Today’s news: History of the Loy Krathong/Loy Krathong festival in Hua Hin/Bad case of krathong guilt?/Hua Hin Station’s Major Upgrade/Hua Hin Goes Classic/Worse water-related disasters for Thailand/Exotic pet trend in Thailand/Wedding Shooting Leaves Five Dead/Soaring suicide rates/Nine killed in truck accident/Road rice drying banned/Hamas Frees 3 More Thais/Economy: Plan to bring back Thai talent/American companies eager to invest/US$5-billion deal with Tesla/Thai food exports thrive/Tourism: Visa-free travel policies boost global tourism/10 Chinese airlines cancel Thailand flights/97 billion baht to expand 6 airports/Thai Airways plans for 90 new jets/Tham Luang cave set to welcome tourists/Pattaya International Fireworks Festival/3rd Miss Tourism International crown/Thailand Experience: Chiang Mai shines/Tranquil Side of Doi Inthanon/Lop Buri throws spectacular feast/Cool breezes, fields of flowers/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
The History of the Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong, meaning “floating basket,” is a Thai holiday in which people congregate along the kingdom’s waterways to release decorated floating relics.
Krathongs are traditionally built of banana trunks and are adorned with flowers, candles, incense, and personal objects. Loy Krathong is thought to have started in the ancient city of Sukhothai, which is around five hours from Bangkok. Continued …
Loy Krathong festival gets underway in Hua Hin
The Loy Krathong festival in Hua Hin has officially begun, following a ceremony that took place at Khao Tao Reservoir on Sunday evening.
The event, part of a grand tradition in this historic town, was inaugurated by Polkrit Puangwalaisin, the district officer of Hua Hin, in a ceremony presided over by Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and the municipal administration team. Continued …
Bad case of krathong guilt?
As the government sets its sights on promoting Thailand as a festival hub, parties concerned are banking on the Loy Krathong Festival to draw out visitors to join in the fun and boost tourism revenue.
With the festival taking place today, revelers will throng riverbanks across the country to seek forgiveness from the goddess of the river and float their misfortunes away by releasing krathong adorned with flowers and candles into waterways. Continued …
Revolutionizing Rail Travel: Hua Hin Station’s Major Upgrade
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine rail travel in Thailand, Hua Hin Railway Station is gearing up for a momentous shift. An exclusive video tour unveils the station’s interiors, providing a sneak peek before the official opening.
This unique opportunity allows viewers to gauge the magnitude of the new services awaiting eager passengers. Additionally, a video retrospective of the station’s construction adds a historical perspective, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition. Continued …
Hua Hin Goes Classic at Centara Jan 7
Free concert at the Centara Grand, Hua Hin from 5pm, Sunday, Jan. 7, featuring music from J.S Bach “Magnificat”, A. Vivaldi ‘Gloria”, W.A. Mozart, and J.P. Rameau. Bookings by email only: huanhingoesclassic@proton.me
World Bank expert foresees worse water-related disasters for Thailand
Thailand will possibly suffer more natural disasters, especially flooding, Saroj Kumar Jha, global director for the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice, warned recently.
Speaking at the “Workshop on Lower Chao Phraya River Flood Risk Management and Mitigation” last month, he highlighted the impact water-related disasters will have on Thailand’s economic growth and investment. Continued …
Exotic pet trend in Thailand raises concerns over wildlife protection
The International Pet Variety Exhibition felt like a catwalk. At the October iteration of the annual event at Impact convention center just outside Bangkok, over 112,000 visitors turned up over four days.
Some 150 exhibitors were joined by thousands of doting pet owners, some of whom dressed their golden retrievers and huskies in their Sunday best and wheeled them around on specially decorated carts. Continued …
Tragic Wedding Shooting Leaves Five Dead, Groom Takes Own Life
On Saturday, Wang Nam Khiao police officers received a mass shooting report at a wedding ceremony in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima. There were five deaths in total reported, including the bride and groom.
The Wang Nam Khiao police officers were dispatched to the incident scene and found that in the wedding ceremony, four bodies were found and two people were injured and in serious condition. Continued …
Thailand confronts soaring suicide rates
Despite its “Land of Smiles” moniker, recent data reveals Thailand is nearing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alarming threshold of eight suicides per 100,000 people.
The Public Health Ministry reported a suicide rate of 7.97 per 100,000 people in 2022, marking a concerning trend since 2019 when the rate was 6.64. Continued …
Nine killed and more than 10 others injured in truck accident in Si Sa Ket
Nine people were killed and more than 10 others were injured when a pickup truck rammed into a large group of people attending a Kathin celebration in Phrai Bueng district of Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket on Saturday night.
Emergency teams from Phrai Bueng district and other nearby districts rushed to the scene, to take the dead and injured to the district hospital. Continued …
Thai village bans road rice drying after tragic motorcycle accident
A Thai village headman imposed a ban on drying rice on the roads, following a fatal accident involving a young motorcyclist who collided with a pile of rice.
The decision comes from understanding the predicament of both parties involved and acknowledging the traditional practices of the villagers. Continued …
Hamas Frees 3 More Thais, 15 Likely Still Detained
The Foreign Ministry early this morning announced that a third group of three Thai hostages were released by Hamas last night (Israel time), taking the total set free to 17, with 10 freed first and four others on Saturday.
It is estimated that another 15 Thais are still being held in captivity. Continued …
Thai prime minister’s bold plan to bring back Thai talent: Land Bridge and BCG economy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled a bigger agenda to lure back Thai professionals working abroad. The Thai PM’s personal touch, with a desire for his own sons’ return, amplifies the government’s vision for a thriving Thailand.
Srettha’s plea for his sons working overseas to return serves as the heartstrings of a broader mission. This personal connection aims to resonate with Thai expatriates globally, fostering a collective desire to reunite with the motherland. Continued …
American companies eager to invest in Thailand’s Land Bridge project
More than 10 U.S. firms have expressed keen interest in Thailand’s ambitious land bridge project, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said.
He was speaking after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s successful promotion of the country’s 1.4-trillion-baht projects to global leaders and investors during a recent trip overseas. Continued …
PM Srettha hopes to secure US$5-billion deal with Tesla
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is trying to close a major investment deal worth US$5 billion with U.S. car maker, Tesla.
Srettha said that efforts to attract global conglomerates to invest in Thailand have progressed over the past three months, adding that he had traveled abroad several times to meet country leaders and top businesspersons to facilitate government-business collaboration. Multiple agreements have been signed by the government but there was still a need for sustained follow-up to ensure the deals materialise, as such collaborations involve intricate detail. Continued …
Thai food exports thrive amid global challenges
In a collaborative effort, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the National Food Institute, delve into the trajectory of the agricultural and food business sector amid global uncertainties.
Anong Paijitprapapon, executive director of the Industry Ministry’s National Food Institute, highlighted the sector’s resilience. Continued …
Visa-free travel policies boost global tourism and economy
Countries worldwide are recognizing the importance of travel freedom in bolstering their economies and accelerating the recovery post-pandemic. As tourism and trade flourish without border restrictions, governments are implementing strategies to enhance their tourism competitiveness, such as visa-free travel policies and the digitalization of pre-travel processes.
Prominent countries like China and India, with their vast populations, are primary targets for countries seeking to increase their visitor numbers. Last year, Kazakhstan introduced a visa-free scheme for Chinese, Indian and Iranian visitors, and China reciprocated for Kazakh visitors. Continued …
10 Chinese airlines cancel Thailand flights for December, January amid low tourist numbers
Several Chinese Airlines, including Air China, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines, have canceled flights to Thailand for the months of December and January due to lower-than-expected bookings.
Suttipong Kongpool, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said 10 Chinese airlines have notified the cancellation of flights to Thailand from next month to January 2024. Continued …
AOT earmarks 97 billion baht to expand 6 airports in next 6 years
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to invest approximately 97 billion baht to expand its six international airports in the next six years to cope with rising foreign arrivals.
AOT Director Kirati Kitmanawat said expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang, Hat Yai and Phuket international airports had been approved several years ago. However, they had to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …
Thai Airways plans for 90 new jets unveiled
In a game-changing move, Thai Airways International PCL is contemplating a colossal boost to its fleet, eyeing a procurement of up to 90 aircraft from aviation giants Airbus SE and Boeing Co.
Sources reveal that Thai Airways is mulling over snagging nearly 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and a diverse array of Airbus models. But here’s the plot twist – negotiations with Rolls-Royce Holdings over engines might just be the make-or-break moment. Continued …
Tham Luang cave set to welcome tourists to historic rescue site
The renowned Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province, the site of the gripping Wild Boars football team rescue five years ago, is set to welcome tour groups to Chamber 3 on Dec. 15. This initiative is led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Athapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, revealed that from Dec. 15, small groups of 10 to 12 tourists will be allowed to venture into Chambers 2 and 3 of Tham Luang. This expedition will grant visitors the opportunity to witness the challenges faced during the rescue of the young football team and their coach. Continued …
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival Finale Concludes with Dazzling Display
Saturday evening, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2023 concluded in magnificent style, illuminating the Pattaya Beach skyline with a breathtaking display of pyrotechnics and lights from five leading countries.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists, both Thai and international, converged on the 3-kilometer stretch of Pattaya Beach, creating a dense and lively atmosphere. The excitement was palpable as the top-ranked pyrotechnic teams from China, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Serbia showcased their skills in an exhilarating fireworks competition. Continued …
Thai makes history by securing 3rd Miss Tourism International crown
Chiang Mai shines with the brilliance of 10,000 candles
Over 10,000 candles were lit, illuminating Chiang Mai’s old town area on Saturday evening as part of a traditional ritual to honor Lord Buddha. The event also aimed to preserve the northern city’s culture and tradition.
Meanwhile, 727 Thai dancers performed a candle dance at the Three Kings Monument to honor the town’s guardian angel. The number of dancers corresponded to the founding of Chiang Mai. Continued …
Mae Chaem: The Tranquil Side of Doi Inthanon
Tucked away on the flank of Doi Inthanon mountain in northern Thailand, Mae Chaem is a concealed treasure awaiting discovery by discerning travelers seeking respite from the bustling crowds typical of the more-frequented tourist destinations on the eastern side of the mountain.
This enchanting town, adorned with picturesque landscapes and cultural richness, provides a refuge for those yearning to submerge themselves in the unadulterated beauty of Thailand. Continued …
Lop Buri throws spectacular feast for its long-tailed macaques
The Lop Buri provincial administration, in collaboration with the Lop Buri Tourism Assn., organized a lively feast for the local population of long-tailed macaques in Muang district on Sunday.
The event marked the 35th edition of the annual feast, which aims to promote tourism in the central province renowned for its abundant macaque population residing in the downtown area. Continued …
Cool breezes, fields of flowers draw crowds to Chiang Mai
Tourists are flocking to the enchanting northern province of Chiang Mai to enjoy the refreshing cool of winter and vibrant flowers. Among the must-visit spots is Doi Monjam, where lively hydrangeas paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Locals indicate a surge in popularity, with iconic destinations such as the flower gardens becoming bustling hubs. At Doi Monjam, tourists are even provided with props and equipment to help them create memorable moments. Continued …
Europe Air Pollution: Toxic Air Killed Over 500,000
Air pollution has resulted in the deaths of more than a million people in Europe in 2021, according to a recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The toxic air contains hazardous and dangerous fine particulates, also called PM2.5, as well as nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Continued …
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
A glimpse into the future of urban living
TAT urges expats to travel and boost year-end tourism
Khao Yai is famous for the Haew Narok waterfall, a majestic and powerful waterfall. Visitors can view the falls from afar or go on adventures to get closer to its tropical beauty. Haew Narok waterfall is a popular and thrilling destination for nature and adventure lovers. 
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