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Feedback/Two die in an SUV crash in PKK/Encroachment near PKK’s Kaeng Krachan/Transport Co relocates taxi service/Cambodia still planting mines/Landmine takes Thai soldier’s leg/Thailand clears 432 explosives/Longan labor shortage as 300,000 Cambodians leave/Elephant tracking system/ECONOMY: 10 global risks threatening Thailand/Thailand’s global competitiveness ranking/Simulus measures to counter US tariff/TOURISM: Foreign tourism has become Thailand’s curse/Thailand promises better tourist safety/Buriram Standing Meatball Contest/Thailand top for cultural heritage wealth/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park/Cicada Market Hua Hin/Khao Tao Reservoir/Khao Tao Beach/Hua Hin Artist Village/Bangkok’s Stylish Hotspot/INTERNATIONAL/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

Re: New car license tax app

“Shame the Paotang App is only in Thai with no option to translate.” – T

Editor: Some will say an oversight, others will say intentional. Thai apps always seem to be rushed through, and needing additions or changes later. Maybe so with the translation capability.

Two die in an SUV crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan at notorious road curve

Two people died in a horrific crash on a deadly curve in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday. The notorious spot, long feared by locals, claimed more victims as two others and a 7-year-old were rushed to Thap Sakae Hospital. Fortunately, they are expected to survive.

Despite repeated calls for better signs and safety measures, the dangerous bend remains a trap for speeding drivers. Police say the SUV was traveling fast when it slammed into the tree. Continued …

Encroachment near PKK’s Kaeng Krachan park prompts probe

Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities are intensifying action against forest encroachment covering 4,000 rai in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Veera Khunchairak, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), visited the park on Sunday to step up investigations of encroachment within the park and on land held by the Treasury Department in tambon Nong Phlap, Hua Hin district. Continued …

Transport Co relocates taxi service point at Mo Chit 2 terminal

The Transport Co. has relocated the taxi pickup and dropoff point at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), or Mo Chit 2, with the first day of operations running smoothly and passengers experiencing shorter waiting times.

Transport Co. Managing Director Atthawit Rakjamroon said yesterday the relocation applies to taxi services operating between 3am and 5:30am, which now pick up passengers at bays 96–98 on Platform 2 of Mo Chit 2. Continued …

Thai army: Cambodia insincere about peace, still planting mines

The Thai army will continue to detain 18 captured Cambodian soldiers as long as Phnom Penh continues to break the agreed-on bilateral ceasefire and to use landmines, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said yesterday. He said Cambodia’s actions showed its lack of sincerity about restoring peace.

Winthai said Cambodia had again asked the Thai army to free the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers. However, the army would continue to hold them as long as Cambodia failed to prove it really wanted an end to the violence on the border and ceased its attacks on Thailand. Continued …

Landmine cuts off another Thai soldier’s leg

A landmine exploded and cut off a paramilitary ranger’s leg during a border patrol near an ancient temple site in Surin province this morning.

The Royal Thai Army reported that the explosion happened when a group of paramilitary rangers from the 2610 Paramilitary Ranger Company was patroling near Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Phanom Dong Rak district of the northeastern province bordering Cambodia. Continued …

Thailand clears 432 explosives on Thai-Cambodian border in 10 days

The Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) has successfully cleared over 400 explosive devices along the Thai-Cambodian border in 10 days, spanning four provinces. Residents are urged to report any suspicious items immediately to authorities.

Yesterday, TMAC and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams announced the successful recovery of 432 explosive items in Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani between Aug. 1-10. TMAC deployed 15 operations teams in collaboration with police EOD units, the Suranaree Task Force, and Region 3 Provincial Police to survey, verify, and eliminate explosives left from past Cambodian attacks. Continued …

Labor shortage at longan plants, orchards, as over 300,000 Cambodians have left

With over 300,000 Cambodian migrant workers having returned to their homeland due to the five-day clashes along the border that ended on July 28, longan farmers, plus owners of plants processing this fruit, are facing a labor shortage, and while Myanmar workers have been brought in to work in their stead at these plants, it is very difficult to replace those who departed at the orchards.

While the total number of Cambodian workers heading back home via Baan Laem border checkpoint in Pong Namron district of Chanthaburi, across the border from Battambang in Cambodia, has decreased to 2,000 today, approximately 300,000 have already left Thailand. Continued …

DNP urged to speed up elephant tracking system

The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry has told the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to expedite the development of a wild elephant tracking and alert system to ensure the safety of communities within the animals’ range.

According to Chalermchai Sri-on, the DNP has also been instructed to update its maps, so they could be integrated into a mobile application that provides weekly updates on herd movements. The DNP has also been instructed to establish a rapid response unit to protect residents from wild elephants that wander into populated areas. Continued …

10 global risks threatening Thailand’s path to high-income status

At a recent seminar on “Challenges to the Success of the National Strategy in Reforming Thailand’s Economy and Society,” Vitphiphon Tivatansakul, policy and planning adviser at the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), addressed the opportunities and obstacles Thailand faces in its bid to become a high-income economy, highlighting both global risks and domestic threats that act as major constraints.

Citing the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024, Vitphiphon identified five severe risks projected to impact Thailand in the future: Continued …

Thailand’s global competitiveness ranking falls sharply

Thailand’s competitiveness has dropped significantly over the past year, according to the latest rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The country slipped from 25th to 30th place out of 69 global economies, with the decline driven by weaker scores in key economic indicators.

The main reasons for the drop include: government efficiency, which fell from 24th to 32nd; infrastructure, from 43rd to 47th; and business efficiency, which has been on a continuous downward trend. Reuters also noted that Thailand faces ongoing challenges with transparency, bureaucratic complexity, and adapting to the global digital economy. Continued …

Ministry prepares stimulus measures to counter US tariff

The Finance Ministry is preparing to roll out stimulus measures to offset the negative impacts of US tariffs, while also revving up its regulatory guillotine to enhance the country’s competitiveness.

According to Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, the ministry plans to implement stimulus measures to compensate for possible negative effects from a slowdown in exports. Continued …

Expert warns foreign tourism has become Thailand’s curse, fueling inertia and widespread malaise

A top Hong Kong-based bond analyst has slammed Thailand’s economic dependence on foreign tourism, calling it a key reason the country has failed to address deep-rooted structural problems, including corruption, political instability, widening inequality, and a debt-laden private sector choking growth.

The warning comes as the kingdom faces a grim year for tourism and an economy losing ground to regional rivals, with Malaysia already overtaking it in foreign arrivals. Even its strongest sector is faltering, and chronic political dysfunction combined with entrenched corruption is fueling a national malaise that, the analyst warns, is now eating into the country’s last reliable income stream: foreign tourism. Continued …

Thailand promises better tourist safety after Malaysian pair torched

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has promised improved safety measures in areas popular with tourists after two Malaysians were set on fire in a random attack by an unemployed man in downtown Bangkok.

The ministry made the commitment in a statement on Saturday. The statement said improved safety measures in tourist areas would bolster the confidence of visitors and local residents alike. Continued …

Buriram Holds 8th World Standing Meatball Contest

Buriram’s famous culinary tradition took center stage, as Thai and foreign visitors flocked to the 8th “World Standing Meatball Championship” festival, expected to generate over 10 million baht for the local economy. The event, is held from Aug. 10–12 as part of the province’s strategy to promote itself as a “hub of Khmer civilisation and world-class sports.”

The standing meatball, skewered meatballs served with a distinctive dipping sauce and eaten while standing, has become an iconic local delicacy, with global recognition boosted by international superstar Lisa of Blackpink. Continued …

Thailand ranked top in Asia for cultural heritage wealth

Thailand has been ranked first in Asia and eighth globally for cultural heritage wealth in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings.

The ranking assesses 89 countries based on five key factors: cultural accessibility, rich history, cuisine, cultural attractions, and geographical appeal. Continued …

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park: A scenic day trip from Hua Hin

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan is a popular day trip from Hua Hin, offering visitors the chance to explore limestone peaks, freshwater marshes, and coastal scenery.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Hua Hin, the park spans the districts of Sam Roi Yot and Kui Buri and is home to one of Thailand’s most photographed royal landmarks, Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, inside Phraya Nakhon Cave. Continued …

Cicada Market Hua Hin: A must-visit weekend arts and food market

Cicada Market in Hua Hin has become one of the city’s most popular weekend attractions, drawing both tourists and locals alike to its open-air venue near Khao Takiab. Held every Friday to Sunday evening, Cicada Market offers visitors the chance to explore a unique blend of contemporary art, handmade crafts, live performances, and street food in a relaxed, garden-style setting.

What sets Cicada Market apart is its strong focus on the arts. From handmade jewelry and fashion items to paintings and decorative pieces, the market provides a platform for emerging artists and small business owners to showcase their creativity. Visitors can also browse stalls selling vintage goods, second-hand items, and innovative SME products. Continued …

Khao Tao Reservoir: Royal project and peaceful spot near Hua Hin

Just 15 minutes south of Hua Hin city lies Khao Tao Reservoir, a peaceful spot offering a blend of history, nature, and everyday local life. Known for its scenic views and calming atmosphere, the reservoir has become a popular place to walk, exercise, or simply enjoy the sunset — but it also holds significant importance as the first royal-initiated irrigation project in Thailand.

The reservoir was developed in the early 1960s following a visit by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. While staying at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, the king learned of the struggles faced by residents of Ban Khao Tao, a small fishing village near a turtle-shaped hill. At the time, the community had no access to clean drinking water, and seawater frequently flooded farmland, making it unusable. Continued …

Khao Tao Beach: A peaceful alternative to Hua Hin’s main beach

Just a short drive from central Hua Hin, Khao Tao Beach is a quieter seaside destination offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the town’s main beach. Located in the Nong Kae subdistrict, Khao Tao Beach is an ideal spot for anyone looking to unwind by the sea without the crowds. Its calm waters, soft sand, and laid-back vibe make it a favorite for visitors.

The beach is easily accessible by car or tuk-tuk, with the journey passing through scenic areas that showcase the local surroundings. It’s a reminder of how quickly the energy of Hua Hin fades into something much slower-paced just a few kilometers down the road. Continued …

Discover art and creativity at Hua Hin Artist Village

Baan Sillapin Hua Hin, also known as the Hua Hin Artist Village, is a well-known destination for art lovers seeking inspiration, creativity, and a relaxing place to explore. Located in the Hin Lek Fai area of Hua Hin, the village has become a cultural landmark that showcases a wide variety of visual art forms in a natural setting.

Founded in 2000 by art enthusiast Chumpol Donsakul and his family, Baan Sillapin was later shaped into a thriving art community under the guidance of respected Thai artist Tawee Kesangam. Today, the site covers nine rai (approximately 14,400 square meters) and is home to more than 20 studios, exhibition spaces, and a wide collection of artistic works. Continued …

Discovering Thonglor: Bangkok’s Stylish Hotspot

Bangkok’s trendy Thonglor neighborhood exudes luxury, with Lamborghinis and Porsches parked along the streets, chic fashionistas mingling at upscale wine bars, and white-collar professionals leisurely walking their pets.

Thonglor, a vibrant district in Bangkok, has been making headlines as the “Beverly Hills of Thailand”, and for good reason. This trendy neighborhood has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, drawing parallels with the famed Beverly Hills of Los Angeles. In recent years, not less than a dozen new luxury residential projects have been launched – transforming Thonglor into an investment hot spot. Continued …

US, China prolong tariff truce for 90 days

The United States and China have agreed to extend their current suspension of higher tariffs for another 90 days, averting sharp duty increases that could have hit hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Continued …

EU could win trade war with US

The US-EU trade deal has been heavily criticized as a capitulation by the bloc. But if you dive into the agreement details, the European Union is likely not only to suffer less than the US but may even see its economy benefit from the new global tariff regime. Continued …

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 two 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 

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.

 

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