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Today’s news: Water supply disruption today/Thailand Golf Travel Mart/Thailand will legalize casino within three years/Dengue Fever Claims 3 in ChonburiAre prisoners equal in Thailand?/Impact of a strengthening US DollarBoT may lower GDP rate/Fitch concerned about Thailand/Export forecast cut/’Utility Green Tariff’/Bank shuns fossil fuel businesses/Thai hemp industry’s drive/Stick with the success of the ganja industry/Foot Locker launches/Phuket’s ‘Russian-only’ businesses/Aeroflot to increase Moscow flights/Tourism safety concerns/Top 10 Best Thai Cookbooks/Where locals travel/This City Is One Of The Top Destinations/Enhancing Your Travel Experience/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2023 tees off in Hua Hin

Hua Hin this week welcomes the Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) 2023, a pivotal event for golf industry stakeholders from Thailand and across the globe.

Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event underscores Thailand’s reputation as a “World Class Golf Destination.” The Thailand Golf Travel Mart officially was held at the Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin on Tuesday. Continued …

Experts say Thailand will legalize casino within three years

Thailand will legalize casino gambling within three years, prompting a gold rush among international and regional operators, knowledgeable sources tell iGaming Business. Who stakes claims where depends on how Thailand draws its regulatory map, foreign gaming operators’ willingness to partner with Thai companies – and vice versa.

“Thailand will do ‘it’ but the question is what the ‘it’ will look like,” Destination Capital CEO James Kaplan says. Continued …

Dengue Fever Claims 3 Lives in Chonburi, Cases Top 2,900 Last Week

Chonburi is grappling with dengue fever after over 2,900 people have been infected with the disease and three killed during the last week, Banglamung District Public Health officials said at a health situation update conference.

Kitti Bunrattanate, a Public Health officer, warned the public of the current disease situation in the province, saying there have been 2,987 cases of dengue fever reported in the past week, resulting in three deaths – two in the Banglamung district and one in the Sri Racha district. Continued …

Are prisoners equal in Thailand?

Are all prisoners in Thailand afforded the same treatment that has been given to convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra? The answer is a resounding “no”. And there can be no question about it.

Thaksin, who began serving an eight-year prison sentence upon his return to Thailand from self-imposed exile on Aug. 22, was held for about 13 hours at the Bangkok Remand Prison before being transferred to the Police General Hospital in central Bangkok, where he remains to date. Continued …

Assessing the impact of a strengthening US Dollar on Srettha’s administration

In the realm of global finance, exchange rates serve as a crucial indicator of economic stability and prospects. The current juncture witnesses the Thai economy confronting a notable shift in the strength of the U.S. dollar (USD) against the Thai baht (THB), a development driven by escalating interest rates in the United States.

The foundation of a strengthening USD lies within the complex interplay of global financial variables, with the adjustment of interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve emerging as a defining factor. Continued …

BoT mulls lowering GDP and inflation rates

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is considering lowering its projections for gross domestic product (GDP) and the inflation rate for this year.

The latest economic figures for Thailand released by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for the second quarter of this year show a modest expansion of 1.8%, which is lower than the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) expectations. This signals that BoT may have to revise its growth projections downward. Continued …

Fitch analysts raise concerns about Thailand’s recovery

A global slowdown may hamper Thailand’s recovery, while the new coalition’s economic stimulus packages may well result in high government debt, analysts said at Fitch Rating’s annual conference. The conference was held in Bangkok on Tuesday.

However, Fitch expects Thai banks to have some headroom in ratings thanks to improved financial performance, and in some cases, expectations of government or shareholder support. Continued …

Export forecast cut amid global woes

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has downgraded its export forecast for this year to a contraction of 1% from its previous forecast, which ranged from a contraction of 0.5% to a 1% increase, citing weak global demand.

TNSC chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk said on Tuesday Thailand’s exports will definitely fall into negative territory this year, possibly by -1% or more, due to many unknown risks and persistent problems. Continued …

EGAT expects ‘Utility Green Tariff’ to be announced around year-end

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is expected to announce a new energy price structure, which is known as the “Utility Green Tariff” (UGT), at year end or early next year, in the hope that it will attract multinational corporations to invest in renewable energy mega projects in Thailand.

Warit Rattanachuen, EGAT’s assistant governor for research, innovations and business development, said at a recent seminar on “Road to Net Zero” that several countries have resorted to tax measures on businesses to encourage them to reduce their greenhouse emissions. Continued …

Thai bank shuns fossil fuel power businesses

Government Savings Bank (GSB) plans to phase out lending money to fossil fuel power-generation businesses, with no new loans to be granted to coal-fired power plants from this year.

The effort aims to slash the bank’s indirect emissions of 1.68 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) by 2050. Continued …

Thai hemp industry’s drive for global market success

Since Thailand has relaxed its regulations on hemp and cannabis, allowing for more extensive use, the hemp industry in the country has been steadily growing. Entrepreneurs have come together under the name “Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association” (TIHTA), a network within the Thai hemp industry.

TIHTA aims to drive, unite and develop the Thai hemp industry, making it robust, from farmers to processors and producers. Their goal is to position the Thai hemp market to meet the demands of the global hemp industry effectively. Continued …

Pheu Thai ‘advised’ to stick with the success of the ganja industry

The caretaker health minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai political party has issued a thinly veiled warning to the Pheu Thai not to try and reclassify marijuana as a narcotic subject to criminal penalties.

Anutin Charnvirakul, who is to be the powerful interior minister in the new government coalition lineup, said that any (unwelcome) moves to recriminalize the weed must be “carefully discussed” with coalition partners, including the military block that legalized ganja back in 2022. But Anutin has this week promised a new law to clear up some dark corners. Continued …

Foot Locker launches in Thailand

Foot Locker, the renowned specialty athletic retailer based in New York, launched its first store in Thailand, targeting the youth demographic and aiming to invigorate the sports shoe/sneaker market.

The announcement came from Deepak Tomar, country general manager and director of MAP Active Adiperkasa, the official licensee for Foot Locker in Thailand, who revealed the store’s opening in the Siam Center last Friday. The retail space spans over 1,321 square meters. Continued …

‘Russian-only’ businesses in Thailand’s Phuket spark backlash

A huge influx of Russians in Phuket is producing a backlash from locals, amid complaints of a booming Russian-only economy that covers everything from hair salons to taxi firms.

More than 400,000 Russians arrived on the Thai tourist island between January and July this year, according to authorities, double the number of visitors before Russia’s war against Ukraine. Continued …

Aeroflot to increase the frequency of flights to Thailand from Moscow

Aeroflot in its fall/winter schedule will increase the flight frequency from Moscow to Thailand. The airline will operate up to 27 weekly flights to Phuket and Bangkok in total.

Thus, from Sept. 29, the frequency of flights to Phuket will increase from 5 to 7 weekly flights, and from Oct. 29 up to 17 weekly services. Three daily flights from Moscow will be operated on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, in other days two daily flights. Continued …

Tourism safety concerns: Thai Government urged to reassure China

The Thai administration is being prodded to collaborate with Beijing prior to implementing a visa-exemption scheme for Chinese tourists, as the country’s image suffers due to its portrayal as a transit hub for fraudulent activities in recent Chinese media, hindering tourism safety.

A Chinese film titled “No More Bets”, which revolves around scammer networks in Southeast Asia, grossed a whopping US$505 million in its initial five weeks. The thriller topped China’s box office in August, simultaneously souring Chinese sentiment toward traveling to Southeast Asia, according to Surawat Akaraworamat, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. Continued …

Top 10 Best Thai Cookbooks

Are you looking for the most reliable and efficient Thai cookbook in the market? It is quite a common phenomenon to be confused over which is the Thai cookbook to buy.

This dilemma arises due to the existence of various types of Thai cookbooks that are present in the market. To reduce your conundrum, we have prepared a comprehensive guide of how you may pick the best Thai cookbooks available in the market. Continued …

Discover where locals travel in Thailand

As Thailand’s peak travel season kicks off in November, visitors flock from colder destinations to bask in sun-kissed resorts like Krabi, Ko Samui, and Chiang Mai. With the rainy season behind us, Bangkok comes alive at this time of year with night markets, parties, and endless entertainment opportunities.

While these places, renowned for their vibrant landscapes and culture, attract international visitors in their droves, locals tend to seek sites that offer a more relaxed experience. These hidden gems are where traditions are cherished and pristine beaches are quiet and secluded. Continued …

5 Reasons Why This City Is One Of The Top Destinations In Thailand

With its paradisaical islands, centuries-old Buddhist temples, and verdant nature, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular vacation hotspots, having attracted over 15 million tourists in the first seven months of 2023 alone.

Though the majority of travelers either land in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling financial center and national capital, or Phuket, the entertainment capital and trendiest resort island, the power duo are not the Southeast Asian giant’s only tourism magnets. Continued …

Enhancing Your Travel Experience in Thailand: 5 Valuable Lessons

Thailand is a popular destination for tourists of all ages because of its breathtaking beaches, extensive cultural history, and energetic towns. This post will explore five important lessons that can improve your travel experience in Thailand.

Lesson 1: Embrace the Local Culture

Thailand is a place rich in traditions, where old traditions coexist peacefully with contemporary lifestyles. Take the time to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Participating in Thai traditions can be life-changing. Continued …

6 billion tons of sand extracted from oceans each year

Some six billion tons of sand and other sediment is extracted from the world’s seas and oceans every year, the UN said Tuesday, warning of the devastating toll on biodiversity and coastal communities. Continued …

Ugandan coffee farmer deploys technology to thwart effects of climate change

Ugandan coffee farmer Allan Green is deploying modern technology like drip irrigation and artificial mulching to beat the effects of climate change, which is making production of the crop increasingly tougher in Africa’s top exporter of the bean. 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