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Expats warned on overseas income/Sam Roi Yat water pumping station/Doctor slams 5 breakfast favorites/Thailand weather chills/Radical cure for public healthcare/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Experts urge reform/Investors eyeing casino projects/Agency preps 700 export projects/Israel offers 13,000 more jobs/British Skincare Brand to Close/TOURISM: How Thailand’s Tourism is Evolving/TAT Scrambles to Restore Thailand’s Image/Chinese Tourists Think Twice/Thai Lion Air sees dip in Chinese market/Phuket grapples with garbage crisis/Most popular destination for Chinese New Year/Tourist numbers jumped Chon Buri-Pattaya/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Pattaya’s Success as a Global Hub/Surat Thani’s other island/CLIMATE THAILAND: 256 tons of electronic waste seized/Why Thailand’s EV Revolution Matters/BYD, Grab partner/Alpla to open plastic recycling plant/Green jet fuel production/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
Expats warned of new rules on overseas income
A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers.
Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Continued …
Sam Roi Yat water pumping station evaluated
Doctor slams 5 breakfast favorites
A top gastroenterologist has named and shamed five breakfast favorites, urging people to rethink their morning routines. Despite breakfast being labeled the “most important meal of the day,” some choices could be causing more harm than good, warns Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who has 476,000 followers on TikTok.
Although some people regularly skip breakfast, one in four, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dr. Sethi insists that it’s not just about when you eat but what you eat. Here are the offenders he’s flagged: Continued …
Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Yesterday, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread to the upper northeastern region of Thailand tonight. This will result in a temperature drop of 1-2°C in the northeast, with strong winds. Continued …
The radical cure for Thailand’s critical public healthcare crisis
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to significantly boost the annual budget of the universal healthcare coverage scheme, which currently covers 47.5 million Thais, amid growing concerns over its sustainability and calls for reform.
Launched 22 years ago, the scheme is cherished by Thai voters, which explains its survival despite complaints from critics and those responsible for its implementation – mainly state hospitals. Continued …
- French Restaurant Owners in Phuket Arrested for Assault – Continued …
- Japanese scam gang boss collared at airport – Continued …
- Polish man arrested for spanking Thai woman’s bottom – Continued …
- British Man Arrested at Airport for Allegedly Defrauding Thai Wife – Continued …
- Illegal foreign hairdressers arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
Experts urge reform as Thailand’s growth slows to 2.7% in 2025
Thailand’s economy is at a pivotal moment as it contends with sluggish growth and structural issues that are expected to cap GDP growth at 2.7% in 2025. Despite strengthening tourism and agriculture sectors, challenges like a vast informal economy, declining exports and global headwinds remain threats to progress.
Supavud Saicheua, chair of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and adviser at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said that while inflation remains low, the economy’s growth languishes at below 3%, creating difficulties in maintaining stability within acceptable parameters. Continued …
7 major investors eyeing Thai casino projects
International investors have expressed interest in the casino-entertainment complexes that Thailand hopes to open starting in 2029, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister.
He said that as many as seven major global players appear keen to invest in complexes in locations that include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Continued …
Agency preps 700 projects in bid to boost exports
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) plans to organize more than 700 projects this year, with a goal of increasing export growth by 2%-3%.
These efforts include enhancing the Thai Select program to elevate Thai cuisine on the global stage, and inviting Princess Ubolratana to be the global ambassador for this initiative. Continued …
Israel offers 13,000 more jobs to Thais
An additional 13,000 jobs in Israel’s agriculture sector will be available to Thai workers this year, says Avi Dichter, the Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister.
Senior Thai officials, including Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Department of Employment (DoE) Director-general Somchai Morakotsriwan, recently sat down for talks with Dichter in Jerusalem. Continued …
British Skincare Brand ‘The Body Shop’ to Close All Thai Stores
The Body Shop, a popular British skincare brand, has announced it will be closing its stores across Thailand, with the final day of trading set forJan. 31.
In an onlkine post, The Body Shop Thailand expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for all the love – See you again soon.” They reassured customers that this is not a permanent farewell but a temporary pause with the message, “Hold on a little longer and see you again soon!” Continued …
From Beaches to Smart Tech: How Thailand’s Tourism is Evolving
As Thailand heads into 2025, its tourism sector is on track to become a driving force in the nation’s economic future. According to a recent report from Deloitte Thailand, the country’s “Land of Smiles” is preparing to confront both new and longstanding challenges with innovation, creativity, and resilience.
With tourism contributing significantly to Thailand’s GDP, expected to generate USD $67 billion in 2025, the industry is primed for continued growth. However, Thailand’s tourism scene is evolving beyond its traditional image of beaches and temples to meet the demands of a changing global landscape. Continued …
TAT Scrambles to Restore Thailand’s Image After Chinese Actor’s Scam Center Ordeal
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is swiftly taking action to restore Thailand’s image among Chinese tourists following the harrowing experience of Chinese actor Xingxing.
He was reportedly coerced into a scam center in Myawaddy, Myanmar, just across the border from Thailand’s Mae Sot. The incident has led to a notable drop in tourist numbers and the cancellation of some events, according to reports. Continued …
Chinese Celebrities and Tourists Think Twice About Thailand
Chartered flights have been canceled. Performances have been called off or postponed. Tour agencies have fielded requests from travelers who want to change their plans.
Chinese travelers have been scrapping trips to Thailand, frightened by the story of a Chinese actor who was abducted there, taken to Myanmar and forced to work in an online scam compound. The incident is a blow to Thailand’s tourism sector ahead of the peak Lunar New Year holiday at the end of this month, when many Chinese had been expected to visit. Continued …
Thai Lion Air sees dip in Chinese market
Thai Lion Air estimates the Chinese market will remain stagnant this year based on declining safety confidence in Thailand over the short term and a stagnant mainland economy throughout 2025, prompting the airline to pivot to India and domestic demand.
Aswin Yangkirativorn, chief executive of Thai Lion Air, said safety concerns during the upcoming Lunar New Year would cause the Chinese market to plunge 20%, though the impact is expected to be temporary. Continued …
Phuket grapples with growing garbage crisis
Plastic bottles and empty beer cans roll on the sea floor in the waters around Phuket in southern Thailand, while ever more garbage piles up on the island itself, a tourist hotspot better known for its pristine beaches and stunning sunsets.
In one corner of the island, trucks and tractors trundle back and forth moving piles of trash around a sprawling landfill, the final destination for much of the more than 1,000 tons of waste collected on Phuket every day. Continued …
Bangkok most popular destination for Chinese New Year
Bangkok is the most popular destination among Thai and foreign tourists planning to spend Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to digital travel platform Agoda.
The company reported yesterday that accommodation search data on the Agoda platform since December revealed that Bangkok is the top domestic destination that Thai tourists planned to visit during Chinese New Year, which starts on Jan. 29. Continued …
Local, foreign tourist numbers jumped last year in Chon Buri-Pattaya
Substantially more foreign and domestic tourists went to Pattaya and other places in Chon Buri province last year than did so in 2023. Chaiwat Tamthai, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Pattaya, released the latest figures yesterday.
He said 24 million foreign tourists visited the eastern province, including the resort city, from January to November last year, an 18% rise from the same period in 2023. Continued …
Pattaya’s Success as a Global Hub
Pattaya’s status as a diversified city without significant barriers has played a key role in its success as a major tourism and business hub in Thailand. Its ability to embrace diversity in all forms — cultural, economic, and social — has created a unique environment that benefits residents, visitors, and investors alike.
Pattaya’s multicultural atmosphere allows for a rich exchange of ideas, customs, and traditions. The city has attracted people from all corners of the world, including expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees, which adds to its global appeal. This blend of cultures fosters a more inclusive society where people from different backgrounds can interact, learn from each other, and celebrate their differences. Continued …
Koh Nok Phao: Surat Thani’s other island
Mesmerizing natural landscapes are just parts of Thailand’s magnets. What have fascinated tourists, Thai and foreign alike, are also cultural diversity and distinctive ways of life. While Surat Thani’s other islands, such as Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao are more famous, Kok Nok Phao has its unique charm.
Koh Nok Phao is located in Surat Thani’s Don Sak district. Legends have it that the island’s first two residents were “Grandpa Nin and Grandma Jaem”. The Chinese-ethnic couple rowed their boat from Samui Island to Koh Nok Phao to settle down as pioneers in 1932. Their efforts paid off. Continued …
256 tons of electronic waste seized from Laem Chabang Port
The Customs Department has seized over 256 tons of electronic waste smuggled from Japan and Hong Kong via Laem Chabang Port, department spokesperson Panthong Loykulnanta told a press conference.
Panthong said that the Customs Department has been vigilant in monitoring illegal imports of electronic waste. Customs Director-general Theeraj Athanavanich has directed officers to remain alert and intensify efforts to intercept and suppress the illegal import and transit of such waste into the kingdom. Continued …
Why Thailand’s EV Revolution Matters
Thailand is charging full speed ahead into the electric vehicle (“EV”) era, emerging as Southeast Asia’s leader in sustainable mobility. Backed by ambitious policies, strategic investments and a rapidly expanding infrastructure, the country is embracing electrification as a cornerstone of its energy transition and sustainability strategy.
At the heart of this shift lies a compelling interplay between EV adoption and renewable energy integration, creating not only a cleaner future but also exciting opportunities for businesses and investors. Continued …
BYD, Grab partner to expand EV fleets in Southeast Asia
BYD has entered into an electric vehicle (EV) supply partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing company, following a similar partnership with Uber Technologies last July.
Grab and BYD announced a regional partnership that will give Grab driver partners across Southeast Asia access to up to 50,000 BYD EVs, the Singapore-based ride-hailing company said. Continued …
Alpla to open plastic recycling plant in Thailand
Austrian packaging manufacturer Alpla posted positive financial results in 2024, increasing its turnover to €4.9 billion, up 4% from €4.7 billion the previous year. The company said its commitment to the circular economy is ‘paying off’ as it announced a goal to double its current plastic recycling capacity to 700,000 tons/year by 2030.
As virgin and recycled plastic production shifts eastward, Alpla announced it will open a new plant in Thailand in 2025, without offering more details. The company said the markets in the Asia-Pacific region offer “huge potential”. Labor and energy costs are also cheaper in the region than in Europe. Continued …
Green jet fuel production starts in Thailand
PTT Global Chemical says it has started producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Thailand for the first time, with planned annual output of 6 million liters for the first phase.
The petrochemical arm of the national oil and gas conglomerate PTT is using used cooking oil as the main raw material. It plans to expand production to 24 million liters per year in the future, it said yesterday. 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
- State Railway – 1590
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Thailand expects to wrap up FTA with EU this year, pushes visa-free entry
