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Hua Hin Hotel Manager Fired/Indonesian ambassdador visits PKK/Ways you’re destroying your lungs/Petrol prices rise/Warning for heavy rains/Pyramid schemes that rocked Thailand/Icon Group public fraud case raises questions/Monks Engage in Violent Dispute/Urged to act on contaminated grapes/Explosion at Thai zinc factory/Drama at beauty pageant/Economy: Unknotting the Thai gamble/’No rush’ to advance casino/Updates for digital wallet/Pushe for six new airports/Crackdown on substandard goods/Circuit-board industry playing crucial role/The final countdown/Tourism: Tourism levy will take at least six months/Tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents/Buriram MotoGP PT Grand Prix/Chiang Rai launches tourism campaignBeach umbrella operators caught selling alcohol/Thailand Experience: King’s Royal Barge procession/Royal Barge procession since Sukhothai period/10-day treat for Loy Krathong/Climate Thailand: Tides of change/Mekong hydropower projects pose risks/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

Hua Hin Hotel Manager Fired After Dispute Over Customer Review

The manager of Putahracsa Hua Hin, a five-star hotel in Hua Hi,n has been dismissed following intense public criticism of the response to a customer’s review.

The controversy began when a guest posted on social media about a charge for a toothbrush, priced at 20 baht, after staying at the luxury hotel. The guest had written in a Google review, “If you stay here, remember to bring your own toothbrush because the hotel charges 20 baht for one.” Continued …

Indonesian ambasdador visits Prachuap Khiri Khan

Continued …

10 shocking ways you’re destroying your lungs every day

Today is Lung Health Day, the perfect reminder to pay attention to your respiratory system, an often-overlooked but essential part of your overall well-being. While we’re all aware that smoking is bad for our lungs, there are many less obvious daily habits that could be harming them, too.

Especially if you’re living in a country like Thailand, certain environmental factors also come into play. Below are 10 ways you might be damaging your lungs without even realizing it. Continued …

Petrol prices rise by 0.30 baht per liter

PTT Station has announced anincrease in petrol prices, effective Saturday. Petrol prices have risen by 0.30 baht per liter, while diesel prices will remain unchanged.

PTT Station has adjusted the retail prices of all petrol and gasohol types. Regular petrol will be priced at 43.94 baht per liter, Gasohol 95 at 35.75 baht per liter, Gasohol 91 at 35.38 baht per liter, E20 at 33.64 baht per liter, E85 at 33.39 baht per liter, and premium Gasohol 95 at 44.34 baht per liter. Continued …

Tropical Storm Chami prompts warning for heavy rains in 44 provinces

Weather conditions today prompted the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to issue a warning for Tropical Storm Chami. Heavy rains are expected to hit 44 provinces, including Bangkok, through tomorrow, cautioning residents about potential flash floods and forest runoff.

Although the storm will not directly enter Thailand, it will cause increased westerly and southwesterly winds, enhancing the intensity of the storm’s impact. Additionally, a convergence of northwesterly and northeasterly winds will cover northern Thailand. Continued …

Before iCon: The massive pyramid schemes that rocked Thailand

An alleged scam involving around 7,000 victims and over 2 billion baht in damages is making headlines in Thailand. But the country is no stranger to fraudulent pyramid schemes, with the most notorious dating back to the 1970s.

Since then, hundreds of cases have been reported by thousands of victims, claiming combined losses of several hundred billion baht. These schemes have evolved from simple chit funds run by a small group of fraudsters in bygone times, to complex multi-level marketing (MLM) networks employing celebrities and influencers today. Continued …

Icon Group public fraud case raises questions about official corruption and police links

The fallout and reverberations linked with the huge Icon Group public fraud case continue. This week, controversial aspects of the story linked with the Royal Thai Police were brought forward. One case involved the policeman husband of a media activist who is believed to have extorted over Bt10 million from Icon topman Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul before the business collapsed this month.

Previous reports indicated payments were made between February and May this year, including the Bt10 million lump sum payment. Then, during the week, Thai TV published a video clip of a senior police officer, a police colonel from Saraburi, being feted at an Icon Group event in full dress uniform, promoting the now disgraced firm. Continued …

Monks Engage in Violent Dispute Using Axe and Knife

Yesterday, two monks from Don Khanak Temple in Nakhon Pathom engaged in a violent altercation, wielding an axe and a knife, which left both men injured. Following the incident, the abbot has barred the monks from re-entering the monastic community.

Police Lt. Pisarn Rueangpan, deputy inspector of the Nakhon Pathom City Police Station, received a report about the violent encounter and dispatched officers, along with the Nakhon Pathom Suksanaranukroh Foundation’s medical team, to the scene. Continued …

Thai FDA urged to act on contaminated grapes

The Thailand Consumers Council is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take legal action against importers of Shine Muscat grapes after lab tests showed some samples were contaminated with chemicals that are banned in Thailand.

According to TCC, 23 out of 24 Shine Muscat grape samples tested by the council last week were found to be contaminated with hazardous chemical residues beyond the acceptable legal limit. Some were contaminated with chlorpyrifos and endrin aldehyde, which are banned under current food safety laws. Continued …

Explosion at Thai zinc factory kills 2 Burmese workers, injures 28

A devastating explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, has left two Burmese workers dead and 28 others injured. The incident unfolded yesterday, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232.

Local officials from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command confirmed that all victims are migrant workers from Myanmar. One worker tragically died instantly at the scene, while another passed away from his injuries at Kabin Buri Hospital. Continued …

Drama at beauty pageant as Myanmar chief creates a ruckus

In a dramatic conclusion to the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant controversy, MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil has officially accepted Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein’s decision to reject her second runner-up position, effectively ending the pageant’s relationship with both the contestant and Myanmar’s national franchise.

“What makes her so delusional?” Nawat stated during a press conference at Bangkok’s Movenpick Sukhumvit 63. “If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title.” Continued …

Unknotting the Thai gamble

Casino legislation in Thailand — while seemingly stymied by the ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in August following a Constitutional Court ruling — appears to have prevailing momentum with the new Prime Minister Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, elected to lead the ruling Pheu Thai Party last month.

On Sept. 21, the Pheu Thai Party posted a statement on its website defending its decision to legalize casino-entertainment complexes. It is justifying its decision with the argument that it will crack down on underworld activities and generate tax revenues from gambling. Continued …

Minister says ‘no rush’ to advance casino legislation

The Finance Ministry is prioritizing flood recovery in the north of the country before advancing its ambitious plans for a casino-entertainment complex, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

While the topic has garnered interest within the government’s coalition partners, Julapun stressed that there is “no rush” to move forward. The proposed casino plan, part of the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy statement, awaits discussion among coalition parties to ensure alignment before any action is taken. Continued …

Thai government urges swift updates for digital wallet distribution

The Thai government has confirmed that the second phase of the 10,000-baht digital wallet distribution will reach all registered citizens, urging vulnerable groups to rectify any issues promptly to avoid forfeiting their rights.

Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, said the first phase has been completed, targeting vulnerable groups. The next step involves a meeting to establish a clear framework for transferring 10,000 baht to those already registered via the state application, as well as additional groups that need to register. Continued …

Transport Ministry pushes for six new airports

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has again pointed to the need for six new airports if Thailand is to become a regional transport hub. Her comments came on the heels of the 59th Asia and Pacific DGCA Conference, held from Oct. 14 to 18 in the Philippines.

The conference, which was attended by representatives from 48 countries and international aviation organizations, including Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA), discussed critical areas in civil aviation on the theme “Shaping the Future of Air Transport: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive”. Continued …

Industry Ministry vows crackdown on substandard goods sold online

The Industry Ministry would protect local industries by stepping up its crackdown on substandard goods from abroad that are available for ordering via online platforms, the secretary to the industry minister said.

Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, secretary to Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, held a meeting of senior officials of the ministry on behalf of Akanat on Sunday to discuss measures on how to protect local manufacturers from unfair competition of cheap but substandard quality goods from abroad. Continued …

Circuit-board industry playing crucial role in national development

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Board of Investment (BOI), says the PCB (printed circuit board) industry plays a crucial role in national development, as these are essential for manufacturing electronic devices used across various industries.

The global trend of relocating production bases and restructuring supply chains has led major PCB manufacturers to invest in Thailand, establishing the country as ASEAN’s leading PCB production hub and placing it among the top five globally. Continued …

The final countdown

All eyes are on next week’s U.S. presidential election as the political and economic policies of the world’s biggest economy impact every nation across the globe, including Thailand.

Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump is bidding to return to the White House, having led the country as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. Current U.S. President Joe Biden assumed office as the nation’s 46th president on Jan 20, 2021 (after a Trump-inspired coup attempt to overturn the election). He withdrew his candidacy for the election in July, endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Continued …

Tourism Levy will take at least six months to implement even after a cabinet decision

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surawong Thienthong, last week again committed the government to introducing the long-awaited foreign tourist levy. The measure has divided the foreign tourism industry in Thailand. Some oppose the move as another tax on the industry, while the proposal for automatic insurance coverage for visitors is seen as a forward-thinking move.

Nonetheless, even that announcement failed to inspire confidence. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports clarified that even if such a measure were approved, it would take six months to implement. Continued …

New tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers

Phuket’s office of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) has confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand.

A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval. “We should wait for any further information because now the tourist tax has not yet gone to Cabinet, and some things may change once it goes into Cabinet,” the official stated. Continued …

Buriram MotoGP PT Grand Prix draws 205,000

The MotoGP Thailand round, the PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024, featured intense 5-star competition amid 205,343-speed enthusiasts over three days.

On Sunday, Italian two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati Lenovo secured victory, narrowing the gap with Spanish competitor Jorge Martín from Pramac Racing to just 17 points. Continued …

Chiang Rai launches tourism-boosting campaign after floods

Thailand’s northernmost province has officially kick-started its tourism campaig aimed to attract local and foreign tourists in the wake of the recent flood disaster – and keep them coming until Songkran Festival next year.

The campaign – named “Chiang Rai Prom Tiew” (Chiang Rai Ready for Visits) – provides an appealing six-month lineup of festivals and events in a bid to stimulate the province’s economy, revive its tourism and trade, and restore visitors’ confidence. Continued …

Two beach umbrella operators found violating alcohol sales law in Pattaya

The Pattaya City Administration, through its Complaints and Policy Planning Division, in collaboration with the Sanitation and Environmental Health Department, conducted an inspection at two beach umbrella locations.

Initial findings revealed violations related to the sale of alcohol, as stipulated in Chapter 3, Section 27, which prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages and cannabis products in public areas. As a result, a 15-day suspension was issued from Oct. 26 to Nov. 9. Continued …

Thousands lined Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River as King’s Royal Barge sailed

The Royal Barge procession dates back hundreds of years, but is held rarely, saved for the most significant occasions – most recently, the king’s coronation in 2019.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed heartfelt gratitude to all government agencies, military, and civilian personnel involved in the organization of the 2024 Royal Barge procession for the Royal Kathina Robe offering ceremony at Wat Arun. This ceremony honors His Majesty the King’s auspicious 6th-cycle birthday celebrated on July 28, 2024. Continued …

The long journey of the Royal Barge procession since the Sukhothai period

The Royal Barge procession is one of Thailand’s cultural heritages, dating back to the Sukhothai period and carried on through the Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and Rattanakosin periods to the present.

The ceremonial procession of royal barges was originally organized for the monarch’s private journeys, to welcome foreign diplomats, or to accompany significant royal ceremonies, such as the coronation ceremony and Kathin robe offering ceremony. This tradition began in the Sukhothai period and has continued to the present day. Continued …

Sukhothai lines up spectacular 10-day treat for Loy Krathong

Sukhothai province has packed a range of attractions for 10 days of celebrations of the Loy Krathong Festival 2024 at the Sukhothai Historical Park in Mueang district.

The event, being held in Mueang Kao subdistrict from Nov. 8 to 17, aims to preserve the ancient tradition of honoring Phra Mae Khongkha (Goddess of Water) and to pray for good fortune in life, following a cultural heritage that has been passed down for over 700 years. Continued …

Tides of change

In the coastal village of Khun Samut Chin, just outside Bangkok, the effects of climate change have become a harsh reality for 19-year-old Arisa Pholthaisong. A recent high school graduate and mother to a one-year-old daughter, Arisa finds herself at the forefront of Thailand’s environmental crisis.

Her story, like those of many young people today, is a reflection of struggle and resilience in the face of a climate disaster she had no hand in creating. Continued …

Mekong hydropower projects said pose risks to Thai environment, economy

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River pose a risk to Thailand’s environment, economy and community safety.

In a letter submitted to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the NHRC said it had outlined its concerns regarding four hydropower dam projects: the Ban Koum Dam, the Sanakham Dam, the Phou Ngoy Dam and the Pak Chom Dam, all on the Lower Mekong along the Thai-Lao border. The developers are registered Thai companies. Continued …