Kui Buri Model for wild elephants/Hope for cancer patients/Overwhelming cancer patient surge/Cooking gas price capped/Russian fined for Christmas lights/Thailand Privilege Card to diversify/Child spanking on the way out/Capital Punishment to continue/Foreign Patient Surge Strains Hospitals/Salt reduction plan/New single malt thai whisky/PEA gets tough/Lisa shines in acting debut/Nurse wins 6 million baht/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: 2025 salesplosion/Raising foreign staff quota/Incentives for foreign film shoots/Compeq invests Bt10.4 billion/TOURISM: E-visas from all Thai embassies/No travel plans for year-end/8 New International Airlines/Tourist Police App to Aid Visitors/Phu Kradueng trails to reopen/2 million Indian Tourist Arrivals/Thai AirAsia X expands Bangkok-Delhi route/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Broken system fuels flood crisis/CLIMATE THAILAND: Factories to set up solar rooftops freely/72 clean energy suppliers/7 Wind-Solar Farm Projects/Thailand bans imports of plastic waste/The reality of plastic pollution/234 new species discovered/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
Kui Buri Model for peaceful co-existence of humans and wild elephants
Attapong Pao-on, chief of the Kui Buri National Park, revealed that pushing wild elephants back into the forest zone was a key approach to reducing damage to properties and crops. Implementation, however, is by no means easy.
Discouraging wild elephants to not invade people’s farmlands involves many risks and challenges. It is necessary to lay down structure and delegate duties for smooth operations, which focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of wild elephant monitoring, as well as the safety of the staff involved. The safety of wild-elephant monitoring teams’ members, in particular, receives a strong emphasis because they directly face straying giant mammals. Continued …
Hope for cancer patients: Integrative care offers new path
Cancer affects millions of people worldwide, directly or indirectly, as one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10 million lives were lost to cancer in 2020, highlighting it as a major global health challenge.
However, advancements in medicine, lifestyle awareness, and early detection offer hope to patients and their families. A comprehensive approach to cancer care combines conventional medicine with supportive therapies to address not only the disease but the individual as a whole. Continued …
NHSO asked to deal with overwhelming cancer patient surge
Srinagarind Hospital has urged the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to take steps to deal with the influx of cancer patients, as it has witnessed an 830% surge in treatment seekers under the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) program.
Hospital director Dr. Somsak Tiamkao said on Tuesday its facility was overwhelmed by a spike in cancer patients referred to the hospital under the NHSO’s CA program. This has overstretched the hospital’s resources and staffing, he noted. Continued …
Cooking gas price remains capped
The Energy Policy Administration Committee has resolved to extend the capped price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking at 423 baht per 15-kilogram cylinder until March 31 next year.
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on Tuesday the capped retail price extension was effective from Jan. 1. It was based on the wholesale LPG price at refineries, at 20.9179 baht per kilogram. Continued …
Russian fined for Christmas lights on car
A Russian driver was fined 500 baht for covering his car with strings of small Christmas lights. Traffic police spotted and stopped his colorfully lit sedan on Sukhumvit road in Chon Buri.
The 25-year-old Russian driver explained that he was unaware it was against the law. He had seen other cars in Bangkok that were similarly decorated. He just wanted to celebrate the Christmas-New Year festival. Continued …
Competition encourages Thailand Privilege Card to diversify
Thailand Privilege Card Co. (TPC), the operator of a long-term residency and perks program, expects slower growth attributed to intense competition.
TPC President Manatase Annawat said fiscal 2025 would be more challenging, as many Asian countries are promoting similar long-term visa schemes to attract affluent individuals, including Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia. Continued …
Child spanking on the way out, says government
In a historic move for children’s rights, Thailand’s Senate unanimously approved an amendment to Section 1567 of the Civil and Commercial Code, transforming the regulations surrounding parental discipline. This newly passed amendment, swiftly moving through all three readings in a single day, updates the existing clause that allowed parents to “punish the child in a reasonable manner for disciplinary purposes.”
Key to the amendment is the prohibition of punishment involving abuse, violence, or any form of harm to a child’s body or mind. It also mandates that disciplinary actions respect a child’s human dignity, safeguarding their physical and mental well-being. A Senate spokesperson highlighted that parents maintain their rights to guide their children, but they must do so without resorting to harmful methods. Continued …
Thai Cabinet Rejects Proposal to Abolish Capital Punishment
In a firm stance against recent appeals for the abolition of the death penalty, Thailand’s cabinet has unanimously decided to retain capital punishment in its legal system. This decision emerged after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advocated for a gradual end to this severe form of punishment, citing its abolition in many other nations as an impetus for change.
The cabinet, however, remained unconvinced by these arguments, with government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang affirming the need for the death penalty. Continued …
Foreign Patient Surge Strains Thai Border Hospitals
Thailand’s border hospitals are experiencing increased strain, as more foreign nationals cross into the country seeking medical attention. This has raised serious concerns over the impact on healthcare resources and the accessibility of services for Thai citizens.
The issue came to prominence after a medical professional made a public post on social media, highlighting the treatment of a pregnant woman from Myanmar. She and other foreign patients were reportedly taking advantage of Thailand’s healthcare provisions, knowing they could obtain free or subsidized care for their children born in Thailand. This situation is indicative of a broader challenge faced by hospitals near the borders. Continued …
Salt reduction plan seen as key to curbing NCDs
The Public Health Ministry has announced measures to reduce salt and sodium consumption, aiming to reduce the problem of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin chaired the National Policy Committee on Salt and Sodium Consumption Reduction to reduce NCDs on Monday, saying Thai people consumed salt and sodium much higher than a standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Continued …
ThaiBev launches marketing campaign for new single malt whisky
Recognizing the changing preferences of Thai consumers toward more premium spirits, Thai Beverage Pcl (ThaiBev) has introduced a new single malt whisky, PRAKAAN, to the market.
PRAKAAN is crafted using single malt barley and yeast imported directly from Scotland. The whisky also utilizes pure, naturally alkaline water sourced from the western forests of Kamphaeng Phet province, along with imported oak casks. The production is overseen by nine master distillers who have honed their skills in Scotland. Continued …
PEA gets tough over pole use
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) says it will prosecute private firms and state enterprises that have illegally installed communication cables on its power poles.
The announcement came on Monday after Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed the PEA to intensify efforts to charge these legal entities. Continued …
Lisa shines in acting debut as ‘Mook’ in The White Lotus
Thai-born superstar Lalisa Manobal, known to her many fans as just ‘Lisa’, is to make her official debut as an actress in the HBO series The White Lotus (Season 3), in which she plays a character called “Mook”, a member of staff at a resort.
Lisa appears in the season teaser saying “Welcome everyone to The White Lotus Thailand,” offering a glimpse of her character’s role in the season to be streamed next February (on Instagram at @lalalalisa_m). Continued …
Chaiyaphum nurse wins 6 million baht in Thai lottery
A nurse from Thepsathit Hospital in Chaiyaphum province has struck gold by winning the top prize in the Thai government lottery, making her a millionaire overnight. The winning ticket number 097863, drawn Monday, has brought the Thai nurse a prize of 6 million baht.
The winning numbers for the front three digits were 290 and 742, while the back three digits were 881 and 339. The two-digit number at the end was 21. – thethaiger.com
- Pattaya Police Arrest Foreign Beggar Gang and Illegal Tour Guide – Continued …
- Five Chinese Held for Illegal Property Brokering in Pattaya – Continued …
- Cyber Police Bust Malaysian-Thai Couple in Gambling Money Laundering – Continued …
2025 kicks off with a salesplosion from the Commerce Ministry
Hold onto your hats shoppers: the Commerce Ministry is kicking off 2025 with a bang, unveiling its New Year Mega Sale 2025. With discounts of up to 80% on over 40,000 products and services, this is a shopping spree you won’t want to miss.
Over 300 vendors are rolling out the red carpet, from major manufacturers and department stores to your favourite convenience stores and online marketplaces. Running from Dec. 17 to Jan. 31, the colossal sale is set to slash living costs by a whopping 4.8 billion baht and rake in 14.4 billion baht in revenue. Continued …
Cabinet okays raising foreign staff quota
The cabinet has approved in principle increasing the number of foreign workers at businesses to deal with the shortage. According to government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab, under Thai laws the number of foreign workers at a single business is limited to a ceiling of 100 individuals, and for stateless foreign workers, the limit is 50 per business.
The law limiting the number of foreign workers has been in place since 1979. However, the economic landscape has significantly changed in 45 years, making it appropriate to increase the proportion of foreign workers per business. Continued …
Better incentives for foreign film shoots
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a revised cash rebate scheme for foreign film shoots, as proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
The new incentive of a cash rebate of up to 30% for foreign film shoots in Thailand with no maximum refund limit should increase revenue for the country by 20%, or at least 7.5 billion baht in 2025, attracting more large productions. Continued …
Compeq invests Bt10.4 billion in Thai PCB export base
Compeq, the world’s fifth largest printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer, has spent 10.4 billion baht on making Thailand its new key export base to serve growing demand for PCBs in a range of industries from electric vehicles to data centers, says the Board of Investment (BoI).
Compeq (Thailand) Co., which applied for investment incentives from the board in December last year, opened a factory yesterday. The plant, spanning 112 rai of land in Asia Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan, already employs 600 Thai workers. This is set to reach 1,500 next year. Continued …
E-visas from all Thai embassies, consulates from Jan 1
People intending to visit Thailand will be able to apply online for an e-visa at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide from Jan. 1. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said that from Jan. 1, the Thai e-visa system would be operative at all 94 Thai embassies and consulates.
Worawoot Pongprapapant, director-general of consular affairs, said travelers will no longer have to queue up and file many documents at embassies. Continued …
Majority of Thais have no travel plans for year-end
Over 67% of Thais have not made any travel plans for the year-end holidays, mostly due to concern about their financial status and high traveling expenses, a survey has found.
The Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) conducted a survey in November among 5,669 citizens nationwide regarding their travel plans for November and December. In the survey, 67.72% of respondents said they have no travel plans, with 38.55% saying they are concerned about their current financial status or problems. Continued …
Thailand’s ‘MICE’ Cities Welcomed 8 New International Airlines in 2024
Thailand is making significant strides in international connectivity, as eight airlines have introduced new direct flights to its four primary MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) cities. The key cities are Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.
With three more airlines set to launch routes in 2025, the country is solidifying its position as a premier global destination for business and leisure travelers. Bangkok is experiencing a remarkable lift in European connectivity. British Airways has resumed London-Bangkok routes this year. This will increase frequency from three to five weekly flights in January and February 2025, with a planned four flights in March. Continued …
Thailand Launches Tourist Police App to Aid Visitors
The Tourism Police Division of Thailand, in collaboration with the tourism sector, has launched the “Thailand Tourist Police Application” to enhance visitor safety during the high season.
The newly launched app allows tourists to contact the tourist police, report emergencies, and share their location online for immediate assistance, thereby ensuring greater security and peace of mind. – aseannow.com
Phu Kradueng trails to reopen with new safety measures
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will reopen popular Phu Kradueng mountain in Loei province to visitors next Monday, Dec 23. It was closed last Friday after an elephant killed a visitor walking a trail on Dec. 11.
Director-general Attapon Charoenchansa said new safety measures were planned to protect visitors to the northeastern tourist attraction. Continued …
Thailand Celebrates 2 million Indian Tourist Arrivals of 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of this year’s 2,000,000th Indian tourist at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday. This achievement underscores India’s vital role as a key source market for Thailand’s thriving tourism industry.
Passengers arriving on THAI flight TG324 from Delhi were warmly greeted with traditional Thai garlands, symbolizing the nation’s renowned hospitality. Among them was the 2,000,000th Indian visitor, Chetan Gupta, who expressed delight at the recognition. Continued …
Thai AirAsia X expands Bangkok-Delhi route with 4 weekly flights
Thai AirAsia X is ramping up its services, connecting Bangkok and Delhi, India, with four weekly flights starting Jan. 15. The move comes as the airline capitalizes on surging demand from Indian flyers, driven by visa-free travel perks and enhanced connectivity.
The carrier, which operates A330 planes, marked its return to the Indian capital on Sunday. From January, flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, up from the current two weekly services. Continued …
Our broken system fuels flood crisis
In just a few months, floods devastated both northern and southern Thailand, revealing a troubling truth: the country’s disaster response system is failing, and climate change is making it worse.
Thailand’s weak disaster management – from poor warnings to inadequate rescues – turns emergencies into preventable tragedies. As climate change worsens storms and floods, the damage will grow unless action is taken now to fix the broken system. Continued …
Cabinet approves allowing factories to set up solar rooftops freely
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft directive of the Industry Ministry to free factories from seeking permission for the installation of solar rooftops to generate their own electricity.
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan told reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting that it had approved a draft regulation under the Factory Act to allow factories to set up solar rooftops of any capacity without having to seek approval first. Continued …
ERC clears 72 clean energy suppliers
The Energy Regulatory Commission’s secretary-general released a list of 72 solar and wind farms to generate 2,145.3 megawatts of electricity despite an earlier order by the energy minister to delay the purchase of clean energy.
Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, ERC secretary-general, issued a statement on Monday, announcing that 64 solar farms and eight wind farms have been selected to produce clean energy. Continued …
Gunkul Engineering Wins 7 Wind-Solar Farm Projects
Sopacha Dhumrongpiyawut, managing director of Gunkul Engineering Public Co., revealed that the company was selected by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to provide the feed-in tarff (FiT) renewable energy for the period of 2022-2030.
There would be 7 on-ground wind and solar energy power plant projects with a total production capacity of 319 megawatts, including a wind farm of 284 megawatts, and a solar farm of 35 megawatts. Continued …
Thailand bans imports of plastic waste from January 1
Importers in Thailand will not be allowed to bring plastic waste into the kingdom from Jan. 1, as the country moves to prevent hazards to the environment and public health, the Department of Foreign Trade announced on Tuesday.
The move, proposed by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, was approved by the Cabinet on Dec. 3 and published in the Royal Gazette on Monday, Arada Fuangtong, the department’s director-general said. Continued …
Greenpeace explores the reality of plastic pollution
By the end of 2024, an estimated 220 million tons of plastic waste will be produced, and by 2050, this amount is expected to triple. All of this plastic pollutes every corner of the planet and threatens the well-being of people.
For countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis, such as Thailand, there is a strong need to address the plastic crisis to secure a better future for the younger generations. While the movement for climate action has strengthened, so have the many false solutions that corporations are feeding us. Continued …
234 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region
A lizard with a name that sounds like it could star in Game of Thrones, a soft-furred hedgehog, a high-altitude crocodile newt, a freshwater fish already well-known among aquarium enthusiasts, and a new genus of palm tree are just some of the 234 species described by scientists in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia in 2023, according to a report released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
With many of the species already under threat of extinction from human activities, WWF is calling on governments in the region to increase conservation of these rare, amazing creatures and their habitats. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
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.
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
ADB upgrades Thailand growth forecast, trims developing Asia’s outlook
Tie-up with e-commerce firms to curb inferior imports
Thailand’s Prominent Role in ‘The White Lotus’ Poised for Rewards
