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baht, bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Sept 22

Today’s news: Baht depreciation expected to deepen/Rain continues/Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey/Weakening baht not all bad/All in on Green Economy/PM talks up US trade ties/Land bridge project/EV, battery demand/Use of cannabis must be regulated/Small cannabis businesses in limbo/Tourism applauds vow to tackle cannabis/Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal/10 Things To Buy In Bangkok/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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Baht depreciation expected to deepen amid global market volatility

Financial experts are predicting a further depreciation of the baht throughout this month and next, due to the increased volatility in the global money and capital markets. This follows the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent suggestion of a potential increase in its benchmark interest rate.

Poon Panitchpibun, a strategist at Krungthai Global Market, a research center of Krungthai Bank, noted that the baht opened on Thursday at 36.25 against the U.S. dollar, a depreciation from the previous day’s close of 36.07. Continued …

Rain continues for most regions

Thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain in the northeastern, eastern, lower central and the southern regions will continue throughout today, with Bangkok and the surrounding area having an 80% chance of downpours.

For the next 24 hours, eastern and northeastern regions of Thailand will experience strong easterly winds, while the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand and the western side of the country will experience light westerly winds. Continued …

Deloitte Thailand releases Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey

The survey highlights the cost of living as the top concern among both generations in Thailand. Thai Gen Z and millennial workforce are, on average, more satisfied with their current work/life balance in their job and their organization’s DEI efforts compared to the global average.

Deloitte Thailand reveals the results of the Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which also reflects on country-specific perspectives of Gen Z and millennials, including Thailand, toward the economy, society, and environment, compared to the global average across the same generation. Continued …

Thailand’s weakening baht not all bad for economy, prime minister says

Thailand’s central bank is monitoring the weak baht, which is not entirely bad for the economy and could help the key export and tourism sectors, the prime minister said in remarks aired on Thursday, as the baht hit multi-month lows.

Srettha Thavisin, speaking during a visit to the United States, said the government was not interfering in the central bank’s duty. The Thai currency’s depreciation was driven by capital outflows due to interest rate differentials, Srettha told reporters. Continued …

PM Srettha Goes All in on Green Economy

Srettha Thavisin, Thai prime minister and minister of finance, gave an interview while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and speaking on the topic of sustainable development (SDGs).

Thailand proposed its sustainable development goals (SDGs) and stressed the importance of addressing global warming in a sustainable manner amid geopolitical tensions. Continued …

PM talks up US trade ties

Thailand will further strengthen trade ties with the United States, as the two countries mark 190 years of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

He was speaking after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at a gala dinner hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Wednesday. Continued …

Land bridge project looks to attract investors

The Transport Ministry plans to host roadshows in China, Europe and the United States to attract investors in a land bridge megaproject connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Thursday provided an update on the progress of the project after Wichai Sudsawat, United Thai Nation (UTN) Party MP for Chumphon, shared his concerns regarding the negative impact of the project on the livelihoods of people in his constituency during a House meeting on Wednesday. Continued …

EV, battery demand to spur Thai company’s revenue

Growing demand for commercial electric vehicles and batteries is expected to boost the total revenue of Energy Absolute (EA), a renewable energy and EV developer and operator, to reach a record high of more than 41 billion baht this year, up from 27.5 billion baht in 2022.

EA’s battery manufacturing facility in Chachoengsao.

EV and battery sales represented 25%, or 10.4 billion baht, of total revenue in the first half of this year. Continued …

Thai PM says use of cannabis must be regulated within six months

Speaking in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that his government will amend the law on cannabis, to restrict its use to medical purposes and to control retail cannabis outlets, within six months. (There are a reported more than 12,000 cannabis-related businesses in Thailand.)

During his interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister said that, since cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand last year, by removing it from the Category 5 drugs list, it has become the first country in Asia where cannabis is available for medical, as well as recreational purposes, resulting in the rapid growth of retail outlets offering cannabis and its extracts over the counter. Continued …

Small businesses in limbo with new marijuana policy

 

Just over a year after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced a dramatic policy shift.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister revealed that the government will now limit the use of marijuana to medical purposes only. This sudden turn has garnered the support of all parties in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, leaving small dispensaries and entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty. Continued … 

Tourism sector applauds PM’s vow to tackle cannabis

Tourism operators have applauded the prime minister’s pledge to eliminate recreational cannabis usage within six months. as they believe unregulated cannabis shops have done more harm than good to tourism over the past year.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insisted this week during an interview with Bloomberg that the government would rectify the cannabis policy within six months to ensure it would be used only for medical purposes. Continued …

 

Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal completes final trial run

SAT-1, a new satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, successfully underwent the third and final full-scale trial operation on Thursday night prior to the soft opening scheduled for Sept. 28.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, Suvarnabhumi airport director, said today that the third full-scale trial operation focused on the outbound passenger process during the night, running from 8pm until midnight. It aimed to ensure that the night-time operations, which require different support systems from the day-time operations, including lighting at all service points, were functioning smoothly. Continued …

10 Things To Buy In Bangkok If You’re Visiting For The First Time

A far cry from the many lesser-known, uncrowded islands in Thailand, Bangkok overwhelms first-time visitors with its bounty of markets, malls, and shops selling everything imaginable.

hile the options may seem endless, focusing shopping on finding authentic Thai items is key to an optimal experience. By looking for goods that represent true local craftsmanship and culture, visitors can be sure to take home meaningful souvenirs. Continued …

Singapore’s worst money-laundering case now worth over $1.7 billion

The police have taken control of more than $1.7 billion worth of assets in Singapore’s worst money-laundering case. In an update on Wednesday, the police said they conducted more operations after 10 foreign nationals were arrested in August for their alleged involvement in laundering the proceeds of their overseas organized crime activities. Continued …

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch steps down

Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as the chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp., ending a more than seven-decade career during which he created a media empire spanning from Australia to the United States. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
cha am, hua hin, immigration, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-Sept 12

Today’s news: PKK Hospital’s new MRI Diagnostic Center/Thailand’s largest naga statue/Cha Am seafood festival returns/Singing in the rain/Storing vegetables and fruits in a freezer/Best beverage container environmentally/One step closer to ‘net zero’ goal/15 million electric cars in 2023/Thai-EU trade talks/Medical Fair Thailand/Tourist taxes/The slow return of Chinese tourists/South Korean Tourists Get Slapped/Eating Spicy Food When It’s Hot Outside/ 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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Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital unveils new MRI Diagnostic Center

Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital opened its state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic center on Saturday.

The MRI diagnostic method stands out for its precision in detecting internal body abnormalities, producing high-resolution images using a magnetic field and radio frequency waves. Notably, the procedure does not expose patients to radiation, making it a preferred option for various diagnostic requirements, including brain and bone imaging. Continued …

Thailand’s largest naga statue officially unveiled in Cha Am

Wat Tham Chaeng in Cha Am celebrated the grand unveiling of Thailand’s largest naga statue on Saturday. Situated in the Khao Yai Subdistrict, next to the Phetchaburi Immigration office, the statue stands at a height of 31 meters and boasts a diameter of two meters.

Cha Am seafood festival returns

The viewpoint at Cha Am Beach is playing host to the 22nd “Shellfish & Squid Festival @ Cha Am” through this coming Saturday. The event promises lots of delicious food, live music, and lots of fun activities. There also are local product stalls around the Cha Am beach viewpoint, and nightly squid fishing trips for 100 baht. Entry to the festival is free.

Singing in the rain: Foreigners spark controversy with temple display

A group of enthusiastic foreigners sparked both amusement and criticism among Thai netizens after sharing a video of dancing and singing in the rain Gene Kelly-style in front of a crematorium at a temple in Thailand.

Video 

A foreign woman shared a video of herself and friends on her TikTok account @ks_photogallery. The video features six people taking time out to reenact the 1952 movie Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, while the crematorium and temple formed the backdrop. Continued …

How long can vegetables and fruits be stored in a freezer?

“My family has a habit of storing food in large quantities. How long should vegetables and fruits be stored in a freezer but retain their flavor and safety?” These issues should be of concern to all families.

Freezing is one of the easiest forms of food preservation. Although food can stay safe in the freezer almost indefinitely, that doesn’t mean it will retain its quality and flavor forever. The freezing process does, however, prevent bacteria in the food from growing. Continued …

What is the best beverage container environmentally?

Here’s a quick game for the climate-conscious. Try ranking these disposable beverage containers from least to most environmentally friendly: aluminum, glass, paperboard, plastic bottle, plastic pouch.

Unless you’re an expert in the subject, your answers are likely a long way from reality. That’s a problem. Packaging is a trillion-dollar (34.5 trillion baht) market that generates hundreds of millions of metric tons of waste yearly — but our ideas about it are often based more on hunches than solid information. Continued …

Thailand takes 2nd place as best nation for starting business

Thailand has secured the second position as the best country in the world to start a business in 2023, as per rankings published in the US News and World Report.

The “Best Countries for Starting a Business in 2023” report assessed 85 countries on various factors, such as taxes, labor conditions and other business-related conditions. The rankings to start a business this year were determined through a comprehensive survey involving more than 17,000 people worldwide. Continued …

Prime minister outlines new government’s economic policies

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday pledged to implement the Pheu Thai-led coalition government’s policies for optimum interests of the country and people.

On the first day of the new government’s policy statement at parliament, the prime minister vowed to put forward four urgent policies to boost the national economy and relieve the people’s economic woes. Continued …

Thailand Dealing with Growing Global Headwinds

Thailand’s economic recovery may be hindered by a global slowdown, and the government’s economic stimulus policies could lead to higher government debt, according to Fitch Ratings analysts.

The U.S. is expected to experience a mild recession, while Europe will see below-trend growth due to persistent inflation. China’s growth is slowing due to a severe downturn in the property sector. Thailand is also affected by the weaker global backdrop, with declining merchandise exports and below-pre-pandemic levels of tourist arrivals. Continued …

Thailand moves one step closer to ‘net zero’ goal

The Carbon Markets Club and the Thai Renewable Energy Assn. (RE 100) joined forces on Monday, signing an agreement to collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Gloyta Nathalang, executive vice president for corporate branding, communication and sustainability activation at Bangchak Corp., and Veeradej Tejapaibul, president of RE 100, formalized their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding in a ceremony at Century Park Hotel Bangkok. Continued …

Gartner forecasts 15 million electric cars will be shipped in 2023

Nearly 15 million electric cars (battery electric and plug-in hybrid) are expected to be shipped worldwide in 2023, according to the latest forecast by Gartner. Shipments of electric cars are estimated to increase 19% in 2024, to total 17.9 million units.

Gartner forecasts that shipments of all-electric vehicles (EVs) – cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks – will total 18.5 million units in 2024, with electric car shipments representing 97% of total EV shipments next year. Continued …

Thai-EU trade talks to start next week

Thailand is preparing to embark on talks regarding a free-trade agreement with the European Union (Thai-EU FTA) next week, with the aim of concluding the deal within two years.

According to Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations under the Commerce Ministry, the ministry is preparing to lead a team of state agencies to negotiate the first round of the Thai-EU FTA, scheduled for Sept. 18-22 in Brussels, Belgium. Continued …

Medical Fair Thailand 2023 returns next week

Next week will see the opening of the much-awaited Medical Fair Thailand 2023. This marks the first edition since 2019, a hiatus attributed to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the exhibition prepares to open its door in a matter of days, the significance of the exhibition is magnified as it welcomes 800 exhibitors hailing from 40 countries, as well as 22 national pavilions and country groups, notably featuring Latvia, Poland, and Portugal for the first time. Continued …

Tourist taxes: All of the countries you will have to pay to enter

Travel has well and truly bounced back since the pandemic, buoying tourist destinations that were crippled by restrictions and closures. But some popular destinations are once again reeling under the strain of over-tourism.

As a result, some resorted to implementing a “tourist tax” last year and others have followed suit in 2023. Continued …

What the slow return of Chinese tourists means to Thai tourism

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, who accounted for nearly 30% of the total international arrivals to Thailand in 2019.

In every country in Southeast Asia, Chinese tourists make up a substantial number of arrivals every year. Because of that, pretty much since outbound travel from China dried up at the onset of the pandemic, tourism and hospitality professionals have had just one question on their lips: when will they be coming back? Continued …

South Korean Tourists Splash Beer at Pattaya Women and Get Slapped

Two South Korean tourists reportedly threw beer at a group of Thai women, before the group attacked them in retaliation, resulting in one tourist being injured. The incident occurred on Soi 12 near Pattaya Beach Sunday night.

Sawang Boriboon rescue workers received a report of the incident and rushed to the scene to find two unidentified South Korean men lying in the middle of the road, seemingly heavily intoxicated. Continued …

Why It Actually Makes Sense To Eat Spicy Food When It’s Hot Outside

You wouldn’t think that eating a meal of fiery Sichuan Dan Dan noodles with numbing oil or warming tom yum soup would cool you down when it’s hellishly hot outside, but it’s true. Take a look at where some of the spiciest foods come from to see that they’re usually the warmest places on the planet.

Curries, salsas, and jerks are all enjoyed in places like Thailand, Mexico, and Jamaica, where residents are seemingly unfazed by both the spicy food and the high temperatures. The answer lies not in a tolerance for either spice or heat, but rather a physiological quirk of the human body – sweating. Continued …

Town in Portugal flooded by red wine after distillery’s tanks burst

A coastal village in Portugal faced a flooding Sunday like no other as 600,000 gallons of red wine flowed through the streets of the small town of São Lorenco de Bairro, according to local outlets. Continued …

How technology and innovation shape Norway as a leader in aquaculture and sustainability

Norway is known for its cold and rough climate, which makes it challenging for humans to live in, but it is a perfect living condition for fish. This is why Norway thrives on fishing and aquaculture, a tradition that has been passed down for many generations and has become one of the biggest and most sustainable seafood exporters in the world. Continued …

The 25 most important AI words everyone should know

Most acknowledge the growing impact of artificial intelligence worldwide, but only a few understand it. People usually hear terms like “chatbots,” “machine learning”, and “large language models” and steer clear from discussing this technology. However, you can catch up by learning the most important artificial intelligence jargon. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490

 

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

Friday’s News-June 23

  • Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage/
  • Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday/
  • Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai/
  • Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy/
  • Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves/
  • Thai healthcare costs skyrocket/
  • ‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar/
  • Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay/
  • Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9/
  • Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus/
  • Economy: Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities/Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand/Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China/Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year/
  • Tourism: Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list/Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery/Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA/World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism/
  • International: Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead/Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050/US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster/€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild/
  • 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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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Explosion engulfs Hua Hin hotel, 500,000 THB worth of damage

Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht.

On Thursday afternoon, Lt. Col.Pichcha Rangleuan, deputy superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, received a report regarding a fire incident at room number 164/5-6 of Sunny House, which is located adjacent to the railway, just off Soi 70. Continued … Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht. Continued …

Pa La U durian festival showcases Hua Hin’s finest fruit through Sunday

Hua Hin’s renowned durian cultivation hub, Pa La U, is currently hosting the highly anticipated Pa La U durian and fruit festival.

This Ban Pa La-U Fruit and Good Products Expo, which is now in its 10th year, aims to celebrate the delectable fruit and showcases a wide range of local agricultural products. Continued …

 

Common mistakes to avoid while learning Thai

Oh, the joys of learning a new language! Thai is a fascinating language, filled with unique sounds, tones, and expressions that promise to make your learning experience an exciting adventure.

But, like any language, Thai comes with its fair share of challenges and common Thai language mistakes that might catch you off guard. No worries, though! Along with our friends at ALA Language School, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes you should steer clear of when learning Thai. Continued …

Healthcare staffing shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy

The Public Health Ministry has laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters.

Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and over a 50% surge in nursing staff by 2026. Continued …

Overloaded Thai public health system sees exhausted doctors quit in droves

Every year, hundreds of doctors leave the government sector after struggling under huge workloads for relatively low pay and with little prospect of promotion.

The numbers exiting the public health service are significant, given that the Public Health Ministry employs just 24,469 doctors. Over the past decade, around 450 doctors have left each year, along with at least 150 who have retired from public service. Continued …

Thai healthcare costs skyrocket

We all want good health and decent public health welfare. When we fall ill, the cures are also much more effective thanks to modern medical advancements. But the soaring costs of healthcare have made it beyond most people’s grasp.

Over the past two decades, global healthcare spending has more than doubled, skyrocketing from $4.2 trillion (145.8 trillion baht) in 2000 to an astounding $8.5 trillion in 2019. Continued …

‘No serious quake threat to Thailand’ from major Sagaing Fault in Myanmar

A major active fault in Myanmar could still trigger a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 5-10 years, but will cause no serious damage to Thailand, the Mineral Resources Department said on Thursday.

Oranuch Lorpensri, director-general of the department, said the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar is still active and it could unleash enough power to trigger an earthquake with up to 7.5 magnitude in about 5-10 years. Continued …

Algerian Man, Dressed as a Woman Arrested for visa overstay

An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers.

Relevant officials from the Bangkok Thai Immigration Office arrested a 38-year-old Algerian man at a housing estate in Bueng Kum. Officers found that the Algerian man was dressed as a woman before they arrested him. Continued … 

Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, July 6-9

Attention to dog lovers! Don’t miss this year’s “21st Thailand International Dog Show2023” at IMPACT in Bangkok. Exclusive this year is a Grooming contest, with a dressing up theme of “Dog Show Sahara” and with more than 250 vendors.

The fair will be held from July 6-9 at building 5-6 at IMPACT. Continued …

Durian lovers rejoice as prices plunge on surplus

Singaporeans love durians. And this year, the spiky and pungent fruit is in such abundance that it can be found in claw machines, giving enthusiasts a chance to catch one for just a dollar.

A surplus in major producer Malaysia has pushed prices in the city-state down to levels never seen before. Premium varieties like Musang King were selling for as cheap as S$3 ($2.24) a kilogram earlier this month. Continued …

Examining Thailand’s Economic Revival and Investment Opportunities

Thailand’s GDP outlook is expected to grow between 2.7%-3.6% in 2023, an increase from 2.6% in 2022. Economic growth will be boosted by a recovering tourism industry and improving private consumption.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy was in a severe recession in 2020 due to the pandemic. GDP fell by 6.1% in that year, which represented Thailand’s largest contraction since the Asian financial crisis. Continued …

Insights of five EV customer segments in Thailand

Krungsri Auto, a leader in automotive finance under Bank of Ayudhya PCL., unveiled insights into five electric vehicle (EV) customer segments based on the consolidated data of its current EV loan portfolio, forecasting EV market growth, with potentials for automotive financing providers in responding to EV users’ needs and taping into their lifestyle in all dimensions. Insights of five EV customer segments gathered from real EV finance user behaviors are:

Segment 1 – A stylish executive with a stable income

This group is the early adopter of EVs, making up the largest proportion of current EV owners. An EV is their second car. They purchase a car at medium to high prices with high down payment and short-term loans. They value design and car brands and look for comprehensive products and services with financial advisers who can help make arrangements easy and hassle-free. Continued …

Thai village profits from hot-season tokay gecko trade exports to China

A Thai village is gaining lucrative income from capturing and processing tokay geckoes, generating hundreds of thousands of baht (US$2,860) per month during the hot season. In the northeast province of Nakhon Phanom, villagers from Ban Tal in Nah Wah district are seizing the opportunity to capture the amphibians that thrive in the warm weather.

Ban Tal Thai village, known as the mysterious village of unique seasonal occupations, has been relying on this profitable tokay gecko trade for over 30 years. Each hot season, from March to July, villagers capture geckoes and sell them to processing groups. The tokay geckoes are then dried and exported to China, where they are believed to be an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Continued …

Bangkok Airways triumphs at World Airline Awards for 7th consecutive year

The World Airline Awards 2023 ceremony saw Bangkok Airways Public Co. retaining its resplendent position under the spotlight. The prestigious accolades of “The World’s Best Regional Airline” and “The Best Regional Airline in Asia” were pinned on this airline, marking its seventh year of triumph.

The presentation took place at the Paris Air Show, where Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, and other management personnel, received the honors. Continued …

Thailand ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list

Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travelers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favorite cities for global travelers.

Outperforming Thailand, Japan emerged as the leading destination for tourists during the same period. Early reopening of the country’s borders has undoubtedly contributed to Thailand’s tourism sector rebounding at a faster rate compared to other nations. Continued …

Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery

Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry.

Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce Ministry. Continued …

Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA

Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected.

Calling for tougher safety measures, ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that improving the country’s image and reassurances over touristic scams would encourage Chinese travelers. He also emphasized the necessity to uplift the quality of services provided in the tourism sector to boost Chinese tourism. Continued …

World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism

As a first, Bangkok is set to host the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from Nov. 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff.

Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate the virtues of the religion and the triumphant strides of Hindus worldwide. Continued …

Titanic sub destroyed in ‘catastrophic implosion,’ all five aboard dead

A deep-sea submersible carrying five people on a voyage to the century-old wreck of the Titanic was found in pieces from a “catastrophic implosion” that killed everyone aboard, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday, ending a multinational five-day search for the vessel. Continued …

Diabetes cases to double to 1.3 billion by 2050

The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide will more than double to 1.3billion by 2050, driven by structural racism and gaping inequality between countries, new research predicted today. Continued …

US county sues oil companies for $51 billion over ‘Heat Dome’ disaster

A county in the northwestern state of Oregon on Thursday filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies seeking more than $51 billion over the 2021 “Heat Dome,” one of the United States’ deadliest weather-related disasters. Continued …

€60 billion pledged to help Ukraine rebuild

Foreign donors have pledged €60 billion (US$66 billion) of new financial support for Ukraine, the United Kingdom said Thursday, as an international conference aimed at funding the war-ravaged country’s reconstruction closed. Continued …

Click on image above for more information, or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 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 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, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 30

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

  • Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport/
  • How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem/
  • Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment/
  • TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns/
  • Students Stab Each Other at c Province School, one dead/
  • Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall/
  • 79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses/
  • Economy: Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery/Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists/Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories/Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise/Planning unit touts revamp of labor force/EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing/Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade/Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming/Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz/Weed network fears law change/
  • Tourism: TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024/Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts/Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’/
  • International: Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap/China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030/Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million/Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party/
  • 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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Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport

A new passenger bus stop pavilion has been officially opened outside Hua Hin Airport, aiming to provide added convenience and improved travel options between the airport and Hua Hin town center.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday with several prominent figures in attendance. Continued …

How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem

The issue of PM2.5 dust pollution has spurred various political parties in Thailand to propose policies aimed at controlling dust intensity and mitigating its impact on public health.

The current air quality standard in the country sets the maximum allowable level of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) at 50 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a 24-hour period. However, it is evident that PM2.5 concentrations often exceed these standards during certain periods, leading to adverse implications for public health and the economy. Continued …

Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment

The world may need to reconsider the mantra of recycling to prevent environmental degradation after recent research revealed that the recycling process itself may lead to the release of a significant amount of microplastics into the environment.

Waste management is one of the major challenges faced in the current era, with a large amount of waste generated from consumption and consumerism every day. Each country has different methods of waste disposal; some bury it while others incinerate it, and each method has its environmental impacts. This led to the emergence of the concept of recycling, which appeared to be an effective solution to reduce waste and reuse materials efficiently. Continued …

TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns

In a notable shift from traditional campaigning strategies, political figures in Thailand have turned to TikTok, using the fast, efficient and cost-effective platform to connect with a wider audience.

With a large percentage of Thai nationals active on social media, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for politicians to sway public opinion and secure votes. Continued …

Students Stab Each Other at Sisaket Province School, one dead

A renowned school in Sisaket Province was gripped by a shocking incident yesterday, as two young students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 engaged in a fatal altercation using a knife. The incident, which unfolded during school hours, resulted in one student’s tragic death and two in coma.

According to witnesses and initial reports, the incident began when the two boys had been engaging in what seemed to be a playful boxing game during their lunch break. However, the game soon turned violent, fueling anger in one of the boys. As the lunch break drew to a close and class resumed, tensions remained high between the two students. Continued …

Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall

A fat tomcat proved that cats indeed have nine lives when he survived a six-story fall by landing on a car below and shattering its back windscreen.

The car’s owner, who goes by the handle Apiwat Toyothaka on Facebook, posted a message on Saturday saying the condo’s management informed him that a cat had fallen on his car and smashed the back windscreen. Continued …

79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses

A total of 79 police officers have been removed from service during the first five months of this year for committing severe disciplinary offenses, the Police Commission was updated on Monday.

The commission, the highest governing body of police officers, held a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok to endorse the decisions of the disciplinary committee against police officers found to have committed severe disciplinary offenses. Continued …

Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery

Thailand’s economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalization of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said on Monday.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. Continued …

Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists

A new low for the Thai baht looms and not even a rate hike by the central bank is likely to halt its slide. The Asian currency weakened for its third straight week against the U.S. dollar, closing at 34.77 on Friday and heading toward February’s year-to-date low of 35.39.

Hurdles to the Move Forward coalition are growing, increasing political uncertainty over who will form the next government in a development weighing on the baht, as it spurs foreign funds to sell both the nation’s equities and bonds. Continued …

Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories

Thailand’s business leaders are increasingly concerned at the Move Forward Party’s determination to implement its Bt450-a-day minimum wage policy within 100 days of coming to power, if the eight-party coalition manages to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in August.

They warn that the move will cost Thailand jobs in terms of lost inward investment, the closure of factories where profitability is already marginal and a move toward automation, which will impact elderly and lower-skilled workers the most. One business leader describes the move as a potential earthquake for the critical manufacturing sector of the economy. Continued …

Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise

Asian Sea Corp., a Thai frozen food producer, and its subsidiary Asian Alliance International (AAI) are ready to move their production base to Vietnam or the Philippines if the new coalition government raises the daily minimum wage to 450 baht.

President and Chief Executive Somsak Amornrattanachaikul said the group is preparing to relocate its production and investment bases to Vietnam or the Philippines to expand production capacity if the daily minimum wage is increased to 450 baht. Continued …

Planning unit touts revamp of labor force

Thailand needs to ramp up in-depth research and data analysis at provincial and regional levels to identify target markets for exports or investment in order to formulate appropriate promotion policies, according to the latest study by the Trade Planning and Strategy Office (TPSO).

The planning unit advised Thailand to accelerate building a skilled workforce ready for targeted and high-tech industries such as chip design and chip manufacturing. This is essential in order to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Thailand who possess quality and expertise, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO. Continued …

EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) expects the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry to drive 3.5% growth in auto production this year to 1.95 million units.

About 900,000 units will be sold domestically and 1.05 million will be exported. TAI’s projection comes after 625,423 vehicles rolled off Thai production lines from January-April, up 5% from the same period last year. Continued …

Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade

Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2023, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, surged past its 70-billion-baht target to record a whopping 120 billion baht in deals, according to the Commerce Ministry.

A total of 3,034 exhibitors – 1,109 Thai and 1,925 international – presented their products and services at 5,859 booths at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi from May 23-27. The five-day fair welcomed 131,039 visitors from 140 countries, a 58% jump from last year. Continued …

Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming

Eco-efficiency in agriculture is a key to reducing environmental impact while meeting the increasing demand for food, Katharina Staske, managing director of the German Agricultural Society (DLG) Asia Pacific, said. She made the remarks during the opening ceremony of ”AgriConnect Conference & Exhibition” at True Digital Park in Bangkok.

She said climate change causes an impact on many regions around the world, especially in Southeast Asia. She added that unsustainable use of resources caused climate change impact to be more severe. Continued …

Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz

Under the theme “Good Coffee For Everyone”, the much-awaited Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 will be held from July 13-16 at Impact Exhibition Hall 5–8 in Muang Thong Thani.

Featuring more than 300 cafes and roasters, as well as a wide range of related products and innovative services, the four-day event, a partnership between the Specialty Coffee Assn. of Thailand and The Cloud, will take over a 20,000m² space across the exhibition’s four halls. It expects to welcome more than 30,000 visitors daily. Continued …

Weed network fears law change

Citing research by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Systematic Hemp and Cannabis Resolution, Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network has urged three alliance parties not to reinstate the plant as a narcotic drug, as that would be like “getting the first shirt button wrong” and lead to more problems.

Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader, wrote on Monday that before the election this particular ad-hoc committee was set up to discuss removing cannabis from the list in an attempt to study the systemic usage of the plant. Continued …

TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates 30-35 million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom in 2024, generating 3 trillion baht in total revenue, marking a 100% return to pre-Covid levels. TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the recovery is expected to be driven by increased spending per trip.

In line with the government’s policy to stimulate economic recovery through tourism, TAT has launched the “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign to drive the recovery of Thai tourism. Continued …

Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year

International arrivals to Surat Thani Province have exceeded 1.5 million, up 155% so far this year, according to the provincial governor.

Gov. Witchawut Jinto said yesterday 2.05 million visitors have arrived in the province since January. Of them, 1.5 million are foreign visitors, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year. Continued …

Kuaitiao Nam Daeng (red-soup noodles)

Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant gastronomic scene, Phetchaburi stands as a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an unforgettable journey into Thai cuisine.

The city is dedicated to preserving traditional recipes held by local communities and is known for its high-quality ingredients that have been refined by local artisan producers for generations and form the core of Phetchaburi’s gastronomic excellence. Local cuisine has been adapted for more widespread national and global engagement, combining tradition with modern economic development. Continued … 

Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’

Chaiyaphum is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isan. It is situated approximately 340 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Chaiyaphum Province covers an area of about 12,778 square kilometers and is divided into 16 districts (amphoes) and one subdistrict (king amphoe).

The province is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, which include mountains, forests, and fertile plains. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, such as the Phetchabun Mountains to the east and the Sankamphaeng Range to the west. Chaiyaphum is often referred to as the “Land of the Phaya Naga” due to the mythical serpents that are believed to reside in the nearby Mun River. Continued …

Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap

At 6:15 am, the first rays of the magical Bali light are breaking over the horizon. At the shoreline, hotel staff are finishing their daily routine of raking piles of plastic bags, cups, wrappers, and other trash that washed up overnight. Continued …

China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030

China’s burgeoning space program plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand the country’s orbiting space station, officials said Monday. Continued …

Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million

The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Center for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. Continued …

Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party

In Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a stripper was mistakenly apprehended by local authorities after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy. The event took place on a Friday evening when a “suspicious man” was spotted in the Nordend district of the city, dressed in a U.S. police uniform and helmet, and seemingly carrying an assault rifle. 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

climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Wednesday’s news-May 24

  • Thailand election: Senators still unsure about backing Pita/Reclassification of cannabis, no lese majeste reform in Move Foward coalition’s plan/MFP to go easy on wage hike/
  • Panthers at Kaeng Krachan Park/
  • Coke drinks to cost 1 baht more/
  • The Popularity of the Thai Durian in China/
  • More Thais open to buying battery-powered vehicles/
  • Renewable power deals to be ready in Q3/
  • Get tough on plastics/
  • US: F-35 fighter jets too sophisticated for Thailand/
  • Tourism: 300-baht tourism fee remains in limbo/E-visa limit will stop Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand: TAT/Cruise ship brings 1,800 tourists to Koh Samui/
  • Thailand Experience: TAT unveils Thailand’s ‘hidden dishes’ from its 5 regions/Last call for tourists to see the unique Thailand Grand Canyon/
  • International: New study pinpoints 83 million jobs that will go extinct by 2027 worldwide/Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action/Climate scientists flee Twitter as hostility surges/
  • 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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Thailand election…

Senators still unsure about backing Pita

The majority of senators have not yet decided if they will back Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister, according to outspoken Senator Wanchai Sornsiri.

He said senators exchanged views about the issue on Friday, but their opinions do not represent their final stance or indicate how they will vote. Continued …

Reclassification of cannabis, no lese majeste reform in Move Foward coalition’s plan

Yesterday, Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, along with leaders from seven other political parties, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Bangkok’s Conrad Hotel to form a coalition government.

The signing, which took place on the 9th anniversary of the 2014 military coup, was framed as a significant milestone reflecting the success of Thai society in transitioning back to a democratic system through peaceful parliamentary processes. Continued …

MFP to go easy on wage hike

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat said a coalition government under his leadership would not raise the minimum daily wage to 450 baht immediately but would ensure a reasonable increase without causing damage to industry or the economy. Continued …

Panthers at Kaeng Krachan Park

A mother panther and her cub have been sighted at Kaeng Krachan National Park, according to park officials. The frequent sightings of panthers, officials say, serve as a testament to the thriving and diverse ecosystem that is present within Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Coke drinks to cost 1 baht more

Coke has raised the price of soft drinks by 1 baht, it says to reflect the current higher cost of raw materials and transportation costs, but the overall soft drink market this year is expanding, due to the Asian heatwave.

Richa Singh, Coca-Cola Company’s marketing director for Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, estimates Thailand’s overall soft drinks market to be worth more than 56 billion baht. With the prolonged heatwave, easing of the Covid-19 crisis and the gradual restoration of consumers’ purchasing power this year, growth this year should exceed last year’s 7%, Richa said. Continued …

The Popularity of the Thai Durian in China

Although several Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, are trying to take market share from China durian import, Thai durian remains popular.

In the first quarter of 2023, China imported more than 63,000 tons, up 78% from the same period last year. Thailand expects to export 4.44 million tons of fruit in 2023, worth a total of 200 billion baht. Continued …

More Thais open to buying battery-powered vehicles

Some 31% of Thais are projected to choose a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next vehicle, the highest proportion within Southeast Asia, although internal combustion engine-powered cars remain the leading vehicle of choice among consumers in the region, according to a survey by business advisory Deloitte Thailand.

Both Thai and regional consumers indicated a preference for new cars for their next vehicle. Continued …

Renewable power deals to be ready in Q3

The state grid is expected to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with companies selected to join the state’s 5.2-gigawatt renewables scheme within the third quarter of this year, says the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The Office of the Attorney General is currently examining the legal aspects of the scheme, with power plant construction projects proposed by 175 selected companies. Continued …

Get tough on plastics

As the nation marked World Turtle Day on Tuesday, the caretaker administration made the decision to send Thai delegates to take part in the drafting of an international treaty to regulate the plastic industry, which will take place in Paris later this month.

The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to tackle the growing problem posed by marine debris. The attendance suggests that in the near future, Thailand is likely to ratify the international treaty to help tackle this debris. Continued …

US: F-35 fighter jets too sophisticated for Thailand

Washington has rejected the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s request to buy two F-35 fighter jets on grounds that Thailand is not ready for such sophisticated aircraft.

An RTAF source said on Tuesday that U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec met RTAF chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot last week to personally inform him of Washington’s decision. Continued …

300-baht tourism fee remains in limbo

The new government is expected to decide the fate of the 300-baht tourism fee, which remains uncertain because of roadblocks from unclear implementation.

Since the cabinet approved in February the collection of a 300-baht tourism fee from foreigners visiting Thailand by air and a 150-baht fee for visitors by land or sea, the scheme has not been published in the Royal Gazette, which means there is no impetus to start the project within a specific time frame. Continued …

E-visa limit will stop Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand: TAT

The current visa system must be changed if Thailand is to achieve its target of 5 million tourists from China this year, according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The return of Chinese visitors since February has helped boost the Thai economic recovery, said TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific Tanes Petsuwan. Continued …

Cruise ship brings 1,800 tourists to Koh Samui

The prestigious Costa Serena cruise ship has dropped anchor at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui, carrying more than 1,800 tourists.

Having embarked on an illustrious journey from Cape Panwa, Thailand, the Costa Serena cruise ship made stops at Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, before finally gracing the shores of Koh Samui. Continued …

TAT unveils Thailand’s ‘hidden dishes’ from its 5 regions

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hoping that “hidden dishes” from the country’s five regions will spark a new trend – gastronomy tourism.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, a deputy TAT governor, unveiled “Thailand’s Hidden Dishes”, which will be showcased at the “Bangkok International Food Festival”. The food fest runs from Friday to next Tuesday at CentralWorld. The selected “hidden dishes” are: Continued …

Last call for tourists to see the unique Thailand Grand Canyon

Tourists have only a few more days available to explore the weird and unique wonders of the Thailand Grand Canyon, known locally as “Sam Phan Bok”, before the rains arrive.

Situated at Ban Pho Sai district in Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand’s northeastern region, “Sam Phan Bok” is the largest sandstone reef along the Mekong River. Continued …

New study pinpoints 83 million jobs that will go extinct by 2027 worldwide

The global job market will undergo significant changes between 2023 and 2027, according to the “Future of Jobs” survey conducted by the Chulalongkorn Business School and the World Economic Forum. The survey, which involved 803 companies in 45 countries, revealed that of the current 673 million jobs, 83 million will be eliminated by 2027. However, it also said that 69 million new jobs will be created. Continued …

Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted the urgent need for significant funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued …

Climate scientists flee Twitter as hostility surges

Scientists suffering insults and mass-spam are abandoning Twitter for alternative social networks as hostile climate-change denialism surges on the platform following Elon Musk’s takeover. 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, climate change, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-May 18

  • How people in Prachuap Khiri Khan voted in the general election/
  • Four scenarios for next Thai govt and only two have Pita as PM/
  • What role will senators play in naming Thailand’s next PM?/
  • Move Forward lines up changes for 45 laws as soon as Parliament reopens/
  • Royal Ploughing Ceremony forecasts bumper crops and prosperity for year ahead/
  • Baby elephant saved after falling in a golf course well/
  • Cyanide murder suspect had massive online gaming debts/
  • Teen Girl, 2 Youths Held For Killing Chinese Factory Owner/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Residential sales revenue delines in Q1/CBRE Reveals Positive Signs of Foreign Demand for Luxury Residences in Thailand/Thailand Remains Popular Filming Location/Thailand keen to serve as ASEAN energy hub/Thailand eases EV restrictions to attract European manufacturers/US$20M invested in data center expansion amid cloud services boom/3 municipal biomass power plants approved/After election, Thai cannabis ready to roll with the changes/
  • Tourism: Tourism to limit economic pain as new government awaited/Pattaya Police ban prostitution on the beach/30 tourists injured, 1 missing after Phuket speedboat crashes into pillar/Flights to Mae Hong Son to resume in August/
  • International: Heat Wave in Asia Made 30 Times More Likely Because of Climate Change/Vietnam bets big on LNG, South China Sea gas fields/Four kids, including baby, found alive in Amazon after plane crash/
  • 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

  • Subscribe to Blog via Email

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

How people in Prachuap Khiri Khan voted in the general election

The Election Commission of Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced the results of how people in the province voted during the election, which took place on Sunday. Officials said that Prachuap Khiri Khan witnessed higher voter turnout in this election.

According to the unofficial results released by the Election Commission of Prachuap Khiri Khan, 328,366 people, or 76.4% of eligible voters, cast their ballots out of a total of 429,883 eligible voters. This is a significant increase compared to the 2019 election, which had a voter turnout of 70.2%. Continued …

Pita Limjaroenrat

Four scenarios for next Thai govt and only two have Pita as PM

Even though Move Forward Party won Sunday’s general election with 152 seats, that won’t be enough for party leader Pita to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister.

Pita will need a majority of at least 376 votes from the 500-seat House of Representatives to nullify the 250 votes from the junta-appointed Senate. The four scenarios for the next government’s formation are as follows: Continued …

What role will senators play in naming Thailand’s next PM?

Despite declaring that Move Forward will form the next coalition with five other parties, party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is facing one formidable obstacle on his journey to the premiership – the junta-appointed Senate.

Move Forward’s allies are Pheu Thai, Thai Sang Thai, Thai Liberal, Prachachart and Fair parties, and together they will have 310 of the 500-seat House of Representatives. Continued …

Move Forward lines up changes for 45 laws as soon as Parliament reopens

Move Forward Party will submit 45 bills to either amend or enact new laws once Parliament reopens, a party executive said.

Bencha Saengchantra, a Move Forward party-list MP, said on Wednesday that the 45 bills will aim to reform the bureaucracy and abolish mandatory conscription. In her post, she grouped the 45 items into eight groups, as follows: Continued …

Royal Ploughing Ceremony forecasts bumper crops and prosperity for year ahead

The year ahead will be one of bumper crops, booming trade, and economic growth for Thailand, according to Wednesday morning’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony.

The ceremony was held at Sanam Luang at 8.30am and was presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen. It was the second day of the annual two-day ceremony, during which the King blesses the start of the rice-growing season. Continued …

Baby elephant saved after falling in a golf course well

The calf was found in a cement well at Chatrium Golf Course in Chanthaburi Province. Staff from the local wildlife sanctuary and volunteers scrambled to save it, using a digger to dig around the well as its mother watched on. Video …

Cyanide murder suspect had massive online gaming debts

Online gambling debts are believed to be the leading motive of murder suspect Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, who allegedly poisoned at least 14 people with the deadly chemical cyanide, Deputy National Police Chief Surachet Hakparn said on Wednesday.

He said police discovered 78 million baht spread over 180 bank accounts belonging to Sararat, which had been used to transfer money to and from several online gambling websites. Continued …

Teen Girl, 2 Youths Held For Killing Chinese Factory Owner

Police arrested a teenage girl and two youths on the charges of stabbing a Chinese parawood processing factory owner to death at a resort in Trang province after the girl called for help upon being physically assaulted by her sex client.

The 17-year-old girl, only identified as Fai, together with Natdanai (surname withheld), 22, and Nattaphon, 19, were arrested in Satun province after being tracked down there and were charged with jointly killing Li Zhri Rui, 43, a Chinese national and owner of several parawood processing factories in the south by stabbing him around 20 times in the rented room. Continued …

Residential sales revenue delines in Q1

The expiration of the easing of loan-to-value (LTV) limits has had an impact on two-thirds of listed developers, resulting in residential sales revenue declining year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023.

Based on reports submitted to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, of the 30 developers engaged in residential development business, 20 experienced a year-on-year decline in revenue from residential sales in the first quarter. Continued …

CBRE Reveals Positive Signs of Foreign Demand for Luxury Residences in Thailand

CBRE, one of the world’s leading property consultants, says foreign interest in purchasing luxury residences in Thailand, including condominiums, houses, and villas in prime locations, has surged since the return of international tourists in the second half of 2022.

Sales transactions through CBRE have increased by more than 200%-300%, confirming this trend. In response to the growing demand, developers are gearing up to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a particular focus on single houses. Continued …

Thailand Remains Popular Filming Location

Thailand remains a popular filming location among international production houses. Filming activities have generated massive revenue for the country and local people, while at the same time revitalizing the country’s own film industry.

Thailand has maintained its reputation as a popular filming location and has recently welcomed the production teams of two series from Singapore and the U.S. television network HBO, who chose Hat Yai City in Songkhla as a filming location. Continued …

Thailand keen to serve as ASEAN energy hub

Thailand is ready to be ASEAN’s future energy and mobility hub, as part of the global trend to improve sustainability through collaboration with countries worldwide, a senior Thai official said.

Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, deputy permanent secretary at the Energy Ministry, revealed this ambitious objective during his speech at the opening ceremony on Wednesday of “Future Energy Asia and Future Mobility Asia Exhibition and Summit 2023”. Continued …

Thailand eases EV restrictions to attract European manufacturers

The caretaker Cabinet on Tuesday approved changes aimed at making it easier for European and other foreign manufacturers of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to set up production in Thailand.

The two amendments to the EV3.5 promotion package offer more flexibility in the requirement for foreign manufacturers to offset imports to Thailand with an equal number of BEV units manufactured here. Continued …

US$20M invested in data center expansion amid cloud services boom

Etix Itel Bangkok Co., the company behind the ETIX Bangkok#1 data center, is set to invest nearly US$20 million in expanding its capacity to meet the increasing demand for cloud services and digital transformation in Thailand. The growth of the digital economy in the country has been bolstered by global cloud providers investing in the region.

The data center is currently in its second phase, with a capacity of 0.6 megawatts and 85% occupancy. The company anticipates full capacity in the next quarter and is preparing for the third phase, worth US$11 million, which will increase capacity by an additional 1.5MW in the fourth quarter of 2024. Continued …

A biomass-fired power plant operated by TGE in Surat Thani

3 municipal biomass power plants approved

Thachang Green Energy (TGE), a SET-listed biomass power plant developer and operator, has been awarded contracts to develop three municipal solid waste-fired power plants as the firm aims to reach a revenue target of more than 3 billion baht in 2026. Last year TGE’s revenue was 955 million baht.

The company signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Provincial Electricity Authority, the state electricity distribution arm, to supply electricity to three administrative bodies in Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo and Chumphon. Continued …

After election, Thai cannabis ready to roll with the changes

Is the sky falling on Thailand’s nascent cannabis industry? Not according to some of its biggest players.

After the votes were counted Sunday, cannabis entrepreneurs were even more confident that the future of weed is green, with most saying the outcome gave them more confidence that much-needed regulation will be rational and reasonable under a Move Forward-led coalition government. Continued …

Tourism to limit economic pain as new government awaited

Thailand has not been spared the political uncertainty that usually comes with elections, yet foreign tourists returning by the millions this year are counted on to help shield Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

The influx of visitors — totaling 6.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared with 498,000 a year ago — is aiding greater business and consumer activity in Thailand. On track to hit the government’s target of hosting three times more foreign guests this year from 10 million in 2022, tourism is seen as an anchor amid the political noise, even as the exports growth-engine sputters. Continued …

Pattaya Police ban prostitution on the beach

Thailand’s Tourist Police have banned sex workers from selling services on the beach in Pattaya.

Last night, Tourist Police and officers from Pattaya City Police Station headed down to Pattaya Beach and instructed the city’s ladies and ladyboys of the night to move along. Continued …

30 tourists injured, 1 missing after Phuket speedboat crashes into pillar

Thirty tourists, most of them Russian, have been injured after the tour boat they were traveling in crashed into a concrete pillar/navigation marker approaching Chalong Pier in the south of Phuket. According to a number of media reports, one person is still missing following the incident, which happened at around 5.30pm yesterday.

There were over 33 people on board when the Thanathip Marine speedboat hit a channel marker in Chalong Bay as it was bringing tourists back from a trip to the Phi Phi islands (about a 45-minute journey). Provincial marine chief Nachapong Pranit says that in addition to the tourists and the boat driver, the driver’s assistant and a tour guide were also on board. Continued …

Flights to Mae Hong Son to resume in August

Tourism operators in Mae Hong Son expect a more active market during the cool season, with Bangkok Airways poised to revive flights from the capital after Nok Air ended operations in April.

Phanuwat Khatnak, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Mae Hong Son office, expects air travel to increase tourist numbers by 10%, as there are currently no commercial flights. The tourist tally this year would reach 1.5 million, he said. Continued …

Heat Wave in Asia Made 30 Times More Likely Because of Climate Change

A searing heat wave in parts of southern Asia in April this year was made at least 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a rapid study by international scientists released Wednesday. Continued …

Vietnam bets big on LNG, South China Sea gas fields

Vietnam’s plan to quadruple by 2030 its gas-processing capacity, turning it into its first source of energy, marks a big bet on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its reserves in the South China Sea, despite supply and geopolitical risks. Continued …

Four kids, including baby, found alive in Amazon after plane crash

Four Indigenous children, including an 11-month-old baby, have been found alive in the dense Colombian Amazon after a plane crash more than two weeks ago, President Gustavo Petro said Wednesday, declaring “joy for the country.” 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, covid, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-May 11

  • Meteorological Dept issues tropical depression warning/
  • 23 Illegal Immigrants arrested in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province/
  • 50 satang reduction in diesel price just not worth it, says LTAT chief/
  • A volunteer’s view of daily life at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Phetchaburi/
  • Thai, Chinese Police Cooperate in Crackdown on Chinese Crooks/
  • Covid-19 Guidelines Provided to Schools/
  • 78 million baht found in accounts linked to suspected ‘cyanide killer’/
  • Murdered youth’s father goes ballistic at re-enactment/
  • Wild elephant tramples woman to death in front of officials/
  • Expressway from southern Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi being studied/
  • The political significance of the marigold bloom/
  • Circular economy could generate millions of job opportunities/
  • Tourism: Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth/TAT pushes for bigger visa quota to meet surging demand of Chinese tourists/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand touts traditional charms of 55 cities and towns off the tourist trail/Most Extreme Seafood Tour of Bangkok/
  • International: Gold demand surges amid jitters/Toyota projects 10% profit growth, five-fold increase in EV sales this year/
  • 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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Meteorological Dept issues tropical depression warning

A tropical depression in the Bay of Bengal, which is moving toward Thailand, is expected to bring heavy rain to the northern, central, eastern, and southern regions from May 11-16, the Meteorological Department warned today.

A tropical depression forms when a low-pressure area is accompanied by thunderstorms that produce a circular wind flow with maximum sustained winds below 63 km/hr. Continued …

23 Illegal Immigrants arrested in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

A substantial operation led by high-ranking officials from the Thai Immigration Bureau has resulted in the arrest of 23 Myanmar nationals who had reportedly crossed into the Kingdom of Thailand illegally.

The operation was directed by Police Lt. Gen. Pakphoomphiphat Sajaphan, the Immigration commissioner. The investigative team from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Immigration Office, under the leadership of Police Lt. Col. Nattawat Kaewthip Net, collaborated with military officers from the Jong Ong Suek Special Forces, administrative officials, and law enforcement officers from the Thap Sakae Police Station. Continued …

50 satang reduction in diesel price just not worth it, says LTAT chief

The Energy Ministry should bring the price of diesel down further if it wants to stimulate the economy and tourism, the Land Transport Assn. of Thailand (LTAT) said.

LTAT chief Apichart Prairungruang said on Wednesday that the ministry’s decision to only reduce the price of diesel by 50 satang per liter will have no effect on the cost of transportation. He explained that the cost of transport rises or drops by 3% for every 1 baht change in diesel price. Continued …

A volunteer’s view of daily life at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Phetchaburi

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand operates an extensive animal sanctuary in Thayang, Phetchaburi. Its website (wfft.org) will give you some great bird’s eye views of the facilities that have been purpose-built to rehome animals that cannot be re-released to the wild.

The sanctuary also provides a home to animals being rehabilitated after illness or injury and those that have been rescued from inappropriate settings in captivity, such as zoos, logging camps, tourist venues and private residences not able to properly care for them. Continued …

Thai, Chinese Police Cooperate in Crackdown on Chinese Crooks

National police chief sent Thai immigration police to China to work with Chinese police in a crackdown on Chinese criminals using Thailand as their base for illegal activities.

Thai immigration police flew to China to seek cooperation and exchange of information with Chinese police. The one–week trip from May 5-11 is aimed to prevent Chinese criminals from fleeing to Thailand and using the kingdom as hideouts. Continued …

Covid-19 Guidelines Provided to Schools

Caretaker Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health to lay down COVID-19 prevention guideline for schools.

Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul disclosed that as the opening of new school term is imminent, the prime minister has instructed two ministries to work together in laying down guidelines for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, such as influenza. This is due to the increase of COVID-19 infected cases following the Songkran holidays, coupling with the country’s entering into the rainy season. Continued …

78 million baht found in accounts linked to suspected ‘cyanide killer’

Police have tracked down several bank accounts with a total of 78 million baht linked to suspected “cyanide killer” Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, the deputy national police chief said.

Gen. Surachat Hakparn said on Tuesday that there has been a steady flow of money transfers to the different bank accounts from at least 12 people. Hence, he said, police are further looking into these transfers to work out their relations with the suspect. Continued …

Murdered youth’s father goes ballistic at re-enactment

The father of a British boy battered to death in Thailand has furiously confronted the man who murdered his son, screaming at him: ‘Look me in the eye, you b***ard’.

Shaking with rage, Steven Graham stared through the window of a police truck as sex crimes convict Chaiwat Boongarin, 44, was taken back to the spot where he murdered Woramet Ben Taota, 16, and dumped his body on Saturday. Continued …

Wild elephant tramples woman to death in front of officials

In a devastating incident, a woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant in front of wildlife officials in Wang Chan District, Rayong. Even after firing two magazines of bullets, the authorities could not stop the charging animal, which was extremely fast and caught everyone off-guard.

The tragic event occurred at a palm plantation in the district, where 40-year-old Namthip was fatally assaulted by an elephant. Police Major Saisawat Shinawong, an on-duty official at Wang Chan police station, was immediately informed of the incident and coordinated with local authorities, medical teams, and rescue workers to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the wild elephant task force already guarding Namthip’s body and watching over the surrounding area to prevent the animal from returning. Continued … 

Expressway from southern Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi being studied

A feasibility study on the elevated motorway linking southern Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport is underway and, once completed, it will be proposed to Cabinet for approval after an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is conducted, officials at the Expressway Authority of Thailand said.

The feasibility study on the 19-kilometer motorway between Srinakarin and Suvarnabhumi International Airport will take six months, and public hearings on the project will be held while the EIA is being conducted, the officials added. Continued …

The political significance of the marigold bloom

Marigold flowers have been in great demand in the months leading up to the general election, as politicians have been racing to meet people across the country in an attempt to win their votes.

People in Thailand have always used marigold garlands for religious or ritual purposes, partly because its name in Thai “Dao Ruang” means prosperity and its yellow color is associated with Buddhism. Continued …

Reminder: Due to Sunday’s election, there will be no alcohol sales from 6pm Saturday until 6pm Sunday.

Circular economy could generate millions of job opportunities

The circular economy is a concept that aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability by reusing, recycling and repairing products.

It has been estimated that this approach could create millions of new jobs, especially in developing countries where most of the waste management and recycling activities take place. However, a new report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the World Bank and Circle Economy reveals a lack of research on how the circular economy affects decent work and vulnerable populations in the global south. Continued …

Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on attracting high-spending visitors from the Middle East in the latter half of this year, with the goal of utilizing this market as a new tourism growth engine.

Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, has stated that since Thailand re-established full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in early 2021, the authority has been increasing efforts to bring in high-spending tourists from the Middle East. Chatchalermkit also mentioned that Middle Eastern consumers hold a positive image of the quality of health and wellness businesses in Thailand. Continued …

TAT pushes for bigger visa quota to meet surging demand of Chinese tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will next week push for an increase in the visa quota for Chinese tourists to meet rising demand and recovery of the sector.

Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT regional director of marketing for East Asia, said on Wednesday that TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn will meet with Foreign Ministry executives next week to discuss the issue. Continued …

Thailand touts traditional charms of 55 cities and towns off the tourist trail

Tourists are being encouraged to sample the unspoiled traditional charms of 55 towns around the country, in Thailand’s latest campaign showcasing its diversity.

Local traditions and cultural heritage are the big draw, said Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn as he unveiled the “Amazing Secondary Cities, Must Visit, Must Love” campaign on Wednesday. Continued …

Most Extreme Seafood Tour of Bangkok

Get ready for the ultimate extreme seafood tour of Bangkok. Explore Bangkok for some of the most incredible street seafood! Get ready for some of the best and most unique seafood food in the world! Video 

Gold demand surges amid jitters

Global demand for gold among investors is growing this year thanks to turmoil in the banking sector, geopolitical tensions and a challenging economic environment, leading more people to flock to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset, says the World Gold Council (WGC). Continued …

Australia told to shoot kangaroos before they starve

Australia’s kangaroos could die in “catastrophic” numbers if a population boom is left unchecked, ecologists have warned, while backing the industrial-scale culling of the marsupials. Continued …

Toyota projects 10% profit growth, five-fold increase in EV sales this year

Toyota Motor Corp. revealed on Wednesday that a 10% increase in operating profit is expected during this business year, as sales of pure electric vehicles (EV) are predicted to surge five-fold with a reduction in global supply chain disruption caused by the ongoing chip shortage. 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, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-April 29

  • Holidays coming up, government offices closed/
  • Power bills set to fall in September/
  • Summer storms to sweep across Thailand to Monday/
  • Proposal for special budget to ease household power charges denied/
  • ‘Cyanide killer’: Traces of lethal poison found in suspect’s car/
  • Use of Solar Panels on the Roof this year nearly equals 2022 total/
  • SCG’s solar unit predicts sales of Bt1 billion/
  • SPI and EGAT to develop charging stations, aim at driving Thailand’s EV ecosystem/
  • Tourism: Tourism likely to disappoint during next week’s holiday/Massive 4-Meter-Long King Cobra Seeks Refuge from Heat at Resort/CPN, Klook to offer Bangkok-Pattaya tourist bus service/
  • Thailand Experience: Surin elephant festival May 2-4/
  • International: Consumers hold recession fears at bay
  • 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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Holidays coming up, government offices closed

Immigration and many government offices will be closed next week: Monday, May 1, is Labor Day; Thursday, May 4, is Coronation Day; and Friday, May 5, is an additional holiday.

Power bills set to fall in September

Electricity bills are likely to decline during the last four months of this year, with the power tariff expected to reach 4.3 or 4.4 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). Continued …

Summer storms to sweep across Thailand to Monday

Summer storms will sweep across the whole country through Monday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Many areas will see strong wind, hail and lightning, it added.

The storms are being stirred by a high-pressure front from China, which will spread over upper Thailand and bring stronger southerly and southeasterly winds laden with moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, the TMD said. Continued …

Proposal for special budget to ease household power charges denied

The Election Commission (EC) has rejected the government’s proposal to use about 11 billion baht of a special budget to ease household electricity charges, on the grounds that the proposal was not approved by the Cabinet.

The proposal was submitted to the EC on Tuesday by the Office of the Secretary-General of the cabinet, on behalf of the Ministry of Energy. The EC discovered, however, that the Office of the Secretary-General had failed to mention the cabinet’s approval for the use of the special budget. Continued …

‘Cyanide killer’: Traces of lethal poison found in suspect’s car

Traces of cyanide have been found inside a car belonging to the 36-year-old woman police suspect murdered 18 people with the lethal poison to avoid repaying debts she owed them, a forensics expert said on Friday.

More than 20 samples were collected from the car of suspected murderer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn. Continued …

Use of Solar Panels on the Roof this year nearly equals 2022 total

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) office, between January and March 21, 2023, 1,020 people applied to participate in the public solar project, representing a total capacity of 5,492.38 kilowatts. The figure was almost equal to the total number of 1,287 applications in 2022, representing a total capacity of 7,195 kilowatts.

Phuwadon Suntornwipart, president of the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Assn. (TPVA), said the trend of rooftop solar panels “has increased sharply”. The market is also expected to be two to three times larger in 2023 than last year. Continued …

SCG’s solar unit predicts sales of Bt1 billion

Construction materials producer SCG Cement-Building Materials aims to achieve sales of more than 1 billion baht in solar roof solutions this year, double the tally recorded last year, based on rapidly increasing demand.

Wachirachai Koonamwattana, head of smart system solution business at the company, said alternative energy sources are increasingly popular, driving the growth of the solar rooftop market. Continued …

SPI and EGAT to develop charging stations, aim at driving Thailand’s EV ecosystem

Saha Group, through Saha Pathana Inter-Holding, signed an agreement with EGAT to jointly develop EV charging stations in Saha Group’s affiliated areas, further promoting the electric vehicle ecosystem in Thailand.

Vichai Kulsomphob, president and CEO of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc. (SPI), said the cooperation aim of promoting sustainable electric vehicle development across all Saha Group’s properties, including the development and installation of EV charging stations (EleX by EGAT). Continued …

Tourism likely to disappoint during next week’s holiday

With a long holiday slated for next week, Pattaya and Rayong tourism operators do not expect an influx of domestic tourists, as people’s purchasing power has dried up since the Songkran festival.

Sanpech Supabowornsthian, president of the Thai Hotels Assn.’s eastern chapter, forecast the occupancy rate in Pattaya would hover around 65%-70% during the upcoming holidays, comprising Labor Day on May 1 and Coronation Day on May 4. Continued …

Massive 4-Meter-Long King Cobra Seeks Refuge from Heat at Resort

A large king cobra measuring 4.2 meters in length and weighing 7.6 kilograms was found hiding in a resort in Dan Chang District, Suphanburi Province. A local resident discovered the snake while inspecting the resort’s premises and alerted the Suphanburi Rescue Foundation for assistance. The king cobra was believed to have been living in the nearby forest and ventured into the resort area due to the dry season’s high temperatures and difficulty in finding food. (Siam Rath)

CPN, Klook to offer Bangkok-Pattaya tourist bus service

Central Pattana plc. is joining hands with KLOOK, a leading travel e-commerce platform, to continue boosting tourism by launching the “City Bus Transfer” to provide a shuttle bus service from Bangkok to Pattaya to facilitate and fulfill the needs of foreign tourists. Continued …

 

Surin elephant festival May 2-4

Lots of color, smiles, elaborate costumes, fanfare and, of course, a herd of elephants will enchant visitors to Surin in northeast Thailand, as the country’s oldest mahout community celebrates the Buad Nak Chang Festival in early May.

Also known as the Elephant Ordination Festival, this rare celebration is a mass monk ordination procession that takes place on elephant back. Continued …

Consumers hold recession fears at bay

Heightened worries about the strength of consumers and the global economy have been put on hold – at least for now – after some of the world’s best-known companies delivered a slew of better-than expected numbers. 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

covid, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-April 21

  • How to find the right language school in Thailand/
  • Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know/
  • Sales of Alcoholic Beverages During Songkran Soar by 30%/
  • Online beauty drinks, instant coffee may be laced with ecstasy, ketamine, meth/
  • Lowdown on the latest Covid variant XBB.1.16/
  • China’s Changan Auto to invest $285 million in EV facility in Thailand/
  • Thailand applies Sweden’s models to expand forest area/
  • Belgian and French Men Plunge To Their Deaths from Same Pattaya Building/
  • Amid joints and cookies, marijuana business booms in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Best budget airlines in Thailand/Tourism fears after Nok Air stops flights to Mae Hong Son/
  • Thailand Experience: Thailand summer adventures for an exciting journey/Thailand’s Som Tam voted 6th best salad in the world/
  • International: EU parliament approves world’s most sweeping cryptocurrency rules/US Gun Violence Incidents and Road Rage Shooting Cases/
  • 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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

How to find the right language school in Thailand

Learning Thai in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizon. With all of the options available, though, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right language school in Thailand for you. This guide will help you make an informed decision to find the perfect language school that meets your needs.

Before you start looking for a language school in Thailand, it’s essential to determine your goals. What do you want out of this experience? Are you hoping to learn the basics of Thai? Or are you looking to become fluent and converse with the locals? Continued …

Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know

What was once unthinkable is now actually happening: Netflix has rolled out a cheaper streaming plan that includes ads.

Netflix initially said that its ad-supported plan wouldn’t arrive until 2023, but the new “Basic with Ads” tier went live in the fall of 2022, much sooner than expected.

So, how much does Netflix with ads cost, and what’s included? Here’s what you need to know. Continued …

Sales of Alcoholic Beverages During Songkran Soar by 30%

Thailand saw a 30% surge in alcohol sales during the recent Songkran festival, in contrast to a declined number of drunk traffic accidents nationally during the festival year over year, according to Thanakorn Kuptachit, an adviser to the Thai Alcohol Business Assn.

Other related businesses such as restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and event organizers also benefited from the festivity. Continued …

Online beauty drinks, instant coffee may be laced with ecstasy, ketamine, meth

Two senior doctors warned the public on Thursday that many unlicensed brands of the beauty supplement collagen – as well as instant coffee – sold on social media contain illegal party drugs and could be fatal if consumed in large amounts.

The warnings about the liquid-collagen and instant-coffee brands – which have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration – were made by Dr. Manus Phothaporn, deputy director-general of the Medical Services Department, and Dr, Sarayut Boonchaipanitwatana, director of the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment. Continued …

Lowdown on the latest Covid variant XBB.1.16

Thailand recently reported 27 cases of the new Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16, prompting authorities to monitor its transmission speed and the ease with which it can escape people’s ability to handle the virus in the wake of months, if not years, of vaccines and herd immunity.

The Ministry of Public Health recommends people, especially senior citizens and those with underlying conditions, get booster shots amid growing concern about the risk of new outbreaks. Here is what you need to know about this new subvariant. Continued …

China’s Changan Auto to invest $285 million in EV facility in Thailand

Chinese automaker Changan Auto will invest $285 million in a facility in Thailand to produce 100,000 electric vehicles annually, Thailand’s Board of Investment said on Thursday.

The company aims to sell the EVs in Thailand, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Africa, said the board’s secretary-general, Narit Therdsteerasukdi. Continued …

Thailand applies Sweden’s models to expand forest area

The Thai government has emphasized the importance of tackling air pollution in the long term through measures such as afforestation and environmental protection.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on April 19 that the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other agencies are making efforts to expand Thailand’s forest area, based on the models of Sweden. Continued …

Belgian and French Men Plunge To Their Deaths from Same Pattaya Building

A 52-year-old Belgian man and an 81-year-old French man died by suicide by plunging from a condominium in Pattaya. The two separate accidents coincidentally happened at the same condo.

Pattaya Police and Sawang Boriboon rescuers rushed to a luxury condominium in Pattaya yesterday after receiving a report that a foreigner had jumped from the condo. Continued …

Amid joints and cookies, marijuana business booms in Thailand

Home delivery services, interactive maps with online products, relaxation spas and stores with brownies, cookies and joints.

The marijuana business has become a profitable activity in Thailand, where many benefit from a legal limbo in the absence of clear regulation of the businesses.

Since the country legalized the cultivation of marijuana for medical use – the first to do so in Southeast Asia – on June 9, Thailand has experienced a boom in cannabis dispensaries, framed by a confusing law that does not penalize consumption for recreational purposes. Continued …

Best budget airlines in Thailand

Are you planning a trip to the Land of Smiles without emptying your wallet? Look no further, as we introduce you to the best budget airlines in Thailand for 2023. These airlines offer exceptional services, competitive prices, and connectivity to various domestic and international destinations, making it easier for travelers to explore Thailand and beyond without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the best budget airlines in Thailand for 2023. Continued …

Tourism fears after Nok Air stops flights to Mae Hong Son

Mae Hog Sonl tourism authorities are developing plans to assist the province’s tourism sector after Nok Air stopped its direct flights there due to business losses.

Nok Air’s direct commercial flights to Mae Hong Son ended on Wednesday. Continued …

Thailand summer adventures for an exciting journey

Thailand’s summer, with its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, offers an ideal setting for a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests and preferences. The season, stretching from March to June provides ample opportunities to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and lively festivals.

Whether you’re seeking adventures on pristine beaches and islands, immersing yourself in traditional customs, or escaping into the refreshing wilderness of national parks, Thailand’s summer promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience for every traveler. Continued …

Thailand’s Som Tam voted 6th best salad in the world

Northeast Thailand’s “som tam,” aka spicy papaya salad, was voted sixth best salad in the world by online food guide TasteAtlas. Another Thai dish, phla kung, also won accolades, coming in ninth place.

Thailand’s som tam was ranked higher than Cambodia’s green papaya salad, bok l’hong, voted 30th best salad. Continued …

EU parliament approves world’s most sweeping cryptocurrency rules

The European Parliament approved the world’s first comprehensive rules to regulate the “Wild West” world of cryptocurrencies on Thursday, hoping to protect investors against abuse and manipulation. Continued …

US Gun Violence Incidents and Road Rage Shooting Cases

A U.S. website recently reported that the number of gun violence deaths in the United States far exceeds that of any other high-income country. Specific data show that the gun homicide rate in the United States is 26 times that of other high-income countries, and the gun suicide rate is nearly 12 times higher. Continued …

Air quality index map

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, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-March 22

  • Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job/
  • General Election Scheduled For May 14/
  • Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes/
  • Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais/
  • Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models/
  • Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht/
  • Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show/
  • Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero/
  • Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing/
  • Tourism: Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage/Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day/Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya/Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal/Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay /New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife/Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday/
  • Thailand Experience: Elephants and elegance in Thailand/World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th/Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food/10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023/Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting/
  • International: Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed/Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’/Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report/
  • Links: 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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Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have launched a new campaign to reduce accidents at crosswalks or zebra crossings.

On Tuesday, Sathien Charoenruen, governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, as director of the Road Safety Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, chaired the opening ceremony of the road safety campaign.

The campaign seeks to improve pedestrian safety by repainting the markings of zebra crossings in numerous schools across the province. Continued …

General Election Scheduled For May 14

The Election Commission yesterday scheduled a general election for May 14, confirmed the polling agency’s Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee.

The May 14 election date has been set by the election commissioners after caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives or only three days before its four-year term would otherwise have ended by schedule on the upcoming Friday.

The nationwide race to parliament will see a total of 500 partisan candidates elected as MPs, including 400 in constituency-based mode and 100 in party-listed mode. Continued …

Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes

The collapse of U.S. banks is expected to have only a minor impact on Thai companies and the overall Thai economy, according to the latest business survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Based on a sample group of 600 Thai business owners nationwide, including those in the agricultural, industrial, service, and commercial sectors, the majority of business owners (73.5%) say the impact of the U.S. banking fallout on their businesses and the overall Thai economy will be marginal.

However, a majority of them (80%) still say there is a chance that Thailand’s international trade will feel an impact. Continued …

Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais

The majority of people globally, including Thailand, are worried about economic recession, rising product prices and unemployment, global market research company Ipsos said on Tuesday.

The company cited its research “Ipsos Global Trend 2023″ conducted among more than 48,000 people in 50 countries. About 1,000 of the respondents were Thais.

“Recurring misfortune is the theme everyone faces this year because we have faced many crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and inflation,” Ipsos said. Continued … 

Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models

To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, a number of extraordinary women from a wide range of fields who have inspired change in their communities through the pursuit of excellence have been named the Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year.

A series of in-depth profiles of these women, which began on March 8, will conclude today. The profiles can also be viewed on a specially designed microsite, which provides further background on their achievements and insights into their rise.

This week, we honor Nattamon Pisankitvanich, managing director of BNN Restaurant Group; Danupha “Milli” Kanateerakul, a rapper; Srikanya Yathip, secretary-general of the Government Pension Fund; Watanya Amatanon, chief product officer of Forth Vending Co.; and Patchara Pirapak, a chef. Continued …

Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht

An Indian man and his Thai wife have been taken into custody by Pattaya Police for allegedly scamming multiple American victims of over three billion baht.

Deputy National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol, accompanied by a commando unit and officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), conducted a raid on a house in Pattaya’s Banglamung district yesterday. The raid was prompted by a notification from the United States Embassy, which stated that the dwelling was being used as a hideout by scammers.

After searching the house, Torsak said he has arrested an unidentified Indian national aged between 50-60 years old and his Thai wife aged around 40-50 years old. The two have been accused of duping numerous American citizens of over three billion baht in total damages and had fled to Pattaya, according to the U.S. Embassy. Continued …

Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show

Electric vehicle manufacturers from around the world are targeting Thailand as the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023 kicks off today at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Dozens of manufacturers will unveil new models at the 44th motor show, which runs until April 2. Automaking giants like Nissan and Toyota will also be using the fair to gauge Thai demand amid their plans to open EV manufacturing plants in Thailand.

Demand could also be driven up by the fuel crisis and higher prices at the pump. EV purchases at the Thailand International Motor Expo in December accounted for 15% of total bookings. Continued …

Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero

As the planet struggles with warming temperatures and climate change, the concept of sustainability is fast becoming a keyword in most industries.

“We can never stop, sustainability is a marathon with no finish line,” said Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Schneider Electric.

She was speaking at the “Sustainability Talk” jointly hosted on Monday by Bangkok Biz News and Schneider Electric. Continued …

Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing

Akara Resources’ Chatree gold mine resumed operations on Tuesday, six years after being shut down, in a new 10-year concession.

The mine was shut down in January 2017 by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, then head of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Prayut invoked his absolute powers under Section 44 of the Constitution to halt operations, citing pollution and environmental damage caused by the mine. Continued …

Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage

The canine unit at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday added smuggled duck to the menu of illicit meats it has sniffed out in the luggage of passengers from China.

The Department of Livestock Development’s (DLD) Quarantine and Inspection canine unit detected seven bags of fresh duck meat hidden in luggage at the airport’s arrivals terminal.

The bags weighed one kilogram each and carried an estimated 2,100 baht worth of meat. Continued …

Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day

The cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen moderately by 4%, making it the 24th most expensive destination in Asia, while Singapore ranks second after Hong Kong this year, says ECA International (ECA).

According to the daily rates report by ECA, the typical daily cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen to US$278 a day. The marginal uptick was caused by a slower post-coronavirus-pandemic recovery in popular Thai cities.

Lee Quane, regional director, said cities such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai all witnessed small rates of growth in local currency terms in 2022, ranging from 1%-3%. Meanwhile, hotel rates have been suppressed by low demand compared to pre-pandemic levels. Continued …

Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya

The bungee cord of a tourist leaping from a 10-story-high platform in Thailand snapped in midair, sending him plunging into a lake in Pattaya.

The man from Hong Kong, known only as Mike, momentarily blacked out in the water, but regained consciousness and swam out of the lake with the help of the attraction’s employees. He was then taken to hospital.

The incident reportedly happened in February in the Changthai Thappraya Safari and Adventure Park located in the popular Thai tourist destination of Pattaya. Continued …

Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal

Nightlife venues in Phuket’s popular Patong Beach area say a recent bar raid in which police allegedly found children employed as sex workers has hit them hard. According to a report, businesses have lost around 100 million baht since the raid on a foreign-operated bar.

The raid was carried out last Wednesday by a special task force unit from the Department of Provincial Administration. It’s understood two suspects were arrested at the bar on Bangla Road, where police discovered minors were being employed as sex workers.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn has since confirmed the venue was operated by a foreign national, named only as Ronny, who has reportedly fled to Laos. It’s understood he also operated nightlife venues in Bangkok and neighboring provinces in central Thailand. Continued …

Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay

A 34-year-old Russian man was arrested on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani for 993 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.

Immigration officers said recently they have arrested a Russian national, 34. He was arrested at a resort on the island.

He is now at 993 days of overstaying his legal visa, according to police. Continued …

New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife

An award-winning documentary launched in Australia – “The Last Tourist” – spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, and delivers a candid exploration filmed across 16 countries featuring UN messenger of peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Overtourism describes destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area, or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably.

Video trailer 

“The Last Tourist” addresses the real impact of mass tourism as it traverses 16 different countries, magnifying its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities. With borders reopening around the world and post-pandemic travel resuming at a fast pace, it’s an apt time to reflect on what the pause in mass tourism taught us, and to reassess how travel can return in a more responsible and conscious way. Continued …

Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday

Nine months after weed was decriminalized, popular tourist destination Phuket will light up this weekend with a cannabis event where the best buds will win.

The Phuket Cannabis Cup will go down Saturday at a hotel on Kata Beach. Hosted by the Phuket Cannabis Assn., the event will feature a joint-rolling race, showcase of buds throughout Thailand, panel discussions, and more.

There will be a competition to identify the best weed strains in four categories: indoor hybrid, indoor sativa, indoor indica, and greenhouse strains. They will be judged by eight weed veterans and long-time advocates. Continued …

Elephants and elegance in Thailand

Norpeo happily allows me to slather her with handful after handful of silky-smooth river mud. And she doesn’t mind it when I follow her into the crystal-clear waters of the River Kwai to splash and scrub the mud off with a big kitchen broom.

Maybe she’s such a trusting friend because earlier I hand-fed her watermelons and bananas as she winked at me and caressed my arm with her nimble trunk.

As you may have deduced by now, Norpeo is an elephant. Not just any elephant, but a pregnant pachyderm rescued from a life of having to give tourists rides on her back as her handler kept her in line with a hook. Continued …

World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th

The annual UN-sponsored happiness index for the happiest countries in the world was unveiled on Monday. For the sixth year running, Finland was named the world’s happiest country.

Thailand was ranked 60th.

With thousands of lakes and near endless forests, the Nordic country is known for its extensive welfare system, high trust in authorities and low levels of inequality among its 5.5 million inhabitants. Continued …

Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food

Behind me lies a lake of lotus – an emerald field of lily pads that begrudgingly part for a small wooden boat captained by a young boy. One of its great pink floating flowers has made its way from the water onto the table in front of me, in the most beautiful meal I’ve ever beheld. Two ample plates hold a veritable rainbow of fresh, crisp, culinary mysteries in colors that seem far from natural.

Yet, the majority of it has been grown and picked here at The Nature cafe’s garden on the Thai island of Koh Samui. The cafe’s signature miang-bua sharing platter holds a whole lotus, whose magenta petals are plucked off and wrapped around a mix of roasted coconut, cashew, shrimp, shallots, ginger, lime, palate-pounding chilli, taling bling fruit and sweet nam miang sauce. Every mouthful zings with bright, brilliant flavor.

To its side is khao-yum, a dish full of flowers, betel leaves, beans, nam bu du fish sauce and vibrant blue butterfly pea rice that has everyone under the age of 40 itching to Instagram it. The most impressive part is that, for once, the food actually tastes as good as it looks. Continued …

10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023

As the summer season and the Songkran Festival approach Thailand next month, here are 10 top destinations to visit in April to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a great water fight. The list includes a wide range of interesting places from waterfalls, seas, mountains, and spectacular natural scenery.

With Songkran Festival set to be held from April 13 to 15, all the visitors can also participate in water fights and various Songkran celebrations to celebrate the Thai New Year and the annual long holiday.

These destinations are easy to travel to, close to Bangkok, and convenient whether you’re planning for a one-day trip or a longer vacation. Continued …

Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting

While many travelers only pass through Bangkok when in transit, the city itself is well worth a proper visit.

Bangkok is a whirlwind for the senses and a far cry from the relaxing islands and beaches that so many tourists seek out in Thailand.

But visitors who embrace the hustle and bustle of the city will be rewarded with a beautiful experience. With incredible food, welcoming people, and vibrant culture, Bangkok is just waiting to be explored. Continued …

Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed

The United States banking sector is “stabilizing” after the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank rattled the industry, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a lenders’ conference Tuesday, as leaders seek to calm global worries. Continued …

Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’

After two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin has pledged even closer ties with Russia’s most powerful backer and hailed Beijing’s proposals for ending his war in Ukraine. Continued …

Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report

Billions of people experience water-related issues on a daily basis – from contaminated drinking water, to droughts and floods – with a UN report warning Tuesday that the risk of a global crisis is “imminent.” Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • 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

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs 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-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting