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Monday’s news-Sept 21

September 21, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News

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Breakfast at Anantasila/Hua Hin beacfront owners request delay/Sivana Hills debuts new pool villas/Heavy rain, flood warning/Surat Thani floods shut Highway 401/Deadly night of violence in Yala/533-million-baht cannabis shipment/Delivery driver pay/Man dies trying to save newborn puppies
THE IRAN WAR: US-Iran conflict raises Thai shipping cost risks
ECONOMY: US tariff deal ‘taking shape’/Co-payment scheme spending
TOURISM: Thailand Opens E-Gate Immigration/Songkhla woman dies at Pha Taem falls/Thai Airways higher in global rankings
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 7-Eleven Thailand Guide/Python blamed for disappearance of 25 roosters/Kaeng I Khiao in Ubon Ratchathani/Unprecedented El Niño/Data-center boom raises clean-power challenge/Coffee market moves toward sustainability
FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Breakfast at the Anantasila Beach Restaurant

What a way to start a day! Watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand, cool ocean breezes, with a gentle sea lapping at the white sand beach. And behind you is breakfast, served by the attentive staff of the Anantasila Beach Reataurant in Khao Takiab. Hendrik van den Heuvel is the executive food and beverage manager.

Expat News had the opportunity recently to sample the restaurant’s morning buffet, and was not disappointed. So much delicious food to choose from – made-to-order eggs (we tried the salmon omelette), breads and Danish made fresh on site, fruits of all kinds, and a variety of Thai dishes.

And don’t forget the coffee, made fresh from beans in a variety of styles. We tried the Americano and Caffe Latte, among the many options offered.

Hendrik van den Heuvel is the executive food and beverage manager, checks out the eggs to order station

The menu is changed regularly, but on our visit waiting for hungry diners was fish rice soup (a Thai breakfast staple), Jasmine and white rice, egg Thai fried rice, stir-fried noodles with chicken, bell pepper with beef, pork red curry, baked beans, grilled tomato, hash browns, sausages, cold cuts, cheese, juices, and waffles with real maple syrup.

The beach bar and restaurant veranda give access to beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab shoreline. The restaurant’s tree-canopied outdoor dining area offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 am-11 pm. and welcomes all residents and non-residents. For reservation, Tel : +66 32 527 638; Email : fb@anantasila.com; Web.

Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay

Building owners have petitioned Hua Hin City Municipality to postpone waterfront demolition scheduled to begin on , Friday, citing a pending appeal over their claimed land rights.

The petition concerns 15 buildings between the fishing pier and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine that the municipality plans to remove from public land following court rulings. Continued …

Sivana Hills debuts new pool villas in Khao Tao

Sivana Hills held an open house on Saturday showcasing its new pool villa development on Soi 126 in Hua Hin’s Khao Tao area.

The 56-villa project offers four layouts, each with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private swimming pool. Prices start from 12.5 million baht. Continued …

Heavy rain, flood warning for Hua Hin, PKK

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of heavy rain across Thailand today, naming 55 provinces in its regional forecasts and also warning Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the south, east coast, region during Sept. 21–22, according to the TMD, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Continued …

Surat Thani floods shut Highway 401, tourists evacuated

Heavy rain flooded part of Highway 401 in Surat Thani on Saturday, leaving the route impassable to small vehicles and leading officials to evacuate Thai and foreign tourists from the affected area.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent officers to Khlong Sok subdistrict, where floodwater made travel difficult. The area is on a key road corridor used by travelers heading between Surat Thani and Thailand’s Andaman coast. Continued …

Deadly night of violence in Yala

A deadly night of violence hit Yala’s Bannang Sata district before security forces moved in yesterday. Assistant village headman Hamdee Jehsoh, 42, was shot dead in a roadside ambush. Hours later, attackers struck Highway 410, burning tires, scattering road spikes and leaving a suspicious wired object.

CCTV cameras were destroyed, construction machinery torched and a civilian vehicle burned. Gov. Kongsakul Chantharat tightened security and ordered increased patrols. Meanwhile, police launched separate investigations into the murder and overnight attacks, with no link yet confirmed. Continued …

Hong Kong seizes 533-million-baht cannabis shipment from Thailand

Hong Kong customs has made its largest-ever drug seizure from a sea shipment, finding cannabis worth HK$125 million, or about 530 million baht, in a 40-foot container declared as arriving from Thailand.

The Customs and Excise Department said the container was examined at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound earlier this month after a risk assessment and intelligence analysis. It had been declared as carrying insulated boxes. Continued …

Ministry makes headway on delivery driver pay

Thailand is developing a driver payment framework to establish a fair minimum payment standard and serve as a common reference for the delivery industry. The initiative aims to create a structure that reflects actual costs, such as vehicle types, distance, and working time, while providing a foundation for future regulations to protect platform workers.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) are working to address growing concerns from drivers regarding insufficient earnings and unfair service cuts. Beyond pay, the framework seeks to address issues like lack of welfare, transparency in algorithmic decisions, and the need for better compensation for vehicle maintenance and insurance. Currently, the ETDA has proposed a preliminary benchmark of 5 baht per kilometer to help determine a fair compensation point for delivery riders. – Bangkok Post

Chon Buri man dies trying to save newborn puppies from flood

A man has died inside a burrow in Chon Buri after going in to reach newborn puppies he feared would be flooded. Two of the puppies were found dead beside him.

Wanna Sae Li, 65, crawled into a burrow beside a drainage canal in Ban Bueng as the rain rose. Rescuers had to dig him out and found two newborn puppies at his fingertips. Continued …

Six-month US-Iran conflict raises Thai shipping cost risks

Disruption to Gulf shipping routes could raise transport costs and lengthen delivery times for Thai businesses, the Dubai office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) warned in a report.

The office urged companies to keep inventories and delivery arrangements flexible while retaining their presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand’s largest export market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Continued …

US tariff deal ‘taking shape’

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that Thailand has secured its desired tariff rate from the United States, though one final condition from Washington still needs to be finalized.

The specific numerical tariff rate secured has not been explicitly disclosed, but the prime minister indicated that the negotiations proceeded as expected. Previously, in July, the US had imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai imports, an increase from the prior 10% rate, citing concerns over production capacity and labor practices. The Thai government has been working to ensure trade conditions remain competitive with regional rivals. – Bangkok Post

Over 161 billion baht spent under co-payment scheme

The cumulative spending under the government’s Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme has surpassed 161 billion baht. The Finance Ministry is expected to request a cabinet consideration to extend the program, which was designed to support the grassroots economy by easing household expenses and boosting purchasing power amidst rising living costs.

According to government figures, approximately people utilized their entitlements 326,040,623 times, with spending distributed among various sectors, including 43.551 billion baht for participating shops and 22.6 billion baht specifically for food delivery services. While the scheme has helped mitigate the impact of higher energy and living costs, officials are monitoring the potential for further measures if economic pressures persist. – Bangkok Post

Thailand Opens E-Gate Immigration To 33 Foreign Nationalities At Suvarnabhumi Airport

Following increased immigration traffic at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand has now made the immigration eGates widely accessible. The immigration department at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is now allowing citizens of 33 foreign countries to utilize the electronic gates in order to enter the country.

In addition to electronic entry for Thai citizens, roughly a year ago Thailand also opened the option for repeat visitors holding Singapore and Hong Kong passports to use the e-gates. Continued …

Songkhla woman dies after falling more than 10 meters at Pha Taem falls

A 48-year-old tourist slipped while photographing the second tier of Kwang Tone waterfall in Pha Taem National Park last Friday. Rescuers walked three kilometers of forest trail and took more than two hours to reach her.

Park staff and rescue volunteers found Wanwisa, who was 48 and from Songkhla province, with no vital signs. Officers gave CPR at the scene but could not revive her. Continued …

Thai Airways flies higher in global rankings

Thai Airways International has promised the best has yet to come after climbing up the global rankings and entering the top 20 best airlines list.

This year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards saw the Thai carrier moving up nine spots to 20th in the best airlines ranking, with Singapore Airlines regaining the top position after being surpassed last year by Qatar Airways. Continued …

7-Eleven Thailand Guide: What Tourists Should Eat, Buy and Try

For many Thai people, 7-Eleven is much more than a place to grab a quick snack. It has become part of everyday life, offering everything from morning coffee and ready-to-eat meals to drinks, beauty products, accessories and household essentials.

For travelers, 7-Eleven Thailand can also be an easy introduction to local daily life. Visitors can explore popular 7-Eleven Thailand food, discover products commonly bought by locals and pick up useful items while traveling around the country. Some branches even offer freshly prepared dishes or special experiences that are different from the standard store format. Continued …

Python blamed for disappearance of 25 roosters in Udon Thani

A three-meter python was captured after a homeowner in Udon Thani discovered it attacking chickens, solving the mystery of 25 fighting cocks that had disappeared over nearly two weeks.

Rescue workers from the Udon Thani Songserm Tham Foundation were called to a house on Udon Thani–Nong Samrong Road in Ban Bo Nam, Mu Mon subdistrict, on Saturday after the large snake was spotted in a pomelo tree. Continued …

Kaeng I Khiao in Ubon officially opens as new ecotourism destination

Protected Areas Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) officially opened Kaeng I Khiao as a new natural attraction at Buntharik-Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary in Kho Laen subdistrict, Buntharik district, Ubon Ratchathani province, on Friday.

The opening is intended to promote ecotourism, stimulate the grassroots economy and generate sustainable income for communities bordering the forest. Continued …

UN Warns of Unprecedented “El Niño” Intensity

The United Nations has issued a top-level warning: the world is facing a “Super El Niño,” shattering all previous heat records. This is closer than you think. Why do vulnerable areas like northern Thailand need to prepare now? Find out in this report. Video …

Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge

Thailand’s drive to attract data-center and artificial intelligence investment could bring major economic and technological opportunities, but speakers warned that growth must be matched by stronger water, energy and waste infrastructure, clear regulation and wider access to clean power.

Speaking during the roundtable discussion “Sustainable Thailand: No Choice Left — Ready to Stay in the Game?”, they highlighted the challenge of preventing large digital facilities from placing greater pressure on resources also needed by households, communities, manufacturers and smaller businesses, while ensuring the technology and infrastructure built around them create broader benefits for Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s 65-billion-baht coffee market moves toward sustainability

Thailand’s 65- billion-baht coffee market is moving beyond the beverage business, as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, experience and sustainability.

This shift is reflected in the coffee market’s growth in 2025 and the expansion of specialty coffee, while businesses are paying greater attention to reducing their environmental impact throughout the supply chain. Continued …

Taiwanese man held over Thai woman’s body in freezer

Taiwanese police have detained a 43-year-old man surnamed Wu on suspicion of murdering his 36-year-old Thai girlfriend, identified as “Art”, and concealing her body in a freezer for six days at his workplace in Taichung. Continued …

Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow

Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight Saturday, including hundreds that were launched toward Moscow, officials said yesterday, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. Continued …

Macron, Carney pledge closer ties in Atlantic island meeting

The leaders of France and Canada yesterday pledged closer ties to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and the erosion of democratic values, after they met in the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Canada’s Atlantic coast. Video …

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Wednesday’s news-July 22

July 22, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News

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Sheraton Hua Hin Receives Award//Hua Hin video/Fuel prices rise/Deeper graft crisis/Better healthcare and job training in prisons/1.6 tons of cannabis seized
THE IRAN WAR: Oil hits five-week high/The Persian threshold of pain/Iran control of Hormuz ‘dangerous precedent’
ECONOMY: Thai Banks Post Profits/Thailand’s Secret Weapon/To raise Thai competitiveness
TOURISM: Baggage inspections without passengers/Government targets resorts/Fight for Nui Beach
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Why You Should Skip This Thai Island/Listening to Buffalo Herders/3 sites for UNESCO list/Where to eat in Bangkok/Khao Tom is cool again
CLIMATE THAILAND: Mother of all supply shocks
FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

Sheraton Hua Hin Receives the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, a five-star beachfront resort located between Hua Hin and Cha-am and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has announced it has been awarded the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, recognizing its excellence in environmental management and commitment to sustainable tourism.

As part of its sustainability journey, the resort has implemented a wide range of initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible hospitality. These include reducing single-use plastics through the use of water filtration systems and glass bottles, implementing energy-saving systems in meeting facilities, and operating an on-site wastewater treatment system that allows treated water to be reused for landscape irrigation. Continued …

How Livable Really … is Hua Hin

Dreaming of a life in Thailand that’s both vibrant and affordable? Join me on a journey through Hua Hin, a charming coastal town that offers incredible livability! In this video, I’ll address what you need to know about making Hua Hin your home, from where to stay to how to navigate the town like a local.

We’ll dive deep into Hua Hin’s incredible array of street markets and bustling night markets, where you’ll find everything from delicious Thai food and fresh seafood to local crafts. You’ll see the vibrant food courts where you can sample culinary delights, and we’ll even check out the live music scene for some evening entertainment. Video …

Fuel prices rise by 85 satang per liter from today

Fuel prices rose by 85 satang per liter across most product categories in Thailand today, following new retail price announcements by PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp.

The revised prices took effect at 5 am and apply to most petrol, gasohol and diesel products sold by PTT Station and Bangchak. Selected premium fuels remained unchanged. The adjustment is equivalent to 0.85 baht, or 85 satang, per liter. Continued …

Watchdog warns of deeper graft crisis

An anti-corruption watchdog has urged the government to step up its fight against graft after a local government recruitment exam scandal, warning the case exposes deep-rooted problems in the bureaucracy and could damage Thailand’s international reputation.

Speaking at a Senate seminar on Sunday on OECD anti-corruption standards and Thailand’s bid for membership, Kittidet Chantangkul, director of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), said the alleged fraud showed corruption had penetrated the civil service recruitment system. Continued …

Ex-inmates call for better healthcare and job training in prisons

The House subcommittee on prison reform invited four former inmates to share their experiences and propose improvements in welfare, healthcare and rehabilitation.

Their suggestions included better medical treatment along with vocational training consistent with the needs of the modern-day job market. Continued …

1.6 tons of cannabis bound for Netherlands seized

Thai customs officials have seized 1.6 tons of dried cannabis buds concealed among blankets and duvet covers in two export containers destined for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province.

The seizure took place on Monday during an operation involving customs officials, with representatives from the shipping line and the port authority also present. The exporter had declared the cargo as 626 packages of blankets and duvet covers with a combined weight of 32,390 kilograms, customs authorities said yesterday. Continued …

Oil hits five-week high as Middle East supply fears deepen

Global oil prices climbed about 2% to their highest closing levels in five weeks yesterday, as escalating conflict in the Middle East intensified concerns over possible disruption to major energy supply routes.

Brent crude futures for September delivery rose US$1.79, or 2.01%, to settle at US$91.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$1.68, or 2.02%, to close at US$84.91 a barrel. Continued …

Donald Trump and the Persian threshold of pain

It would be so easy for Donald Trump to escape from the trap he has built for himself in the Persian Gulf. Just declare a victory and leave.

So what if the Iranians also declare a victory (with a lot more accuracy)? The “nuclear weapons” that gave Trump (and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu) a pretext for attacking Iran never really existed. This would be as close to cost-free for the United States as a lost war ever gets: only a dozen American dead (17 actually). Continued …

Allowing Iran control of Hormuz ‘dangerous precedent’, Rubio tells ASEAN

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Southeast Asian foreign ministers today that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent with repercussions beyond the Middle East.

(Editor: How stupid do you think ASEAN leaders are, Mr. Rubio? The US is the one responsible for the problem, which didn’t exist until you invaded Iran – after cancelling a peace/nuclear deal that was working.)

His comments came as US Central Command said it had begun striking military targets in Iran for the “11th consecutive night” in a bid to degrade the country’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the waterway. Continued …

Thai Banks Post 101-billion-baht H1 Profit

Six of Thailand’s largest listed banks reported a combined net profit of approximately 101.4 billion baht for the first half of 2026, as wealth management and fee income cushioned the impact of falling interest margins, though ratings agency Fitch has warned that earnings and asset quality across the sector face further pressure in the second half of the year.

The six lenders — SCB X Public Co. (SCBX), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Bangkok Bank (BBL), Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri/BAY), TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP) — posted a mixed set of results, with some seeing profits decline on shrinking net interest income while others benefited from strong non-interest revenue, disciplined cost control and lower provisioning. Continued …

How Supply Chains Became Thailand’s Secret Weapon

Long considered a routine back-office operation focused on cutting costs, supply chain strategy has emerged as Thailand’s most powerful economic weapon in navigating a chaotic global landscape.

At the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Sustainability Forum yesterday, market regulators, financiers, and industrial heavyweights outlined how the kingdom is weaponizing supply chain resilience, digital integration, and carbon transparency to outperform regional rivals amid escalating trade conflicts and geopolitical decoupling. Continued …

Finance minister vows to raise Thai competitiveness

The government wants Thailand to break into the top 20 in a global competitiveness ranking over the next four years, rising from 26th. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the administration also seeks to raise the country’s potential economic growth rate from the 2.7% estimated by the Bank of Thailand to more than 3%.

Speaking at a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) seminar yesterday, Ekniti said the Board of Investment’s (BoI) investment strategy is no longer focused primarily on the number or value of investment projects, but rather on the quality of investment, including technology transfers. Continued …

Thailand airports to allow baggage inspections without passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will introduce new rules allowing security officers to open checked baggage without passengers present if X-ray screening detects potentially dangerous items. The regulations take effect on Oct.16.

The new rules apply to checked baggage and are intended to strengthen airport security in line with international standards. Under the regulations, security officers may inspect checked luggage if X-ray images reveal prohibited items, suspicious objects or anything that could pose a risk to aviation security. Continued …

Government targets resorts on park land

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has intensified its crackdown on illegal resorts in Thap Lan National Park, ordering demolitions and preparing asset seizures and money-laundering charges against investors.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said yesterday the ministry remains committed to eliminating illegal land occupation within the national park and assisting local residents who qualify for legal land rights to claim land ownership in the area. Continued …

The never-ending fight for Nui Beach

More than a decade after the courts ruled that the land at Nui Beach belonged to the state, authorities on Monday returned to the popular Phuket beach to demolish 50 illegal structures built by encroachers.

About 400 officials from the Royal Forest Department and related agencies took part in the operation, marking the second demolition attempt since the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered the revocation of Nor Sor 3 land documents covering plots within the Khao Nak Kerd National Reserved Forest. Continued …

Why You Should Skip This Thai Island

After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach cost something like $2 USD, and there really was a last boat for the season.

There wasn’t much to do here but that was the point. You hung out on the beach, read a book, went snorkeling, went back to the beach, drank beers at the one beach bar on the island, rotated meals between the five restaurants there, and went to bed early. Continued …

Listening to Buffalo Herders

What does One Health look like when it leaves the conference room? Not as a diagram with humans, animals and environments connected by arrows. Not as a policy phrase either.

In Ban Huay Phan, a Lua village in Nan Province, northern Thailand, One Health looks more like rice fields, forest paths, muddy salt licks, animal tracks, village rituals, and long conversations with people who have watched buffaloes for decades. The village has around 180 inhabitants and roughly 300 buffaloes. Continued …

Senators propose 3 sites for UNESCO list

A campaign has been launched to nominate Kanchanaburi’s Death Railway, ancient Chiang Saen and historic Chiang Mai for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The move is spearheaded by senators Sahaphan Rungrojpanich of Kanchanaburi, Maneerat Khemawong of Chiang Rai and Prayad Jatupornpitakkul of Chiang Mai, along with the World Heritage Conservation Club civic network. Continued …

Where to eat in Bangkok, from street food to fine dining

It was street food that first put Bangkok on the map as a culinary destination. From sweet and savoury stuffed crepes at morning markets like Trok Mor to wok-tossed noodles licked by leaping flames in Chinatown, casual dining here is an exhilarating sensory experience.

Part of that is down to sheer variety. Portuguese-inspired sweets and Indian- and Arab-spiced curries are evidence of the influences absorbed into Thai cuisine over the centuries. Bangkok offers the full flavor spectrum — whether it’s fresh and vegetal or sour and zesty, tropical sweetness or scorching spice. Continued …

Khao Tom is cool again

As the robots threaten to take it all away from us, nostalgia has never rung louder. On the food scene, we’ve noticed a series of stylish khao tom spots opening across Bangkok.

Not only reserved for late nights, hungover mornings, or in a hospital bed, the humble Thai rice soup has received a modern makeover. We’re calling it: khao tom is cool now. Here’s why. Continued …

Brace yourself, we’re about to be hit by what could be the mother of all supply shocks

There’s a new threat on the horizon that could soon sweep the world, raising food and energy prices and disrupting supply chains at a time when the world is least able to cope. It’s called El Niño and forecasts are calling for the one of the strongest on record in the fourth quarter of this year — in other words a “super El Niño.”

“That matters because El Niño events can act as a multi-dimensional supply shock, with a causal link to higher food and energy prices, alongside broader supply-chain disruption,” said Henry Allen, macro strategist with Deutsche Bank Research Institute in a report out this week. Continued …

Swiss man arrested over alleged Patong Beach sexual abuse – Continued …
Brits arrested after Pattaya crypto robbery claim – Continued …
New Zealander held in Surat Thani over watch theft – Continued …
Foreign man sought after Bangla Road assault – Continued …

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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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Friday’s news-May 8

May 8, 2026 Hua Hin Expat News

60% chance of rain/Fuel prices drop/Not Enough To Overcome Addiction/Parents pawn gold for uniforms
THE IRAN WAR: Aviation operating at just over 60%/Major airlines cancel 194 flights/Naphtha vessel reaches Thailand
ECONOMY: Crackdown on foreign nominee businesses/Thai household debt warning grows/BOT rejects stagflation fears/Stimulus scheme to open registration/Six New Regional Airports/Empyrion Digital breaks ground on data center/Experimenting with salmon fish farming
TOURISM: Lure more Indian tourists
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Temple Dogs on River Alms Round/Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony/Thailand without the crowds
CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand Pushes Forward Climate Change Legislation/Sea temperatures near all-time highs
FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS

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60% chance of rain forecast locally

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain in some areas today, as another surge of high pressure (cool air mass) spreads over the upper northeast and the South China Sea.

Thunderstorms are expected in 60% of areas along the western Gulf, with heavy to very heavy rain in places, especially Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Continued …

Fuel prices drop 85 satang as PTT and Bangchak cut diesel and petrol

PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) reduced retail fuel prices across major diesel and petrol products today. The price cut covered diesel B7, diesel B20, premium diesel, benzine, Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, E85 and E20, all of which were lowered by 85 satang per liter.

Bangchak’s Gasohol 98+ was reduced by 95 satang per liter. As a result, retail fuel prices in Bangkok, excluding local maintenance tax, are as follows: Continued …

Why Willpower Alone Is Not Enough To Overcome Addiction

For anyone who has watched a loved one struggle with addiction, or for those who have faced it themselves, a single, frustrating question often hangs in the air: “Why can’t you just stop?”

The question is born from a deeply held cultural belief that addiction is a failure of character, a deficit of willpower. It implies that if a person simply tried harder, summoned more inner strength, or wanted it enough, they could break free. Continued …

As parents pawn gold for uniforms, help is at hand

Pawnshops and community initiatives are expanding support measures as families prepare for the new school term amid rising living costs.

Across Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Phitsanulok, parents have begun pawning valuables to secure cash for uniforms, supplies and household expenses. Gold ornaments account for more than 90% of pledged items, alongside electrical appliances, agricultural tools, and even household items such as stone mortars. Continued …

Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Vilhelm International Academy launched in March 2026 and has is campus at “The Hub” in Hin Lek Fai, less than 10 minutes from the center of town. They provide mentor-led academic supervision for students studying through accredited online school programs, whether independently enrolled or through integrated programs offered at Vilhelm. This means that students follow a fixed timetable, complete coursework under supervision, and receive ongoing progress monitoring. They can do this whist studying for their GCSE’s, A-Levels, NCAA approved US courses, or any other online school they choose to use.

Unlike more traditional options, at the academy children can learn at their own pace, not being forced forward before they are ready and also not being held back by the rest of the class. When they are ready to move on they do so. By coming to the academy each day, they are able to complement their studies with activities that develop leadership skills, community service (such as the recent helmet initiative), complemented by daily sports and physical activity to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

You can visit the website for more details, or you can book an appointment to meet with the academy co-ordinator to discuss what you are looking for and explain what they can offer. There is a completely free five-day trial period that can be taken advantage of by anyone interested in seeing if the academy is the right fit for them.

Website; Email: info@vilhelminternationalacademy.com; Phone: +66 065 991 5500; Facebook; Map location.

Aviation operating at just over 60% as jet fuel takes 25%-40% of airline costs

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) says airlines have been forced to scale back operations as jet fuel costs surge, with flight schedules now running at just over 60% of pre-crisis operating plans amid heightened geopolitical tensions — particularly in the Middle East.

CAAT said the broader geopolitical situation remains volatile across multiple regions, but the Middle East conflict has intensified and appears increasingly prolonged. This has led some countries to restrict flight operations, close airspace, and prompted airlines to cancel flights or reroute services on multiple routes. Continued …

Major airlines cancel 194 flights and delay 2,603 in single day

Travelers across Asia were left stranded after major airlines cancelled hundreds of flights and delayed thousands of others in a single day. Thousands of people were affected by the disruptions across Thailand, Singapore, India, China, South Korea and Malaysia yesterday. It has been reported that 194 flights were cancelled and 2,603 delayed.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, was the worst-affected by the disruption with 365 delays. Haneda Airport in Tokyo experienced 282 delays, making it one of the busiest disrupted hubs in Asia and the second worst-affected. Continued …

SCGC’s first naphtha vessel reaches Thailand from Hormuz

SCG Chemicals, or SCGC, said yesterday its first vessel carrying naphtha feedstock from the Strait of Hormuz had arrived safely in Thailand, easing concerns over raw-material supply for the domestic petrochemical industry.

The vessel carried 55,000 tons of naphtha, enough to support the production of about 20,000 tons of plastic resin, the company said. SCGC said a second raw-material vessel, carrying 27,000 tons of naphtha, has not yet departed the Strait of Hormuz. Continued …

Thailand widens crackdown on foreign nominee businesses

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is intensifying efforts to crack down on foreign nominee businesses, launching expanded investigations into companies suspected of using Thai shareholders to circumvent restrictions under the Foreign Business Act.

The Department of Business Development (DBD) said the move aims to improve transparency and prevent foreign operators from exploiting legal loopholes to avoid state oversight. Authorities are dividing the investigation into two major categories based on foreign shareholding structures. Continued …

Thai household debt warning grows as living costs keep rising

Thailand’s household debt situation in 2026 is becoming one of the key warning signs for the Thai economy, after the Trade Policy and Strategy Office released the findings of its February 2026 survey on people’s debt burdens and future trends.

Based on a sample of 6,469 people nationwide, the survey found that the proportion of people with debt had risen to 62.4%, up from 51% in the same period of 2025. Continued …

BOT rejects stagflation fears as loan decree lifts GDP outlook

Bank of Thailand (BOT) Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn has dismissed concerns that Thailand is entering stagflation, saying the current inflation spike is temporary and that the government’s 400-billion-baht borrowing plan could help lift GDP growth this year to 2.1%.

Vitai said stagflation, by economic definition, requires two conditions: a severe economic downturn and persistently high inflation over a prolonged period. Thailand has not reached that point, he said, adding that inflation is expected to gradually ease from the second quarter of next year because of the high price base recorded during the same period this year. Continued …

Stimulus scheme to open registration on May 25

The Ministry of Finance is scheduled to open registration for the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” (Thais Help Thais Plus) scheme and the state welfare card program on May 25. Under the program, people who do not hold state welfare cards receive 1,000 baht per month in their e-wallets for four months.

Speaking after the opening ceremony of the Money Expo yesterday, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said people who successfully register and qualify for the government schemes can begin using their benefits from June 1. Continued …

Thailand Plans Six New Regional Airports

Thailand’s Department of Airports plans to build six new airports worth a combined B26 billion, with Bueng Kan Airport in upper northeast Thailand expected to become the first project submitted to Cabinet after its environmental impact assessment (EIA) received approval. The plan forms part of a wider strategy to expand regional air travel capacity and improve support for tourism and infrastructure projects across the country.

Department of Airports Director-general Danai Ruangsorn said yesterday the development program covers six locations across Thailand. Bueng Kan Airport, valued at B8.1 billion, has already secured approval for its EIA from the National Environment Board and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet within 2026. Continued …

Empyrion Digital breaks ground on its first Thailand data center

Empyrion Digital, a Singapore-headquartered next-generation data center developer and operator, commenced groundbreaking for its first data center in Thailand. The milestone marks Empyrion Digital’s entry into the Thailand market and reinforces its continued expansion across Asia.

Strategically located in Bang Na, Bangkok’s emerging connectivity hub, the Bangkok data center (“TH1”) will deliver 20MW of IT load across a site spanning over 17,000 square meters. With secured power allocation and extensive connectivity to major fiber providers in Bangkok, TH1 is purpose-built to support demand from hyperscalers, AI-driven applications, cloud service providers, and enterprises seeking scalable, high-performance digital infrastructure. The facility is slated to go live in Q3 2027. Continued …

Thailand experimenting with salmon fish farming

Thailand’s first Atlantic salmon farming research project has begun at Kasetsart University, aiming to develop a domestic salmon industry.

The Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University launched the project on Wednesday in partnership with PTT LNG, using a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to raise Atlantic salmon under controlled conditions. Continued …

Call for action to lure more Indian tourists

The Indian business community in Pattaya has urged the Thai government to restore confidence among tourists from the subcontinent, which has been affected by intense regional competition and fraudulent practices by foreign tour operators.

Laxman Singh, president of Pattaya-based Indian Community Eastern (Thailand), an association dedicated to supporting Indian nationals and promoting cultural exchange, said despite a persistent influx of Indian meetings and incentive groups, Thailand is losing a significant amount of wedding groups to Vietnam. Continued …

Temple Dogs Follow Thai Monk During Daily River Alms Round

A heartwarming daily ritual in Thailand is capturing attention after a Buddhist monk and his loyal temple dogs were seen traveling by boat along the Chao Phraya River during morning alms rounds. Luang Por Chamnan, abbot of Wat Chin Wararam, is joined each morning by rescue dogs that follow him everywhere after being abandoned at the temple.

Footage shows the monk, worshippers, and adorable dogs traveling peacefully by boat as locals offer food and donations along the riverbanks. Residents say the touching sight brings comfort and joy during stressful global times. The unique tradition has also gone viral online, attracting more visitors to the riverside temple. Video …

What is Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony?

Thailand is preparing for the annual Royal Ploughing ceremony, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most symbolic royal traditions linked to agriculture and the rice-growing season. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives yesterday held the second full rehearsal for the ceremony at Sanam Luang ahead of the official rite on May 11.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known in Thai as “Phuetcha Mongkhon,” dates back more than 700 years and marks the traditional beginning of the rice farming season in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand without the crowds: Where do you go when everywhere else is packed?

Thailand welcomed over 32 million international visitors in 2025, and the vast majority of them went to the same places. Bangkok – Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai. These destinations are genuinely worth visiting, but they come with queues, inflated prices, and the creeping sense that you are sharing a postcard with several thousand other people.

If you are trying to avoid crowds in Thailand, the good news is that roughly two-thirds of the country remains genuinely quiet. You just need to know where to look. Continued …

Thailand Pushes Forward Landmark Climate Change Legislation to Combat Global Warming

The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DDCE) is expediting the Climate Change Act to comply with directives from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

On Tuesday, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin directed the prompt submission of the draft legislation to ensure timely enforcement. The act aims to position Thailand as a regional leader in the low-carbon economy and strengthen public resilience to climate-related disasters. Continued …

Sea temperatures near all-time highs as El Nino looms

The European Union’s (EU) climate monitor said today that ocean temperatures are edging toward record highs as conditions shift toward a potentially powerful El Nino weather pattern.

The European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) said sea surface temperatures in recent days were just shy of the all-time highs of 2024 – and May looked set to break its own record. Continued …

Wave of badly behaved foreign tourists hits Thailand’s already crisis-hit industry

Thailand’s tourism industry has been hit by a wave of foreign tourist scandals as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul orders a crackdown on misconduct in key resort centers amid falling arrivals and rising public anger. From public sex acts and dine-and-dash scams to a tourist accused of using his nose to pollute a Phuket food stall, a series of viral incidents has intensified pressure on authorities already facing a 7% drop in foreign arrivals. Continued …

Singaporean Woman Arrested for Nominee Firms in Samui Airport – Continued …
Israeli Tourists Accused of Shoplifting in Phuket – Continued …
Phuket Police Arrest Two Foreign Cocaine Suspects – Continued …
Thai Navy Detains 14 Chinese Men at Border – Continued …

US trade court rules Trump tariffs illegal, but issues narrow block

A US trade court dealt another blow to President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, ruling that his latest 10% temporary global duties are unjustified under a 1970s trade law, but blocked thelevies only for two private importers and the State of Washington. Continued …

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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Monday’s news-May 22

May 22, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +/
Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae/
14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am/
Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings/
El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather/
Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’/
Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN/
Is honey good for you?/
Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up/
Thailand’s Economy: Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage/Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’/Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds/Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business/
Tourism: ‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise/Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July/Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination/US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show/Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist/
Thailand Experience: Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients/Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video/8 unique experiences in Phuket/
International: G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China/Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space/Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea/Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?/German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Wild Animal Rescue Network conference June 13-15 at the Avani +

Garbage traps installed in Thap Sakae

Garbage traps were installed at Hat Wanakorn National Park in Thap Sakae on Friday in a bid to combat marine debris and sea pollution.

The nets have been installed in an area spanning 38 meters in locations specifically chosen to trap and intercept the most amount of litter. Continued …

14 dead macaques found during raid on house in Cha Am

Provincial wildlife protection authorities discovered the bodies of 14 dead macaques during a raid carried out at a house in Cha Am last Thursday.

Rescued from the property were another five macaques, who were alive but had been confined to distressing conditions, devoid of food and water. The operation was led by Prawet Sunthornthai, the director of the local wildlife conservation team, following a tip-off from a concerned neighbor. Continued …

Thailand faces sizzling heat, heavy rain, and health warnings

The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning that the northern parts of Thailand may experience scorching temperatures with partly cloudy skies during the daytime. Some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms. Residents are encouraged to take care of their health due to the intense heat.

Meanwhile, the westerly winds blowing across the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand are likely to trigger heavy rainfall in some parts of the western south coast. Continued …

El Niño could return in 2023; what that means for the world’s weather

An El Niño appears to be forming along the equato off the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. That could have a big effect on the weather around the world.

For three years now, La Niña was large and in charge, but the La Niña ended, and now warmer water temperatures signal an El Niño probably is forming. Continued …

Private Sector ‘Confident Senators Will Back Pita For PM’

The head of Thai Condominium Assn., Peerapong Jaroon-ek, said yesterday the private sector is certain senators would definitely endorse Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister, as they would not dare oppose voters who gave his party a huge victory, with Pheu Thai Party coming second.

Peerapong, who is also CEO of Origin Plc, also foresees economic and social improvement after the new government is formed, with this boosting confidence among both Thai and foreign investors. Continued …

Experts call for uniform air quality indicator in ASEAN

The need for a common indicator to track air quality in Southeast Asia has become more urgent, with drier weather conditions and the likelihood of the warmer El Nino weather phenomenon developing in the coming months.

This call from experts comes as Singapore is set to host talks from June 7 to 8 with ASEAN members Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to develop a second road map for transboundary haze cooperation. Continued …

Is honey good for you?

Bees are, well, the bee’s knees. They are master pollinators. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these busy pollinators “contribute to 35 percent of the world’s total crop production, pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops worldwide.”

And, they create honey – a sweet, sticky, natural substance that they make as food for themselves. It also provides all kinds of benefits for humans. Sweet! Continued …

Covid-19 cases rise, related deaths up

The number of Covid-19 inpatients continued to increase and fatalities also rose over the past week, when schools reopened, the Department of Disease Control reported today.

The department recorded 2,632 Covid-19 inpatients from May 14 to May 20, up about 12% from 2,356 cases between May 7 and May 13. Continued …

Property developers call for a gradual increase in the minimum wage

Executives in the Thai property sector on Saturday called for the new government to be formed as quickly and smoothly as possible, and advised it to raise the minimum wage gradually to prevent a sudden surge in costs.

Worawut Kanchanakul, president of residential developer W House, said the new government should increase the minimum wage gradually, so entrepreneurs will be able to cope with rising construction costs. Continued …

Sudden wage hike ‘may lead to job losses’

The Move Forward Party (MFP) should let Pheu Thai handle the country’s economic policy, business leaders said, warning that raising wages too high and too fast could lead to job losses due to workers being replaced by machines.

Pratheep Watcharachokkasem, deputy chair of the United Chinese Clans Assn. of Thailand, said he had written to MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Continued …

Jobless rate lowest in 3 years as tourism rebounds

Thailand’s unemployment rate hit a three-year low in the first quarter, the state planning agency said today, declining to 1.05% from 1.15% in the last three months of 2022, as recovery in the crucial tourism industry strengthened.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter, driven by the continued pickup in the travel sector, a key source of jobs that was decimated by the pandemic. Continued …

Thailand’s first data center powered by renewable energy open for business

UK-based Telehouse opened its first data center in Thailand on Friday, saying it will provide the best ecosystem for all internet-related customers in the country, while also meeting Thailand’s sustainability needs.

It will be Thailand’s first data center entirely powered by renewable energy, said Telehouse Thailand Managing Director Ken Miyashita. The new 2.5-billion-baht data center will be a safe and reliable hub of connection in Bangkok and the Southeast Asia region, Miyashita said at the inaugural ceremony for the data center. Continued …

‘Not Thailand anymore’: Russians flocking to Phuket — not all is well in paradise

It is no wonder that Russians facing travel restrictions to most of the rest of the world are flocking to Thailand. With its fine white sands, stunning landscapes and rich culture, “the land of a thousand smiles” has much to offer paradise seekers, never mind those fleeing a tightening autocracy, economic downturn and war.

The Thai island of Phuket expects to welcome one million Russians this year — the biggest group of foreign visitors by far — according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Some are escaping the dim of winter. Some are dodging the draft. Others are buying local property as a ticket to a new life. Continued …

Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July

Safety measures are being implemented ahead of the Tham Luang Cave site’s reopening in July, as announced by Thailand‘s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The cave gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach were trapped inside for 18 days due to flooding before being successfully rescued. Continued …

Khon Kaen Opens ‘Blue Lagoon’ Tourist Destination

Khon Kaen has inaugurated “Blue Lagoon,” a new tourist attraction featuring an emerald-green quarry surrounded by expansive limestone hills, spanning over 100 acres.

Located in Na Fai subdistrict, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, also known as the Nong Haeo-Song Khon area, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen, this natural quarry has rapidly gained popularity among travelers. The sight of the ancient green quarry, glistening under the midday sun, has earned it the esteemed title of Khon Kaen’s stunning and novel “Blue Lagoon.” Continued …

US TV late-night star Conan O’Brien to feature Bangkok in HBO travel show

Former U.S. late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien is getting ready to release a show on Bangkok that is due to air on HBO Max, the popular U.S.-based streaming TV service, in the coming year as part of his “Conan Without Borders” series.

One of America’s longest-running late-night talk show hosts has been working in recent weeks in Bangkok with a broadcast understood to be in the pipeline promoting the world’s most visited city. Continued …

Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist

A European tourist was reunited with his bag containing money and assets worth 200,000 baht yesterday thanks to the honest owner of a som tam restaurant in Phuket.

The restaurant, Som Tam Yam 3 Aow, posted photos of the smiling tourist with a big stash of cash on Facebook with the caption, “From the incident where a customer had forgotten a bag at the shop yesterday containing cash and assets worth almost 200,000 baht.” Continued …

Fish Sauce To Palm Sugar; A Concise Guide To Essential Thai Ingredients

Thai food is famously known for its liberal use of flavors derived from fresh ingredients, as well as an array of pre-made condiments that add depths of flavor to food. Whether it is a soup, curry, salad or even grilled vegetables or meat, Thai food is packed with spice, citrus and tons of umami flavor.

While it isn’t always possible to peel, chop and grind ingredients to make pastes or condiments from scratch, one can always stock up on a few basic ingredients to bring that Thai flair to your food. Here’s a list of a few must-haves in your pantry, if Thai food is something you find yourself steering toward often, for meals like lunch or dinner. Continued …

Thai Street Food Food Tour of Bangkok: Video

8 unique experiences in Phuket

At Phuket’s far southeastern tip, sleepy Ao Yon Beach is the perfect place to ease into a Phuket escape. Accommodation at The Mooring Resort comprises a handful of stylish villas arrayed with a shaded swimming pool, with free kayaks and paddleboards for launching off a private bay. Just a sandy barefoot stroll away, The Cove dishes up wood-fired pizza and great cocktails.

On weekends, Ao Yon gets slightly busier, as local families swim at a nearby cove, picnic on the beach, and enjoy a scattering of street food stalls. If you’re after something more energetic, fire up the handy Grab or Bolt ride-sharing apps for the 20-minute journey north to Phuket Town. Continued …

G7 stiffens resolve to thwart Russia, engage warily with China

The Group of Seven (G7) nations signaled to Russia their readiness to stand by Ukraine for the long haul, while giving President Volodymyr Zelensky a chance to win over countries such as Brazil and India on the last day of a summit in Japan. Continued …

Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space

Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday. SpaceX launched the ticket-holding crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company that arranged the trip from Kennedy Space Center. Also on board: a U.S. businessman who now owns a sports car racing team. Continued …

Investigation Begins On Two Ancient Shipwrecks In South China Sea

An archaeological investigation on two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea was launched on Saturday, opening a new chapter of China’s deep-sea archaeology, according to a press conference held Sunday in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province. Continued …

Are cryptocurrencies making a comeback?

Last year was a rough one for cryptocurrencies, as Bitcoin, the largest digital asset in the world, lost nearly 65% of its market value. Crypto enthusiasts were caught off guard by a series of unfortunate events, such as the Terra Luna crash, the collapse of major exchange FTX, and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Continued …

German police say probing suspected poisoning of Russian exiles

German police are investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after a journalist and an activist reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents, a spokesman for the force said on Sunday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, phuket, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-May 15

May 15, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Thais vote overwhelmingly for democracy parties, reject military/
Move Forward’s Pita ready to be next prime minister/
New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges/
Age no problem: 109-year-old granny casts her vote in Uttaradit/
Bangkok has highest turnout in voter history/
Western media agree Thailand is at a crucial juncture/
Post-election challenges for Thais and new government/
Scorching electricity costs may sear the economic recovery/
Scientists warn an El Niño is likely coming that could bring scorching heat to Earth/
Q1 GDP grows 2.7% y/y, beats expectations/
Southeast Asia and China top destinations for overseas business expansion in Asia/
Missing Thai Teen Girl found dead in north Thailand/
Phuket: 15th foreigner this year dies on roads in Karon area/
Thai rice exports soar in first 4 months of 2023/
Watermelon is one of summer’s most popular fruits, but is it healthy?/
Tourism: Thailand’s Electronic Tourist Visa Application: Is It Useful Or A Headache?/Lifeless Body Believed to Be Missing Russian Tourist Found in Phuket Sea/
Thailand Experience: Unravel Mae Hong Son – Thailand’s unspoiled tourist paradise/First-class on ‘the best train in Thailand’ – Bangkok to Hat Yai/
International: Kenya Doomsday Death Toll Hits 200, With More Than 600 Reported Missing/Turkey braces for momentous runoff after election drama/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thais vote overwhelmingly for democracy parties, reject military

Voters have delivered a clear rejection of nearly a decade of military-aligned rule, election results showed Monday, backing two pro-democracy opposition parties.

The Move Forward Party (MFP), the newest force in Thai politics that channeled the energy of youth-led pro-democracy protests in 2020, secured the most votes. Continued …

Move Forward’s Pita ready to be next prime minister

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat has announced he is ready to be the country’s next prime minister, as his party scored a shock victory in the May 14 general election.

The unofficial vote count as of 10am on Monday (99% completed) showed that Move Forward had won 112 out of 400 constituency MP seats and 14.1 million votes for party-list MPs, narrowly beating Pheu Thai, which also had 112 constituency seats but only 10.8 million party-list votes. Bhumjaithai Party was in third place with 68 constituency MPs and Palang Pracharath was fourth with 39 constituency Mps. Continued …

New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges

The upcoming government is expected to have around two trillion baht at its disposal for implementing its populist policies, according to an anonymous source from the Finance Ministry. The figure takes into account the 500-billion baht needed for the Pheu Thai Party’s pledge to provide digital wallet handouts of 10,000 baht to those aged 16 and over.

Should the government need to borrow money to fund the proposed policies, it can do so through an emergency decree. However, such decrees are bound by strict terms and conditions, such as a lack of alternative funding sources. Continued …

Age no problem: 109-year-old granny casts her vote in Uttaradit

Lek Boon-Air, a 109-year-old Uttaradit local, was escorted by her family to cast her vote at a polling station in Muang district’s Na Noi Witthaya School on Sunday morning.

Great Granny Lek is Uttaradit’s oldest citizen and has never missed exercising her voting rights, be it in local or national elections, Hat Ngiew village headman Noi Yotsombat said. Continued …

Bangkok has highest turnout in voter history

The 2023 General Election witnessed the highest voter turnout in Bangkok’s history. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), over 74% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the election yesterday.

Representatives from the BMA announced the unofficial election result from 6,360 polling stations in Bangkok in the early hours of this morning. Out of the 4,479,155 eligible voters, 3,339,664 exercised their right to vote, which accounted for 74.9% of the total voters. Among the total ballots cast, 1,191,989 were valid, while 48,694 ballots were invalid, and 98,981 voters rejected all candidates. Continued …

Western media agree Thailand is at a crucial juncture

Major foreign media outlets see the Thai general election as a major crossroads for a country familiar with military intervention in politics, but with a ballooning movement against the old norms.

According to the BBC, “The election is being described as a turning point for a country that has experienced a dozen military coups in its recent history. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the army general who led the last coup in 2014, is seeking another term, but he is facing a strong challenge from two anti-military parties.” Continued …

Post-election challenges for Thais and new government

With more than 99% of the votes in the May 14 general election counted and the opposition on the path to forming Thailand’s new government, attention must turn to strengthening the country’s economy, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and alleviating concerns among the Thai population about its stability, Thanawat Polvichai, director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said today.

If the government has clear policies and strong political stability, the country will have a robust foundation for implementing clear and sustainable policies, Thanawat added. The new government must therefore focus on policies that drive the economy, with priority given to economic recovery through tourism and strong exports, both of which are showing positive signs due to the global economic recovery. Continued …

Scorching electricity costs may sear the economic recovery

An economic research house is warning that the reduced level of inflation seen so far this year in Thailand may be impacted by the surge in electricity costs, which is also driving up costs within the foreign tourism industry and eating into its viability.

This year, Thailand saw record electricity prices, something that may be seen as a key factor in the general election result, driven by a rise in charges and record high temperatures, which may continue for another month because of the Pacific El Nino effect. Continued …

Scientists warn an El Niño is likely coming that could bring scorching heat to Earth

Buckle up. The world’s most influential natural weather feature is shifting gears.

An El Niño is building along the equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean. And, there’s above-normal chances it will be a strong El Niño, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said this week. That could have dramatic impacts around the globe later this year and into next year. Continued …

Q1 GDP grows 2.7% y/y, beats expectations

Thailand’s economy expanded 2.7% in the first quarter from a year earlier, official data showed on Monday, faster than expectations, as private consumption and tourism rebounded.

On a quarterly basis, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew a seasonally adjusted 1.9% in the March quarter, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council showed. Continued …

Southeast Asia and China top destinations for overseas business expansion in Asia

Southeast Asia and China are now the top choices for overseas expansion, with 83% of Asian businesses expressing interest in venturing abroad, as revealed in a recent report.

The Business Outlook report, conducted by United Overseas Bank (UOB), surveyed over 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as large organizations in Asia. The study showed that over four out of five businesses plan to expand overseas within the next three years. Continued …

Missing Thai Teen Girl found dead in north Thailand

A missing teen female who was last seen accompanying a murdered British/Thai boy to meet with an older Thai man was found deceased and buried in a forest in Lampang, northern Thailand.

On Saturday, Region 5 Police revealed to Thai media that police received a clue that something smelled very badly in a forest grove near the Mae Tan–Sobprab Road in Sandon Kaew, Mae Tha. A search was launched by police, local residents, and the female teenager’s relatives. Continued …

Phuket: 15th foreigner this year dies on roads in Karon area

Authorities in Phuket have ordered a clampdown on lax regulations to do with the hire of motorcycles on the holiday island amid a 64% increase in deaths mainly from motorbike accidents. The meeting on Monday night came hours before a Russian tourist lost control of his bike near Kathu Beach in the west of the province, becoming the 15th foreigner to die on Phuket’s deadly roads this year.

Early on Tuesday morning, rescue services in Phuket announced another fatal motorbike accident in the Karon subdistrict near Kathu on the west coast of the island. Continued …

Thai rice exports soar in first 4 months of 2023

Thailand’s rice exports in the first four months of this year surged to 3.05 million tons, resulting in increased income and confidence among farmers.

According to Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, the continuous demand for rice in the market has driven the prices of almost all rice types in the country to exceed the guaranteed income prices, particularly jasmine rice, which has the highest production volume. Continued …

Watermelon is one of summer’s most popular fruits, but is it healthy?

As summer approaches, plans for backyard barbecues, pool parties and extended family time begin to crowd our calendars. And summer’s most popular and highly-ranked fruit is about to be consumed in abundance − to the tune of more than 40 million pounds. That’s watermelon, of course, the fruit known for its striking colors, juicy crunch and water-laden slices.

But watermelon offers a lot more than just being a delicious summertime staple. Made up of more than 90% water, the fruit is also incredibly hydrating and is loaded with electrolytes to help one recharge after a morning workout or afternoon of play. Continued …

Thailand’s Electronic Tourist Visa Application: Is It Useful Or A Headache?

In late 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand switched the visa application process to an e-visa system that no longer requires applicants to physically hand in documents and their passports at local embassies and consulates.

We decided to try this system to apply for an ordinary tourist visa that allows for a 60-day stay in the Kingdom, plus an optional extension of 30 days, rather than the 30+30 with visa-free entry. Continued …

Lifeless Body Believed to Be Missing Russian Tourist Found in Phuket Sea

The lifeless body of a man who authorities said could be that of a Russian tourist who had gone missing after being thrown into the sea by strong waves was discovered in Phuket waters Sunday.

The body of a white male foreigner clad only in black shorts was discovered by a local fisherman at around 12:50pm, the Phuket Rescue Foundation reported. Continued …

Unravel Mae Hong Son – Thailand’s unspoiled tourist paradise

Nestled in the far northwest of Thailand and sharing borders with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is one of the most spell-binding locations in the kingdom, and for many reasons, an ideal spot for an offbeat summer sojourn. Despite many unspoiled attractions, travelers are rarely aware of this sanctuary, partly due to its remote position (it is approximately 900 kilometers from Bangkok). This, however, just adds to its allure, as it remains untouched by mainstream tourism.

Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s most forested province, offers some of the most authentically rewarding experiences, luring you away from the chaos of city life to repose in nature’s embrace. The region is mostly covered in mist and surrounded by rolling mountain ranges, pristine forests, lakes, rivers, breezy grasslands, and other countless viewpoints that will leave you in awe. Continued …

First-class on ‘the best train in Thailand’ – Bangkok to Hat Yai

Bangkok to Hat Yai in southern Thailand is a 16-hour, 940-kilometer journey. Special Express 31 “Thaksinarath”, operated by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is a modern, Chinese-built, diesel-electric train, which departs daily at 14:50.

THE CLASS

The first-class sleeper cabin, twin share, is one of just 12 and is located in the last car. Continued …

Kenya Doomsday Death Toll Hits 200, With More Than 600 Reported Missing

The death toll linked to a doomsday cult in Kenya hit 201 Saturday after police exhumed 22 more bodies, most of them bearing signs of starvation, according to the coast regional commissioner. Continued …

Turkey braces for momentous runoff after election drama

Turkey braced Monday for its first election runoff after a night of high drama showed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan edging ahead of his secular rival but failing to secure a first-round win. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

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climate change, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s news-May 13

May 13, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Cyclone Mocha to bring heavy rains to much of Thailand over the weekend/
‘Monster’ Asian heatwave and arrival of El Niño signal severe drought crisis/
Thai parties make push to woo voters ahead of Sunday election/
Thailand’s long and winding election road/
Even wild elephants no match for Chachoengsao dogs/
Exploring the peace corps’ 60-year history in Thailand/
Thailand’s experiment with weed goes up in smoke/
Thailand’s Economy: Number of registered businesses at highest level in a decade/EV Primus angles to create EV supermarket/Chon Buri to get new EV battery factory/Asia Biomass eyes 20% revenue growth in 2023/El Nino May Slash Thai Rice Crop and Spur Inflation Across Asia/
Tourism: Thai tourism rebound evident with surge in new business registrations/‘Entry Thailand’ website introduced to provide useful information to visitors/
International: Russia Retreats North Of Bakhmut, Mercenary Boss Calls It A ‘Rout’/G-7 finance chiefs boost Ukraine aid, propose supply chain plan/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Due to the election tomorrow, there will be no alcohol sales from 6pm tonight until 6pm Sunday.

Cyclone Mocha to bring heavy rains to much of Thailand over the weekend

The north, central, eastern and southern regions of Thailand will experience isolated heavy to very heavy rains from Friday to Monday due to the influence of tropical cyclone “Mocha”, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said on Friday.

The cyclone, which was hovering over the central Bay of Bengal as of 4am Friday, was moving north at about 10 km/hr with sustained winds of about 105 km/hr. It is expected to make landfall over Myanmar on either Sunday or Monday. Continued …

‘Monster’ Asian heatwave and arrival of El Niño signal severe drought crisis

Thailand is susceptible to the effects of El Niño, which is forecast by the Department of Meteorology and weather experts to commence in June. The world, Thailand included, is expected to face an intense drought due to the occurrence of El Niño, leading to reduced rainfall during the rainy season, or possibly no rain at all.

El Niño is the warm phase of a cyclical climate pattern known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, when temperatures in the Pacific reach more than 0.5 degrees Celsius above normal. Continued …

Thai parties make push to woo voters ahead of Sunday election

Surrounded by adoring crowds packed inside stadiums and halls, the main prime ministerial candidates of Thailand’s political parties made a final push to rally supporters on Friday, two days before a crunch general election.

After nearly a decade of a government that was led or backed by its royalist military, some 52 million eligible voters in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy will head to polling stations on Sunday when voters will choose whether to stay the course with military-linked conservatives or opt for change. Continued …

Thailand’s long and winding election road

When Thais go to the polls on Sunday, the challenge is how to help lay the groundwork for a system that can prevent the next election from being held under similar circumstances. It’s a tough ask, but every election presents a fresh hope, no matter how difficult the path remains.

The major paradox is there for all to see. It can’t be an election without heroes and villains, and it can’t be an election without everyone wanting to be a hero at the expense of others. It’s the way things are, but it’s not the way things are supposed to be. Continued …

Even wild elephants no match for Chachoengsao dogs

An amusing scene of wild elephants being chased out of a residential area by a pack of domesticated dogs was captured on film by villagers on Friday evening.

A herd of some 20 wild elephants had wandered into Ban Khlong Mahad village in Chachoengsao’s Tha Takiab district, said Somwong Chanthachote, chief of the village’s “Elephant Watch” volunteer group. Continued …

Exploring the peace corps’ 60-year history in Thailand

The Peace Corps is a United States agency established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote peace and friendship worldwide. Peace Corps volunteers have been working in Thailand since 1962, assisting Thai government agencies in various fields.

Currently, they operate in two main projects: teacher collaboration for development and youth development. Over 5,500 volunteers have worked with Thai communities for more than 60 years, but their work was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, Peace Corps volunteers returned to Thailand and underwent a 10-week training program before being dispatched to 29 provinces across the country. Their swearing-in ceremony coincided with the 60th-anniversary celebration of Peace Corps cooperation in Thailand. Continued …

Thailand’s experiment with weed goes up in smoke

After four years of support from the ruling coalition government, Thailand is expected to vote against the decriminalization of marijuana in Sunday’s general election. The current free-for-all and weed shops lining the busy tourist streets appears unlikely to continue in the months after the election and a new parliament is settled.

Almost all of the political parties involved in the 2023 national election are in favor of returning to the previous policies of marijuana prohibition and confining its use to medicinal purposes only. Only one party is still seeking some sort of policy that would allow and regulate recreational use. Continued …

Number of registered businesses at highest level in a decade

A total of 6,041 new businesses were registered in April, an increase of 12.37% over the same period last year, according to data released by the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry.

The total number of registered establishments in operation during the first four months of this year reached 32,223, the highest in the past decade. The tourism sector saw 100% growth, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit disclosed on Friday. Continued …

EV Primus angles to create EV supermarket

The growing electric vehicle (EV) market in Thailand is leading car dealers to consider what EV brands should be featured in their showrooms.

Instead of relying on one brand, EV Primus sells a variety of brands, focusing on cars that match the different lifestyles of drivers. Continued …

Chon Buri to get new EV battery factory

Chinese high-tech enterprise Anwha (Shanghai) Automation Engineering has chosen Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor as its first overseas production base to make batteries for electric vehicles (Evs) under the MG brand.

“The factory will be located near the MG plant in Chon Buri,” said Anwha’s business development consultant Jay Teo, referring to a car assembly facility operated by Thai-Chinese joint venture SAIC Motor-CP, the manufacturer of MG cars. Continued …

Asia Biomass eyes 20% revenue growth in 2023

Asia Biomass Plc (ABM), Thailand’s largest biomass fuel producer and trader by volume, expects revenue to grow by 20% this year to more than 3.6 billion baht thanks to its business expansion amid growing concerns over global warming.

The company’s sales volume is projected to be 1 million tons in 2023. Last year, ABM revenue grew by 41% to 2.71 billion baht, up from 1.92 billion in 2021. Continued …

El Nino May Slash Thai Rice Crop and Spur Inflation Across Asia

Thailand, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, is asking farmers to grow only one crop this year — instead of the usual two — as a likely El Nino looks set to reduce rainfall.

Rice is highly water-intensive and is dependent on irrigation and enough precipitation. It’s an early sign of how the disruptive weather pattern is threatening global food production. The resulting drop in rice output also has the potential to push up prices of a staple food for more than half the world’s population. Continued …

Thai tourism rebound evident with surge in new business registrations

Thailand’s tourism sector has witnessed a strong rebound, as evidenced by the significant surge in new registrations for tourism-related businesses during the initial four months of this year.

The Ministry of Commerce revealed yesterday that the number of new tourism-related business registrations had doubled year-on-year, reaching 2,579 in the first four months, with a total registered capital increase of 135% to 6.66 billion baht. Continued …

‘Entry Thailand’ website introduced to provide useful information to visitors

Thailand’s Department of Tourism has introduced “www.entrythailand.go.th,” a website that contains useful information, news, related websites, and applications for travelers on arrival and during their stay in Thailand.

The website features:

– Thailand information
– Real-time, in-depth flight information
– SHA/SHA+ accommodation booking
– Reservation home and camping
– Cultural calendar
– Weather warnings
– Thai disaster alert mobile application
– Thailand tourism directory
– VAT refund for tourists. Continued …

Russia Retreats North Of Bakhmut, Mercenary Boss Calls It A ‘Rout’

Moscow acknowledged on Friday that its forces had fallen back north of Ukraine’s battlefield city of Bakhmut after a new Ukrainian offensive, in a retreat that the head of Russia’s Wagner private army called a rout. Continued …

G-7 finance chiefs boost Ukraine aid, propose supply chain plan

Group of Seven (G-7) finance chiefs put more aid on the table for Ukraine, set up a new supply chain initiative and vowed to fill regulatory gaps in the banking sector in a show of unity on global geo-economic issues after three days of talks. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

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

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 twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

90-day online reporting

Hua Hin Expat News



























5 Dec	Saturday	King Bhumibol’s Birthday
7 Dec	Monday	King Bhumibol’s Birthday observed
10 Dec	Thursday	Constitution Day
22 Dec	Tuesday	December Solstice
24 Dec	Thursday	Christmas Eve
25 Dec	Friday	Christmas Day
31 Dec	Thursday	New Year’s Eve

2027 Calendar

January

Friday January 1: New Year’s Day, and the first long weekend of the year.

February

Sunday February 21: Makha Bucha Day. Temples hold candlelit processions around the ordination hall after dark.
Monday February 22: Day off in lieu of Makha Bucha, giving you a three-day weekend from February 20-22.

April

Tuesday April 6: Chakri Memorial Day. Book Monday April 5 off and you get four days in a row.
Tuesday April 13-Thursday April 15: Songkran. Buses out of Mo Chit fill up days ahead as Bangkok heads home, while Silom Road and Khao San Road host the city’s biggest water fights.

May

Saturday May 1: National Labour Day, for banks and private companies only.
Monday May 3: Labour Day’s replacement. Banks shut, but government agencies open as normal.
Tuesday May 4: Coronation Day, celebrating King Vajiralongkorn’s crowning in 2019. Private-sector staff get four days straight.
Thursday May 20: Visakha Bucha Day, which commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.

Civil servants also get the Royal Ploughing Ceremony off, date to be confirmed.

June

Thursday June 3: Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s Birthday. Friday June 4 is the obvious day to ask the boss for.

July

Sunday July 18: Asalha Bucha Day, remembering the Buddha’s first sermon.
Monday July 19: Buddhist Lent Day, which also covers the Sunday holiday. Monks begin their three-month rains retreat and Ubon Ratchathani parades giant carved wax candles through its streets.
Wednesday July 28: His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Yellow flags and royal portraits line the main roads.

August

Thursday August 12: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday and National Mother’s Day. Schoolkids give their mums jasmine garlands.

October

Wednesday October 13: King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day, for the late king, who died in 2016.
Saturday October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day. Crowds leave pink roses and incense at the equestrian statue of Rama V on the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Monday October 25: Offices and banks take the Saturday holiday here instead, so the weekend runs to three days.

November

Loy Krathong will take place on Sunday, November 14, A festival of lights to thank the Goddess of Water (Phra Mae Khongkha) and let go of bad luck. People float small decorated baskets (krathongs) made of leaves, candles, and flowers on rivers, lakes, and seas.

December

Sunday December 5: King Bhumibol’s Birthday Anniversary, also National Day and National Father’s Day.
Monday December 6: The holiday carries over, giving you three days off.
Friday December 10: Constitution Day, marking Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932. Handy timing for a weekend in Khao Yai.
Friday December 31: New Year’s Eve. With the whole day free, claim a spot early for the countdown at CentralWorld or the riverside fireworks at Iconsiam.

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Breakfast at the Anantasila Beach Restaurant

Hua Hin beacfront building owners request demolition delay

Sivana Hills debuts new pool villas in Khao Tao

Heavy rain, flood warning for Hua Hin, PKK

Surat Thani floods shut Highway 401, tourists evacuated

Deadly night of violence in Yala

Hong Kong seizes 533-million-baht cannabis shipment from Thailand

Ministry makes headway on delivery driver pay

Chon Buri man dies trying to save newborn puppies from flood

Six-month US-Iran conflict raises Thai shipping cost risks

US tariff deal ‘taking shape’

Over 161 billion baht spent under co-payment scheme

Thailand Opens E-Gate Immigration To 33 Foreign Nationalities At Suvarnabhumi Airport

Songkhla woman dies after falling more than 10 meters at Pha Taem falls

Thai Airways flies higher in global rankings

7-Eleven Thailand Guide: What Tourists Should Eat, Buy and Try

Python blamed for disappearance of 25 roosters in Udon Thani

Kaeng I Khiao in Ubon officially opens as new ecotourism destination

UN Warns of Unprecedented “El Niño” Intensity

Thailand data-center boom raises wider clean-power challenge

Thailand’s 65-billion-baht coffee market moves toward sustainability

Taiwanese man held over Thai woman’s body in freezer

Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow

Macron, Carney pledge closer ties in Atlantic island meeting

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Sheraton Hua Hin Receives the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard

How Livable Really … is Hua Hin

Fuel prices rise by 85 satang per liter from today

Watchdog warns of deeper graft crisis

Ex-inmates call for better healthcare and job training in prisons

1.6 tons of cannabis bound for Netherlands seized

Oil hits five-week high as Middle East supply fears deepen

Donald Trump and the Persian threshold of pain

Allowing Iran control of Hormuz ‘dangerous precedent’, Rubio tells ASEAN

Thai Banks Post 101-billion-baht H1 Profit

How Supply Chains Became Thailand’s Secret Weapon

Finance minister vows to raise Thai competitiveness

Thailand airports to allow baggage inspections without passengers

Government targets resorts on park land

The never-ending fight for Nui Beach

Why You Should Skip This Thai Island

Listening to Buffalo Herders

Senators propose 3 sites for UNESCO list

Where to eat in Bangkok, from street food to fine dining

Khao Tom is cool again

Brace yourself, we’re about to be hit by what could be the mother of all supply shocks

Swiss man arrested over alleged Patong Beach sexual abuse – Continued …

Brits arrested after Pattaya crypto robbery claim – Continued …

New Zealander held in Surat Thani over watch theft – Continued …

Foreign man sought after Bangla Road assault – Continued …

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60% chance of rain forecast locally

Fuel prices drop 85 satang as PTT and Bangchak cut diesel and petrol

Why Willpower Alone Is Not Enough To Overcome Addiction

As parents pawn gold for uniforms, help is at hand

Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students

Aviation operating at just over 60% as jet fuel takes 25%-40% of airline costs

Major airlines cancel 194 flights and delay 2,603 in single day

SCGC’s first naphtha vessel reaches Thailand from Hormuz

Thailand widens crackdown on foreign nominee businesses

Thai household debt warning grows as living costs keep rising

BOT rejects stagflation fears as loan decree lifts GDP outlook

Stimulus scheme to open registration on May 25

Thailand Plans Six New Regional Airports

Empyrion Digital breaks ground on its first Thailand data center

Thailand experimenting with salmon fish farming

Call for action to lure more Indian tourists

Temple Dogs Follow Thai Monk During Daily River Alms Round

What is Thailand’s Royal Ploughing ceremony?

Thailand without the crowds: Where do you go when everywhere else is packed?

Thailand Pushes Forward Landmark Climate Change Legislation to Combat Global Warming

Sea temperatures near all-time highs as El Nino looms

Wave of badly behaved foreign tourists hits Thailand’s already crisis-hit industry

Singaporean Woman Arrested for Nominee Firms in Samui Airport – Continued …

Israeli Tourists Accused of Shoplifting in Phuket – Continued …

Phuket Police Arrest Two Foreign Cocaine Suspects – Continued …

Thai Navy Detains 14 Chinese Men at Border – Continued …

US trade court rules Trump tariffs illegal, but issues narrow block

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