Tag Archives: hua hin cables

Saturday’s news-May 31


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Hua Hin’s overhead cable maze/Where older men can find a female lover/Shelters for Stray Dogs/Expat Confusion on Helmet Law/Loose Bolts Blamed for Helicopter Crash/Heavy rain and flood risk/Documentary About Blackpick’s Lisa/High-Rises Breach Construction Laws/Massive leap in data leaks/Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew closed/ECONOMY: What Happens to Trump’s Tariffs?/Thai factory output rises/Foreign patients increase/How fruit prices soured/AI-powered smart agriculture/TOURISM: Indian tourist attacked by tiger/Foreign tourist arrivals gain/Bt157-billion Tourism Boost/5 fixes to save Thai tourism/Solution sought on Chinese visitors/Cuts to subsidy program upset hoteliers/TAT Roadshow in Japan/Air Cambodia Bangkok-Sihanoukville flights/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand’s dowry tradition/Thai Cuisine Cookbook/Bangkok Street Circuit for F1/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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

Hua Hin’s overhead cable maze being addressed

Authorities in Hua Hin have begun work to organize communication cables at high-risk locations across the city, starting with the area outside the Hua Hin City Municipality Office.

The operation got underway yesterday and is part of a two-day plan overseen by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Hua Hin Branch, in cooperation with the Office of the NBTC and several telecommunications providers. Continued …

Hua Hin: where older men can find a young female lover

With names like Oops, Beavers and Cheeky Monkey, it’s clear the dive bars along Soi 80 in the coastal city of Hua Hin offer more than just a cheap drink. Then again, with dozens of scantily clad women advertising their wares from mid-morning to the early hours, this notoriously seedy strip hardly prizes subtlety. And yet, the clients here aren’t just looking for sex – they’re longing for love.

Hua Hin now boasts one of the fastest growing expat communities anywhere in the world, the vast majority of whom are elderly single men hoping for a second shot at happiness. Only this time with girls as young as their granddaughters. WARNING! Continued but subscription required … 

PKK Village Builds Shelters for Stray Dogs

Residents of Chalika village in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been lauded on social media for their kindness in building small shelters for stray dogs. These shelters, made from curved metal sheets, provide refuge from the sun and rain along the village’s fences.

A short clip showing a row of these makeshift doghouses. depicts a dog resting in one of these shelters, accompanied by the message, “Street dog house. Thank you to the donors; may your merit be returned a thousandfold.” Continued …

Expat Confusion Grows as Thailand Cracks Down on Helmet Law Violations

Thailand’s latest initiative to enforce stricter motorcycle helmet regulations is creating a stir among residents and tourists. Starting tomorrow, the “Safe Roads Project”, spearheaded by Thai traffic police, aims to curb road accidents by imposing a heftier fine of up to 2,000 baht for those caught without a helmet.

This campaign zeroes in on high-risk areas, especially around schools, to foster adherence to traffic laws. The new mandate requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets at all times, without exceptions based on travel distance or location. Continued …

Loose Bolts Blamed for Fatal PKK Helicopter Crash

Initial investigations into the recent crash of a Bell 212 police helicopter in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have revealed that two critical bolts had come loose, leading to a catastrophic loss of control and the severing of the tail section, senior police officials confirmed yesterday.

An emergency meeting at the Police Aviation Division in Bangkok was attended by the deputy Inspector-general, the aviation division commander, and relevant technical and flight personnel. The meeting was convened following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of a pilot and two engineers. Continued …

Heavy rain and flood risk across Thailand

The moderate southwest monsoon is continuing to affect the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a low-pressure cell is covering Hainan Island. This weather pattern brings isolated heavy rains to the upper regions of Thailand, the Thai Meteorological Department said today.

South (east coast): Isolated thundershowers mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat; minimum 25-26°C, maximum 33-35°C. Continued …

A Documentary About Blackpick’s Lisa Is in Production

A documentary about Thai pop superstar Lisa is currently in production. The film was announced Thursday during a Los Angeles event previewing forthcoming projects by Sony Music Vision.

Created in partnership with LLOUD Co./RCA Records and Tremolo Productions, the film will follow a year in the life of Lisa, as she takes time away from Blackpink to pursue her own solo career. Continued … 

13 High-Rise Projects in Bangkok Breach Construction Laws

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has flagged 13 high-rise projects in Bangkok for breaching construction laws. According to TCC Secretary-General Saree Aongsomwang, residents from 11 different communities have lodged complaints concerning safety and non-compliance issues linked to these towering developments.

A detailed probe unveiled that these projects deviated from their approved designs, failing to meet Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. Many also violated Ministerial Regulation No. 33, which stipulates a compulsory 6-meter-wide road or clear space around high-rise structures, essential for safety and accessibility. Continued …

Massive leap in data leaks reported in Thailand

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) says it identified data leaks comprising 5 million usernames and passwords this year in Thailand, a spike from just 80,000 last year, attributed to the use of pirated software by individuals and organizations.

The use of illegal software exposes organizations and individuals to cyber attacks and the theft of individual digital currency accounts, the agency said. It warned against installing pirated software on employees’ personal computers or devices used within organizations. Continued …

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew closed June 3 for Queen’s Birthday Ceremony

The Bureau of the Royal Household have announced that the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District will be closed all day on Tuesday, June 3, due to the royal birthday celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

Meanwhile, the bureau also announced a partial opening of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew tomorrow, from 8:30 am to 12 pm. However, entry to the main ordination hall (Phra Ubosot) will be restricted during this time. Continued …

 

What Happens to Trump’s Tariffs Now that a Court Has Knocked Them Down?

President Donald Trump has audaciously claimed virtually unlimited power to bypass Congress and impose sweeping taxes on foreign products. Now a federal court has thrown a roadblock in his path.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump overstepped his authority when he invoked the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to declare a national emergency and plaster taxes – tariffs – on imports from almost every country in the world. Continued …

Thai factory output rises in April, but 2025 forecast cut

Thailand’s manufacturing production index unexpectedly rose 2.17% in April from a year earlier on gains in manufacturing, exports of industrial goods, and tourism, the industry ministry said yesterday.

But output was still down 0.75% over the first four months of 2025 from a year earlier, and the ministry cut its 2025 forecast range to growth of 0% to 1% from 1.5% to 2.5%. Continued …

Thailand’s private hospitals grow as foreign patients increase by 7.6%

The private hospital sector in Thailand is poised for notable growth in 2025, driven by an expanding foreign patient base and global health megatrends that are increasingly capturing public attention.

According to data from the Industry Analysis Report by Business Segment, total revenue for Thailand’s private hospital business is projected to grow by 5.6% year-on-year (YoY) in 2025. This growth is largely attributed to a 7.6% YoY increase in revenue from foreign patients. Continued …

How fruit prices soured for farmers

Last year, farmers benefited from soaring fruit prices, while exports surged thanks to promotion efforts among trading partners.

Prices of durian grade AB in the eastern region rose 21% year-on-year, reaching an average price of 181 baht per kilogram, while durian from the southern region jumped 50% to an average price of 180 baht per kg. Continued …

Huawei Cloud expands AI-powered smart agriculture in Thailand

Huawei Cloud, in collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), hosted the Huawei Cloud Summit Thailand 2025, where the two parties jointly announced a strategic initiative to position Thailand as ASEAN’s leading AI hub.

While the summit highlighted the nation’s overall digital acceleration, a notable focus was placed on the growing application of AI and cloud technologies in agriculture. Continued …

Indian tourist attacked by tiger at Phuket’s Tiger Kindom

A video from a wildlife attraction in Thailand has gone viral, showing a shocking moment that’s now making headlines. In the clip, an Indian tourist is seen being attacked by a tiger while trying to take a selfie inside the animal’s enclosure at a popular tourist spot in Phuket.

Video 

The incident has sparked concern among viewers and raised serious questions about the safety and ethics of allowing close interactions with wild animals. Continued …

Foreign tourist arrivals gain in April from previous month

Foreign tourist arrivals improved in April, supported by European and Middle Eastern travelers, contributing to higher tourism income, says a Bank of Thailand executive.

Speaking about economic and monetary conditions in April yesterday, Chayawadee Chai-anant, the central bank’s assistant governor for corporate relations, said foreign tourist arrivals after seasonal adjustment tallied 2.5 million last month, up 2.5% month-on-month despite a year-on-year decline. Continued …

PM Pledges Bt157-billion Tourism Boost Amid Budget Debate Wrangles

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged 157 billion baht to rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism sector. In a meeting yesterday, Shinawatra highlighted her commitment to enhancing visitor safety and convenience, alongside broader initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation’s tourist appeal.

This cash injection aims to integrate development across five crucial areas: public relations, safety, ease of travel, infrastructure enhancement, and event organization, to spur both short- and long-term growth. Continued …

PM rolls out 5 fixes to save Thai tourism

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a rallying cry to save the country’s ailing tourism sector, issuing five urgent orders that aim to transform the Land of Smiles into a global travel magnet.

During a high-stakes meeting at Government House reviewing first-quarter progress and shaping strategy for the second half of the year, Paetongtarn made it clear – tourism must lead Thailand’s economic revival. Continued …

Agencies call on government to find solution amid drop in Chinese visitors

Tourism agencies have urged the government to find a solution to the crisis caused by the decline in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand.

Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), explained that during the long holiday period (Labor Day) in early May, a total of 10.9 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad and returned, representing an increase of 28.7% compared to 2024, when 2.9 million Chinese nationals traveled overseas. Continued …

Cuts to tourism subsidy program upset hoteliers

Thai hotel operators are disappointed that eligibility for the domestic tourism co-payment promotion has been halved to 500,000 room nights, which they say is insufficient to provide a boost during the low season.

Operators have suggested that the government shift some of the funds from a planned subsidy for online travel agents (OTAs) to directly help consumers instead. Continued …

TAT Rolls Out Roadshow in Japan: Eyes BT55-Billion Tourism Surge

In a bid to draw more Japanese tourists and hit a lofty revenue target, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unleashed the “Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Japan 2025”. Spanning three bustling cities, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the roadshow is making waves and aiming to net Bt55 billion by the year’s end.

With Japanese tourism to Thailand on the upswing — up a robust 12.3% in 2025 — the roadshow is timely. Last year, over a million Japanese tourists hit Thai shores, a first since the pandemic threw a wrench into travel plans worldwide. Continued …

Air Cambodia relaunches Bangkok-Sihanoukville flights

Air Cambodia has restarted its connection between Sihanoukville and  Bangkok, resuming twice-weekly flights on May 22.

The airline now operates this route every Thursday and Sunday using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats, providing convenience for travelers heading to Cambodia’s southern coast and its islands. Continued …

Why Thai brides come with a price: Thailand’s dowry tradition

In many cultures around the world, weddings are not just a celebration of love but also a fusion of tradition, family expectations, and social customs. In Thailand, one of the most talked-about traditions is the dowry, or as it’s known locally, “Sin Sod” (สินสอด).

Video 

The idea of a dowry might raise eyebrows among those unfamiliar with Thai culture, especially when phrased as “requiring money to marry a girl.” But in Thai tradition, Sin Sod is not a payment for the bride, it’s a symbol of appreciation, commitment, and financial security. Continued …

‘Healthy Living with Thai Cuisine’ Cookbook available

A lecturer from the Food Technology Department, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and a team from various institutes have collaborated to produce the “Healthy Living with Thai Cuisine” cookbook, presenting recipes from four regions of Thailand, including a combination of side dishes to eat with rice to achieve balanced and complete nutrition in each meal, hoping to preserve the nutritious meal based on Thai eating culture and unique Thai taste to promote good health for Thai people.

Health-conscious consumers and Thai food lovers can download the E-book “Healthy Living with Thai Cuisine”, that not only features a variety of delicious Thai dishes, but also provides the nutritional value that we should receive in every meal of the day. Continued …

Thailand Plans Bangkok Street Circuit for F1 in 2028

Thailand is poised to rev up its motorsport scene with plans to host the F1 World Championship on a street circuit in Bangkok, rather than investing in a dedicated racetrack. Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed this plan, aligning with Formula One’s preferences and the backing of Thailand’s private sector.

Surawong, alongside Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, recently traveled to Monaco to study its iconic street circuit, garnering insights into hosting a similar event in Thailand. This visit followed a key memorandum of understanding signed with Formula One, signaling progress in their discussions. Continued …

  • DSI Raids International Scammer Gang Fronting as Legitimate Business – Continued … 
  • Woman Extradited from Bahrain Over Human Trafficking Charges – Continued …
  • Chinese Tourist Accused of Groping Female Intern at Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium – Continued …

  • New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

    The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

    (We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

    For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

    Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

    Bus Tickets 

    New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

    Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

    (We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

    Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

    Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

    Hua Hin train schedule

    To book online

    Van/minibus service at Market Village

    Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

    • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
    • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
    • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
    • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
    • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

    The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

     

    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
        • Department of Highways – 1586
        • State Railway – 1590

Wednesday’s news-July 17


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Hua Hin to ‘organize’ overhead cables/Hua Hin to tackle blackchin tilapia/Feeding frenzy in Bangkok/Govt to buy alien blackchin tilapia/Dengue infections reach record/African swine fever outbreak/Partnership to boost ‘future food’/Fatal Poisoning Of Six Vietnamese/Killed in collision with wild elephant/Health volunteer wins 6 million baht lottery/Engaged to Thai bride 50 years his junior/Claws out for illegal tiger business/Economy: Economy faces liquidity crisis/New strategies to reduce household debt/Businesses chafe at wage hike/Industrial sentiment at 2-year low/Koh Chang bridge/Impacts on Thai economy and trade/Contemplating nuclear power/Relisting cannabis will cost 27B baht/Is cannabis a viable health option?/Thailand’s Cannabis History and Cultural Evolution/Tourism: TAT focuses on high value, sustainability/Airport wait to be cut to 45 seconds/Thailand Experience: Asia’s 50 Best Bars/Links: Climate Thailand/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

Hua Hin to ‘organize’ overhead cables

Continued …

 

Hua Hin to tackle blackchin tilapia problem

Continued …

Alien invasion sparks feeding frenzy in Bangkok

Reports of an alien invasion in Bangkok sparked frenzied scenes on Monday, as locals armed with nets, rods and other capture equipment descended on the spot in Din Daeng district.

The hunt was triggered after photos showing blackchin tilapia swimming in the Makkasan urban pond under Chaturathit Bridge surfaced online and went viral. Blackchin tilapia are an invasive species prized for their delicious flesh. Continued …

Govt to buy alien blackchin tilapia at 15 baht/kg to make fertilizer

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has approved a measure proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to buy blackchin tilapia caught in Thai waters at 15 baht per kilogram to make fertilizer, minister Thammanat Prompow said on Tuesday.

The move is expected to encourage the catching of the invasive species with the help of local fishermen and the general public, he added. Continued …

Dengue infections in Thailand reach record 44,387 cases in first six months of 2024

The latest epidemiological surveillance report from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DCD) has revealed an alarming surge in dengue fever cases in 2024. As of July 10, the number of reported cases has reached 44,387, representing a 1.06-fold increase from the same period in 2023.

This marks a significant public health concern, as the first six months of 2024 have already surpassed the total number of infections recorded in 2020, which saw 32,585 cases for the entire year. Continued …

African swine fever outbreak reported in Chiang Mai

In a significant and concerning development, Thailand has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) for the year, as confirmed by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). This outbreak has occurred in Luang Nuea Village, located in the Doi Saket District of Chiang Mai Province.

The outbreak began on June 5 on a farm that housed 70 pigs. Of these, three pigs fell ill, and one died. To prevent the spread of the disease, 69 pigs were culled. The outbreak was officially reported to the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) on July 10. Continued …

New partnership to boost ‘future food’

The Commerce Ministry and private sector are joining forces to develop the future food industry to add value to agricultural products, aiming to introduce a new growth engine to the Thai economy.

Future food refers to innovative food products that are safe to eat, traceable and environmentally friendly, responding to emerging trends concerning good health and well-being. Continued …

5 Questioned All Night Over Fatal Poisoning Of Six Vietnamese At Luxury Hotel

Five people were questioned all night last night over the fatal poisoning of six Vietnamese visitors, two of them American citizens, with one being a friend of a sister of one of the victims.

At 1 am this morning, policemen took the suitcases of the six deceased Vietnamese, totaling eight of them, plus a backpack, shoes and other items from a Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel room to the second-floor meeting room at Lumpini police station where Police Col. Yingyot Suwanno, superintendent of this station, and his team then immediately started a meeting without the media allowed in to observe. Continued …

Motorcyclist killed in collision with wild elephant in Chachoengsao

A tragic incident occurred when a couple on a motorcycle collided with a wild elephant late at night, resulting in the husband’s death and the wife’s injury. The woman, still in shock, reported having no memory of the event.

Phanom Rescue Radio Center received a distress call yesterday at 11pm about a fatal elephant attack in Ang Rue Nai Forest, in the Ban Ang Sua Dam area, Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao Province. Rescue teams, along with the village headman, were dispatched to the scene. Continued …

Thai village health volunteer wins 6 million baht in lottery

A village health volunteer from Yasothon has struck it rich by winning the first prize in the lottery, netting a total of 6 million baht. The lucky numbers were chosen from a ticket she had reserved but not yet paid for.

Rungaradee Sriwisat, a 53-year-old resident of Ban Hua Kham, Mueang Yasothon district, revealed her excitement after winning the lottery. She usually buys lottery tickets regularly but has taken a break recently due to never winning. Continued …

Former Irish terrorist engaged to Thai bride 50 years his junior

An infamous Irish terrorist revealed his engagement to a Thai bride half a century younger. Gormy McMullan, a prime suspect in the Loughinisland massacre, announced his upcoming nuptials to Thai national Bannapon Nuch Jathasan on social media, igniting a storm of reactions.

“I have decided she is my main one now,” the 71-year-old murder suspect proudly declared in response to a flurry of congratulatory messages. The pair reportedly met 18 months ago during one of McMullan’s many trips to Thailand and Vietnam. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Claws out for illegal tiger business in Thailand

Following the arrest of illegal tiger cubs and ivory traffickers, the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ordered a thorough inspection of all tiger farms, with strict actions promised against any illegal activities.

This move is part of the intensifying efforts to clamp down on illegal wildlife trade in Thailand. Continued …

Economy faces liquidity crisis as the property and manufacturing sectors nosedive

There are rising signs that the country’s economic chiefs are finding themselves on a sticky wicket as the property sector and manufacturing continue to head south. In the meantime, access to credit is tightening as the banking sector pulls in its horns.

Previously, both Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira and the new Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) made it clear that all is not well. Indeed, analysts are beginning to anticipate that even the lackluster GDP projected growth rate of 2.6% may not be achieved in 2024. In short, Thailand is in the throes of a very tight liquidity crisis. Continued …

PM issues new strategies to reduce household debt

At Monday’s meeting of the economic cabinet, PM Srettha Thavisin outlined strategies to address household debt and restore economic confidence. He proposed the Bank of Thailand reduce the minimum credit card repayment rate and said he was planning discussions with financial institutions to extend housing debt terms and find measures to solve the issue of repossessed vehicles. Acknowledging that debt resolution is complex, he emphasised the need for unconventional measures.

Household debt is a major issue for the Thai economy, currently standing at 13.6 trillion baht, or 90% of GDP, affecting consumer purchasing power and the overall economy. Combined with business debt, especially for SMEs, this issue becomes increasingly difficult to resolve. Continued …

Businesses chafe at wage hike

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) in Chiang Mai has insisted hiking the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide is excessive and unsuitable given the current economic conditions.

Chakrin Wangwiwat, chairman of FTI in Chiang Mai, said the private sector has expressed concern the decision to increase the daily minimum wage from May 1-Oct. 1 does not align with economic conditions, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited financial resources. Continued …

Thai industrial sentiment at 2-year low in June

The Thai industrial sentiment index fell for a third straight month to its lowest in two years in June due to a slow economy, weak demand and bad debt problems, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said today.

The FTI’s industrial sentiment index dropped to 87.2 in June from 88.5 in May. Political uncertainty had dented the confidence of business operators, while smaller firms faced liquidity problems as banks tightened lending, the FTI said. Continued …

Koh Chang bridge ‘likely to cost Bt10 billion’

Building a bridge to connect Trat on the mainland to Koh Chang, the province’s popular island, will likely cost 10 billion baht, according to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT).

EXAT Gov. Surachet Laophulsuk recently surveyed possible construction locations after the Transport Ministry called for a project feasibility study. Continued …

Impacts on Thai economy and trade inevitable after US election

Thailand has been advised to brace for potential impacts on the economy and trade following the U.S. presidential election in November. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, pointed out that the U.S. international trade policies have significantly affected the global market over the past 7-8 years.

Republican candidate Donald Trump’s America First Policy to protect national benefits and the ongoing trade war with China had led to slowdowns in both the Thai and global economies, he explained. Continued …

Officials contemplating nuclear power

Energy authorities are planning to conduct a feasibility study on small nuclear power plant development in line with the revised power development plan (PDP), which promotes greater use of clean energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, says an Energy Ministry official.

This type of nuclear power technology is called “small modular reactor” (SMR), with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts per unit, about one-third of the generating capacity of larger, traditional nuclear power reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Continued …

Relisting cannabis ‘will cause 27-billion-baht loss’

The government’s plan to put cannabis back on a list of illegal drugs will cause a 27-billion-baht loss to the local cannabis industry, said Wisan Potprasat, CEO of the Cannabis Medical Industrial Estate Assn. of Thailand.

Wisan, who is also the president of the Community Enterprise Network of Western Herbal Alliances, which is the largest licensed cannabis grower in the country, was commenting on the Public Health Ministry’s committee plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic. Continued …

Is cannabis a viable health option?

Cannabis has been known as a herbal plant with psychoactive effects for thousands of years. The herb has been used for both medical and recreational purposes. Several countries have categorized it as a narcotic drug.

(Editor note: The author claims marijuana is addictive. This is not true. Tobacco smoking is addictive, as is alcohol use.)

Thailand banned marijuana 90 years ago in 1934. Since, however, cannabis addiction is relatively mild compared with other narcotics, dozens of countries started to ease the ban more than a decade ago, allowing for medical cannabis or medical marijuana, while several countries granted a certain level of recreational use, as well. Continued …

Thailand’s Cannabis History and Cultural Evolution

Cannabis in Thailand is a fascinating topic, specifically as the country’s laws continue to change. With recreational use set to be banned by the end of 2024, Thailand is zeroing in on healthcare providers and research applications. Navigating this green maze might seem daunting, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Cannabis in Thailand has seen significant legal changes recently. In February 2018, medical cannabis became legal, making Thailand the first Asian country to do so. This move aims to improve both the physical and mental health of the patient. The recreational use was briefly decriminalized in 2022, but there has been a recent U-turn on legalization. Continued …

TAT focuses on high value, sustainability

In order to fix the low level of competitiveness of Thai tourism, the industry must shift from a demand-driven to a supply-driven strategy, said the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The TAT announced its marketing direction for 2025 on Monday with a goal to increase revenue by 7.5% from 2024, securing 39 million foreign arrivals and 205 million domestic trips, revised down from a projected 220 million trips announced last week. Continued … 

Airport wait to be cut to 45 seconds

The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to take measures to ensure immigration control at airports takes no more than 45 seconds per person. The move is part of efforts to support the government’s expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors, which took effect on Monday.

The number of immigration officials will also be increased to ease long queues in front of immigration check-in booths at airports during peak passenger hours. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Four Bangkok bars in top half of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024

Capping off days of guest bartender shifts, spirits brand pop-ups and everything boozy in between was the ninth edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards, held for the second consecutive year at The Rosewood Hong Kong hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

This year, four venues in Bangkok are in the ranking. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

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
  • Department of Highways – 1586