an unexpected turn when Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, also known as Wan Nor, suddenly canceled it. This decision came in response to a complaint filed with the Constitution Court by the ombudsman regarding the rejection of Pita’s candidacy. Continued …

What Pheu Thai’s policies mean for the people and the economy

The Pheu Thai Party’s economic platform is back in focus now that it has been tasked with the responsibility of forming the next government.

Pheu Thai, which has the second highest number of seats in the House of Representatives, finds itself in the driver’s seat after coalition leader Move Forward failed to get its candidate elected prime minister. Continued …

Meeting in Hong Kong Sparks Speculation on Government Formation

News reports that Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul met with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong before Thaksin’s latest announcement of his return to Thailand on Aug. 10 have dominated the airwaves.

Following the alleged meeting, the Pheu Thai’s meeting with coalition partners on Tuesday was canceled, and the prime minister voting that was set for Thursday has been postponed. Continued …

Thai GDP growth forecast sees downward revision as tourism revenue below estimates

The Ministry of Finance has revised down Thailand’s economic growth projection this year to 3.5%, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate of 3.6%.

The downward adjustment is due to assumptions of reduced per capita spending by tourists per trip, although the number of tourists is still expected to be around 29.5 million. Additionally, exports are expected to contract by 0.8%, according to Fiscal Policy Office Director-general Pornchai Thiraveja. Continued …

Rising cost of living top concern among Thais

Ipsos, a market research and consumer opinion survey company, has just published the results of its survey on the issues that most concern people in 30 countries around the globe.

For Thailand, where the survey covered the past six months and involved a sample group of 6,000 people aged 18 and above, representing the demographics across the country, the top five concerns were given as follows: Continued …

Thailand ranks 7th among world tea producers

Data compiled on the global tea market in 2022 reveal that worldwide tea production is valued at over US$17 billion annually, while the global tea trade is valued at US$9.5 billion, with the main revenue coming from tea exports.

It’s a market that’s expanding at 6%-7% annually, and by 2025 the culture of consuming tea is projected to increase by 5%, for a total of 7.4 million kilograms of tea, says Asst. Prof Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun, head of the Tea and Coffee Institute at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai. Continued …

Low-cost carriers ramp up China flights

Low-cost airlines are ramping up flights to China, although capacity continues to lag the level recorded prior to the pandemic, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) doesn’t wish to rush into using a visa fee waiver scheme to attract more foreign tourists.

Despite lifting border restrictions since the beginning of this year, which was earlier than expected, the tourism market is expected to only recover to less than 50% of the level seen in 2019, which peaked at roughly 10 million. Continued …

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park

Travelers planning a trip to Thailand should consider visiting Khao Sok National Park as part of their itinerary. While it’s easy to spend a full week lounging on the beaches in the Phi Phi Islands (which also offer free things to do for budget travelers) or scuba diving in Koh Tao (home to some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world), there’s more to discover in the country’s south.

Khao Sok National Park is worth spending a few days exploring, as it’s home to some of the most amazing hidden gems in Thailand. Find out more about why it’s worth travelers’ attention and what to know before going. Continued …

Cambodia leader to step down in 3 weeks, his son will succeed him

Longtime Cambodian leader Hun Sen said Wednesday he will step down in three weeks as prime minister and hand the position to his oldest son, who won his first seat in Parliament in Sunday’s election. Continued …

China, Taiwan Prepare For Their Most Powerful Typhoon This Year

China urged fishing boats to seek shelter and farmers to speed up their harvest, while Taiwan suspended annual military drills as Super Typhoon Doksuri spiraled closer to East Asia, potentially reaching deep into China. Continued …

‘Second wave has begun’: Ukraine makes push for southern province

A major push in the southern Zaporizhzhia province Wednesday appears to signify Ukraine has launched a more aggressive phase of what so far has been a slow-developing counteroffensive aimed at recapturing territory from Russian occupation. Continued …

Global warming contributing to rise in skin cancer

Global warming is contributing to a rise in skin cancer globally, including Thailand, where rates are rising among women over 50 years of age. Rates of skin cancer rose about 1% per year among women aged 50 and older from 2015 to 2019 but stabilized among men, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets