- Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday/
- Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?/
- New electricity rates won’t be lowered/
- PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared/
- Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning/
- Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze/
- Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February/
- Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact/
- Thai to be taught at Harvard/
- ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui/
- Tourism: Songkran festivals around Thailand/Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket/How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it/Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay/Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema/Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years/
- Thailand Experience: Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin/10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui/How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day/Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip/‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’/How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023/5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok/
- International: Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs/China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets/Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life/
- Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Water supply disruptions in parts of Cha Am Thursday
Is Thailand really immune to the banking turmoil in the US and Europe?
The global financial markets are highly interconnected. When Thailand’s banking system suffered a collapse and the baht’s value plummeted in 1997, the contagion effect spread to other Asian countries. Similarly, one saw the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank in the United States in 2008.
Recently, U.S. regulators had to shut down two regional banks — Signature Bank (SB) and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). SB’s core business was related to cryptocurrency, while SVB largely serviced startup companies and venture capitalists. Continued …
New electricity rates won’t be lowered
A uniform electricity rate of 4.77 baht/unit for both households and businesses from May through August cannot be lowered, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Panmeechaow said on Tuesday. The new rate caused a stir as the government earlier promised to maintain the rate for household users at 4.72 baht per unit. Continued …
PM2.5 pollution worsens in north, hospitals said prepared
The Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary is visiting northern provinces to ensure people suffering physical problems from the worsening pollution can get medical help.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday that Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, is in the North to monitor people’s health in response to the worsening PM2.5 pollution. Continued …
Chiang Mai city, airport shrouded in pollution from forest burning
Air quality in northern Thailand climbed to hazardous levels on Monday as a result of seasonal agricultural burning in the region.
Local media reported that 4,115 hot spots were detected in northern Thailand in the past 24 hours. Parts of Bangkok on Monday hit an air quality index (AQI) reading of 582, making it 124.9 times above a recommended limit given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Video …
Neighboring countries eyed to help curb haze
The government is seeking cooperation with neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat the transboundary haze pollution choking the region.
Speaking after yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the issue must be put on ASEAN’s agenda if a solution is to be found. Continued …
Thailand sees 8,000-plus new businesses vs 869 closures in February
As many as 869 companies with a combined capital of 2.94 billion baht ceased operations in February, though the number of newly registered businesses was far larger.
Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said on Tuesday that 869 businesses announced last month that they were wrapping up. Continued …
Thai children ‘most likely’ to suffer climate impact
Children in the northeastern and southern regions of Thailand face the highest risk of climate change, according to a study released yesterday by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The study, titled “Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand”, is the first of its kind in Thailand, examining the impact of climate change specifically on children across provinces, incomes, disabilities, and ages, said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF representative for Thailand. Continued …
Thai to be taught at Harvard
Harvard university’s Department of South Asian Studies will hire three instructors to teach Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai for the academic year 2023 to 2024.
Harvard University will soon offer a course on Tagalog, the fourth most spoken language in the United States, according to a report in the student paper Harvard Crimson. Continued …
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 will likely take place on Koh Samui
Thailand will host the most-privileged behaving at their worst, and we’re not talking about a typical night in Thonglor.
Amid swirling rumors that the next season of black comedy-drama “The White Lotus” would take place in Asia, a Hollywood industry publication reported that it will take place in Thailand. Continued …
Songkran festivals around Thailand
Filled full of festivals, fun and frolics, April is one of the most celebrated months of the year in Thailand with the traditional Thai New Year of Songkran one of the most culturally important celebrations in the kingdom.
The Songkran festival is known worldwide and is celebrated to honor family values, pay respect to seniors, and participate in traditional ceremonies throughout the nation’s temples. This festival is observed as a three-day national holiday from April 13 to April 15 in Thailand. However, some locations also celebrate this festival a little later with unique local festivities. Continued …
Airlines juggle demand as fares skyrocket
Global aviation has experienced a promising start to the year, as travel restrictions have been lifted, allowing people to fly with fewer barriers. Even countries with strict Covid-19 policies, such as China, lifted their restrictions earlier than expected.
The World Tourism Organization predicts Europe and the Middle East will reach pre-pandemic international tourist levels this year, forecasting an 80%-95% overall recovery, while the Pacific Asia Travel Assn. projects a growth rate of at least 71%. Continued …
How Koh Larn became ‘Trash Island’ and what is being done to fix it
Koh Larn, an island lying in the gulf off Pattaya, has been attracting thousands of local and foreign tourists for decades, but this has undeniably led to a mountain of garbage, resulting in an enormous landfill on the small island.
“In the past, about 10 tons of garbage were generated each day on Koh Larn, but because the number of tourists has been increasing, the amount of garbage has doubled,” said Manoch Nongyai, deputy governor of Pattaya City. Continued …
Humans frolic with sharks as eco-tourism flourishes in Maya Bay
Maya Bay in Krabi is open and teeming with life again after four years of rehabilitation since being closed to tourists in 2018.
Made famous by “The Beach” (2000), a Hollywood blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park became the victim of its success as the tourism industry took a toll on its pristine coral reefs, aquamarine waters, and beach.
But visitors are now back, literally immersing themselves in the rebirth of the natural surroundings. Tourists are now paddling with sharks, as Maya Bay strikes a balance between wildlife and the tourism industry on which locals depend. Video …
Bangkok canal lights up with vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema
A festival atmosphere has engulfed Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in central Bangkok, which is hosting vendors, live music, art, and open-air cinema until April 5.
The “@ Phadung Krung Kasem” festival was launched on Monday by Suksan Kittisupakorn, deputy permanent-secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Continued …
Iraqi Man Faints Upon Being Caught Overstaying More Than 8 Years
An Iraqi man who overstayed in Thailand for more than eight years fainted when Chonburi Immigration and Pattaya police showed up at his house to arrest him yesterday.
Police Col. Prinya Klinkasorn, head of Chonburi Immigration police, said the Iraqi man, identified as Khalid Majeed Ali, 52, had hidden in Pattaya’s Mabyailia community for a long time. He did not have a job nor did he socialize with anyone and it was feared he might turn to crime. Continued …
Top 5 hotels in Hua Hin
Picture yourself lounging on a pristine beach, sipping a cool drink as the warm sun bathes your skin. The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore lulls you into a state of complete relaxation.
In the distance, palm trees sway in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. This is the scene that awaits you in Hua Hin, Thailand’s premier destination for luxury vacationing.
Hua Hin is a haven for those seeking a truly indulgent holiday experience. From its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to its world-class dining and exceptional hospitality, Hua Hin has everything you need to make your next vacation unforgettable. Continued …
10 best luxury hotels and resorts on Koh Samui
Looking to splash out on a lavish Songkran escape? Then Koh Samui, the ultimate destination for luxury and relaxation, is the perfect place to go. With its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty, Koh Samui is a paradise for travelers seeking a touch of indulgence. And with so many amazing luxury hotels and resorts to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
The Ritz Carlton- Koh Samui
The Ritz Carlton-Koh Samui is a seaside resort that offers unique experiences that inspire memorable moments. The resort is nestled in the midst of a private, sun-kissed bay. At this resort, you will have the opportunity to heal your mind, body, and soul through health programs, cultural immersions, and gastronomic adventures. Continued …
How to See Over 100 Temples in One Day
When traveling to Thailand, one of the most fascinating things to do is explore the ancient temples. There’s hundreds of temples Bangkok, the capital city, alone. If you are short on time, it may seem impossible to see them all. But my husband and I came across a little-known solution.
We were Southeast Asian on vacation and an unexpected layover landed us in Bangkok. Although we only had a few hours, the temple grounds were calling us and we wanted to see as many religious artifacts as possible. To make this happen, we took a taxi about 45 minutes outside of the capital to a place called Muang Boran, or Ancient City. Continued and video …
Mountain Lanes Around Chiang Mai Are Perfect For A Motorbike Road Trip
Chiang Mai is the second-largest city of Thailand and is the main northern city of the Southeast Asian country. Thailand is a country famous for its tropical and idyllic beaches of Phuket in the south, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok with its temples and adult attractions in the middle, and Chiang Mai, with its mountains in the north.
Chiang Mai is one of the ancient Thai cities. Unlike European cities, most of the historic buildings of the city have been lost. However, the city preserves the ancient city plan with the city moats, parts of the old city walls, and many of the old temples. Continued …
‘Thai cuisine is not just street food’
Thailand reigned supreme at the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, with nine restaurants from the capital, Bangkok, ranked – a total matched by Singapore.
The crown of Asia’s Best Restaurant was awarded to Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn’s modern Thai kitchen Le Du. One of his newer venues, Nusara, which pays tribute to his grandmother’s cooking, was in third place.
Also in the top 10 was Gaggan Anand, the latest incarnation of the eponymously named Bangkok restaurant of chef Gaggan Anand that previously topped the list a record four times, and Sorn, the traditional Southern Thai restaurant headed by chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri. Continued …
How Bangkok’s Le Du became The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023
For the first time in 10 years, an eatery honoring Thai cuisine tops the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna: Bangkok’s Le Du, created by chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn. As Bangkok takes back the gastronomic crown, Tassanakajohn reflects on what the award means to him and his country.
Restaurant Le Du in Bangkok was named No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 to the joyous cheers of the chefs, media and industry VIPs gathered at a glamorous awards ceremony at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, where the Asian gastronomic community was reunited again in-person for the first time since 2019. Continued …
5 top-rated medical cannabis clinics in Bangkok
As medical cannabis gains recognition worldwide, Bangkok is becoming a hub for top-notch clinics catering to those seeking alternative forms of treatment. With the legalization of cannabis in Thailand, medical cannabis clinics have become more prevalent, and we have rounded up the top five in Bangkok for your consideration.
Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, these cannabis clinics offer a range of products and services to help you achieve your health goals.
BNH Hospital
BNH Hospital is a medical institution that has been serving the community for over 124 years. And it continues to offer world-class medical services. Today, it’s also popular for its top-notch medical cannabis clinic, known as BLOOM UP by BNH. The medical cannabis clinic is managed by a team of doctors and pharmacists who have certifications and training to use medicinal cannabis extracts. Continued …
Alibaba Group to split into six units, explore IPOs
Alibaba Group Holding is planning to split its business into six main units covering e-commerce, media and the cloud, the company said on Tuesday, adding that each of the units will explore fundraising or initial public offerings. Continued …
China allows five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force now has its first female pilots who can operate heavy-duty fighter jets, according to the Air Force. The Air Force said the five female flight students, who are currently in the middle of training for heavy-duty combat aircraft, recently carried out their first solo flights in the J-11 fighter jet. Continued …
Sugar traps put damper on cockroaches’ sex life
Humans using sugar in cockroach traps has inadvertently led to female roaches being turned off by the sugary “gifts” males use to entice them into mating. Continued …
Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule
The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.
- Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
- Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm
Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day
Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.
Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules
Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October
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