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Tuesday’s news-Sept 15

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  • Contraband cigarettes seized in PKK/Khiri Khan Crab of Kui Buri Forest/Hua Hin plans city museum/Wastewater discharge in Cha-am/Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin donates US$5,000/Hua Hin Welcomes 27 Miss International Queen/Fuel prices in Thailand rise
  • THE IRAN WAR: Oil gains about 1%/Gas recovery will take time
  • ECONOMY: New data center rules considered/Data Center Demand Surges/AI leaders are talking about slowing down/Nestle plans $900-million expansion
  • TOURISM: New visa rules start today/Offers to boost Chinese Golden Week/Chiang Mai Airport expects nearly 10 million/Maya Bay reports record 278 blacktip reef sharks
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: What Defines a Luxury Home in Thailand/I moved my family from Utah to Thailand/Bikini Beach Race Returns
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand studies first nuclear power plant
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs seizes over 2 million contraband cigarettes

Customs officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan, in collaboration with security agencies, launched Operation Khiri Khan to intercept smuggling operations targeting the southern region’s transportation of contraband into Bangkok via land, rail, and logistics systems.

Between Sept. 1-10, they seized over 2.2 million untaxed foreign cigarettes, along with e-cigarettes and other contraband, resulting in accumulated tax losses exceeding 25 million baht. Video … 

Khiri Khan Crab, the Seven-Colored Gem of Kui Buri Forest

The “Khirikhan Crab,” a freshwater crab in the Potamidae family. It’s found living in streams and clean water sources in forest areas, especially in mountainous and stream regions with suitable environments. This particular “Khirikhan Crab” is found in Kui Buri National Park, Hat Kham subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Its striking colors have earned it the name “Seven-Colored Crab.” This freshwater animal reflects the biodiversity of the forest. Seeing this crab isn’t just about finding a beautiful aquatic creature; it’s an indicator of the abundance of nature. Video … 

Hua Hin plans city museum

A Hua Hin city museum is included in plans for a new seven-story municipal office building to be constructed directly behind the existing offices on Phetkasem Road.

The proposed design provides space for the museum and an exhibition highlighting the municipality’s history and achievements, alongside offices and public service facilities. Continued … 

Wastewater discharge in Cha-am under investigation

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered an investigation into the south Cha-am wastewater discharge, with detailed laboratory results still pending despite initial checks finding seawater readings within recreational standards.

Suchart instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to investigate after reports of wastewater entering the sea at South Cha-am Beach circulated on social media. Continued … 

Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin donates US$5,000 to Jungle Aid

Jungle Aid has received a US$5,000 grant from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support its healthcare, welfare and education work in communities in and around Hua Hin.

Hard Rock Cafe Hua Hin co-owner Frank Colvyn presented the check to Jungle Aid founder Emma Neve last week, after the venue successfully nominated the charity for funding. Continued … 

Hua Hin Welcomes 27 Miss International Queen contestants

The Miss International Queen 2026 pageant, organized by Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, in collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, brought together delegates from 27 countries for a special three-day, two-night journey to Hua Hin from Sept. 10–12.

Designed around the concept of nature, culture and wellness tourism, the program brought fashion, natural heritage, local culture, and well-being together in one immersive journey. Continued … 

Fuel prices in Thailand rise 0.85 baht a liter

Thailand will raise retail prices for petrol, gasohol and diesel by 0.85 baht per liter from today, as mounting subsidy costs place increasing pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.

The Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee approved the increase at its meeting yesterday, citing prolonged geopolitical tensions and attacks on oil tankers along key Middle Eastern shipping routes. Continued … 

Oil gains about 1% after Saudi strikes fuel supply fears

Brent and US crude futures settled about 1% higher yesterday, with fresh strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on Middle Eastern shipping intensifying concerns over global supplies.

Brent crude futures gained US$1.07, or 1.0%, to close at US$105.68 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added US$1.34, or 1.3%, to settle at US$101.39 a barrel. Continued … 

Gastech leaders warn gas recovery will take time after Hormuz reopens

Gastech 2026 panellists in Bangkok warned yesterday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would not immediately restore normal gas supplies, with damaged facilities and disrupted shipping requiring time to recover.

Shell’s president of integrated gas, Cederic Cremers, said nearly seven months of Middle East disruption had left 36 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates absent from the global market compared with 2025. Continued … 

Thailand targets new data center rules

Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), said today that officials aimed to clarify a regulatory framework and minimum standards for data centers in about one month.

The work would address resource efficiency and effects on surrounding areas, while seeking to minimize disruption to existing operators. Continued … 

Thailand Approves $29-Billion Investment Wave as Data Center Demand Surges

Thailand’s Board of Investment has approved six landmark projects totaling 958 billion baht (approximately USD29 billion), with TikTok System (Thailand) leading the initiative through a massive 842-billion-baht data infrastructure expansion. This approval demonstrates Thailand’s emerging prominence as a regional hub for data centers, cloud services, and AI-driven digital infrastructure.

The projects span multiple sectors, including three significant data center investments valued at 913 billion baht collectively. Additional approved projects include Skyline Data Center’s 46-billion-baht investment and Bridge Data Centers’ 24.6-billion-baht facility, both strategically positioned to support growing regional digital demands. Continued … 

Why AI leaders are suddenly talking about slowing down

Questions are growing about whether artificial intelligence is outpacing safety measures for the technology. What’s driving the sudden push to “slow down” AI development, and is slowing the race even possible. Video … 

Nestle plans $900-million Thai expansion

Yesterday, Nestlé (Thailand) took a stand on its Southeast Asian growth strategy, signaling to global investors that even a multi-billion-dollar legal breakdown with its long-standing local partner will not derail its operational roadmap.

Breaking its silence on the bitter breakdown of its 35-year joint venture with the Mahagitsiri family, the Swiss food and beverage giant confirmed it has successfully cleared legal blockades on its flagship Nescafé product line, while committing nearly $900 million (30 billion baht) in fresh domestic investments. Continued … 

Thailand’s new visa rules start today

Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes, a shorter visa on arrival list and tighter limits at land borders. Thailand’s revised tourist entry rules change how long millions of foreign visitors can stay without arranging a visa before departure.

The previous 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories has ended. Under the new system, 60 nationalities and territories receive a 30-day exemption, Mauritius and Seychelles receive 15 days, and only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia remain eligible for visa on arrival. Continued … 

Special offers to boost Chinese Golden Week travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched Nihao Month 2026 to encourage Chinese visitors to travel to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Golden Week holiday marking China’s National Day on Oct. 1.

Announced yesterday, the campaign runs under the theme “China and Thailand are one family”, strengthening ties through tourism and culture, while seeking to sustain travel demand into the low season and Chinese New Year 2027. Continued … 

Chiang Mai Airport expects nearly 10 million passengers in 2026

Chiang Mai Airport handled more than 6.53 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, with international travel rising 14% year-on-year. The airport expects passenger numbers to reach about 9.97 million for the full year as the winter flight schedule begins in late October.

Airport Director Karan Thanakuljeerapat said the airport recorded 43,544 flights between January and August. Overall passenger and flight numbers were broadly similar to the same period in 2025, although overseas travel continued to grow. Continued … 

Maya Bay reports record 278 blacktip reef sharks during annual closure

Marine researchers recorded a peak of 278 adult blacktip reef sharks gathering near the shore of Maya Bay early this month, setting a record high for the 2026 fiscal year and providing strong evidence of ecological recovery during the bay’s annual closure, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

Maya Bay is closed from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 to allow corals and beach areas to regenerate naturally without human disturbance, while also ensuring visitor safety during the southwest monsoon season. Continued … 

What Defines a Luxury Home in Thailand Today

The concept of a luxury home in Thailand has moved well beyond the postcard image of a beachfront villa with an infinity pool. Industry estimates value the country’s luxury residential segment at roughly USD73.7 billion in 2025, with continued growth projected through the next decade as rising regional wealth, tourism recovery, and international demand for premium living converge.

What has changed most is not the price tag attached to luxury, rather it is the definition of the term itself. Buyers today weigh architecture, wellness infrastructure, security, and long-term livability alongside size and location, producing a market that looks markedly different from the one of a decade ago. Continued … 

I moved my family from Utah to Thailand to work remotely; 8 months later, we came home

Living abroad was never really on my radar until I got married. My wife had always wanted to travel and live outside the US, and as I looked into it more, it started to feel like an experience we should try together.

We talked about it for years, but never followed through. Then, after our son was born in 2023, we felt it was the right time to finally give it a try. My wife is a stay-at-home mom, and since I run an online fitness coaching business, I could work remotely. Continued … 

Thailand’s Largest Bikini Beach Race Returns for Its 10th Anniversary

Central Pattaya, a global beachfront landmark in the heart of Pattaya, has invited runners and travelers from around the world to join the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2026: Run the wave. Own the night on Oct. 31. Celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme “The Sunset to Moonlight Beach Race,” the 5K race will bring thousands of runners to the sands of Pattaya Beach for a one-of-a-kind night combining sunset running, music, entertainment and Pattaya’s vibrant beach lifestyle.

Last year, the event attracted more than 5,000 runners from around the world, establishing the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race as one of Thailand’s most popular and distinctive seaside running events. Continued … 

Thailand studies first nuclear power plant

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has signed an agreement with a US government agency to study American small modular reactor technology as the country considers its first nuclear power plant.

The study will examine US small modular reactor (SMR) technology capable of generating about 600 megawatts of electricity, which the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said would be enough to supply several hundred thousand households. Continued … 

US Supreme Court blocks Trump mail-in ballot restrictions

The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow yesterday to President Donald Trump’s attempts to restrict mail-in voting before the November midterm elections, denying his request to lift an order halting the divisive plan. Only two of the six conservative justices on the nine-member panel offered a dissent. Continued … 

Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000

The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed today. The total number of centenarians grew by 7,914 from the previous year, surpassing the 100,000 threshold for the first time. Women made up 87.6% of the cohort. Continued … 

Nepal tunnel survivor recounts being trapped for nine days

After nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel and a week of hospital care following his dramatic rescue, Sanjay Sah, a rare survivor of last month’s devastating glacier collapse in Nepal, finally returned to his village and family on Sunday. It was a homecoming marked by relief and joy, but also grief. Video … 

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Friday’s news-July 10

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Editor: Expat News will be traveling next week, July 12-16. We wil try to keep you up to date on the news during this time, but our reports may be fewer and at a different time. We will return to full service next Friday, July 17.
  • Our new sponsor: Pollitos Restaurant and Pizzeria/Hua Hin coffee shop seeks return of mug/Hua Hin videos/Worker killed on Rama II/Red Bull family Thailand’s richest/Phuket girl wows America’s Got Talent/Ayutthaya elephants waiting at red light
  • ECONOMY: Five gains for Anutin government/Thai retail confidence strengthens/Thailand, Malaysia resolve seafood dispute/Nestlé unveils new production hub/Gems and jewelry exports higher
  • TOURISM: Reporting rule for foreign visitors/Israeli tourist arrivals/The ticket mafia
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best/Thailand’s Most Soulful City/Amazing Melon Cutting Skills
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Forest preservation rewards communities/Line Man Ride targets 3,000 EV drivers/Bottles into School Backpacks
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

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Hua Hin coffee shop seeks return of mug, saucer stolen by foreign customer

An owner of a coffee shop in Hua Hin exposed a foreign woman for allegedly attempting to obtain free milk and stealing a coffee mug and saucer on Wednesday.

Piyanun, who owns an Amazon coffee franchise store on Soi Hua Hin 61, shared photographs of the foreign customer on her Facebook account and in local Facebook groups, asking anyone who recognized the woman to encourage her to return the stolen items. Continued … 

Patio Old Town Market Hua Hin

Check out a beautifully tucked-away hidden gem called Patio Old Town Market. This cozy, vintage-style outdoor food court is packed with incredible local charm, amazing live music, and a massive variety of street food stalls — including traditional Thai Aharn Tam Sang (made-to-order dishes), authentic Isan sausage, salt-crusted grilled fish (Miang Pla Pao), and dairy-free Thai coconut ice cream. Video … 

Hua Hin – What I really think of this place?

Video … 

Soi 94 Walk and The Best Burger in Hua Hin

Take a walk down Soi 94 in Hua Hin, one of the busiest streets in town for food, bars, and nightlife. This walk around the area shows you the atmosphere on a Friday night, the bars, restaurants and overall vibe. Video … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1a–67_8nE

Another worker killed in Rama II road work

A construction pile driving crane rig collapsed and fatally crushed a worker on Rama II Road, forcing authorities to completely close traffic in the affected area while emergency crews responded and began recovery operations.

The incident happened yesterday at a road construction site on the outbound parallel carriageway of Rama II Road. The collapse occurred near the Khlong Luang bridge U-turn. According to reports, the crane fell onto workers below, killing one male worker at the scene. Continued … 

Red Bull family Thailand’s richest for third straight year

The Yoovidhya family of Red Bull fame have retained the top spot as the richest in Thailand for the third consecutive year with a net worth of $47 billion, followed by the CP Group’s Chearavanont brothers with $36.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The combined wealth of Thailand’s richest tycoons on the 2026 Forbes list has expanded 10% to $187 billion from $170.5 billion, boosted by a surging market, the magazine said. Continued … 

Nene Royal goes from Phuket night market to America’s Got Talent

A 16-year-old girl from Phuket earned four yes votes from the judges on America’s Got Talent (AGT), taking another step toward her dream of becoming a world-class artist.

Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, better known by her stage name Nene Royal, has built a reputation as a street performer in Phuket. She regularly performs with her band, Ozone, at Naka Night Market, where the group plays rock music for both Thai and international visitors. Continued … 

Ayutthaya elephants win praise for waiting at red light

A convoy of elephants from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal has won widespread praise online after a video showed the animals patiently waiting at a red traffic light alongside motorists, offering a striking reminder of the importance of road safety.

The footage shows several elephants, each accompanied by a mahout, stopping calmly when the traffic signal turned red. The animals waited in line beside cars and motorcycles without crossing the intersection until the light turned green. Continued … 

Five gains for Anutin government after B400-billion loan decree clears court

The Constitutional Court’s ruling yesterday that the emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht to tackle the impact of the energy crisis and support Thailand’s energy transition does not violate Section 172 of the Constitution has done more than unlock the government’s borrowing plan.

Although the opposition can still scrutinize the details of spending under each project, the ruling has eased political pressure on the government and opened space for the administration to move ahead fully with key policies. Continued … 

Thai retail confidence strengthens amid subdued economic prospects

The June 2026 Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) survey pointed to a narrow-based recovery in Thailand’s economy after government measures provided short-term support to purchasing power.

The spending-per-bill index rose 15.5 points, while confidence for the next three months remained low at 47–50 points, reflecting concerns that purchasing power had yet to recover fully and that risks persisted on several fronts. Continued … 

Thailand, Malaysia resolve seafood trade dispute

Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to swiftly resolve a recent fisheries trade dispute that disrupted seafood exports between the two countries, with both governments aiming to reopen affected markets within a week.

The dispute flared earlier this year after Thailand suspended imports of Malaysian sea bass over concerns about chemical residues. Malaysia later imposed temporary restrictions on certain varieties of Thai shrimp, citing food safety controls. Continued … 

Nestlé unveils 23-billion-baht Nescafé production hub in Thailand

Nestlé has announced plans to invest 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé factory in Thailand after terminating its joint-venture agreement with Quality Coffee Products Co. (QCP), the company that previously manufactured Nescafé products in the country. The 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family ended on Dec. 31, 2024, leaving QCP without the right to continue producing Nescafé products.

Nikhil Chand, chairman and chief executive officer of Nestlé Indochina, said the new factory would be built in Samut Prakan province. The facility is intended to strengthen Nestlé’s Nescafé business in Thailand and support exports. Continued … 

Gold demand drives Thailand’s gems and jewelry exports higher

Sumed Prasongpongchai, director-general of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, or GIT, said exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold were worth US$860.73 million in May, up 1.8% and extending growth for a third consecutive month. Including gold, exports were worth US$2.27442 billion, up 29.7%.

In the first five months of 2026 (January-May), exports excluding gold totaled US$7.3719 billion, up 11.1%, while exports including gold totaled US$15.66388 billion, up 29.4%. Continued … 

MPs slam reporting rule for foreign visitors

The proposed amendments to some sections of the Hotel Act and Immigration Act, which passed their first reading in parliament on Wednesday, aim to reduce duplicate reporting of foreigners’ temporary stays in Thailand, but may not address existing loopholes as illegal operators are excluded from enforcement.

The responsibility for reporting a foreigner’s stay primarily falls on the householder, owner of a dwelling or hotel manager, who must notify authorities within 24 hours via electronic channels. Foreigners are no longer required to make duplicate notifications themselves, except in cases deemed necessary for national security or public safety. Continued … 

Israeli tourist arrivals in Thailand forecast to exceed 442,000

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bangkok this week to discuss attracting more high-spending Israeli tourists to Thailand under its “Value over Volume” tourism strategy ahead of the coming travel season.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and executive director for Europe Suladda Sarutilavan welcomed Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm and Israeli Minister and Head of Consular Affairs Eli Sneh. Continued … 

The ticket mafia is ruining concerts in Thailand

Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.

With concerns on the rise, authorities, ticketing companies, and concert promoters are now taking action. But will it be enough to protect concertgoers? Video … 

Chiang Mai Ranked Third-Best City Worldwide

Chiang Mai has been named the third-best city in the world in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, placing the northern Thai city among the highest-rated destinations globally. The result also saw Chiang Mai rank second in Asia, behind Kyoto, Japan, while moving ahead of Bangkok, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Tokyo.

This year’s survey received responses from more than 207,000 readers, who submitted over 661,000 votes covering more than 10,088 travel-related businesses and destinations worldwide. The categories included hotels, resorts, cities, islands, national parks, tour operators, safaris, airlines, airports, trains and other travel entities. Continued … 

What 12 Trips to Chiang Mai Taught Me About Thailand’s Most Soulful City

Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city, presents enduring Lanna heritage across living temples, artisan quarters, and surrounding mountain landscapes, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.Viewers encounter Chiang Mai travel context through Lanna architecture, historic temples in the Old City, and daily practices such as alms rounds and evening chants.

Nearby forests and peaks offer hiking routes, scenic viewpoints, and visits to hill-tribe communities via responsible tourism programs.Seasonal shifts bring rice-field greenery in the rains and cooler, misted mountains later in the year, while artisan communities sustain silverwork, lacquerware, and textiles. Video … 

Amazing Melon Cutting Skills at Bangkok Street Food

Video …

Why forest preservation begins with rewarding communities

Forests are often treated as distant landscapes: green backdrops beyond cities, farms and factories. Yet, the truth is far more urgent. They are not empty land waiting to be used, but living infrastructure that quietly holds together the systems that make human life possible.

They absorb carbon from economic activity, regulate water, shelter biodiversity and support communities that often have the fewest opportunities. When forests decline, the damage is not limited to trees. It spreads through rivers, farms, air quality, livelihoods, public health and the economy itself. Continued … 

Line Man Ride targets 3,000 EV drivers as Thailand’s ride-hailing economics shift

Line Man Wongnai is stepping up its electric vehicle push in Thailand’s ride-hailing market, using a rental model to bring more drivers onto its Line Man Ride platform and piloting a new “Comfort” service for passengers seeking larger electric cars.

The company said it aims to have more than 3,000 EV driver-partners on Line Man Ride by the end of 2026. The plan centers on reducing drivers’ upfront costs through full-time rentals, minimum income guarantees for eligible drivers, help with public driving license applications, and a pathway to car ownership after a six-year lease period. Continued … 

Thailand Converts 8 Tons of PET Bottles into 3,500 School Backpacks

What happens to a PET bottle after it leaves the consumer’s hand can determine whether it becomes accumulated waste or raw material for a new product. In Thailand, a program created by Indorama Ventures, in partnership with Amata Corp., uses this path to transform used plastic packaging into school backpacks intended for children from communities near industrial hubs.

The initiative, called “Re-No-Waste: Eco-friendly for Sustainable Future”, was launched in January 2025 with the goal of collecting 8 tons of post-consumer PET bottles in AMATA network factories. Continued … 

  • Indian Wildlife Smugglers Arrested in Bangkok – Continued … 
  • Thai customs arrest South African man with heroin hidden in coffee and tea bags – Continued … 
  • Lithuanian Faces Visa Revocation on Koh Pha Ngan – Continued … 

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Thursday’s news-April 24

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PKK as national tourism hub?/Soi 94 roadworks/Heat index hits extreme/Using student visas to work illegally/Registration, microchips for pets/Double-decker buses banned/Cyberfraud in the Mekong/Most Wanted Gunman Captured/14 million baht vanishes/ECONOMY: Stimulus plan pitched/500 billion baht to boost GDP/10,000-baht digital wallet distribution/US tariff upsides/Thai exports rise/Nestlé Brews Up Battle/IKEA Goes Cashless/Cabinet approves snake exports/TOURISM: Cheaper holidays to attract Chinese/Thailand-US Direct Flights/Scammer Dupes Dozens/CLIMATE THAILAND: US Tariffs on Solar Imports/Coral Reefs Stage Comeback/First 100% Renewable Energy Farm/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

PKK as national tourism hub?

Continued …

Soi 94 roadworks speedup urged

Continued …

 

Hydrant flushing to improve Hua Hin tap water

Continued …

 

Heat index hits extreme levels

Temperatures hit “very dangerous” levels in Phuket yesterday and “dangerous” levels in Bangkok and 34 other provinces, and the heatwave was expected to continue today. People in vulnerable groups, including the elderly and sick, were warned to stay out of the sun.

Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, director-general of the department of health, said a “heat index” at the very dangerous red level could result in rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or fainting, and even death. Continued …

Thailand cracks down on foreigners using student visas to work illegally

Amid growing concerns over foreign nationals, particularly Chinese engineers, using student visas to illegally work on construction sites in Thailand, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Immigration Bureau have joined forces to address the issue.

The concern intensified after reports revealed that foreign workers were exploiting student visas to bypass work permit regulations. Notably, online platforms like CSI LA and “Ru Tan Jeen” highlighted operations in provinces like Lamphun, where student visas were allegedly renewed for 10,000 baht per person and used as a cover for nationwide illegal employment, complete with transportation networks. Some allegations even involve universities and state agencies facilitating these practices. Continued …

Bangkok to require registration, microchips for pets

From Jan. 10, 2026, pet lovers in Bangkok are on a new leash, thanks to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) latest law.

In a bid to curb the rising number of stray animals, the BMA mandates all cats and dogs be registered and microchipped starting next year. This tough new measure aims to bring about a drastic change in urban pet management. Continued …

Double-decker buses banned on risky routes

Double-decker buses have been prohibited from plying potentially dangerous routes after a fatal crash on a highway in Prachin Buri, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered strict inspections of double-decker buses and imposed a ban on their use along seven potentially risky routes. They include: Chiang Mai-Doi Nang Kaew, Mae Hong Son-Mae Teep, Pua-Doi Phu Kha National Park, Bo Pho-Khok Ngam, Cho Wo-Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Kabin Buri junction-Wang Nam Khieo, and Khao Pubpa-Phatthalung. Continued …

Cyberfraud in the Mekong reaches inflexion point

Transnational organized crime groups in East and Southeast Asia are hedging beyond the region as pressure to crack them down increases, a new report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows. Amid heightened awareness and enforcement action, Asian crime syndicates are expanding operations deeper into many of the most remote, vulnerable, underprepared parts of the region — and beyond.

“We are seeing a global expansion of East and Southeast Asian organized crime groups,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC acting regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Continued …

Thailand’s Most Wanted Gunman Captured in Surat Thani

Thailand’s top-ranked contract killer in the southern region, known for a string of violent crimes and a reputation for being heavily armed, was arrested after a tense standoff with police at a resort in Chaiya District, Surat Thani.

The suspect, 38-year-old Thanawat, also known as “Ae”, was apprehended by a special task force from the Royal Thai Police’s anti-gang and contract killer suppression unit. Officers had tracked him from Trang province to a resort in Pa We subdistrict, where he had checked in with his wife, reportedly to collect drug-related debts. Continued …

14 million baht vanishes from Thai Parliament savings co-op

A scandal is brewing at Parliament’s doorstep after a whopping 14 million baht mysteriously vanished from the Parliamentary Official Saving and Credit Cooperative. But despite the fraud, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha insists there’s no need to panic.

According to Wan, the massive embezzlement won’t affect the cooperative’s members or its day-to-day operations. “It was fortunate that we caught the perpetrator early and that person confessed. However, we still need to investigate how many others were involved.” Continued …

Stimulus plan pitched to cope with US tariffs

Thailand’s main opposition party called for an economic stimulus package to cope with U.S. tariffs after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra signaled that trade talks to secure relief from the levy have been stalled.

The stimulus measures should include soft loans to local exporters, subsidies for farmers, and financial aid to Thai industries to deal with the 36% reciprocal levy threatened by the United States, said Sirikanya Tansakun, a lawmaker and deputy leader of the People’s Party. Continued …

Finance Ministry to inject over 500 billion baht to boost GDP above 1.8%

The Finance Ministry aims to inject over 500 billion baht into the economy to boost Thai GDP above 1.8%, with a focus on stimulating consumption, investment, and providing soft loans.

This comes in response to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revising Thailand’s 2025 GDP growth forecast downward from 2.9% to 1.8%, citing the impact of U.S. reciprocal tariffs. Thailand remains the only ASEAN country whose GDP projection has been cut to below 2%. For 2026, the IMF anticipates a further decline to 1.6%. Continued …

Finance Ministry confirms 10,000-baht digital wallet distribution

The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced.

Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic stimulus project, which involves distributing 10,000 baht (US$300) through digital wallets. Continued …

US tariff shock upsides for ASEAN

“Let the dust from the White House settle first,” said former Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon in an interview with Korean media. A Southeast Asian figure I met during an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Experts and Eminent Persons (EEPs) meeting held recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, expressed a similar sentiment.

I feel the same way. The tariff war instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump is a wake-up call for all of us, including ASEAN and South Korea. Right now, Trump’s unilateral imposition of so-called reciprocal tariffs has set everyone’s feet on fire – everyone is scrambling for survival strategies. Continued …

Thai exports rise to 3-year high

Thailand’s exports rose for a ninth straight month in March and more than expected, reaching the highest level in three years, although steep U.S. tariffs remain a concern, the Commerce Ministry reported today.

Exports, a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, climbed 17.8% in March from a year earlier, above a forecast rise of 13.5% and beating February’s 14% rise. Continued …

Nestlé Brews Up Battle in Thai Coffee Market

Nestlé, the Swiss multinational, is brewing a major shift in Thailand’s coffee industry as it gears up to challenge the influential Mahagitsiri family by planning its own coffee production plant. This move comes amid an ongoing legal tussle, which has seen both drama and determination from Nestlé.

The clash spilled over into public view earlier this month when the Min Buri Civil Court temporarily halted Nescafé distributions by issuing an injunction on April 3. The court prohibited Nestlé from producing or distributing its famed instant coffee under the Nescafé brand, forcing a brief pause in operations. Continued …

IKEA Goes Cashless at Key Thai Stores

In a bid to embrace Thailand’s growing shift toward a cashless society, IKEA has introduced a significant change in its payment policy. As of this past Monday, the Swedish furniture giant announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at three prominent branches: IKEA Bangna, IKEA Bang Yai, and IKEA Chiang Mai.

The decision showcases IKEA’s commitment to aligning with modern consumer preferences. Shoppers at these locations are now encouraged to use one of the four accepted cashless payment options: QR codes, credit and debit cards, IKEA gift cards, or IKEA Family points. Continued …

Thai cabinet approves snake exports

Thailand’s cabinet has lifted a decades-long ban on exporting snakes, in a bid to boost the country’s economy and curb the illegal trade in the reptiles.

The officials who made the proposal said the goal is to allow the legal export of snakes bred domestically to meet high demand in the global market. This would generate income for local breeders and also curb illegal snake exports by creating a legal export pathway under strict supervision. Continued …

Call for cheaper holidays to attract Chinese

With Thailand losing out to Vietnam as the most-visited nation in Southeast Asia among Chinese tourists in the first quarter, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has urged the government to offer more competitive prices, noting that Vietnam’s travel costs are now 30% lower and it boasts more fresh attractions.

In the first quarter, the Tourism and Sports Ministry reported that Thailand received 1.3 million Chinese arrivals, while Vietnam welcomed 1.5 million Chinese tourists, a 178% year-on-year increase according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Continued …

Thailand-US Direct Flights To Resume After FAA Safety Upgrade

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) list and upgraded Thailand to Category 1 from Category 2. The upgradation means that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) complies with international safety standards, thus paving the way for Thailand-U.S. direct flights.

The upgrade is expected to create new flight schedules and more competitive airfares, as airlines from Thailand plan to resume and expand routes between the two countries. For the past 10 years, the FAA downgrade allowed Thai airlines to maintain existing routes to the U.S. but restricted them from expanding services or changing aircraft. Continued …

Scammer Dupes Dozens in Airline Ticket and Hotel Booking Fraud on Koh Samui

More than 20 victims gathered at Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui to file formal complaints against a woman accused of orchestrating a large-scale airline ticket and hotel booking scam, with damages reportedly exceeding 10 million baht.

The accused allegedly tricked friends, colleagues, and tourism business operators by offering domestic and international airline tickets, as well as hotel rooms, at unrealistically low prices. The victims are located not only on Koh Samui but also in Bangkok and Chiang Rai. Continued …

US Government Finalizes Tariffs on Southeast Asian Solar Imports

The U.S. government has finalized severe tariffs on imports of solar panels from four Southeast Asian countries, in connection with a complaint filed last year by major U.S.-based solar manufacturers.

The tariffs varied widely depending on the company and country, ranging from just over 41% on Jinko Solar products from Malaysia to over 375% on products manufactured by Trina Solar in Thailand. Solar panels and components from Cambodia were slapped with duties of more than 3,500% — a rate so high that it amounts to an import ban — their producers chose not to cooperate with the American investigation. Continued …

Thailand’s Coral Reefs Stage Impressive Comeback After Bleaching Event

Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has reported a major success in its efforts to combat the widespread coral bleaching event that struck in 2024.

Thanks to the implementation of a proactive “Reduce, Refrain, Rescue” policy, over 60% of the affected corals have now recovered. The department is pressing ahead with plans to restore an additional 24 rai (nearly 10 acres) of reef. Continued …

CP Foods Showcases First 100% Renewable Energy Farm

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods)has transformed its layer chicken complex in Chanthaburi province into a fully renewable energy farm. By harnessing biogas and solar energy on-site, the company is paving the way toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

To address climate change, CP Foods is accelerating its transition to renewable energy across all production processes — feed, farm, and food — under its agri-tech strategy. The company’s initiative is a key pillar of its sustainable development roadmap, aiming to secure long-term energy resilience and reduce environmental impacts. Continued …

Apple fined $570M, Meta $228M for breaching EU law

Apple was fined 500 million euros (US$570 million) on Wednesday and Meta 200 million euros ($228 million), as European Union (EU) antitrust regulators handed out the first sanctions under landmark legislation aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech. The EU fines could stoke tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump who has threatened to levy tariffs against countries that penalise U.S. companies. Continued …

Australia to stockpile critical minerals in strategic reserve

Australia will stockpile critical minerals in a new strategic reserve, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today, as nations scramble to source rare earths and coveted metals outside China. Mining superpower Australia sits on bulging deposits of lithium, nickel, and cobalt — metals used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Continued …

New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, cha am, climate change, exports, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism

Thursday ‘s news-April 10

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Feedback/Hua Hin Songkran activities/Local Songkran events/Road closed for Songkran/In Cha Am, big crowds expected/Feast Thailand featured/Coffee Shortage Looms/Sweet crackdown kicks in/Seaweed as “food of the future”/Thailand revokes visa of American/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Trump announces reversal on tariffs/Tariff pause gives more time/Trade war will flood Thailand/Latest Thai-EU trade pact talks/SCB EIC cuts growth outlook/Distorting entertainment complex concept/Asian economies reliant on the U.S./TOURISM: Thailand Shifts Tourism Strategy/Chinese visitors decline/Phuket faces water crisis/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Eight auspicious Thai dishes/Best Way to Eat Thai Food/Where Time Moves Differently/CLIMATE THAILAND: Nature before profit/Water from the world’s driest areas/The Future Of EV Sales/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Re: Thailand’s soft power

“It’s interesting that in the same edition of HHExpat, there is an article about soft power, and the importance of values, moral purpose; and another about Thailand topping the ‘adultery league table’, in part ‘driven by…….a thriving sex industry’. This ‘industry’ is unfortunately what many people associate with the country, and is a burden on the potential of its soft power.” – AB

Hua Hin Songkran activities this weekend

Continued …

 

A guide to local Songkran events

Continued …

 

Road is closed in central Hua Hin for Songkran celebration

Continued …

In Cha Am, big crowds expected for Songkran

Continued … 

Hua Hin’s Feast Thailand featured on Australian travel show

Continued …

 

Coffee Shortage Looms as Court Halts Nescafé Production in Thailand

Retailers across Thailand are bracing for a potential shortage of Nescafé instant coffee after a court order temporarily halted its production, manufacturing, sales, and importation into the Kingdom.

The Minburi Civil Court issued a temporary injunction on April 3, prohibiting Nestlé, the sole proprietor of the Nescafé brand, from engaging in any business activities related to Nescafé products in Thailand. Continued …

Fizzy drink giants face sugar tax squeeze as sweet crackdown kicks in

Beverage chiefs and sweet drink producers have been slapped with a sour surprise as the Finance Ministry rolls out the latest phase of Thailand’s sugar tax crackdown, pushing firms to trim the sugar or pay the price.

The Excise Department officially kicked off Phase 4 of the sugar tax on April 1, hot on the heels of Phase 3 wrapping up on March 31. But this isn’t a shock move, it’s the final leg of a long-planned health initiative that’s been sweetly creeping in every two years since 2017, said a source from the ministry. Continued …

Department of Fisheries positions seaweed as “food of the future”

The Department of Fisheries has positioned seaweed as a model for value-added product innovation, aiming to create economic opportunities for communities and strengthen the grassroots economy toward long-term sustainability.

Thitiporn Laoprasert, deputy director-general of the Department of Fisheries, revealed that the department is implementing policies to drive the agricultural sector through the BCG (bio-circular-green economy) model, aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). As part of this initiative, the department is actively promoting the production and processing of seaweed, recognized as a “food of the future”, in response to growing consumer demand and insufficient supply in the market. Continued … 

Thailand revokes visa of American detained on royal insult charge

Thai immigration authorities have revoked the visa of detained American academic Paul Chambers, who is facing a charge of royal defamation, his lawyers said yesterday.

“Lawyers are preparing to appeal the Immigration Bureau’s order within the next 48 hours, and will also appeal the order not to grant bail during the investigation,” Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said in a statement. Continued ,,, 

  • Malaysian Arrested After 9-Million-Baht Gold Heist in Hat Yai – Continued …
  • Russian Man Arrested in Phuket for Year-long Visa Overstay – Continued …
  • Chinese Couple Arrested in Pattaya for Lewd Public Photo Shoot – Continued …
  • New Zealander Caught With Cocaine in Passport at Phuket Airport – Continued … 

Trump announces reversal on tariffs, lowering most to 10%, but hiking China’s to 125%

In a stunning reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries while further ramping up pressure on China, sending global stocks rocketing higher.

Trump’s turnabout yesterday, which came less than 24 hours after steep new tariffs kicked in on most trading partners, followed the most intense episode of financial market volatility since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The upheaval erased trillions of dollars from stock markets and led to an unsettling surge in U.S. government bond yields that appeared to catch Trump’s attention. Continued …

Thailand says US tariff pause gives more time for response

Thailand has prepared more economic stimulus focused on creating jobs, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said today, adding that a 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs announced overnight would give officials more time to prepare a response.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries, including a 36% tariff on Thai exports, while further ramping up pressure on China. The climbdown came after the threat of punishing levies roiled markets and sparked fears of a recession. Continued …

FTI fears China-US trade war will flood Thailand with Chinese products

The escalating trade war between China and the United States will result in the dumping of surplus Chinese products, especially consumer products, into the Thai market, and this will seriously affect local manufacturers, said Peekthong Thongyai, vice president of the Federation of Thai Industries, today.

He noted that Chinese products are priced up to 40% less than similar goods that are locally produced, because China has an advantage over Thailand in terms of production costs and production technology, making Chinese products more attractive to Thai consumers. Continued …

Latest Thai-EU trade pact talks make headway

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan says significant progress was made during the fifth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Thailand and the European Union (EU), with a deal expected to be finalized later this year.

Two additional chapters were agreed in principle: Customs trade facilitation (CTF), which aims to modernize customs procedures through enhanced cooperation; and sustainable food system (SFS), designed to strengthen and sustain food systems through collaborative efforts. Continued …

SCB EIC cuts growth outlook to 1.4%-1.5%

SCB EIC, the research center of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), has downgraded Thailand’s economic growth forecast this year to 1.4%-1.5% from 2.4% after U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff hike on Thai imports (and before he temporarily paused those tariffs).

Thitima Chucherd, head of macroeconomic research, said SCB EIC also reduced its global GDP growth target to 2.2% from a 2.4% estimate issued in March, with U.S. growth cut to 1.3% from 1.9%. Continued …

PM accuses political elements of distorting entertainment complex concept

Blaming political elements for distorting their controversial entertainment complex project, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said today that her government hopes to be able to convince all parties concerned of the real objective of the project during the upcoming eight-week parliamentary recess.

She admitted that the government has not adequately communicated with people regarding the project. This has led to an intensification in opposition to it. She reiterated the claim that the casino would represent just about 10% of the “activity” within the complex project. Continued …

How reliant are the six major Asian economies on the U.S. market?

The six leading Asian economies — China, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, and Indonesia — exhibit notable differences in their reliance on the U.S. market, influenced by their unique export profiles, trade dynamics, and economic frameworks.

With Trump’s 104% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10% baseline tariff on all countries (plus additional reciprocal rates), these dependencies are under fresh scrutiny. Continued …

Thailand Shifts Tourism Strategy Amid US Tariffs and Chinese Market Challenges

Thailand’s tourism authorities are implementing new strategies to maintain international visitor numbers following the introduction of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, while simultaneously addressing ongoing challenges in the Chinese market.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to emphasize the country’s value proposition to counter potential negative effects on American tourists, while expanding efforts in promising European markets to compensate for a slowdown from China. Continued …

Chinese visitors decline as US trade war ramps up

Chinese tourist inflows have fallen over the past week amid the global trade war, while Malaysian arrivals have surged and remain in first place, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The Tourism and Sports Ministry reported weekly arrivals from March 31 to April 6 of 92,262 from Malaysia, representing a rise of 12.8%, and 64,177 from China, showing a fall of 1.2%. Continued …

Phuket faces water crisis as reservoirs run dry

Warning bells are ringing in Phuket as reservoir levels plunge and fears of severe drought grip the island. Officials are scrambling to prevent a looming water crisis before the taps run dry.

Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu is only 25% full, holding just 2.51 million cubic meters of water, a far cry from its full capacity of 10.2 million cubic meters. Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is slightly better off at 45% full, with 3.48 million cubic meters out of a 7.2-million capacity. Continued …

 

Eight auspicious Thai dishes to welcome Songkran festival

April marks the arrival of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year. Yet Songkran is more than just water-splashing and a long holiday — it is a time rich in meaning, tradition and the spirit of new beginnings.

Among the heart-warming scenes of this festive period are the water-pouring rituals to honor elders, the bathing of Buddha images, and family reunions to make merit and embrace a fresh start together. Another cherished element of the celebration is the presence of auspicious dishes, which not only enhance the festive meals but also carry deep symbolic significance rooted in Thai culture. Continued …

What’s the Best Way to Eat Thai Food?

Understanding the proper way to enjoy Thai food enhances the dining experience and shows respect for its rich cultural traditions. Contrary to common belief, chopsticks are not the primary utensils for most Thai dishes. Instead, the conventional method involves using a fork and spoon.

In this setup, the spoon is held in the dominant hand and serves as the main utensil for conveying food to the mouth, while the fork, held in the non-dominant hand, is used to push food onto the spoon. Continued …

Northern Thailand Towns Where Time Moves Differently

Northern Thailand exists in its own temporal dimension, where traditional ways of life continue alongside modern developments at a pace that feels deliberately unhurried. The mountainous geography has historically isolated communities, preserving cultural practices and architectural traditions that disappeared elsewhere.

While Chiang Mai serves as the region’s bustling hub, venturing beyond reveals smaller towns and villages where time seems to flow according to different rules — places where morning mist clings to temple rooftops, afternoon markets unfold without urgency, and evenings bring unhurried conversations around food stalls. Continued …

Northern Thai communities put nature before profit

The people of Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces in northwestern Thailand have lived in balance with nature for hundreds of years, and many of them depend on rivers and forests for their livelihoods.

The Indigenous Karen people and the Thai Lanna community of Thailand are concerned about plans to divert and dam the Yuam river and its branches, which could undo years of careful stewardship. Community members shared how they are protecting their way of life, which values the land and waterways far beyond just their economic potential. Continued …

Big tech’s new data centers will take water from the world’s driest areas

Amazon, Microsoft and Google are operating data centers that use vast amounts of water in some of the world’s driest areas and are building many more, the non-profit investigatory organization SourceMaterial and the Guardian have found.

“The question of water is going to become crucial,” said Lorena Jaume-Palasí, founder of the Ethical Tech Society. “Resilience from a resource perspective is going to be very difficult for those communities.” Continued …

Toyota Makes Bold Prediction For The Future Of EV Sales

While the rate of electric vehicle (EV) adoption may be slowing on a global scale slightly, by some estimations, global electric vehicle sales are anticipated to still grow to more than 31 million new EVs sold a year by 2030, which would account for about 30% of all global vehicle sales.

Toyota, which initially dragged its feet with only a couple of initial EV models which underperform against their competitors, doesn’t want to be left out of that future EV pie. That’s why Toyota, and its luxury arm Lexus, are now planning on having 15 new EVs introduced by the end of 2027. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.

  • The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
  • It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
  • Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

  • Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
  • Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
  • Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
  • Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
  • Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

 

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

  • Emergency hotline – 191
  • Emergency medical services – 1554
  • Water accident – 1196
  • Motorway hotline – 1586
  • Emergency medical – 1669
  • Highway police – 1193
  • Tourist police – 1155
  • Bus ticket – 1490
  • Department of Highways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590
covid, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism

Thursday’s News-Feb 9

  • Pranburi Half-Marathon Sunday/
  • Seven social trends shaping Thai business in 2023/
  • Thailand is promoting its green transformation to US investors/
  • Family of five – including three month old infant – found shot and stabbed to death/
  • Nestle to buy renewable energy from EGAT/
  • Tourism: 16 Thai festivals to be promoted on global stage/Chiang Rai Balloon Festival canned, but not balloon rides/Chinese tourists flood Mae Klong for ‘Amazing World Class’ experience/Swedish ‘plogging’ trend reaches Koh Lanta/Many Foreigners in Phuket Allegedly Renting Cars To Provide Illegal Taxi Services/Thailand says it can’t police V IP escort packages/
  • Thailand Experience: A Guide to Finding the Best Bites on the Streets: Thailand Street Food Hotspots/
  • Covid: Covid cases drop another 30%, only 4% of Chinese arrivals test positive/
  • International: More survivors found as quake toll tops 11,200/Singapore remains the most liveable location in the world/
  • 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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Pranburi Half-Marathon Sunday

Seven social trends shaping Thai business in 2023

As businesses face the reality of a global economic slowdown, observers are increasingly optimistic about Thailand’s path forward in 2023, as local companies remain durable and resilient – focusing on performance following three years of tremendous transformation.

Thailand’s Ministry of Finance recently forecast up to 3.8% economic growth in 2023, bolstered by an improved tourism sector and domestic demand. This improvement will also be seen in digital spaces, with nearly 60% of worldwide social users set to be based in Asia-Pacific this year.

With an increasingly competitive digital landscape, the potential to connect with customers where they are is crucial; and it will be platforms, creators, friends, and families that drive the discovery and evaluation of local brand products and services. Continued …

Thailand is promoting its green transformation to US investors

The Board of Investment (BOI) is promoting Thailand’s potential in the green economy to attract U.S. investors, BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said on Wednesday.

He noted that the board’s first two roadshows this year were held in Seattle and San Francisco last month.

They focused on Thailand’s policy of increasing the use of renewable energy in the industrial sector by 50%, as well as the country’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Narit Therdsteerasukdi said. Continued …

Family of five – including three month-old infant – found shot and stabbed to death

A family of five Hmong people, including three children, were found dead on a farm in Wang Chao district of Thailand’s western border province of Tak on Wednesday.

Police who rushed to the scene in Village 11 in Chiang Thong subdistrict, after being alerted by the victims’ relatives, said that the five bodies appeared to have bullet and knife wounds, adding that the victims are believed to be members of the same family, including the parents and their three children, aged three months, seven and 10.

The motive for the massacre is currently unknown, say the police. Continued …

Nestle to buy renewable energy from EGAT

Nestle (Thai), a consumer goods manufacturer and marketer, plans to focus more on clean energy for its operations, working with the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as its trade and energy partner.

Nestle, EGAT and Innopower Co., an energy innovation firm, signed an agreement to make full use of renewable power under the second phase of the ERC sandbox, overseen by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Innopower is a subsidiary of Ratch Group Plc and Electricity Generating Plc, both subsidiaries of EGAT. Continued …

16 Thai festivals to be promoted on global stage

In an effort to promote the country’s cultural traditions and generate more revenue for communities, the Culture Ministry has chosen 16 Thai festivals to be promoted internationally, ministry Permanent Secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon said on Wednesday.

She said that in alignment with the bio-circular-green economic model, the ministry has been trying to promote Thai soft power at the international level, particularly in the “5F” industries – food, films, fashion, fighting, and festivals.

The selected festivals include Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Festival (Pattani province), Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival (Uthai Thani), Korat Street Art (Nakhon Ratchasima), Hae Malai Khao Tok Festival (Yasothon), and Phuket Food Festival (Phuket). Continued …

Chiang Rai Balloon Festival canned, but not balloon rides

Chiang Rai’s annual International Balloon Fiesta has been canceled again this year, but that won’t stop Valentine’s couples from taking their love sky-high over Singha Park Chiang Rai. The Muang district attraction will still be hosting a Valentine’s Day event for couples from Feb. 12-15. The highlight will be romantic balloon rides for a bird’s eye view of Singh Park and Chiang Rai city. Before the pandemic, the International Balloon Fiesta was a major annual attraction during the week of Valentine’s Day in the northern province. The international balloon extravaganza is expected to be refloated when tourism recovers and international arrivals increase. (The Nation)

Chinese tourists flood Mae Klong for ‘Amazing World Class’ experience

Thailand is one of 20 countries that Chinese on group tours are allowed to visit. A group of 40 arrived on Spring Airlines to Don Muang airport while 90 independent travelers were welcomed, too.

Yesterday, the tourists were at the Mae Klong station waiting for a photo-opportunity of a train coming into the station through the Rum Hup market.

It was packed as the train crept through the crowded area. Continued …

Swedish ‘plogging’ trend reaches Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta – an island along Thailand‘s Andaman coast – saw its first ever plogging event last week, according to the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok.

There’s nothing worse than a beautiful landscape spoiled by plastic waste and debris. A movement in Sweden has come up with a solution.

Plogging is an activity that combines jogging with picking up litter. Continued …

Many Foreigners in Phuket Allegedly Renting Cars To Provide Illegal Taxi Services

Phuket officials are investigating after they have received many complaints that many foreigners are renting cars for doing illegal taxi services.

A team of officials from the Phuket Land Transport Office (Phuket PLTO) and the Phuket Provincial Employment Office yesterday set up a checkpoint at the Si Kor Intersection in Kathu, which many vehicles were heading up to the Patong Hill.

Phuket PLTO Chief Atcha Buajan said they have received many complaints that many foreigners in Phuket are renting cars and are being illegal taxi drivers. Continued …

Thailand says it can’t police V IP escort packages

Authorities say VIP escort packages on sale in China are difficult to police, as the transactions are made outside of Thailand.

Thailand might ask Beijing for cooperation, as happened with the crackdown on so-called zero-dollar tours in 2016.

Facebook page “Lui Chin”, which exposed the VIP escort sales on Chinese e-commerce sites last month, revealed this week that such packages are still available. Continued …

A Guide to Finding the Best Bites on the Streets: Thailand Street Food Hotspots

Thailand is a street food heaven, with endless options of tasty bites waiting to be discovered. From juicy grilled meats to savory noodles, street food in Thailand is a foodie’s dream. Get ready to explore the best street food hotspots across the land of smiles.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok

This famous market is the largest outdoor market in the world, and it’s a must-visit destination for street food lovers. With over 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market offers a variety of food options, including Som Tum, a spicy papaya salad that will tantalize your taste buds, Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand made with stir-fried noodles, juicy grilled skewers, savory Tom Yum Soup, and much more.

Come hungry, as the market is a feast for the senses and you won’t be able to resist the tempting aromas and flavors. Continued …

Covid cases drop another 30%, only 4% of Chinese arrivals test positive

The Covid-19 situation in Thailand is showing steady improvement, with a decline of 30% in hospital admissions and fatalities. According to the Department of Disease Control, the average number of hospital admissions and deaths fell to 90 and six, respectively, between Jan. 15-21.

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, the director-general of the DDC, stated that 627 Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospitals last week, with an average of 90 cases per day. Of these cases, 277 were suffering from lung infections, with 179 requiring ventilators.

Over the past week, the death toll has decreased to 44, which represents an average of six cases a day, and a fall of 32.3% compared to the previous week. This year, there have been 2,593 hospital admissions and 167 deaths. Continued …

More survivors found as quake toll tops 11,200

Searchers were still pulling survivors on Wednesday from the rubble of the earthquake that killed over 11,200 people in Turkey and Syria, even as the window for rescues narrowed. Continued …

Singapore remains the most liveable location in the world

Singapore remains the most liveable location in the world for expatriates from East Asia, with an improved livability score in the past year, as revealed by the latest location ratings survey published by global mobility expert ECA International. Continued …

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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

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

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.

 

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