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Tuesday’s news-June 6

  • Swedish bank notes now useless abroad/
  • Pone Kingpetch: Thailand’s first boxing world champion to be inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame/
  • The history of Thailand’s holy-day alcohol ban – and why it could soon be lifted/
  • Thai public healthcare system reeling with large number of resignations/
  • Police Continue to Investigate Alleged Highway Bribery Scheme/
  • Krabi sets its sights on carbon neutrality by 2040/
  • PEA cuts power to two ‘Chinese casino’ towns in Myanmar/
  • Expedition To Search For Bigfoot in Thailand Announced/
  • Economy: Headline inflation lowest in 21 months/Move Forward government ‘will aim to make Thailand a semiconductor hub’/Exports seen rising up to 1% this year/
  • Thailand Experience: One of Thailand’s best holiday islands evolves to cater for Gen Z and digital nomads/Cuisine Of The Isaan Region/Teen Photographs Wild Elephants in Close-Up/
  • International: Air travel to soar near record in 2023/Video Shows US Destroyer Close-call In Taiwan Strait With Chinese Destroyer/
  • 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

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Swedish bank notes now useless abroad

Several foreign banks do not want to accept the Swedish krona – which affects travelers who cannot exchange money during the trip.

According to the currency dealer Forex, it has not been possible to exchange the Swedish krona abroad for several days. For Swedish tourists, it becomes problematic, as they cannot exchange money for the local currency. According to Dagens Nyheter, Thailand and some countries in the Middle East refuse to buy in the Swedish krona. Continued …

Pone Kingpetch: Thailand’s first boxing world champion to be inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

Hua Hin native and Thailand’s first-ever boxing world champion is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF). Pone Kingpetch, whose birth name was Mana Sidokbua, was born in Hua Hin on Feb. 12, 1935.

He went on to become a three-time world flyweight champion, who was known for his ferocious jab. Continued …

The history of Thailand’s holy-day alcohol ban – and why it could soon be lifted

The Move Forward Party has offered a trickle of hope to drinkers who have long agonized over the alcohol ban imposed during religious holidays. The ban will be banished if it forms the new government, the party has promised.

“Scrapping the prohibition is one of our policies,” affirmed Amarat Chokepamitkul, who was elected as a party-list MP for Move Forward when it scored a shock win in the May 14 national poll. Continued …

Thai public healthcare system reeling with large number of resignations

The rising trend of newly graduated doctors quitting, particularly due to excessive workload, has become a top concern in the Thai healthcare system. The case of Dr. Puimek Naphasorn, which gained a lot of attention on social media, highlights the challenges faced by doctors in state hospitals.

According to data from the Medical Council, as of April 4 this year, Thailand had a total of 72,250 doctors, of whom 68,725 are still active. However, it is important to note that only 66,685 of these doctors can be contacted. Continued …

Police Continue to Investigate Alleged Highway Bribery Scheme

The national police are investigating an alleged bribery scheme that enables cargo trucks to bypass checkpoints on highways. The police chief has instructed inspectors throughout the country to look into the matter and take action against any implicated officers.

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a member of the Move Forward party, revealed that truck operators make monthly payments to police officers in exchange for stickers that allow their vehicles to pass through checkpoints. Continued …

Krabi sets its sights on carbon neutrality by 2040

Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Walailak University has joined with 22 government agencies and tourism entrepreneurs to make Krabi Thailand’s first carbon-neutral tourist province by 2040.

The university is working with 10 national-level agencies and 12 tourism operators in Krabi to promote sustainable tourism and the creative economy in the resort province on Thailand’s west coast, Associate Professor Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, the university’s acting dean, said on Monday. Continued …

PEA cuts power to two ‘Chinese casino’ towns in Myanmar

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand has cut off the supply of electricity across the Moei river to two border towns in Myanmar where groups of Chinese businessmen have made huge illegal investments, at the request of the Myanmar government, Thai official sources said.

Both officlal border crossings between Mae Sot and Myanmar remain open to travelers and cargo trucks. Continued …

Expedition To Search For Bigfoot in Thailand Announced

Renowned Bigfoot researcher Tom Biscardi and a team of experts have announced they will be undertaking the “definitive” expedition to search for the mysterious and elusive creature.

Unlike cryptids like the Loch Ness Monster, the Mothman, the Jersey Devil and Chupacabras, Bigfoot sightings have occurred in countries scattered all over the world. Continued …

Headline inflation lowest in 21 months

Thailand’s headline inflation rate dropped to its lowest in 21 months in May due to falling energy and food prices and a high base in 2022, the Commerce Ministry said today.

The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.53% in May from a year earlier, below a forecast rise of 1.7% in a Reuters poll, and against April’s 2.67% year-on-year increase. Continued … 

Move Forward government ‘will aim to make Thailand a semiconductor hub’

Move Forward Party, the leader of the coalition that expects to form the next government, has vowed to help Thailand become the regional hub for upstream chip innovation and production by enacting more targeted incentives for each company, Sirikanya Tansakun, the party’s deputy leader, said.

Sirikanya highlighted the significance of the semiconductor industry to the country. Technology is required to improve and transform Thailand’s electronics equipment and electric vehicle production, she said. Continued …

Exports seen rising up to 1% this year

Thailand’s exports are likely to be flat or rise up to 1% this year, as global demand has slowed but a weak baht is providing support, the Thai shippers’ council said today.

The strong export markets were the United States and Europe, but China was not as active though gradually improving, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, Chaichan Chareonsuk told a press conference. Continued …

One of Thailand’s best holiday islands evolves to cater for Gen Z and digital nomads

Koh Samui has taken advantage of the tourism hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to up its game, revamping infrastructure and reimagining its holiday attractions.

Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand 80km (50 miles) off the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, is also taking a determined step into the global spotlight. Michelin inspectors are reviewing the island’s top restaurants for inclusion in its annual guide to Thailand in 2024, while Samui is a likely location for the next series of White Lotus, HBO’s much watched black-comedy drama that follows the lives of guests and employees of a fictional resort chain. Continued …

Cuisine Of The Isaan Region

The cuisine of the Isaan region in Thailand is known for its bold flavors, spicy dishes, and unique ingredients. Isaan, also spelled as Isan or Esan, is located in the northeastern part of Thailand and is predominantly rural.

The region’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots and the neighboring countries of Laos and Cambodia. Here are some key features of Isaan cuisine: Continued …

Teen Photographs Wild Elephants in Close-Up

A 14-year-old boy captured images of a wild elephant emerging and wandering on the road of Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Nayok Province.

Images published on the page “The Sound of a Sobbing Forest” (เสียงป่าสะอึ้น) were taken by Krishna Rojanaburanont, 14, son of Asampinpong Rojanaburanont, the headman of Ban Pong Pratun, Pak Chong subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and page members who traveled with him to photograph nature on Khao Yai on June 5. Continued …

Click on image above or email us at aim@hhexpatnews.com

Air travel to soar near record in 2023

Airlines will return to profit and fly a near-record 4.35 billion passengers this year, but the sector’s post-pandemic recovery remains fragile, an industry group said on Monday. Continued …

Video Shows US Destroyer Close-call In Taiwan Strait With Chinese Destroyer

The United States military released video Monday of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. ship to slow to avoid a collision. Video. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

UPDATED: Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-May 20

  • Downpours expected to herald arrival of rainy season on Monday/
  • Thap Sakae EV charging station part of 5,000km SE Asian EV highway/
  • The election is over, a new round of ‘war’ begins/
  • Pita Limjaroenrat: Meet Thailand’s (probable) next leader/
  • He promised change in Thailand. But will he be allowed to lead?/
  • Phitsanulok locals stock up on eggs amid rising price and tight supplies/
  • EGAT plans hybrid hydro-floating solar project in Khon Kaen/
  • Thailand sending essential supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar/
  • C.P. Group collaborating with French companies on food, energy and transportation/
  • Tourism: Immigration Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Overstaying Foreigners/Almost 10 Million Foreign Tourists So Far This Year/
  • Thailand Experience: 7 Most Scenic Bangkok Train Trips To Take At Least Once/Koh Samui Is an Idyllic Thailand Getaway/Isaan booming as fuse lit for annual Rocket Festival/
  • International: Queen’s funeral costs taxpayers £162M amid cost-of-living crisis/
  • Links: Calendar of events/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

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    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Downpours expected to herald arrival of rainy season on Monday

Heavy rains are forecast for most parts of the country when the wet season officially begins on Monday, the Meteorological Department announced on Friday.

Downpours are expected to be frequent in most regions of the country as Thailand’s summer season ends and the wet season begins, according to weather forecasts. Continued …

Thap Sakae EV charging station part of 5,000km SE Asian EV highway

Singapore-based charging provider for electric vehicles (EVs) Charge+ has announced a strategic partnership with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to boost the country’s EV ecosystem as it strives to become a zero-carbon emission nation by 2050.

EGAT will provide Charge+ with a site for a direct current (DC) charging station in Thap Sakae, about 320 kilometers south of Bangkok, according to a statement from Charge+. Continued …

The election is over, a new round of ‘war’ begins

After the polls have closed, the victories of two major opposition parties mark a new chapter in Thai politics, as the country enters the phase of forming a new government. However, the Thai political scene is abuzz with several pressing questions:

Will the Forward Party manage to establish the government successfully? Will Pita Limcharoenrat become the prime minister? Could the Forward Party face dissolution or will Pita face a dismissal? Continued …

Pita Limjaroenrat: Meet Thailand’s (probable) next leader

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is on the road to becoming Thailand’s next prime minister after his three-year-old progressive party’s shock victory in last Sunday’s general election.

The election results, which are awaiting endorsement by the Election Commission, show Move Forward in first after winning 152 of the 500 MP seats in the House of Representatives. Continued …

He promised change in Thailand. But will he be allowed to lead?

When Pita Limjaroenrat was a student at Harvard in 2008, he shadowed his American classmates who were campaigning at the time for Barack Obama. The experience gave him a window into electoral politics, from phone banks and polling data to knocking on doors and putting campaign flags on front lawns.

Fifteen years later, Pita said he used what he learned in Massachusetts to help his recent campaign in Thailand, where he stunned the country’s political establishment by leading his progressive Move Forward Party to a momentous victory. Continued …

NOTICE: Avatar Garden has temporarily closed for renovations. We will reopen about July 1. Stay tuned!

Phitsanulok locals stock up on eggs amid rising price and tight supplies

Consumers in Phitsanulok are bristling over a 0.2 baht per piece rise in the price of chicken eggs, or six baht per tray of 30 eggs. The price hike was announced by Thailand’s Egg Farmer Cooperative Network earlier this week.

The network on Monday told its members to raise the price of assorted eggs at farms from 3.6 baht to 3.8 baht per egg, the highest price yet this year. Continued …

58.5MW Floating PV Plant with Sungrow PV and Floating Solutions

EGAT plans hybrid hydro-floating solar project in Khon Kaen

The EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand)–MPD Consortium has signed a construction contract for a hybrid hydro-floating solar project at Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.

The project will ensure renewable energy stability for sustainability, driving the country to achieve carbon neutrality, according to a press release. Continued …

Thailand sending essential supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar

Thailand will be sending a plane carrying essential supplies to Myanmar, after the neighboring country was hit by powerful cyclone “Mocha”, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The spokesperson for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kanchana Patarachoke, said that the Thai government had expressed its concerns to Myanmar, where Cyclone Mocha has killed 145 people and left 800,000 people in need of food aid, according to reports as of Friday evening. Continued …

C.P. Group collaborating with French companies on food, energy, transportation

Charoen Pokphand Group Co. (C.P. Group) announced that the group will collaborate with leading French corporations on projects that span the agribusiness, renewable energy, and transportation sectors.

The projects and the broader partnership will strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, introduce advanced technologies and innovation into Thailand, and create employment opportunities for the local economy in Thailand and France. Continued …

Immigration Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Overstaying Foreigners

In their most recent effort to crack down on overstaying foreigners, the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB) delivered a robust display of enforcement.

Yesterday, a briefing was held to share the results of the dureau’s operations. In attendance were various high-ranking officials, including the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, his deputies, and other members of the force. Continued …

Almost 10 Million Foreign Tourists So Far This Year

The Thai tourism industry is soaring, as seen by altogether 9.47 million foreign tourists having come here from the beginning of the year until May 15, with the biggest markets being east and south Asia, plus ASEAN countries.

Trisulee Trisoranakul, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, also said that total tourist expenditure during this period reached 391 billion baht. Continued …

Kanchanaburi railway bridge

7 Most Scenic Bangkok Train Trips To Take At Least Once

Flying is one way to get to different cities in Thailand. But if you’re after an epic journey that lets you wind through dramatic valleys, forests, and mountains, then you should hit the rails.

From short jaunts to cross-country trips, here are seven scenic trains in Bangkok for you to indulge in slow travel. We’ve even provided helpful train travel tips because you’ll most likely want to book a trip after seeing what’s in store. Continued …

Koh Samui Is an Idyllic Thailand Getaway

Phuket has its nightlife and Pha Ngan has its full-moon parties, while Krabi has the coastline and Koh Tao has dominion over Thailand’s scuba scene. Samui stands apart by offering a slice of it all, with strings of serene, white sandy beaches and blissful indulgence from a collection of the country’s swankiest resorts, combined with no shortage of amusement or adventure.

Thailand is picking up where it left off after a lengthy pandemic shutdown to international tourism, returning as one of the most favored of far-flung destinations. Koh Samui, part of the Surat Thani province, is an island found in the Gulf of Thailand about halfway down the country’s thin central land strip. It caters to tourists, and as such, rather than mourning the sense of calm their absence provided, it’s celebrating their return in grand style, eager to once again offer its signature, friendly hospitality. Continued …

Isaan booming as fuse lit for annual Rocket Festival

Isaan skies are streaked with gray smoke trails from May to July every year, as locals launch Bang Fai or bamboo missiles to prod the rain god awake. Celebrated in Thailand’s northeast and Laos, the Bun Bang Fai rocket festival blasts off to summon clouds at the start of the rainy season around the end of May.

“Bun” means merit while “bang” refers to the giant bamboo bodies of the missiles. “Fai” (fire) is what happens when fuses are lit and the sparks ignite the gunpowder packed inside. Continued …

Queen’s funeral costs taxpayers £162M amid cost-of-living crisis

The UK government has disclosed that the state funeral and related events for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last September, cost taxpayers almost £162 million (US$201 million). This is the first public estimate of the expenses associated with the funeral of Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • 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

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-April 8

 

  • Hua Hin implements solutions for water shortages/
  • Mercury hits dangerous levels in Bangkok, Krabi on Sunday/
  • Alliance sought to combat haze/
  • 59 Chinese Christian asylum seekers exiled in Thailand leave for US/
  • Cyber data thief allegedly an army sergeant/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Experts outline the economic challenges facing the next government/Thailand’s workforce faces two major challenges, says ManpowerGroup/Renewables scheme targets new firms/Demco keen on expansion in renewable energy sector/UAC allots Bt300 million for renewable drive/
  • Tourism: Songkran celebrations set to move into high gear across Thailand/Songkran festivals around Thailand/Songkran revelers get an extra day to party this year/18 river sources unfit for Songkran/A tourist’s primer: The cleanest and dirtiest rivers, and the best beaches/Police preparing for Songkran traffic and crime/Thailand drafts bill to decriminalize its billion-dollar sex trade/Ukrainian Woman Arrested After Spray Painting Famous Viewpoint in Phuket/Indian national arrested for overstaying his visa by 1,200 days/
  • Thailand Experience: Koh Samui: The secret island gem of Southeast Asia’s hospitality scene/Uncover Thailand’s finest adventure hotels/Step Back In Time & Visit The Oldest Restaurants In Bangkok/
  • 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

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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Hua Hin waterworks

Hua Hin implements solutions for water shortages

Hua Hin officials have proposed a three-stage plan to address local water shortages in Hua Hin w.

As a start, water from the Kasetsart University Animal Hospital will be pumped from university ponds to the Hua Na Waterworks pumping plant.

The second measure is for a pipeline to be installed from Suan Son Pradiphat, to the Hua Na water pumping plant. The pipeline is expected to be completed in 90 days, following which the municipality will install a booster pump to increase the water pressure.

Finally, improvements to the Hua Hin pumping station and a pipeline, with a budget of Bt1,054 million, has entered the final phase; 10 kilometers remain and are expected to be completed before the end of this fiscal year.

Mercury hits dangerous levels in Bangkok, Krabi on Sunday

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast that Krabi will be the hottest place in the nation on Sunday, with its heat index hitting 54.2ᵒ Celsius.

The second hottest place in Thailand will be Bangkok’s Bang Na district, where temperatures are expected to soar to 50.2ᵒC. The other three hottest areas in the country are Phetchabun (44.3ᵒC), Chonburi (43.2ᵒC), and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Chok Chai district (41.3ᵒC). Continued …

Alliance sought to combat haze

Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are seeking to join forces to combat the transboundary haze pollution choking the region.

At Government House, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hosted a trilateral meeting through video conference with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Myanmar leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the transboundary haze crisis. Continued …

59 Chinese Christian asylum seekers exiled in Thailand leave for US

Dozens of Chinese Christian asylum seekers who fled alleged religious persecution in their homeland left Thailand for the United States after being released from Thai custody for an immigration violation, police and United Nations officials said Friday.

A group of 63 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church (also known as the Mayflower Church) had feared Thailand might deport them to China, but American officials and a lawmaker reportedly intervened and persuaded Thai authorities to send them to the U.S. Continued …

Cyber data thief allegedly an army sergeant

The cyberpunk who hacked into a government database and threatened to release the personal data of 55 million Thai people is believed to be an army sergeant.

Police held the unnamed army sergeant and his wife this morning in relation to hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais and putting the information up for sale on April 5 under the name “9Near.” Continued …

Experts outline the economic challenges facing the next government

In less than two months, Thai people will exercise their right to vote and choose the leader and party that should govern the country for the next four years. All political parties have been running intense campaigns, trying to persuade people to vote for them.

Economic policies are regarded as one of the first factors that people evaluate while voting because of their direct co-relation to their standard of living. Amid external uncertainties and volatility, as well as an uneven recovery of Thailand’s economy, where tourism is expanding but exports are contracting, the newly elected government will face difficulties and challenges in maintaining the country’s growth momentum while also making people happy. Continued …

Thailand’s workforce faces two major challenges, says ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup says Thailand’s labor market faces two big challenges in the next five years – shortages of IT skills and English language proficiency.

To remain competitive in the global economy, the country must adapt to fast-changing technology and invest in upskilling workers, the global staffing firm added. Continued …

Renewables scheme targets new firms

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is encouraging companies not selected for power projects under its 5.2-gigawatt renewables scheme to participate in the second phase after the general election. Continued …

Demco keen on expansion in renewable energy sector

Demco, a contractor and engineering service provider, is expanding its clean energy business following diversification into this sector by joining the government’s promoted renewable power development scheme.

The company proposed power generation projects in an auction for the 5.2-gigawatt renewable power scheme, overseen by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), said Pongsak Sirikupt, chief executive and managing director of Demco. Continued …

UAC allots Bt300 million for renewable drive

UAC Global Plc., a chemical trader and clean power operator, plans to allocate 300 million baht to support diversification into renewable energy and oil production development.

Roughly 20 million baht is for the development of a 3-megawatt biogas power plant in Khon Kaen, said Chatchapol Prasopchok, president and chief executive of UAC Global. Continued …

Songkran celebrations set to move into high gear across Thailand

Full-scale Songkran celebrations can be expected this year across the Kingdom after three years of cancellations or restricted activities during the Covid-19 crisis.

Many events have been scheduled to mark the Thai New Year in Bangkok and other major cities, including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket. The planned activities range from cultural shows and religious rites to musical events and international festivals. 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 …

Songkran revelers get an extra day to party this year

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry confirmed that Monday, April 17, is an extra day added to the Songkran holidays that kick off next Thursday.

The ministry said on Friday that its Anti-Fake News Center has been receiving many inquiries about the additional holidays. It said April 17 has been announced as compensation for April 15, which is a Saturday. This extra day is based on a Jan. 10 Cabinet resolution. Continued …

18 river sources unfit for Songkran

The Department of Pollution Control (PCD) has warned people not to use water from 18 sources during the Songkran holidays because of unsafe bacterial contamination. The unsafe water sources include river sections that pass through Bangkok and Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruai district.

Pornsak Phuim, deputy director general at the PCD, said surface water samples from 61 locations across the country had been collected ahead of the Songkran Festival (April 13-15), when vast quantities of water are used for splashing. Continued …

A tourist’s primer: The cleanest and dirtiest rivers, and the best beaches

The Pollution Control Department has certified as good the water quality of at least half of the 70 rivers it examined, amid an expected influx of visitors to beaches countrywide during summer.

The deputy director-general of the department, Pornsak Phuimm, said that officials had examined the water quality of 70 rivers around the country from January to March. Three of the 70 rivers have excellent quality of water, 35 are good quality, 21 are moderate level, while the water in nine rivers is of poor quality, he said. Continued …

Police preparing for Songkran traffic and crime

Police will implement measures nationwide to reduce traffic congestion, ensure safety on the roads, and prevent crime during the Songkran festival, national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Friday.

Police will enforce the enhanced measures during the April 13 to 15 holiday, he said. Trucks will be banned from main roads used for travel during the festival and extra lanes will be added to accommodate the surge in traffic, he said. Continued …

Thailand drafts bill to decriminalize its billion-dollar sex trade

From the rows of massage parlors, pulsing night clubs and rowdy bars of Thailand’s gaudy red-light districts, the country’s billion-dollar sex trade operates all but in the open.

Technically, the sex they sell is illegal, but a new government-led plan aims to change that. It calls for repealing the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which makes most sex work a crime, and replacing it with a new law, the Protection of Sex Work Act, affirming the rights of sex workers and their places of business to sell sex. Continued …

Ukrainian Woman Arrested After Spray Painting Famous Viewpoint in Phuket

A Ukrainian woman was arrested after she spray painted anti-Russia statements on rocks and benches at a famous viewpoint in Wichit.

Local residents in Wichit complained that many places at the popular Khao Khad Viewpoint were sprayed with red spray paint, professing anti-Russian views. Continued …

Indian national arrested for overstaying his visa by 1,200 days

Thai immigration, together with the police in the district of Kaset Sombun, Chaiyaphum, have arrested a foreigner for overstaying his visa.

According to reports, the operation was carried out as part of the government’s policy to crack down on various crimes in the area, including those committed by foreigners overstaying their visas or with warrants from Thai or foreign courts. Continued …

Koh Samui: The secret island gem of Southeast Asia’s hospitality scene

Koh Samui remains a “little-big” anomaly in Southeast Asia’s massive resort island arsenal. Despite hosting famed global hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, W, InterContinental, and Banyan Tree, its smallish private airport capacity has somehow created a natural barrier to mass tourism in the development-crazed last 25 years.

Looking at the tourism recovery trajectory in our newly released Samui Hotel Market Update 2023, the best word I could use for growth was the impish term “moderate.” No, the island has not broken into a full sweat, but looking at the mounting hotel room night demand in Q4 of last year and into the first quarter of 2023, there are positive signs of momentum. Continued …

Float House on River Kwai

Uncover Thailand’s finest adventure hotels

Are you an adventure seeker looking to explore the natural wonders of Thailand? If so, then you’re in luck! Thailand is a country filled with breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains and dense forests to tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters. And with its growing popularity as an adventure tourism destination, Thailand offers an abundance of outdoor activities for travelers of all ages and abilities.

To make the most of your adventure tourism experience in Thailand, it’s essential to find the right hotel that caters to your needs. Whether you’re seeking a hotel that provides easy access to hiking trails, water sports, or wildlife safaris, there are plenty of options to choose from. And with so many hotels in Thailand that offer adventure activities and services, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Continued …

Step Back In Time & Visit The Oldest Restaurants In Bangkok

When it comes to countries with the tastiest culinary delights, Thailand always tops the list, and Bangkok’s dining scene is one of the most vibrant in the Asian nation.

While Thailand’s Capital’s Street food is considered legendary (it’s been featured in CNN as the city with the best street food in the world), it’s also home to numerous delicious restaurants, some of which have existed for more than a century. The restaurants offer a unique taste of some of Thai’s traditional dishes, making them well worth visiting. Step back in time and visit the oldest restaurants in Bangkok. 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s News-April 6

  • Thailand to hit scorching 45.8C on Wednesday/
  • Centara Hua Hin receives Traveler Review Award/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Recession fears rise as growth projections are cut, exports continue decline/Inflation forecast lowered for 2023/Panel urges rethink of power tariff/Prime Road targets 1,800MW renewable power by 2027/Forbes: 3 Thais among world’s 150 richest people/
  • Chinese businessman hires sexy girls to fulfill vow at shrine/
  • 1,000 tons of hazwaste dumped in Ayutthaya/
  • Fine dust smothers Mae Hong Son/Thailand’s thriving exotic pet trade/
  • Thailand’s cannabis future drags on in political limbo/
  • Tourism: Immigration Bureau to tighten screening of tourists entering with visa on arrival/Suvarnabhumi Prepares for 1 Million Songkran Tourists/Drunken Songkran antics spur plea for police action/Thailand’s air pollution threatens the health of residents and its tourism industry/Michelin Guide, TAT extend partnership through 2026/British tourist smashes up Bangkok 7-Eleven/
  • Thailand Experience: Next Michelin Guide edition includes unique flavors of Surat Thani and Koh Samui/Here’s Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai/
  • International: Gold prices surge as dollar weakens/
  • 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

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Thailand to hit scorching 45.8C on Wednesday

Thailand’s heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – will soar as high as 45.8 degrees Celsius (114.44 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The department forecast the hottest areas in each region as follows:

  • North: Tak province, heat index of 41C
  • Northeast: Si Sa Ket, 38.4C
  • Central: Bangkok’s Bang Na district, 45.5C
  • East: Chonburi, 45.8C
  • South: Phang Nga, 43.3C Continued …

Centara Hua Hin receives Traveler Review Award

Centara Hotels & Resorts, one of Thailand’s leading hotel operators, has announced that five Centara properties received the 2023 Traveler Review Award from Booking.com.

Awarded annually to partner hotels and resorts, the Traveler Review Awards highlight properties for their exceptional hospitality, as evidenced by Booking.com review scores left by guests after their stay. Continued …

Recession fears rise as growth projections are cut, exports continue decline

Growth prospects for the Thai economy have been downgraded as the country’s leading export body, this week, warned of a 10% decline in the opening quarter of the year with weaker demand from Western markets suffering from tightened liquidity due to concern within the banking system and rising interest rates.

The promised upturn in demand from China has also failed to materialize, with exports to that market down 7.8% in February, the ninth month in a row when output to the communist country has fallen. The situation leaves Thailand facing the rising prospect of a technical recession. Continued …

Inflation forecast lowered for 2023

The Commerce Ministry has downgraded its headline inflation outlook for this year from a range of 2%-3% to 1.7%-2.7%, in line with economic conditions and falling energy prices. Continued …

Panel urges rethink of power tariff

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) plans to ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to reconsider the electricity bill calculation, believing the power tariff of 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) could be further reduced.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) previously announced both businesses and households would pay the same tariff rate of 4.77 baht per unit between May and August. Continued …

Prime Road targets 1,800MW renewable power by 2027

Prime Road Power, an operator of solar farms and provider of solar panel installation services, aims to increase its renewable power generation capacity to 1,800 megawatts by 2027, up from 304MW, thanks to campaigns for fossil fuel reduction to fight global warming across Asia-Pacific.

These efforts should bring bright prospects for the company’s business, including more use of solar power at industrial estates nationwide operated by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), said Somprasong Panjalak, chairman and founder of Prime Road Power. Continued …

Forbes: 3 Thais among world’s 150 richest people

Three Thai tycoons have been ranked among the world’s richest people on the Forbes list of 2,640 world billionaires in 2023. Thailand has 28 billionaires on the list.

Dhanin Chearavanont, the senior chairman of Thailand’s largest food and agriculture conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, was ranked by Forbes as the 116th richest person in the world with a net worth of US$4.9 billion in 2023. Continued …

Chinese businessman hires sexy girls to fulfill vow at shrine

A successful Chinese businessman hired more than 10 sexy girls to dance at a shrine located in Kamphaeng Phet province, situated in the central region of Thailand, to fulfill a vow he had made after achieving business success. The businessman has reportedly fulfilled his vow at the same shrine four times already.

A Thai woman named Kanya-on Chanjohn shared a video featuring other Thai women dancing in front of statues. The caption on the video read “Rich, Rich, Rich!” Kanya-on later explained on social media that the performance was a vow fulfillment ceremony for the aforementioned Chinese businessman’s success. Continued …

1,000 tons of hazwaste dumped in Ayutthaya

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has sought help from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) to find out who was responsible for illegally dumping 1,000 tons of hazardous waste in Ayutthaya.

This is not the first occasion illegal waste disposals have been made in the area, and local officials suspect the same company may be responsible. Continued …

Fine dust smothers Mae Hong Son

Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, one of the best-known tourist destinations in the North, experienced the highest level of hazardous ultrafine dust in the country on Wednesday.

The highest level of PM2.5 – 356 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) – was recorded in tambon Wiang Tai, according to a daily report of air quality data from the Pollution Control Department (PCD). Continued …

Thailand’s thriving exotic pet trade

Dobby scurries frantically around a tiny dorm room at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, snorting and dousing the air with a pungent smell. For the past 10 minutes, Sujitta Thanomsingha, a 22-year-old communication student, has been trying to get her hands on her pet ferret.

As Sujitta darts across her tiny dorm room, she spots Dobby’s pink nose peeking from under the bed, and this time, she is determined to catch him. Finally, and after much resistance, he gives in to Sujitta’s grasp and allows her to secure a collar around his furry yellow neck. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis future drags on in political limbo

Shortly after cannabis was legalized in Thailand, thousands of cannabis stalls popped up along the streets of Bangkok and tourist spots, representing hopes of a boost to the nation’s economy.

Yet, nearly a year on, the promise of a new bonanza crop seems to have gone up in smoke as a legal framework has never been clearly set out, and long-promised legislation failed in February to get through parliament, leaving the country without an umbrella law to regulate its use. Continued …

Immigration Bureau to tighten screening of tourists entering with visa on arrival

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has been told to tighten screening of tourists using visa on arrival, following a gruesome murder allegedly committed by three Chinese nationals.

Royal Thai Police Commissioner Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he held a meeting on Tuesday with Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan to discuss measures for filtering out possible criminals who may attempt to enter the country using visa on arrival (VOA). Continued …

Suvarnabhumi Prepares for 1 Million Songkran Tourists

Suvarnabhumi Airport announced its readiness to serve incoming tourists during the Songkran Festival from April 11 to 17. It is estimated that a total of one million tourists will come to the Thailand airport, an average of 143,000 tourists per day.

The airport will set up a temporary outbound checkpoint at the end of row W in the departure lounge, 4th floor. The airport will also deploy more staff at the checkpoints to provide maximum efficiency for tourists. Continued …

Drunken Songkran antics spur plea for police action

More than 40 people yesterday joined hands to submit a letter to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to strictly enforce laws about alcohol sales and sexual harassment during the Songkran festival.

The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP), as well as various youth and development networks and city communities, urged National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas to act. Continued …

Thailand’s air pollution threatens the health of residents and its tourism industry

“Take a trip to toxic Thailand.” Hmmm, despite the smart alliteration, we can’t see that one catching on as a tourism slogan.

The air in the Land of Smiles/Grimaces has been especially foul of late – and could prove to be a double whammy, as choking smog strikes down residents and at the same time weakens the nation’s tourism industry. Continued …

Michelin Guide, TAT extend partnership through 2026

The Michelin Guide Thailand has helped to generate more than 842 million baht for the tourism economy during its first five-year contract with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) starting in 2017, according to the agency.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT deputy governor for marketing communications, said as food experiences are one of the top reasons listed for foreign tourists to visit Thailand, the Michelin Guide Thailand has helped emphasize the country’s strengths. Continued … 

British tourist smashes up Bangkok 7-Eleven

Thai police arrested a young British man for destroying property at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday at 3am.

In a bizarre TikTok clip filmed by a European onlooker, the British tourist picks up various items inside the 7-Eleven and launches them at the door in an attempt to smash the glass. Continued …

Next Michelin Guide edition includes unique flavors of Surat Thani and Koh Samui

Surat Thani and the island of Samui in the province have made it to the seventh edition of Michelin Guide Thailand 2024, expected to be released at the end of 2023.

Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said Surat Thani and Koh Samui have many charming and interesting things to be discovered, including natural wonders, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Continued …

Here’s Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai

If you plan on visiting Thailand soon, add Chiang Mai to the itinerary. When anyone asks us how they should spend their time in Thailand, we say they must give the country an entire month.

Bangkok is the most popular city in Southeast Asia. Similar to New York, the city attracts tourists from all over the world. The streets are full of tourists and locals, shopping malls on all the major avenues, and one of the busiest street food districts you’ll ever see. Continued … 

Gold prices surge as dollar weakens

Gold prices hit a 13-month high, touching US$2,031 per ounce as weak U.S. economic data spurred demand for the safe-haven asset amid a weakening dollar, according to analysts. 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

Uncategorized

Wednesday’s News-April 5

  • Tourism: Songkran forecast: Domestic tourism surge dampened by trickle of foreign arrivals/Songkran spending to surge to Bt125 billion/Over 14,200 flights, 2.37 million passengers expected at 6 airports during Songkran week/More than 90,000 Tourists to Visit Surat Thani, Samui Island During Songkran/Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination in Thailand: Agoda/3 Bangkok expressways tollfree on Thursday, motorways free for Songkran/Maldivian tourist caught smuggling 25 live birds/Australian Resort Boss Murdered While at Work in Krabi/Phuket Airport gains new direct flights to Vietnam and China/
  • In other Thai news: Inflation up 2.83% in March, slowest pace in 15 months/FDA warns public of toxic hair dye/Exports expected to decline in first half/’Man-made’ fires rage in Chiang Mai/Thai badminton ace becomes a cop: ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted’, says Ratchanok/A twist in the case of the kidnapped and murdered Chinese student/Chinese trio facing prospect of execution for a horrific murder in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: It’s mango season: A guide to the best mangoes in Thailand/How many elephants are left in the world?/Where do tigers live? Tigers have a diverse range of habitats/
  • International: Trump pleads not guilty to 34 criminal charges in New York/Johnson & Johnson proposes $8.9-billion settlement of talc cancer claims/
  • 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

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Songkran forecast: Domestic tourism surge dampened by trickle of foreign arrivals

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to see 13.5 billion baht in revenue from domestic tourism during the Songkran holidays (April 13-16), up 22% from 11 billion baht last year.

However, it is far less optimistic about foreign arrivals over the traditional New Year.

The tourism agency estimates Thais will make up to 3.8 million trips to domestic attractions this Songkran, a rise of 14% from the 3.34 million trips made last year. Continued …

Songkran spending to surge to Bt125 billion

Spending sentiment for the upcoming Songkran festival is expected to be lively as people have been hesitant for many months, but the country’s economy is showing signs of recovery, driven by rapidly reviving tourism.

According to the latest survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), spending during the festival is expected to increase by 17.3% to 125 billion baht, up from 107 billion in 2022. Continued …

Over 14,200 flights, 2.37 million passengers expected at 6 airports during Songkran week

As many as 14,220 flights are expected to be operated at six airports during the Songkran festival from April 11 to 17 this year, 59.6% higher than in the previous year, Airports of Thailand (AOT) said on Tuesday.

AOT runs Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang (Chiang Rai), Phuket and Hat Yai airports.

“The 14,220 include 7,500 international and 6,720 domestic flights,” AOT said. Continued …

More than 90,000 Tourists to Visit Surat Thani, Samui Island During Songkran

More than 67,000 foreign tourists, and 23,000 Thai tourists are expected to visit Surat Thani, including Samui Island, during the Songkran Festival period.

Surat Thani Gov.Vichawut Jintoe said from April 13 to April 16 the tourism authority is expecting to welcome 91,000 tourists.

Of those, 23,000 will be Thai tourists, while 60,000 will be foreign tourists. Continued … 

Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination in Thailand: Agoda

With many across Asia and Australia looking forward to long weekends and holidays in the coming weeks, price-savvy travelers will be happy to learn that Agoda crunched the numbers to reveal the cheapest tourist destinations. In Thailand, it’s Khon Kaen, where travelers can enjoy the most competitive room rates this month.

The digital travel platform analyzed the average room rates of tourist destinations in April. In Thailand, Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination, with an average room rate of 1,030 THB. Also in Thailand’s top 5 are Surat Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Hat Yai, respectively. Continued …

3 Bangkok expressways tollfree on Thursday, motorways free for Songkran

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has announced that it is waiving toll fees for three expressways on Thursday to mark Chakri Memorial Day.

The Highways Department, meanwhile, will allow motorists to use four motorways for free during the long Songkran holidays. Continued …

Maldivian tourist caught smuggling 25 live birds

Officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok caught a tourist attempting to smuggle 25 exotic live birds out of Thailand on a flight to the Maldives yesterday morning.

Customs officials made the discovery when they inspected luggage destined to board flight PG711 to Malé in the Maldives, reported Prasert Sornsathapornkul, the director of the Division for the Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Continued …

Australian Resort Boss Murdered While at Work in Krabi

A 57-year-old Australian resort boss was killed by the husband of one of his employees who was apparently upset about her pay at a resort in Krabi.

The Ao Nang Police tsaid they were notified by the Krabi Hospital that a foreign man had been pronounced dead yesterday morning. Multiple stab and slash wounds were found on his body, said Ao Nang police. Continued …

Phuket Airport gains new direct flights to Vietnam and China

Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand is gaining two new direct flights to China and Vietnam. The first is to Chongqing in China operated by Chongqing Airlines and the second is the first-ever service from Phuket to Hanoi in Vietnam serviced by VietJet.

Chongqing Airlines’ inaugural flight OQ2093 landed on the runway in Phuket yesterday afternoon with 128 tourists on board. Tourists were welcomed with gifts from Airports of Thailand (AOT) staff. Continued …

In other Thai news:

Inflation up 2.83% in March, slowest pace in 15 months

Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose a less than forecast 2.83% in March from a year earlier, the slowest pace in 15 months due to lower energy and food prices, the Commerce Ministry said.

The reading compared with a forecast rise of 3.3% in March in a Reuters poll. The core CPI index was up 1.75% in March from a year ago, versus a forecast increase of 1.82%. Continued …

FDA warns public of toxic hair dye

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday warned consumers that three South Korean hair-dyeing products contain cancer-causing chemicals.

The FDA said the products are Seedbee’s Water Coloring Medium Brown and Seedbee’s Water Coloring Wine Brown, both by Soky C&T Co., and Mielle Professional’s Blondie Anne Treatment Color Cream by JPS Cosmetics Co. Continued …

Exports expected to decline in first half

The Thai export sector faces a spate of challenges in 2023, with a trade group forecasting that shipments may decline by as much as 7.4% in the first half of the year.

The export sector may not recover in the second quarter of 2023 and contract by about 5%, before rebounding by 1.8% and 12% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Continued …

‘Man-made’ fires rage in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai declared four more areas as wildfire crisis zones on Tuesday amid growing concerns over the North’s haze pollution problem.

The four areas cover 10 villages in Mae Taeng district and six villages in Phrao district, said Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn. Continued …

Thai badminton ace becomes a cop: ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted’, says Ratchanok

Thai badminton ace Ratchanok Intanon, 28, has fulfilled a dream to become a member of the Royal Thai Police.

She is now lieutenant sergeant major. But still known as May to most.

The current world number 8 and still Thai number one from Yasothon in the northeast, was on Facebook with the good news. Continued …

A twist in the case of the kidnapped and murdered Chinese student

The murder of the Chinese student in Nonthaburi province last week was motivated by a soured love affair between the victim and one of her three abductors. The ransom story was just a diversion created by the abductors, with the help of a Thai bar girl.

The twist in the abduction and murder of 22-year-old Jin Can, a third-year music student at Bangkok Thonburi University, was revealed late yesterday afternoon by Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, who was assigned to supervise the case. Continued …

Chinese trio facing prospect of execution for a horrific murder in Thailand

Three men accused of the sadistic torture and murder of Chinese student Jin Can are in the custody of Chinese police after being arrested in the last 24 hours in Wuhan, China, according to Thai National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas. On Tuesday, he confirmed that the suspects would not be extradited to Thailand but would face a joint investigation and trial before a Chinese court, with the prospect of them facing the death penalty or execution for the outrage they committed in Thailand.

Kittiprapas revealed on Tuesday that police in China have already arrested three men accused of murdering Chinese student Jin Can on March 28 in Nonthaburi in a case that has shocked the kingdom. Continued …

It’s mango season: A guide to the best mangoes in Thailand

Thai mangoes are commonly referred to as Mamuang, and are a beloved staple in Thailand. Its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes has drawn tourists from every corner of the globe.

Visitors eagerly explore the streets of Bangkok and Phuket, eager to savor local favorites like mango sticky rice or a refreshing spicy mango salad. The distinct flavor of Thai mangoes sets them apart from others, making them an undeniable crowd-pleaser.

The origins of Thai mangoes can be traced back to ancient India and Southeast Asia, where mangoes have been cultivated for thousands of years. The mango (Mangifera indica) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, and it is believed to have initially spread from India to other parts of Southeast Asia, including present-day Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and eventually Thailand. Continued … 

How many elephants are left in the world?

The elephant is the largest existing land mammal on Earth, weighing anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds. There are three species of elephants: the African bush elephant (also known as the African savanna elephant), the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant.

In 1930, approximately 10 million wild elephants were in Africa, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Since then, elephant populations have dwindled due to various threats, including habitat loss and illegal poaching. Continued …

Where do tigers live? Tigers have a diverse range of habitats

If you have ever had a cat, you know they don’t like to take baths. But there is one kind of cat out there that loves to swim and bathe: the tiger.

Thanks to their large webbed paws and muscular bodies, tigers are excellent swimmers. But that’s not the only thing interesting about the majestic animal: Tigers are the largest wild cat species and share nearly all but 4.4% of their DNA with domestic cats.

But where in the world do these big cats live? Continued …

Trump pleads not guilty to 34 criminal charges in New York

A defiant Donald Trump on Tuesday denied all wrongdoing after pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, as prosecutors accused him of orchestrating payments to two women before the 2016 U.S. election to suppress publication of their sexual encounters with him. Continued …

Johnson & Johnson proposes $8.9-billion settlement of talc cancer claims

U.S. pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday proposed an $8.9 billion settlement to resolve years-old lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused cancer. 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-April 4

  • New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April/
  • Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course/
  • Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices/
  • Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai/
  • Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’/
  • Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running/
  • Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations/
  • Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi/
  • Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China/
  • 37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon/
  • Annual motor show bookings surge 35%/
  • Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter/
  • Tourism: Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan/Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family/Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year/Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar/TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists/Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters/
  • Thailand Experience: Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand/
  • International: Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift/
  • 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

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New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April

Hua Hin’s Tamarind Market is extending its opening hours over two public holidays in April.

During the Chakri Day weekend, the market will open its doors from 5pm between April 6-9. Over the Songkran holidays, the market will be open from April 12-16.

The nearby Cicada market will be open April 13-16 during Songkran.

Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course

On Wednesday, April 26, a junior golf clinic will be held by some of the competing golf pros at the Royal Hua Hin Thailand Championship coming to the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course on April 25-27. The clinic will be held at the driving range commencing at 4pm.

The MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Tour is hosting the event. Over 70 golf professionals from across the globe have entered the event, with around 100 expected.

This free clinic is open to all aspiring junior golfers, but come before 4pm to register.

Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices

The domestic diesel price is to be cut to 33 baht a liter this Friday, down from 33.5 baht a liter, as global oil prices keep falling, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO).

It will be the fourth in a series of price reductions since early February when the retail price in Thailand stood at 34.94 baht a liter. Continued …

Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai

After five days of relentless efforts, Thailand’s Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPDPM) announced Monday that firefighters have succeeded in getting forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province under control.

As a result of the success of the mission, the command center set up to deal with the fires on Khao Laem and several other mountains in Nakhon Nayok has been downgraded to just a local-level center, the task of which is to monitor the situation to ensure that the fires do not reignite. Continued …

Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’

Authorities are preparing to declare Sri Lanna National Park a disaster zone due to the ongoing wildfires in the area.

After inspecting the fires yesterday, Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the park will be declared a disaster zone due to the nature of the wildfire within the park’s boundaries. Continued …

Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running

Northern Thailand continues to battle a thick layer of smog, with Chiang Mai being ranked as the world’s most polluted city by PM2.5 rating for nine days in a row, according to the IQAir website.

The highest air quality index (AQI) value was found at the Health Hospital in Ban Khai Hospital in Mae Na Wang subdistrict, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, measuring at a hazardous 411 μg/m3. Continued …

Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations

New business registrations in February this year rose 18.4% to 8,537 compared with the same period last year, though only 0.84% from January, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Monday. He cited a rise in tourism and hotel business registrations as evidence that Thai tourism is rebounding strongly after Covid-19.

New registrations in February were led by construction, real estate, and restaurant businesses, according to data from the Department of Business Development. Continued …

Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi

A 33-year-old man died after a bomb exploded in Krabi. The Klong Thom Police were notified of the incident on Sunday at a house in South Klong Tom. The Krabi EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and the Krabi Forensic Police were called to the scene.

The man was later identified as Kampanart Sapjaroen, 33, who had been pronounced dead at the scene. His body was surrounded by many unexploded bombs and the one that had set off. It took more than three hours for the EOD to recover all bombs from the area. Continued …

Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China

Three suspects in the gruesome murder of a Chinese student in Nonthaburi have been arrested in China, according to Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn.

Surachate said Thai police coordinated with Chinese authorities to arrest the suspects after discovering that they flew to Chengdu on March 30. He added that Chinese police are interrogating the suspects, who had committed other crimes in their home country before. Continued …

37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon

Thirty-seven people sustained injuries after a passenger bus from Nong Khai heading to Phuket crashed in the Sawee district.

Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Sunday morning on Asia 41 Road in the Na Poe subdistrict. Continued …

Annual motor show bookings surge 35%

Car and motorcycle bookings at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended on Sunday, rose by more than 35% year-on-year to 45,983 units, thanks to an improving economy and electric vehicles (Evs).

The economic recovery and the government’s policy to promote EVs, which encourages EV manufacturers to introduce electric cars to prospective EV buyers were key factors, said Jaturon Komolmit, vice chairman of Grand Prix International, which organized the event. Continued …

Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter

Thailand’s exports are likely to show a contraction of 10% in the first quarter of this year from a year earlier, bigger than a previous forecast drop of 8%, the country’s shippers’ council said on Tuesday.

The global economy was slowing and a recovery in China’s economy was not as fast as expected, Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, told a news conference. Continued … 

Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan

Tourism officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan are gearing up for what is set to be a busy month in April.

With the big holiday break approaching, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan office is encouraging families and tourists to visit and enjoy the beach.

According to Archawan Kongkanat, director of Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan office, the organization has prepared a tourism events schedule for the whole month of April. Continued …

Pet-friendly V Villas in Hua Hin

Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family

Songkran’s a long holiday, and leaving your beloved little ones at home? That just won’t do. Let us show you some of the best places to go on a pet-friendly trip that will take care of everyone, including your furry family members.

When you’re a parent of a furry one, you know it can be quite a big deal to go on vacation. After all, how are they going to survive at home alone? Hotels that are pet-friendly used to be quite hard to come by. But now, you have a lot of choices to choose from across Thailand. Continued …

Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the country’s tourism sector to generate up to 2.4 trillion baht in revenue this year, or 80% of earnings in 2019, Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Monday.

Roughly 880 billion would come from Thai tourists, while the other 1.5 trillion would be from foreigners, he added. However, Thai tourism is experiencing difficulties because airlines had not yet reached their pre-Covid operating capacity, Yuthasak said. Continued …

Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar

While Koh Samui is gaining popularity during the upcoming Songkran Festival, tourists are having problems with transportation, as many flights are fully booked. The president of the Koh Samui Tourism Assn. has been in talks with Bangkok Airways and Samui Airport to increase the number of flights to meet tourist demand.

With tourism in Thailand recovering, Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers since Christmas and until this April. Most travelers come from Europe, Singapore and China, crowding the airport and ferry port. Continued …

TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is addressing concerns over the monopolization of foreign tourism businesses and zero-dollar tours, saying that “they are not a concern” as long as strict law enforcement and collaboration with Beijing continues.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn says that his office in China will continue to monitor these issues and ensure that only Chinese tour companies certified by the Chinese government are allowed to send tour groups to Thailand. Continued …

Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters

If you were planning on standing on the Chiang Rai skywalk in northern Thailand to stare into a thick layer of hazardous dust this week, think again, because the tourist attraction is now closed for repairs after a piece of the glass floor shattered yesterday.

Tourists standing 486 feet above sea level were terrified yesterday when a loud bang erupted from the “Three Lands Skywalk.” One layer of glass inside one panel on the West wing – about 2.5 by 2 meters long – had shattered. Continued …

The UK students will visit Elephant Nature Park and its founder, Lek

Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand

Students from one West Norfolk secondary school in the United Kingdom are embarking on a trip of a lifetime as they leave Lynn for a 17-day adventure in Thailand.

The year 12 students from Springwood High School, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, are taking part in a Thailand Global Citizenship Program, which will see them teach children in a Thai school about climate change, as well as spend time caring for rescued elephants at a sanctuary.

The 15 Springwood students, accompanied by three members of staff, flew to Thailand’s Chiang Mai airport on March 24 before transferring to Mae Sariang, where they will be working with pupils at Ban Kupuang (KP) School. Continued …

Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift

Finland will become the 31st member of NATO today, in a historic strategic shift provoked by Moscow’s war on Ukraine, which doubles the U.S.-led alliance’s border with Russia. 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-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, climate change, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-March 29

  • 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

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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 chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn using caviar from a Thai sturgeon farm to create a dish at his Nusara restaurant in Bangkok

‘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

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, marijuana, medical tourism, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 17

  • Hua Hin Old Days Festival March 31-April 2/
  • Credit Suisse’s trouble could trigger new global financial crisis, Thai experts warn/
  • SET allays concerns among investors over banking problems/
  • European stocks rebound as Credit Suisse grabs lifeline/
  • 6 Bangkok eateries make Asia’s 50 best restaurants 51-100 list/
  • In Phang Nga, 165 baby sea turtles hatch and venture into the sea/
  • Don’t whiten teeth with nail polish’ Thai medical technologist warns/
  • Chiang Mai property market to soar/
  • Hunt for missing tube of radioactive cesium intensifies in Thailand/
  • Top conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis in Thailand/
  • Tourism: Risks, Questions, Advice When Traveling Internationally For Healthcare/Pattaya Mayor Says Songkran Is Fully On This Year/Koh Samui needs more direct flights to boost post-pandemic recovery/Thai AirAsia boosts flights from Chiang Mai to 6 international destinations/Swedish and Brazilian overstayers busted in Surat Thani/
  • International: Hyundai becomes world’s third-largest carmaker/Chilling past of world’s biggest brain collection/
  • 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

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Credit Suisse’s trouble could trigger new global financial crisis, Thai experts warn

Thailand’s most powerful business lobby group – the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking – on Thursday said it is confident the Thai banking sector will not be affected by recent bank failures in the United States and liquidity problems at Credit Suisse, but warned that the situation should be closely monitored, as it could be the start of a new financial crisis.

The impact on Thailand of Credit Suisse’s liquidity problems and the failures of America’s Silicon Valley and Signature banks is not currently a major concern, Kobsak Duangdee, secretary general of the Thai Bankers’ Assn., told a media briefing on Thursday. The association is a member of the joint standing committee.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) regulates banks more strictly than it did before the Asian financial crisis of 1997, and most Thai banks have little exposure to the Swiss bank or the two U.S. banks that failed, Kobsak explained. Continued …

SET allays concerns among investors over banking problems

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday rushed to ease concerns after a plunge in Credit Suisse shares, reigniting worries about a possible banking crisis.

The Thai bourse, following a significant rebound on Wednesday in line with other regional markets, was down by nearly 1% in the morning session and the losses deepened in early afternoon trade.

“We insist the plunge of the SET index is caused by external factors, not internal issues,” SET President Pakorn Peetathawatchai told a press briefing yesterday. Continued …

European stocks rebound as Credit Suisse grabs lifeline

European stock markets rebounded slightly on Thursday after troubled banking giant Credit Suisse secured a big financial lifeline and before a crucial interest-rate decision by the European Central Bank.

Frankfurt, London and Paris won modest gains, a day after plunging about 3.5% over fears about the health of Credit Suisse and the wider banking system following the implosions of two U.S. lenders.

The euro advanced against the dollar ahead of the ECB’s rate decision due on Thursday. Oil prices dipped slightly after plunging to their lowest levels in 15 months on Wednesday. Continued …

6 Bangkok eateries make Asia’s 50 best restaurants 51-100 list

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has announced the list of venues voted between positions 51-100, created from the votes of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential gender-balanced group of over 300 leaders made up of food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs and regional culinary experts.

• Spanning the region, the 51-100 list includes restaurants from 17 cities
• Hong Kong leads with eight places, including three new entries
• Tokyo is represented by six restaurants, including three new entries
• August, Jakarta is the recipient of the American Express One To Watch Award, and enters the list at No.95
• Singapore and Bangkok both have six establishments each
• Shanghai claims four spots on the list
• Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Mumbai are represented by three restaurants each Continued …

In Phang Nga, 165 baby sea turtles hatch and venture into the sea

In a heartwarming event, 165 baby hawksbill sea turtles hatched and ventured into the sea in Phang Nga on Tuesday. A mother hawksbill sea turtle had laid a total of 190 eggs on Jan. 15 this year. The successful hatching of the baby turtles took place at Chong Khao Kad Bay in the Mo Ko Surin National Park. (thethaiger.com)

Don’t whiten teeth with nail polish’ Thai medical technologist warns

A Thai medical technologist is warning people not to whiten their teeth with nail polish.

A popular Facebook page, Doctor Lab Panda, warned against using nail polish to whiten teeth due to the dire health risks associated with it. Medical technologist Pakphum Dejhassadin, who runs the page, cautioned the public against the practice.

He said that some make-up artists still use nail polish to whiten teeth, particularly in beauty contests. He explained that nail polish contains many harmful substances, including carcinogens, and should never be put in the mouth. Continued …

Chiang Mai property market to soar

The Chiang Mai property market is set for a major upswing, driven by the tourism resurgence and an influx of Chinese buyers after their country reopened its borders.

Predikorn Buranupakorn, chief executive of Ornsirin Holding, a property developer in Chiang Mai, said the company is confident the province’s real estate market will see a robust uptick this year. Continued …

Hunt for missing tube of radioactive cesium intensifies in Thailand

The hunt for a missing tube of dangerous radioactive material continued in Prachinburi, after the Thai province issued a Level 2 disaster alert.

The tube of cesium-137 was discovered missing from a coal-fired power plant in Sri Maha Pho district, 160km east of Bangkok, last Friday.

Management of the National Power Plant 5A Co. plant said the tube was taken from the facility three weeks ago, on Feb. 23. Continued … 

Top conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis in Thailand

With the recent legalization of cannabis in Thailand, more and more people are becoming aware of the medical benefits of cannabis. Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, derived from the cannabis sativa plant, has been found to provide relief from symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions.

The plant contains several active compounds, including THC and CBD, both of which have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits. Let’s explore some of the medical conditions that medical cannabis can effectively treat.

1. Cancer-Related Symptoms

Cancer treatment can cause a range of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Medical cannabis can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Research has demonstrated that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can reduce nausea and vomiting. Continued …

Risks, Questions, Advice When Traveling Internationally For Healthcare

Medical tourism is the term to describe international travel for the purpose of receiving medical care. It’s a worldwide, multibillion-dollar market that continues to grow.

Millions of people travel internationally for medical care each year. Some of the reasons are lower cost, recommendations from friends or family, the opportunities to combine medical care with a vacation, a preference for care from providers of the traveler’s culture, or to receive a procedure or treatment not available in the home country.

Negative reports of infections and other threatening complications and bad jobs in other countries demonstrate that medical tourism is  risky. Continued …

Pattaya Mayor Says Songkran Is Fully On This Year

It was already expected after several planning meetings recently, but the Pattaya Mayor’s social media accounts has confirmed the news that will please many bars and tourism businesses, as well as eager hordes of tourists, but likely frustrate some expat readers who despise the event.

After three years of Covid restrictions, and four years in total since the last non-traditional-only Songkran in 2019, the Thai New Year and the famous water fights return.

This means those wanting to avoid the water have a warning well in advance and those planning trips and holidays for Songkran have the reassurance that, unlike prior years, the famous, but polarizing, water fights will be allowed. Continued … 

Koh Samui needs more direct flights to boost post-pandemic recovery

The Koh Samui Tourism Assn. chief is urging authorities to enhance the island’s tourist infrastructure and increase flight capacity to boost a full post-pandemic recovery of the popular holiday resort.

Association President Ratchaporn Poolsawadee revealed that only 70% of independent hotels with three- or four-star have resumed operations following the pandemic. This is due to slow cash flow in comparison to hotels operated by international chains. In some cases, resuming hotel operations can cost as much as starting a new business. Continued …

Thai AirAsia boosts flights from Chiang Mai to 6 international destinations

Low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia will soon boost flights daily from Chiang Mai Airport in northern Thailand to six international destinations, including Hanoi and Da Nang in Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Flights will run to these Asian tourist hotspots every day starting Sunday, March 26.

The budget airline is celebrating the boost in flights with a Songkran (Thai New Year) promotion for tickets bought via the AirAsia Super App. Continued …

Swedish and Brazilian overstayers busted in surat Thani

A Swedish man and a Brazilian man were busted in south Thailand’s Surat Thani province for overstaying their visas in Thailand this week.

Surat Thani Immigration officers arrested the Swedish man in Koh Samui, on Chaweng Beach Road in front of Central Samui, in the Pho Phut subdistrict. The man, 34-year-old Christopher Tony Setfors, overstayed his visa by 75 days. The officers brought Setfors to Bo Phut Police Station to face overstaying charges and await further legal proceedings.

Officers arrested the Brazillian on Monday at Surat Thani Hospital in the Markham Tia subdistrict of the main city district. The man, 64-year-old Pinto Adilson Brasileiro, overstayed his visa by 10 days. Continued …

Hyundai becomes world’s third-largest carmaker

Hyundai Motor Group has become the world’s third-largest carmaker in terms of sales, an impressive feat after more than two decades when, in 2000, the South Korean auto giant made it to the global top 10 list. Continued …

Chilling past of world’s biggest brain collection

Countless shelves line the walls of a basement at Denmark’s University of Odense, holding what is thought to be the world’s largest collection of brains. There are 9,479 of the organs, all removed from the corpses of mental health patients over the course of four decades until the 1980s. 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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News – March 8

  • Why International Women’s Day matters/
  • Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up/
  • Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25/
  • Mask use urged as haze fastens grip/
  • Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks/
  • Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests/
  • Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand/
  • Foreigners picked to buoy property market/
  • Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year/
  • PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf/
  • Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation/
  • Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea/
  • WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge/
  • Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?/
  • Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint/
  • Tourism: Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome/People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms/German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island/
  • Thailand Experience: How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?/Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit/Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation/
  • 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

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Why International Women’s Day matters

Today is International Women’s Day.

It has been observed by the United Nations since 1975 and celebrated by many countries before then. Yet, if one looks on social media, many still argue that International Women’s Day should not be celebrated for different reasons. (“Why is this a thing? Why is there an international women’s day but not an international men’s day?”)

But the most compelling reason that even feminists may side with is: why should International Women’s Day be celebrated, when women’s rights should be advocated for every day, not just on March 8 of each year? To this I say, yes, women’s rights should be advocated for every day, but that does not mean that we should not dedicate a special day to commemorate it. Continued …

Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up

Thailand’s average headline inflation in February was at 3.79%, the lowest in 13 months, following a drop in fuel prices, the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Tuesday.

The average headline inflation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which in February dropped from the previous month by 0.12% to 108.05.

The office also expected electricity bills and the price of cooking gas to go up in March due to continued economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector. Continued …

Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25

The upcoming Anzac Day memorial service to be held on Tuesday, April 25, starts with a dawn service at 5:30am, while the public will be welcome to enter the complex from 3am onward. The service will be followed by the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, with refreshments and snacks donated by Australian-Kiwi communities here in Thailand.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass is the only official memorial service in Thailand, and is jointly hosted by both the Australian and New Zealand embassies.

Located in Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center is a memorial site established and maintained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australian government. It is dedicated to those who were forced to work and build the railway connecting Burma and Thailand during the Second World War. Over 60,000 Allied prisoners worked on the railway, with approximately 12,500 lost lives, including British, Australian, Dutch, American and tens of thousands of Asian laborers (Romusha).

For decades, this place has become a significant commemoration site for Anzac Day – a memorial service that honors and acknowledges all Australians and New Zealanders who served and sacrificed their lives in war.

Mask use urged as haze fastens grip

A pulmonologist from Siriraj Hospital has suggested people wear masks to protect themselves from dust pollution, as the number of patients with respiratory diseases continues to rise, especially among children.

Meanwhile, 48 provinces were found to have ultra-fine dust particles (PM2.5) levels above the safe threshold on Tuesday.

Dr. Nitipatana Chierakul, head of the Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, said hospitals nationwide have seen a spike in cases that began in December. Continued …

Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks

Areas of three national parks in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand were declared off limits due to the risk of fire. They are the Sai Yok, Khao Laem and Lam Klong Ngu parks.

Helicopters did 38 sorties carrying 19,000 liters of water to douse flames.

People rearing buffaloes, in particular, were ordered to stay away from affected areas. – Thai Rath

Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests

The Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department is expected to be cloud-seeding from this Saturday until next Monday to help contain fires in Thailand’s western forests, which appear to be out of control.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said yesterday that may hot spots have been detected in the forests north of the Srinagarind Dam in Kanchanaburi.

He said that fires have now spread to dry evergreen woodland, which is only accessible after several hours of trekking through the forests. Continued …

Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand

It is not just forest land that has been affected by fires in Bo Rai district of Trat in eastern Thailand.

Wild elephants were also fleeing the impact of the fires that had burned over 2,500 rai in the Nonsri and Dan Chumphon areas.

Pictures of almost 20 elephants show them were trumpeting their displeasure at having to leave their regular stomping grounds in two areas. – Siam Rath

Foreigners picked to buoy property market

Despite the economic recovery, the property market this year may depend heavily on foreign demand, as negative factors still affect domestic buyers, according to economists and property analysts.

Piyasak Manason, senior vice president of the wealth research department of InnovestX Securities, said property market growth this year would likely slow because of various financial policies.

“When inflation is high, the Bank of Thailand will raise interest rates to cope with it,” he said. “With the termination of the lending-curb easing, which affects lower-end home demand, we do not expect to see a strong real estate market in the near future.” Continued …

Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year

A weaker baht and improvement in many countries’ production index will boost the Thai export market, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) says.

TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said on Tuesday that Thai export value in February should hit US$22 billion (760.34 billion baht), especially since the baht has weakened to about 34-35 to the dollar.

Thailand’s exports in January were 4.5% less at $20.24 billion (705.45 billion baht) due to an 11% contraction in the Chinese market and a delay in orders for electronic goods. Continued …

PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf

PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) was awarded exploration and production licenses at two of three new petroleum blocks in the Gulf of Thailand, a move that should pave the way for more domestic oil and gas supply to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The company was awarded the rights for blocks G1/65 and G3/65, while U.S.-based Chevron Offshore (Thailand) was awarded a license for block G2/65, according to the Department of Mineral Fuels. Continued …

Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation

A Thai seller of a rubber ducky calendar has been found guilty of royal defamation. The 26-year-old man, “Tonmai,” was arrested on Dec. 31, 2020, and charged with royal defamation. Now, he will serve two years in prison after being found guilty.

The Taling Chan Criminal Court ruled that the depiction of the rubber duck was a mockery of Thailand’s head of state. According to Prachatai English, the rubber ducks first arrived at pro-democracy demonstrations back in 2020. Continued …

Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea

An American language teacher, 45, was charged with negligent homicide on Tuesday after an eight-year-old boy drowned in the sea of Chumphon province, despite the boy’s parents not wanting to see him charged.

The American teacher was an employee of a local church in Pathio District, Chumphon province. His family, consisting of his wife, son and four children friends of his son, were on a holiday in Thung Zang Bay.

While everyone was relaxing on the beach, his son and Wiwat, 8, were playing in the water. The two boys were holding onto a fish-shaped rubber bouy, meters from the shore when they lost control. The teacher’s son was rescued by a Myanmar worker in time while Wiwat drowned. Continued …

WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge

SET-listed WHA Utilities & Power Plc (WHAUP), which provides utilities under WHA Corp., Thailand’s biggest industrial land developer and operator, expects its rooftop solar panel installation service to grow by 24% to 300 megawatts this year, thanks to greater adoption of clean energy in the industrial sector.

Last year, solar panels installed by WHAUP under private power purchase agreements stood at 133MW.

Rooftop solar panels with an electricity generation capacity of 1MW can lead to a reduction of 700 tons of carbon dioxide a year, so with a combined capacity of 300MW, up to 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be cut annually, said Somkiat Masunthasuwun, chief executive of WHAUP. Continued …

Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?

Authorities have blamed the latest monkey smuggling case in Thailand on demand from traditional Chinese medicine – but evidence indicates traffickers supplying U.S. laboratories are the real culprits.

In the latest smuggling case, 47 long-tailed macaques were found caged in a truck stopped by police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Non Sung district on Monday. Police said the two suspects had confessed, claiming they did know that long-tailed macaques are protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The suspects had agreed to smuggle the monkeys from Khao Ta Khrong National Park in Ratchaburi to Laos via Nong Khai in exchange for 17,000 baht, investigators said.

Peersasak Paksasuay, director of conservation for Nakhon Ratchasima, said national parks were working with police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Buri Ram to stop wildlife smuggling. He added that the macaques were destined for China for probable use in Chinese traditional medicine. Continued …

Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint

The highlight of the second day of the Six Red World Snooker Championships 2023 in Pathum Thani was the evening appearance of Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time.

A packed TV arena at the Thammasat Convention Center gave Englishman O’Sullivan a rousing reception, then watched in awe as he stormed into a 4-0 lead against compatriot Jimmy Robertson inside 25 minutes.

But Robertson, 36, was not there to make up the numbers against his 47-year-old opponent. He made the score 4-3 before O’Sullivan closed out the match. Continued …

Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome

Thailand gave a special welcome back to the first direct flight from China to Koh Samui since the pandemic.

Surat Thani Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan and local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Kanokkitika Kritwuthikorn were on hand with many other officials to welcome a full load of 130 tourists aboard Chengdu Airlines EU 2807.

The auspicious flight – the first direct flight from China to the holiday island in the south of Thailand since February 2020 – was met with much pomp and ceremony. Continued …

People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms

People rushed to book hotels during the first day of the latest phase of the hotel subsidy program, with 112,876 room nights reserved out of 560,000 available under the scheme within six hours.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the value of transactions during the first six hours of availability on Tuesday reached 443 million baht from 112,876 room nights.

Of the total amount, 60% or 273 million baht was paid by the purchaser and 170 million baht (40%) came from the government subsidy. Continued …

German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island

A German tourist drowned near a beach on Samui Island.

Bo Phut Police said they were notified that a male foreign tourist drowned at Chaweng Beach on Monday. Emergency responders and police arrived at the beach.

The man was identified by police as a 58-year-old German man. His body had already been pulled from the water. Continued …

How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?

The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is renowned for its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline.

Starting in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, one can visit the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that has been the home of Thai kings for over 150 years. The palace is surrounded by temples, shrines, and halls, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colorful mosaics. Visitors can also see a statue of the Emerald Buddha made from a single jade block and considered one of Thailand’s most important religious artifacts.

For a unique shopping experience, one can visit the largest open-air marketplace in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to food and antiques, it’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and taste some local street food. Continued …

Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit

A firm favorite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife.

But while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further.

“We are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear. Continued … 

Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation

The islands of Tarutao National Park are not the most touristy beaches in beautiful Southern Thailand. These 51 islands have jaw-dropping scenery, yes, but lack the raving full moon parties of Koh PhaNgan, the impossible-to-escape reputation of The Beach filming location on Koh Phi Phi Le, and the 2.3 million vacationers who flocked to Phuket last year in just nine months alone.

With only 238,000 visitors throughout the entire year, Tarutao beckons to adventurous, nature-loving wanderers looking for more than just a party scene studded with bucket-sized cocktails.

Across these archipelagos, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, so many pristine shorelines, trails leading to vistas for sunsets and sunrises, as well as a thought-provoking tribute to the biggest island’s sobering past. Park-goers can explore a self-guided jungle trail to learn about how the government transformed a now-defunct prison into an outdoor museum memorializing all those who struggled and lost their lives onsite, a dark moment in human history that’s been returned to — and reclaimed by — nature. 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

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, climate change, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Feb 27

  • Hua Hin Boat Show March 24-26/
  • TradeAtlas reviews spike sales of Thai tea and dessert/
  • Bangkok rated 30th best city in the world, 2nd best in ASEAN/
  • Study finds Thai women eager to enhance job skills/
  • Chinese eye Thai properties to hedge against economic issues at home/
  • Krabi homeowner shocked by 5-meter king cobra/
  • Climate change bonanza/
  • Executives list policy priorities/
  • Economy to grow 3.8% this year, inflation to ebb: Finance minister/
  • Tourism: Thousands of Russians Flee to Thailand to Escape War/‘Tipsy tubing’ on Pai River hit by alcohol ban/Islanders tell tourists – don’t pollute or bring jet skis and drugs/Residents of Trat province’s Koh Mak Island have issued a set of rules to eFirst time in Thailand!? Don’t take a taxi! Do this instead/How to choose between Phuket and Koh Samui/6 major Bangkok tourist attractions, and where to go instead/Phase 5 of ‘We Travel Together’ program opens for registration today/Why Thailand has attracted more foreign tourists than Vietnam/
  • Thailand Experience: Preserving Thailand’s historic railway heritage/
  • International: North China city launches first China-Europe freight train/Daily marijuana use increases heart disease risk by over a third, study finds/
  • Links: Calendar of events/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

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TradeAtlas reviews spike sales of Thai tea and dessert

Sales of pa thong ko and Thai iced tea have surged since they made the top 10 lists on TasteAtlas, even in traditional restaurants that are a bit off the beaten track.

Sombat Suwanmanop said his restaurant in Trang province’s Mueang district, Kopee Sombat, is having a hard time keeping up with demand for the sweet snacks and beverages.

He said sales of pa thong ko and Thai iced tea have increased exponentially since they appeared on the lists compiled from reviews of food critics worldwide. Continued …

Bangkok rated 30th best city in the world, 2nd best in ASEAN

Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok has been ranked high lately on several lists of cities in a number of different areas. Now, a famous tourism consulting company, Resonance Consultancy, has named Bangkok the 30th best city in the world, and the second best in ASEAN. A Thai government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, announced the ranking on Saturday.

Resonance Consultancy is a leading global adviser in destination development, branding, and marketing. It is known for its annual reports on city rankings. The rankings name the world’s most desirable places to visit, live, work, and invest in, based on factors such as attractions, infrastructure, culture, and environment.

The list of “100 Best Cities in the World 2023” evaluates six categories, including place, product, people, prosperity, programming, and promotion. Continued …

Study finds Thai women eager to enhance job skills

Nearly half of Thai women age 35 and older showed the strongest motivation toward entrepreneurship, as the majority of the female workforce across Southeast Asia is interested in taking additional courses to develop their skills, a recent study showed.

A survey by Singapore-based non-profit She Loves Data (SLD) found 87% of female employees in the region are looking forward to enrolling in professional courses this year, with IT, computing and programming (33%) the top three choices.

Social media marketing is the most sought-after course among female employees in Thailand, according to more than half of respondents in two age groups: workers aged 16-34 and those 35 and older. Continued … 

Chinese eye Thai properties to hedge against economic issues at home

Guo Haojie had grown tired of China’s “high-pressure” lifestyle and reliance on personal connections to get things done. The native of Henan province had scoped out Thailand as a tourist years ago and went back in 2020 to invest, buying two condominiums.

And just like that, the 37-year-old IT consultant became part of a growing trend.

Chinese from the middle class upward are sending some of their money – and even themselves – to Thailand, particularly as China has been reopening following three difficult years under zero-Covid. Many are hoping to hedge against economic pressures at home, while building their future in an inexpensive Southeast Asian country with growth prospects. Continued … 

Krabi homeowner shocked by 5-meter king cobra

If you were a giant king cobra snake, where would you live? The answer is apparently “anywhere you want.”

A homeowner in Krabi got a major surprise when he discovered a five-meter-long king cobra relaxing at his house this week.

A team of snake handlers successfully caught the king cobra that was hiding under a chair in front of their home in Baan Nanai, Klong Tom Tai subdistrict earlier this week. Rescue workers had alerted the team after being notified of the presence of the dangerous snake. Continued … 

A biomass power plant operated by Clover Power in the northern province of Phitsanulok.

Climate change bonanza

Global campaigns to cut carbon dioxide emissions not only alert businesses to new non-tariff barriers imposed as part of efforts to fight global warming, they can also lead to new opportunities in the clean energy sector.

As the European Union (EU) gears up for the first phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) later this year, many businesses have announced plans aiming to benefit from the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

CBAM, which imposes charges on manufacturers that fail to adopt technology that benefits the climate, can affect Thai exporters in certain industries if they are too slow to make production more environmentally friendly. Continued …

Executives list policy priorities

The upcoming general election slated for May 7 is sparking speculation on a potential successor to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as well as new economic policies that might be promoted by an incoming government.

Business leaders have begun to chime in on what they believe could help the country survive economic challenges this year after Prayut told the House of Representatives that parliament would be dissolved in early March.

From tourism, wages and digital-related topics, which are always in the media spotlight, to issues related to steel that are crucial but appear less frequently in the headlines, company executives voiced their concerns and put forward suggestions for the next government to jointly shape a new look for Thailand. Continued …

Economy to grow 3.8% this year, inflation to ebb: Finance minister

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 3.8% this year, helped by a rebound in the vital tourism sector, while inflation should cool to its target range, the finance minister said on Saturday.

Domestic spending has increased and the government will accelerate large project investment to help growth, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a Radio Thailand program.

As the global slowdown hurts exports, “tourism is our hope,” he said. Continued …

Thousands of Russians Flee to Thailand to Escape War

Russian tourists are fleeing to Thailand to escape the war in Ukraine or look to move to the Southeast Asian country.

Thailand has become a haven for Russian visitors who are looking to escape Moscow’s war in Ukraine that has now entered its second year. Visitors are in Thailand but are they fleeing Russia, too.

Since Thailand fully reopened its borders and dropped Covid-19 restrictions in October, Russian arrivals have made up the third-largest group of visitors, only behind Malaysia and India, according to government data. Continued … 

‘Tipsy tubing’ on Pai River hit by alcohol ban

The sudden surge in the popularity of “tipsy tubing” down the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province has prompted the provincial office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to enforce safety regulations drafted last year and also protect visitors from price gouging and shoddy services.

Operators are now required to prohibit tubers from drinking alcohol while tubing down the river, said Phanuwat Khatnak, director of TAT’s Mae Hong Son office.

The prohibition against drinking while tubing was made last year, but enforcement will become strict due to the surging number of tubers, officials said. Continued …

Koh Mak

Islanders tell tourists – don’t pollute or bring jet skis and drugs

Residents of Trat province’s Koh Mak Island have issued a set of rules to ensure the idyllic island remains a low-carbon destination. These include a ban on motorsports and plastic food containers.

The 9,500-rai island is home to rubber and coconut plantations, residences, small hotels, and resorts. It is the third largest island in Trat, following Koh Chang and Koh Kut, and was among three Thai locations listed among the world’s Top 100 Green Destinations in 2022.

Even though it has few tourist attractions and even fewer facilities, the island’s natural beauty attracts foreign travelers. Continued …

First time in Thailand!? Don’t take a taxi! Do this instead

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, one of the things you may be worried about is transportation. After all, the city is known for its traffic congestion and sometimes chaotic roads. However, there are several transportation options available that can make getting around Bangkok easy and convenient.

One of the most popular transportation options for tourists is the airport rail link. This is a train system that connects both of Bangkok’s airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to the city center.

The trains run from 5am to midnight and cost less than 50 baht, which is very affordable compared to other options. The train is also a fast and efficient way to get to the city center, especially during rush hour when traffic can be particularly heavy. Continued …

How to choose between Phuket and Koh Samui

Looking for an island holiday in Thailand? Phuket and Koh Samui are two of the country’s most popular destinations, but how do they stack up against each other?

Prior to the pandemic, some 40 million tourists visited Thailand annually. For many, the promise of lazing on an island beach shaded by coconut palms was sufficient enticement to jump on a plane, and the likelihood was that either Phuket or Koh Samui would be their final destination.

Fast forward a few years and Thailand’s tourism industry is clicking back into gear, with Phuket and Koh Samui leading the way. It’s hardly surprising; both islands offer a blend of relaxation and holiday indulgence. Phuket is busier, yet it offers more to do. Koh Samui is half the size of Phuket and is the more laid-back of the two, though action is never far away. Continued …

6 major Bangkok tourist attractions, and where to go instead

Sure, it’s easy to go to the obvious. There’s a reason why Bangkok’s most famous tourist attractions are packed with people, after all. Let us introduce you to a few places in Bangkok that are quite underrated, but will surely give you a memorable time.

It can be quite hard to look into destinations to travel to when you’re not familiar with the city. “Should I choose somewhere obvious because that’s what all the tour guides say? How do I find the places that won’t scam me, and that locals actually enjoy? Why do I have to buy a THB 500 ticket just to enter some temples?”

We hear these questions more times than we anticipated, and we’re here to help. If you’re looking for a good time, and want to stray away from the crowds without missing any of the culture, here’s where to go. These are the underrated tourist attractions in Bangkok you’ll have fun visiting. Continued …

Phase 5 of ‘We Travel Together’ program opens for registration today

People who want to join the fifth phase of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) program can register today from 6am until 9pm, deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul said Sunday.

She also said that those who have already registered for the first four phases of the program do not need to reapply, but they do need to click to accept the terms and conditions in the “Pao Tang” app on their smart phones.

560,000 “entitlements” are available under the fifth phase of the scheme and those who have registered can start booking hotel rooms between March 7 and April 26, and can check in to the hotels from March 10 until April 30.

Those who are eligible for the travel entitlements must be Thai nationals, aged at least 18. Continued …

Why Thailand has attracted more foreign tourists than Vietnam

A friendly visa policy and diverse entertainment services have made Thailand more attractive than Vietnam in the eyes of foreign tourists.

Grant Wilson, 61, an Australian who has been living in Vietnam for six years, said he had traveled to Thailand more than 30 times.

Though Vietnam has beautiful scenery, delicious food and friendly people, Wilson said that Thailand has been developing tourism better than Vietnam, especially the quality of tourism services. Continued … 

Preserving Thailand’s historic railway heritage

In most countries, people take great pride in their railway systems. Thailand’s historic railways, however, occupy a different place in the national psyche.

Time, money and effort go into the conservation of valuable public assets around the world that give a sense of place, beauty and identity. When developers want to tear down old station railway stations, people take to the streets in protest.

When Manhattan’s Pennsylvania Station was bulldozed in 1963, there was international outcry. This was the beginning of the architectural conservation movement across America that inspired New York’s civic preservation law. That’s why Grand Central Station, which had also been slated for the wrecking ball, remains grand today. Continued …

North China city launches first China-Europe freight train

The city of Langfang in north China’s Hebei Province saw its first China-Europe freight train leave the station Saturday. The freight train, carrying 55 40-foot containers, will complete a journey of 7,800 km. Continued … 

Daily marijuana use increases heart disease risk by over a third, study finds

Using marijuana every day increases the risk of developing heart disease, U.S. researchers found, adding to an increasingly complex picture about the drug’s health impact. The results released on Friday showed daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to have coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease, compared to those who never used the drug. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

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 

 

90-day online reporting