Cha-am night market and bat cave/Hua Hin accepts clean air award/Invasive black-chin tilapia in Cha-am/Huai Sai Wild Animal Center in Cha-am/Thailand’s suicide rate climbs/Former PM Thaksin Sentenced/Historic Moment in Thai Politics/LPG price change/Thailand flood news/Sentences for school bus fire/Pickup Crash Topples 52 Power Poles/Apple unveils iPhone 17/Thailand Opens 23 ‘Tourist Prisons’/ECONOMY: Economic pessimism high/Food delivery firms back co-payment scheme/7% VAT extended/Thai digital sector expected to grow/Is Vietnam Becoming the New Thailand?/TOURISM: Thailand’s Tourism Rebounds?/Strong baht a high-season challenge/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Ninth UNESCO World Heritage site/INTERNATIONAL/NEW PAGE – HUA HIN LINKS
Cha-am night market and bat cave make for a unique outing
If you are in Hua Hin, a short trip to nearby Cha-am offers a mix of nature and community life. Among the highlights are the nightly sight of millions of bats leaving their cave in Na Yang subdistrict and the bustling Wednesday Night Market, the largest of its kind in the area. Together, they make for an evening that combines spectacle with local flavour.
Each evening, usually around 6 pm, a colony of bats emerges from a cave in Na Yang, about 12 kilometers from Cha-am Beach. Visitors often gather from 5 pm to secure good viewing spots as the creatures begin their journey into the night sky. Continued …
Hua Hin accepts clean air award at ASEAN environment summit
Hua Hin has been recognized for its clean air efforts, receiving the prestigious Clean Air for Small Cities award at the ASEAN level. The accolade puts the city on the map alongside Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pak Kret, both of which also received top environmental recognitions.
The award not only highlights Hua Hin’s commitment to environmental management but also assures both Thai and international visitors of the city’s high quality of life. The recognition is expected to further enhance Hua Hin’s competitiveness as an international tourist destination, known for its relaxed atmosphere and clean environment. Continued …
Agencies and locals unite to remove invasive black-chin tilapia in Cha-am
The Phetchaburi Provincial Fisheries Office, government agencies, and local communities have joined forces in Cha-am to tackle the spread of black-chin tilapia, an invasive species affecting local waterways.
The activity focused on two key measures: controlling and removing black-chin tilapia from natural water bodies where infestations are found, and making practical use of the fish once removed. As part of the day’s efforts, 46 kilograms of black-chin tilapia were caught and handed over to local fisheries organizations for further use. Continued …
Huai Sai Wild Animal Caring and Breeding Center in Cha-am
The Huay Sai Wild Animal Caring and Breeding Center in Cha-am is a place where visitors can see wildlife up close while learning about conservation. Unlike a zoo, it is a rescue and breeding facility, aimed at restoring forests and reintroducing native animals to their natural habitats.
The center was founded in the late 1980s as part of the Huai Sai Development Study Center in Phetchaburi Province. The project began after Thailand’s king visited the area in 1983 and noted how a once fertile landscape had become degraded. Concerned that the land risked becoming barren, he ordered a large-scale reforestation effort. By 1990, the initiative expanded to include the breeding and release of Eld’s deer, an endangered species once common in Thailand’s forests. Continued …
Thailand’s suicide rate climbs, foreigners among growing toll
Thailand’s suicide rate has reached a concerning level, with over 5,200 lives lost to suicide last year, equating to about two deaths every hour.
There is no clear data on the number of foreign suicides, but AI research suggests that foreigners make up about 10% of the total suicide cases in urban areas, which would mean around 520 foreign suicides annually. Continued …
Former PM Thaksin Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison
The Thai Supreme Court has sentenced Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, to one year in prison for an unlawful medical leave process.
The ruling requires Thaksin to serve his sentence without counting the period he spent receiving treatment at the Police General Hospital. This marks the start of a fresh prison term for Thaksin, who must now return to jail. Continued …
Thaksin’s Jail Term Sparks Historic Moment in Thai Politics
In a landmark decision, Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered that Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister, must serve a one-year prison sentence. This ruling marks the first instance of a former Thai prime minister being incarcerated, prompting significant reactions within the country. Thaksin’s hospital stay from mid-August 2023 until February 2024 won’t count toward his sentence, intensifying the situation.
Thaksin’s family and supporters have responded to the decision with mixed feelings. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed pride in her father’s achievements while acknowledging the difficulties that come with them. Continued …
LPG price change among first tasks for new energy minister
Auttapol Rerkpiboon, who is likely to become the next energy minister, is expected to start his work by considering whether to maintain a cap on cooking gas prices, which is set to expire at the end of this month.
Authorities capped the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price at 423 baht per 15-kilogram cylinder, which is higher than the market price of 385 baht. Continued …
- Thailand braces for flash floods amid monsoon deluge – Continued …
- Chao Phraya Dam increases discharge as flood risks rise in central Thailand – Continued …
- DDPM issues flood warning to residents of Khao Saming district, Trat – Continued …
- Pattaya faces rising flood dangers amid persistent monsoon rains – Continued …
- Samut Prakan at high risk of permanent flooding – Continued …
- Flash flood kills 50,000 chickens at Rayong farm – Continued …
Suspended prison sentences, fines for owners and driver of school bus fire that killed 23
The Thanyaburi Provincial Court yesterday handed down three suspended sentences to the bus owners and driver responsible for last October’s deadly school bus explosion in Pathum Thani. The blast claimed 23 lives, including teachers and students.
An intensive investigation by the Ministry of Transport revealed the bus was part of a fleet legally modified to run on gas. On the day of the disaster, the driver abandoned the bus as flames consumed passengers. Meanwhile, the operating company tried to hide other buses secretly and illegally reconfigured. The tragedy exposed glaring failures and triggered a nationwide review of the gas-powered bus fleet. Continued …
Pickup Crash in Chiang Mai Topples 52 Power Poles, Kills One
A pickup truck crash in Chiang Mai yesterday caused widespread destruction, killing one person and injuring another. The accident occurred when the driver lost control on a curve and slammed into a power pole. The impact triggered a chain reaction that toppled 52 poles, destroyed transformers, and damaged homes.
The Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office confirmed that a 27-year-old passenger died at the scene, while the 24-year-old driver sustained injuries. Dashcam footage of the incident, quickly went viral, showing the vehicle veering out of control before striking the pole. Continued and video …
Apple unveils iPhone 17, and three more models
Apple has introduced four new phone models yesterday: the basic iPhone 17, the super thin Air, the high-end 17 Pro, and the supersized 17 Pro Max. All of them include Apple’s latest in-house silicon, more advanced cameras and tougher outer glass.
For consumers who try to delay iPhone upgrades until they can buy a new edition that looks meaningfully different, this could be the year — especially now that Apple has confirmed the prices are mostly in line with last year’s versions. Continued …
Thailand Opens 23 ‘Tourist Prisons’ in Nationwide Corrections Overhaul
Thailand has designated 23 prisons as “tourist destinations” as part of a sweeping transformation of its corrections system that aims to rehabilitate inmates while addressing the country’s labor shortages and boosting the economy.
The initiative, unveiled during the Department of Corrections’ 110th anniversary celebration, features prison-run restaurants, cafes, and shops staffed entirely by trained inmates. The flagship “Chuan Chom” restaurant brand has expanded to 122 branches nationwide, known for cleanliness, flavor, and affordability. Continued …
Economic pessimism high in Thailand
Within Asia-Pacific, Thailand stands out for a high level of economic pessimism and financial strain, with 71% of survey respondents suggesting the economy is struggling.
Looking ahead, 56% of Thai respondents expect conditions to worsen over the next 6-12 months, marking the most pessimistic outlook among the markets surveyed. Continued …
Food delivery firms back revival of co-payment scheme
Online food delivery operators have voiced support for the government’s plan to reintroduce the “Khon La Khrueng” co- payment scheme.
Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, managing director of Grab Thailand, said Grab fully supports the new government’s direction in reintroducing the co-payment scheme, as it should help stimulate the economy, particularly by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry. Continued …
Caretaker Cabinet extends 7% VAT for another year
The caretaker Cabinet decided yesterday to extend the 7% value-added tax (VAT) rate for another year, said caretaker Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Julapun explained that the caretaker government feared that if the decision were deferred to the newly appointed Cabinet under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, it would be too late, and consumers would be forced to pay the 10% VAT starting Oct. 1. Continued …
Thai digital sector expected to grow to Bt3 trillion by 2027
Thailand’s digital industry is expected to be worth 3 trillion baht by 2027, up from a projected 2.69 trillion baht this year.
The growth is attributed to emerging technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), according to a digital industry survey and assessment for 2024 and a three-year forecast by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and IMC Institute. Continued …
Is Vietnam Becoming the New Thailand?
In 2015, Thailand was in the midst of a major export boom, running a current account surplus of $28 billion. The following year, the surplus jumped to $43 billion. Thailand maintained these large current account surpluses, anchored by exports of agriculture, manufactured goods, and services, right up until the COVID-19 pandemic.
An economy based around exports like Thailand’s is especially vulnerable to external shocks that disrupt normal patterns of travel and commerce, like pandemics or trade wars. Even now, Thailand is struggling with a slow recovery in exports that has contributed to the country’s weak economic growth. In 2024, the current account surplus was $11 billion, which is fine for many countries but maybe not ideal for Thailand. Continued …
(Editor: Is The Nation media a government mouthpiece? Apparently so, as evidenced by the article below. The truth is that Thailand tourism has seen a more than 7% decline in foreign tourists so far this year. Sugar-coating does not change that fact.)
Thailand’s Tourism Rebounds as Tourist Arrivals Hit 22 Million
Thailand’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant recovery, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announcing that foreign tourist arrivals have surpassed 22 million this year, generating over 1 trillion baht in revenue.
According to Natreeya Thaweewong, permanent secretary of the ministry, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 7, Thailand welcomed a total of 22,387,817 foreign visitors. This influx of tourists has generated over 1.037 trillion baht in revenue. Continued …
Strong baht a high-season challenge
The appreciation of the baht to a four-year high could affect inbound tourism during the upcoming high season, although attractive room rates and cheaper international flights should still help attract visitors to Thailand.
A stronger baht could discourage independent travelers who haven’t yet booked their overseas holidays, said Udom Srimahachota, vice president of the Thai Hotels Association’s (THA) western chapter. Continued …
Thailand moves to make Phra That Phanom its ninth UNESCO World Heritage site
Thailand, which currently has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, is set to gain another cultural treasure. Phra That Phanom, its related historic buildings and associated landscape, was first included on UNESCO’s Tentative List on Feb. 2, 2017, and received endorsement at the same year’s World Heritage Committee session.
The push for full World Heritage status not only aims to preserve and showcase Thailand’s historical, cultural, and natural values on the international stage, but also aligns with sustainable development principles. Continued …
Nepal protesters set parliament ablaze as PM quits
Nepali demonstrators set parliament ablaze yesterday, while the veteran prime minister quit, as a “Gen Z” protest movement sparked by a ban on social media overtook the Himalayan nation. At least 19 people were killed during rallies a day earlier, one of the deadliest crackdowns in years, which fueled public anger. Continued …
Cambodia Opens New Airport in Phnom Penh
Cambodia yesterday opened the capital’s new Techo International Airport, as officials welcomed an inaugural flight to great fanfare, with the hope of boosting tourism. The new three-runway facility replaces the nearly 70-year-old Phnom Penh International Airport, which had only one runway. Continued …
NEW PAGE – Hua Hin 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
China’s exports to Thailand surge as Commerce Ministry monitors risks
Thailand’s Airports Authority Charts Course for Net Zero Future