- Crab festival in Cha Am runs through Saturday/
- Providing a helping hand to underprivileged children in Hua Hin/
- Former Hua Hin mayor wounded by sniper/
- Two Big Golf Tournaments Coming to Royal Hua Hin/
- Tighter measures to curb dangerous PM2.5 levels in northern provinces/
- Thailand to impose strict registration policy for all firearms, ammunition/
- Thailand approves extradition deal with Russia as Russians flood in/
- US banking collapse has Thailand customers asking, is my money safe?/
- Police to undergo mental health checks nationwide/
- Confidence underpins retail recovery/
- China expected to catapult Thai economy/
- What should you know about Shingles?/
- EU to resume negotiating free trade agreement with Thailand/
- Tourism: Tourist police crack down on overcharging on Khao San Road/Phuket gives OK for Songkran water fights/
- Thailand Experience: The Phuket island you’ve never heard of/
- International: Singapore’s Changi Airport named world’s best airport for 12th time/Credit Suisse says it will borrow up to $53.7B from central bank/Macron faces ‘moment of truth’ in pension vote/
- 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
Crab festival in Cha Am runs through Saturday
The Cha Am “Gin Pu Chak@Cha-am festival” is currently underway at Cha-am viewpoint, and will conclude on Saturday. Expect lots of fresh seafood and local cuisine, live music, entertainment, shopping and much more.
Providing a helping hand to underprivileged children in Hua Hin
The Bright Dawn Foundation (BD) is a registered Thai charity foundation dedicated to supporting primary school children from underprivileged communities in and around the Hua Hin area.
BD’S focus is healthcare and practical education aimed at giving the children a better chance of employment options further down the line. BD is funded entirely by private donations. Administration costs are targeted to be 6%-7% in order that as much as possible goes directly to the benefit of the children.
With little publicity and no fanfare, the foundation has all but flown under the radar for more than 12 years, as its small team of unpaid volunteers have quietly gone about taking steps to improve the lives of local school children. Continued …
Former Hua Hin mayor wounded by sniper
Police in the normally sleepy environs of Hua Hin raced to a house in Bung Nakhon subdistrict where the former mayor of the area was shot by a sniper.
Serm Temform, 53, was feeding chickens when he was shot in the left side of the chest, the bullet exiting from the right ribs.
Some distance away, a 9mm shell casing was found. Police believe the shooter used a long-range sight to pick off his victim when he least expected it – it was 8:30 am and the politician was out on his large property. Continued …
Two Big Golf Tournaments Coming to Royal Hua Hin
The Royal Hua Hin Golf Club is celebrating its 99th year anniversary this year (the first course in Thailand) and has played host to many professional events and produced great Thai golfers throughout its history.
As the countdown to the centenary has begun, two big events have been announced for March and April this year.
On March 22-25th, the Hua Hin Championship will be held, followed by the Royal Hua Hin Thailand Championship 2023 by MENA Tour, taking place on April 24–27 with prize money of US$75,000. Continued …
Tighter measures to curb dangerous PM2.5 levels in northern provinces
Thailand’s National Environment Board (NEB) has decided to tighten up measures to curb the worsening PM2.5 problem in 17 northern provinces, which is threatening public health and is being blamed on forest fires and the burning of farm waste.
There will be a complete ban on burning in open spaces, strict enforcement of the law against violators who light fires in forests or burn farm waste, and cooperation sought from millers to stop buying burnt sugarcane from farmers.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the NEB has also instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to mobilize all its resources, including aircraft, to control forest fires. Continued …
Thailand to impose strict registration policy for all firearms, ammunition
The Cabinet has given the go-ahead to the draft firearms act, which stipulates that all privately owned firearms and ammunition be registered with a government agency.
Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the draft act was approved on Tuesday in response to rising gun-related crimes.
She added that this amendment was required because the current measures in place are not effective enough. The law does not give police the authority to inspect suspects who may possess firearms. Continued …
Thailand approves extradition deal with Russia as Russians flood in
The Cabinet approved a draft extradition treaty with Russia on Tuesday amid reports that Russians are flocking to Thailand to avoid fallout from the war with Ukraine.
The treaty would boost collaboration to suppress crime, said government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, adding that the details match extradition agreements Thailand has with other countries.
The extradition deal does not need Parliament’s approval since it does not affect Thailand’s territory, economy, society or trade and investment, she said.
Tens of thousands of Russians hoping to avoid conscription and the economic fallout of war with Ukraine have visited Thailand since the invasion in February last year, according to Al Jazeera. It reports that many are looking to move to the Kingdom permanently, citing data showing Russians bought nearly 40% of condos sold to foreigners in Phuket last year. – The Nation
US banking collapse has Thailand customers asking, is my money safe?
The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in the United States has triggered concerns about the safety of money in banks, with customers in Thailand wondering whether their cash is safe and whether they should withdraw it.
While Thailand’s Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith insists that the troubles faced by some major U.S. banks have had no impact on Thailand, people are still worried because a number of experts said that before the financial crisis in 2008.
According to reports, the collapse of SVB was caused by a bank run, where too many depositors tried to withdraw their money. In response, regulators guaranteed all deposits at SVB, and Signature Bank, the second and third biggest bank failures in U.S. history, and created a program to shield other banks from a run on deposits, reported the Associated Press. Continued …
Police to undergo mental health checks nationwide
Police officers across the country will undergo mental health screening to prevent a recurrence of a 27-hour police siege at a house in Bangkok this week.
Police Lt. Gen. Waratchai Srirattanawut, head of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), has assigned medical teams to conduct random health checks on officers of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and provincial police stations, to ensure public safety and increase work efficiency, Police Maj. Gen. Sanatee Prayoonrat, OIG spokesman, said on Thursday.
People can lodge complaints with the Jaray Complaint Management System (JCoMs) if they come across officers who appear to be mentally disturbed, added the spokesman. Continued …
Our regular menu is also available
Confidence underpins retail recovery
Consumer spending in Thailand will post solid growth over 2022, with real household spending (based on 2010 prices) projected to grow by 4.6% year-on-year.
This is a slowdown from the 7% year-on-year growth estimated for 2022, when growth was boosted by low base effects from the 11.7% year-on-year contraction in 2020 and flat growth of 0.3% in 2021. Continued …
China expected to catapult Thai economy
China’s economic growth and the preference among Chinese for Thai properties should make it a key driver for the Thai economy and property market, according to economic and property analysts.
Kobsak Pootrakool, director and senior executive vice president of Bangkok Bank, said the collapse of three American banks was just the beginning of a new crisis caused by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes.
“This crisis will take a few years to end, likely by 2025,” he said. “While the U.S. and Europe will enter a recession, Asia has the potential to thrive during the crisis, particularly Southeast Asia, which is drawing investors from around the globe. Thailand can rely on China’s economic growth.” Continued …
What should you know about Shingles?
Dr. Pongsak Boonyaleephun, assistant hospital director of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin explains that shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus, or varicella, which have been hiding in your body for years after having chickenpox when young.
The infection occurs when the viruses come out from the hiding place and travel along the nerve root to the skin, which happens when your immunity is weakened.
Additionally, there are viruses present in the blisters that can spread to others by contact. If that person has never had chickenpox before, if contacting, he or she may develop chickenpox, not shingles. Continued …
EU to resume negotiating free trade agreement with Thailand
Negotiations on a free trade agreement between European Union and Thailand are to be resumed, after almost 10 years.
“I warmly welcome the restart of our negotiations on a trade agreement with Thailand,” writes the European Commission’s executive vice-president, Valdis Dombrovskis, in a press release.
“A modern and dynamic agreement will lead to benefits for both sides and strengthen the EU’s trade contacts with the region.” Continued …
Tourist police crack down on overcharging on Khao San Road
Bangkok Tourist Police on Khao San Road yesterday were approached by several angry foreign tourists after they had been ripped off. The victims told officers that tuk tuk and taxi drivers in the area had tricked them into buying expensive products and services.
According to the Bangkok Tourist Police, some tuk tuk and taxi drivers near Khao San Road reportedly approached foreign visitors, convinced them to use their services and then overcharged them. Some drivers even coordinated with local shops and sellers and sold products to foreigners at inflated prices. Continued …
Phuket gives OK for Songkran water fights
Break out your super soakers, Songkran water play has been given the green light by Phuket Town officials. The president of Phuket provincial administration says water fights can go ahead on the streets of the Old Town on April 14.
But before you dust off your old plastic water soakers, there’s a small catch.
“The activities also include and maintain Songkran traditions, such as pouring water on elders’ hands and the bathing of Buddha images. People are also encouraged to dress in traditional costumes for the day. The event will also include performances by local bands and famous bands from Bangkok.” Continued …
The Phuket island you’ve never heard of
Far from Phuket’s ping pong bars and Patong’s relentless market touts is an island of farmers and artists who welcome you into their world.
Koh Yao Noi Island is authentic Thailand. It’s the Thailand you seek to discover, where you can harvest rubber with the matriarch of a family plantation, visit a floating fish nursery frequented by local school children and cruise through organic rice paddies on a motorbike. This is a Phuket adventure you never knew existed, and it all begins with breakfast.
As the sun slowly climbs over famous Phang Nga Bay, flooding ANI Thailand resort in a Champagne glow, I, too, climb. I’m going somewhere special for breakfast, planned by ANI’s attentive staff. After a refreshing dip in my private pool, I leave my suite and scale the stairs to the resort’s grand entrance. Continued …
Singapore’s Changi Airport named world’s best airport for 12th time
Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for the 12th time by London-based research firm Skytrax, regaining its crown after losing out in 2021 and 2022 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport was also named best in Asia, best in the world for leisure amenities, and best in the world for airport dining at the 2023 World Airport Awards ceremony held at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Continued …
Credit Suisse says it will borrow up to $53.7B from central bank
Credit Suisse announced today that it would borrow almost US$54 billion from the Swiss central bank to reinforce the group after a plunge in its share prices. Continued …
Macron faces ‘moment of truth’ in pension vote
A proposed reform of France’s pension system, which has sparked massive protests and strikes since the start of the year, is to be put to a vote in parliament today in a decisive moment for President Emmanuel Macron. 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
The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023
Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow
SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station
Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat
List of top herbs eyed for export
ID soon required to buy cannabis buds
China targets South Korea, Japan over Covid curbs
Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines
Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022
NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine
Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits
