Slightly cheaper power bills/Thai Army vows decisive response/All Drone Flights Banned Nationwide/Nine die in firecrackers inferno/Storm Wipha update: 7 dead, 143 injured/Bomb Attack in Narathiwat/ECONOMY: US official says Thai trade deal done/Agency lifts GDP forecast/Automotive output rise/Thai Manufacturing Growth/Pet paradise unleashed/TOURISM: Thailand pulls out every trick/Tourism impact of border spat/Travel agents upbeat on Chinese/CAAT Considers Raising Airport Service Charge/Indian wedding tourism/Pattaya beach to get more sand/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 5 Must-Try Bib Gourmand Restaurants/CLIMATE THAILAND: Missing pieces in clean power bid/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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
Slightly cheaper power bills seen on the horizon
The price of electricity will become slightly cheaper during the last four months of the year, as authorities have agreed to decrease the power tariff by 0.03 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), says Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
The current power tariff, used to calculate monthly electricity bills, is 3.98 baht a unit, and is applicable until the end of August. Continued …
Thai Army vows decisive response if Cambodia continues ceasefire violations
The Royal Thai Army issued a statement yesterday condemning Cambodia’s repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and warned that Thailand will respond decisively and appropriately should the attacks persist.
The army reiterated its unwavering commitment to restraint, peace, and the highest standards of humanitarian conduct. Details of the statement, titled “Violation of Ceasefire Agreement by the Cambodian Armed Forces”, are as follows: Continued …
Civil Aviation Authority Bans All Drone Flights Nationwide Until August 15
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a nationwide ban on all drone flights, effective immediately until Aug. 15, in response to tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border.
Under the directive, all civilian-operated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including those flown for recreational, commercial ,or academic purposes, are strictly prohibited throughout the kingdom. The only exemption applies to drones operated by state security agencies. Continued …
Nine die in Suphan Buri firecrackers inferno
A fireworks explosion killed nine people and injured another in Muang district late yesterday morning. The deadly explosion occurred at a house where bird-scaring firecrackers were being produced in Ban Pho Tha Sai, tambon Ban Pho,.
Police said nine people died in the explosion. Another person was injured and was rushed to hospital. All were Thai women. One dead victim was eight-months pregnant. Continued …
Storm Wipha update: 7 dead, 143 injured, 43 health facilities damaged
Storm Wipha has caused seven deaths, 143 injuries, and damage to 43 health facilities across seven provinces in Thailand.
The Ministry of Public Health reported on the impact of severe tropical storm Wipha as of July 29, with a total of seven provinces affected: Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Lampang, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai. Continued …
Bomb Attack in Narathiwat Injures Six Police Officers and One Civilian
A roadside bomb exploded yesterday morning in Narathiwat province, injuring six police officers and a local resident. The incident occurred in the village of Jue Rae, Sako Subdistrict, in the troubled Sungai Padi District.
The target of the attack was a patrol unit assigned to provide security for teachers traveling in the area, a common practice in Thailand’s southern provinces, where such personnel have been frequent targets of insurgent violence. Continued …
US official says Thai and Cambodian trade deals done
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the United States has reached trade agreements with Cambodia and Thailand, days after they agreed to a ceasefire at President Donald Trump’s urging after deadly clashes along their disputed border.
Trump had used trade talks as a cudgel to bring both nations to the negotiating table, threatening that Washington would not reach trade deals with either as long as the fighting continued. Continued …
State agency lifts GDP forecast to 2.2%
The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) under the Finance Ministry has slightly increased its Thai GDP growth forecast for this year to 2.2%, up from its previous estimate of 2.1% in April.
The upgrade is based on the assumption that US reciprocal tariffs will remain at lenient rates, in line with those applied to other countries in the region, said Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the FPO. Continued …
Automotive output rise spurs MPI increase
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) increased by 0.58% year-on-year to 97.35 points in June, driven by the recovery of the car market, an increase in exports, and state stimulus measures, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). However, the MPI fell by 3.47% from May when it was 100.79 points.
Car bookings at the 12-day Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended in early April, prompted car manufacturers to increase production to deliver cars to customers, contributing to the higher May MPI. Continued …
Thai Manufacturing Growth: A Mixed Signal for Southeast Asia’s Economic Recovery
Thailand’s manufacturing sector is sending conflicting signals to investors, caught between a short-term rebound and long-term uncertainties. While May 2025 data revealed a manufacturing PMI of 51.2 — the first expansion in 20 months — the broader picture remains nuanced.
This modest rise, driven by a 1.7-point jump in new orders linked to renewed export demand, suggests cautious optimism. Yet, the 2.5% annual growth in automotive production and 8% CAGR in electronics manufacturing highlight structural shifts that could redefine Southeast Asia’s industrial landscape. Continued …
Pet paradise unleashed at Bangkok’s epic expo
Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center is set to transform into a wonderland of whiskers, wagging tails, and wild surprises as the Pet Expo Championship 2025 kicks off with the theme “The Magical Land of Friendship”.
Running daily starting tomorrow, from 10am to 8pm until Sunday, the event promises non-stop fun, furry festivities, and some serious four-legged competition. Continued …
Thailand pulls out every trick to revive tourism — Pattaya a top focus
With the high season on the horizon, Thailand is going all out to keep its tourism engine running — and Pattaya is once again front and center. The government is stepping up efforts not only to attract international tourists but also to encourage more domestic travel during the low season.
The Ministry of Finance is in talks with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to finalize new tax incentive measures designed to stimulate local tourism spending, with a rollout expected by August or September. Continued …
Tourism sector braces for impact of border spat
The tourism sector will start to feel the impact of the Cambodia border conflict if both sides do not completely end fighting within two weeks, and if the cross-border committee in Cambodia does not convene as scheduled on Aug. 4, say analysts.
After a week of deadly clashes and a ceasefire agreement by the two countries on Sunday, the Royal Thai Army reported continued attacks in disputed areas with Cambodia yesterday. Continued …
Travel agents upbeat on Chinese market
Chinese tourist arrivals have already passed their low point, and tour agents are showing renewed confidence in Thailand despite safety concerns fueled by border conflicts and a recent market shooting, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said while concerns persist, the situation is showing signs of improvement, as Chinese visitor arrivals appear to have passed their nadir. Continued …
CAAT Considers Raising Airport Service Charge by October
In a bid to enhance airport operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is anticipating a decision on increased passenger service charges (PSC) by October. A significant hike could potentially add three billion baht to Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) annual revenue.
The current PSC for outbound travelers, unchanged for years, is under review by CAAT and AOT. This assessment seeks to align charges with actual operating costs, which are vital for infrastructure development. At present, AOT’s charge of 730 baht for international departures pales in comparison to regional rivals like Singapore’s Changi Airport, which charges around 1,400–1,500 baht. Continued …
HSBC sees Indian wedding tourism sparking foreign investment
Wedding tourism presents a significant opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from India into Thailand, given the strong business ties between the two countries, according to HSBC.
The bank sees growing FDI potential across Asia, particularly between India and Thailand, supported by the positive momentum in the economic corridor linking the two nations. Continued …
Pattaya beach to get more sand
Thailand’s Marine Department held a high-level seminar yesterday to push forward Phase 2 of the Jomtien Beach Sand Replenishment Project — a multimillion-baht effort to combat coastal erosion and bring back beachgoers.
The first phase saw the restoration of 3,575 meters of beach across Na Jomtien and South Jomtien. Now, Phase 2 will add another 2,840 meters of new beachfront. Continued …
5 Must-Try Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Bangkok
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 continues to celebrate Bangkok’s vibrant food scene with new additions to the Bib Gourmand category — where bold flavors, time-honored recipes, and unbeatable value come together in true Thai style.
This year’s list in Bangkok takes diners on a flavor-packed journey across the capital, from century-old offal dishes to bold southern Thai staples. Whether you’re a seafood lover, spice chaser, or comfort food enthusiast, there’s something to savor — like stewed pig’s brain and liver sausage for breakfast, turmeric-fried frog and lotus-root curry for lunch, and crispy garlic tofu or stir-fried crab to wrap up the day. Continued …
Missing pieces in clean power bid
Two missing pieces in Thailand’s clean energy sector cast doubt on whether Thailand can reach its ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065.
Behind these targets, critical building blocks are still missing – especially energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs) – which are essential to making clean energy reliable and practical. Continued …
- 18 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Chiang Mai for Running Fraudulent Call Center – Continued …
- Chinese National Arrested in Bangkok for Producing Drug-Laced Vape Products – Continued …
- Six Kuwaiti Nationals Arrested for Reckless Motorbike Riding, No Licenses – Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe 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 two 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.
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
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:
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- 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
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