Today’s news: Two women found shot dead/Bike For Crab event/Raw meat warning/Hazardous smog in 48 provinces/Boy, 14, arrested for shooting death/Use of mosquito spray urged/Tainted fruit, vegetable imports/Someone is poisoning Rayong’s dogs/Thai police the least trusted/To lose elephant foundation/Economy: Thai retail sector struggles/Thais in Dubai working illegally/Phangnga’s lithium deposits/Cannabis crackdown steeped in political games/Tourism: Phuket: Overwhelmed by success/Khaosan Road Gears Up for Songkran/Phi Phi Island’s twin woes/Foreigners behaving badly/Crackdown on illegal foreign businesses/Environment: Chiang Mai offers 10,000 baht reward/CP Foods’ green building initiative/Thailand Experience: The human–elephant relationship/Samrub Samrub Thai, a Chef Hangout/I traveled in a tuk-tuk/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Hua Hin train schedule/Market Village bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Two women found shot dead at property in Hua Hin
Police are currently investigating the deaths of two women found shot at a property in Hua Hin. The deceased, identified as a 63-year-old businesswoman and her 46-year-old secretary, were discovered on Sunday by the son of the older woman, after he grew concerned over his inability to contact his mother for several days.
Traveling from Bangkok to Hua Hin, he arrived at his mother’s home to find it securely locked, with the air conditioning still running. Upon entering the house through a back window, he was met with a foul smell, prompting him to alert local authorities. Continued …
Bike For Crab event to take place in Pak Nam Pran March 26
Pak Nam Pran is gearing up for the 6th annual “Bike For Crab” charity cycling event, set to take place on March 26, aiming to raise funds for the community crab bank project while promoting health awareness among the public.
The initiative, by the Kluaynamthai Hospital and its Foundation under the guidance of Saranyu Choonhajer, aims to emphasize the importance of preserving blue swimming crabs through this unique charity ride. Continued …
Anthrax outbreak in Laos prompts raw meat warning in Thailand
Kenika Ounjit, a deputy government spokesperson, yesterday revealed a public health warning from the Department of Livestock Development. The warning urged the public to refrain from consuming raw meat. This follows a report of an anthrax outbreak in Laos.
According to the report, three cases of anthrax were identified on March 4 in the Soukhoumma district of the Lao province of Champasak. This province shares a border with Thailand’s eastern Ubon Ratchathani province, raising concerns for potential cross-border transmission, said Kenika, highlighting raw beef, buffalo, goat, and sheep meat as potential carriers of the bacterium. Continued …
Hazardous smog in 48 provinces
Forty-eight provinces were blanketed with hazardous levels of PM2.5 on Monday morning and 11 provinces, mostly in the north, faced red levels of pollution, with Chiang Mai suffering the most.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported at 10am on Monday that the highest level of particulate matter, 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5), was detected in the northern province of Chiang Mai, at 125.3 micrograms per cubic meter of air over the past 24 hours. The government-set safe threshold is 37.5µg/m³. Continued …
Boy, 14, arrested for shooting death of teen in Hua Hin
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old in downtown Hua Hin last Thursday evening. Hua Hin Police Station launched an investigation into the incident, which happened on Naresdamri close to the entrance to Hua Hin Fishing Pier.
The shooting not only claimed the life of the young victim, known as “Nong Din,” but also left his 16-year-old friend seriously injured after being caught in the gunfire. Continued …
Frequent use of mosquito spray urged as dengue death toll rises
In a warning against the spread of dengue fever, the Public Health Ministry has urged people to protect themselves by using anti-mosquito sprays and lotions.
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said on Sunday that at the latest meeting of the National Communicable Disease Control committee, he learned that the number of dengue patients this year has risen to 17,783 cases, more than double the number compared to the same period last year. The disease has claimed 25 lives in 16 provinces this year alone, he said. Continued …
Alarm sounded for tainted fruit, vegetable imports
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to examine fruit and vegetables purchased from neighboring countries and China more carefully after pesticide contamination was discovered in some imports of farm produce.
“Thailand continues to import fruit and vegetables contaminated by chemicals banned in many countries,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. Continued …
Someone is poisoning Rayong’s dogs, 36 dead so far
Three dog owners in Rayong’s Nikhom Phatthana district have asked police to take action against those responsible for poisoning their pets in separate incidents, resulting in the deaths of 36 animals. Somjit Palapol, a durian farmer, claims that his 19 dogs were poisoned on March 6, 17 of which died.
He said that he raised his dogs with love and best care, but they were killed by poison-laced food. ‘I am speechless and broken-hearted. I have already filed a complaint with the police, as the killings violate the law,’ he said. Continued …
Thai police the least trusted law enforcement agency
Thai citizens view corruption within the civil service sector as motivated by greed more than any other reason, a new NIDA poll published on Sunday revealed.
Over 59% of respondents said they believed civil servant corruption was due to financial reasons, while 31.5% believed that corruption stemmed from public admiration for rich, godfatherly figures. Continued …
Swiss man to lose elephant foundation
Phuket authorities will revoke the elephant foundation license of the Swiss man who allegedly kicked a Thai woman doctor on a beach, after canceling his gun licenses, according to the Phuket governor.
Gov. Sophon Suwannarat said on Saturday that investigators suspected that Urs Fehr’s Green Elephant Wildlife foundation was used for illegal purposes and its license would be revoked. Continued …
Thai retail sector struggles despite tax incentives and tourist spending
Despite increased spending by tourists and tax incentives to encourage buying, Thailand’s retail sector is under strain. The sector, facing the challenges of a surge of substandard goods from China, is burdening local entrepreneurs.
Thai Retailers Assn. Vice President Chatchai Tuongratanaphan predicts a growth of only 1%-2% in the retail sector for the first half of the year. This is due to the postponed fiscal 2024 budget and the termination of the Easy E-Receipt scheme, which provided tax rebates of up to 50,000 baht (US$1,409) for spending from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. Continued …
Majority of 12,000 Thais in Dubai are working illegally
Most of the 12,000 Thais employed in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates are illegal workers who were lured with promises of high pay. There are only about 4,500 who are fully and correctly documented.
Nipa Nirannoot, the Thai consul-general in Dubai, said many Thai women have been lured to work in massage parlors, but end up being forced into prostitution. Others work in online gambling or scam networks, lured with the promise of work in oil fields and abandoned once they arrive there, she said. Continued …
Phangnga’s lithium deposits eyed for Thailand’s EV manufacturing ambitions
Phangnga’s rich lithium deposits were the focal point of a House Committee on Industry visit on Sunday, as the government looks to establish the area as a global lithium source. The move aligns with the government’s strategy to make Thailand an electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub.
Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, chairman of the House committee and United Thai Nations MP for Ratchaburi, led the delegation to the southern province. The visit included a progress report update from Phangnga Gov. Supoj Rodruang Na Nongkhai and a trip to the Ruangkiat lithium deposit in tambon Ka Lai. Continued …
Thailand’s proposed cannabis crackdown steeped in political games
On a weekday afternoon, more and more people start slowly filing into a subterranean plaza off Bangkok’s iconic Khaosan Road – for decades a tourist hub in the Thai capital. The underground space, formerly home to a supermarket, is lined with small shops and tables and chairs, and is cool and breezy. It has to be.
Air-filtration systems are required to be installed here to keep the mostly international tourist crowd comfortable, and more pertinently, clear the haze of thick marijuana smoke. This is Plantopia, also known as Weed City. Multiple stores exclusively sell cannabis and related paraphernalia – and customers can smoke it on the spot. Continued …
Phuket: Overwhelmed by success
Phuket has been in the limelight the past six months after the government announced a plan to elevate Thailand to an aviation hub, with Phuket the key gateway in the south.
The plan includes a new airport project in Phangnga, which is estimated to cost 80 billion baht and accommodate 20 million passengers per year, providing support to Phuket airport. Continued …
Khaosan Road Gears Up for World Songkran Festival
On Friday, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, the president of the Khaosan Business Assn., revealed preparation for the upcoming World Songkran Festival 2024 on Khaosan Road, Bangkok, from April 13-15.
The water play on Khaosan Road would be held for three days from April 13-15 up to 9pm each day. Afterward, restaurants and entertainment venues would operate normally. Continued …
Phi Phi Island’s twin woes – not enough water, too much marijuana
The much-visited Phi Phi Island in Krabi province is drowning in multiple crises. There is a severe shortage of fresh water for consumption. And outlets selling marijuana are on the rise.
Businessmen are urging the government to allocate funds for setting up a freshwater production plant and also take steps to control the open sale of marijuana. Continued …
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Illegal British Tour Guide Arrested in Karon – Continued …
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Three Russians Arrested for Allegedly Operating Beauty Clinic on Samui Island – Continued …
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Swiss Man who Allegedly Assaulted Elderly Woman Banned from Leaving Thailand – Continued …
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Russian Woman Arrested Illegally Working at Wichit Snake Farm – Continued …
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Two Overstaying Russians Arrested in Wichit – Continued …
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Russian Man Arrested for Allegedly Working Illegally at Cannabis Shop in Wichit – Continued …
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Russian and Belarusian Arrested for Illegally Working in Chalong Company – Continued …
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Phuket to crack down on illegal foreign businesses using Thai nominees – Continued …
Chiang Mai offers 10,000 baht reward, uses artificial rain to control pollution
The Chiang Mai governor is offering 10,000 baht to anyone who can lead to the arrest of forest fire suspects and has ordered rainmaking operations to control PM2.5 pollution.
Gov.Nirat Pongsitthaworn said on Sunday that the PM2.5 pollution can also be blamed on westerly winds blowing dust across from neighboring countries. Continued …
CP Foods’ green building initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) is consting green buildings for its operations nationwide, utilizing sustainable construction materials and implementing measures to reduce energy consumption.
The initiative begins with the development of five green buildings, contributing to the advancement of a low-carbon industry. Continued …
Fostering the human – elephant relationship
While many areas of Thailand are grappling with the issue of human-elephant conflicts, Kui Buri National Park has successfully turned this crisis into an opportunity. The initiative aims not only to ease the conflict between humans and elephants but also to change the perceptions of local people and help them generate income. Video
Samrub Samrub Thai, a Chef Hangout Spot Turned MICHELIN Star
When you think of Thai food, massaman curry, tom yam, or som tam may come to mind. However, delving deeper into the essence of Thai cuisine, Thai cuisine is more than that – a lot more. One couple explores the relationship between a Thai meal set consisting of rice and dishes eaten with rice, known as “samrub.”
It started as a humble post-work chef gathering among peers. Now the humble spot has become a MICHELIN Star restaurant. At Samrub Samrub Thai, the team invites you to experience Thai culture through beautifully crafted seasonal set menus with a chef’s counter that blurs the line between kitchen and guests, and revives ancient Thai recipes, bringing them back to life in the present world. Continued …
I traveled through one of the world’s most crowded cities in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk
During time away from home, many tourists will end up using forms of transport that they typically wouldn’t at home.
Often, this means catching the bus or perhaps metro system to get from one point of a city to another. However, while this can be cost-effective and, depending on the destination, incredibly efficient, sometimes it pays to try something a little more authentic. Continued …
Southeast Asia received 50% of China’s regional investment in 2023
In 2023, Chinese investment in the Asia-Pacific region saw a remarkable surge, with Southeast Asia alone attracting half of China’s regional investments. Despite China’s economy facing a slowdown, a report by Griffith University and Fudan University disclosed that the investment reached nearly $20 billion in the region, a significant 37% jump from the year before. Continued …
Universal Pictures dominates the Academy Awards with ‘Oppenheimer’
Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures dominated Sunday’s Academy Awards, propelled by the historical drama “Oppenheimer,” which won seven Oscars, including best picture. The film about the father of the atomic bomb claimed wins in several major categories, including the best director Oscar for Christopher Nolan, lead actor for Cillian Murphy and supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. Continued …
Wind tops coal in German energy shift
Germany says that wind power overtook coal-fired generation last year, underscoring the country’s accelerating transition away from fossil fuels. Wind accounted for 31% of electricity production, becoming the country’s biggest source of supply. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Hua Hin Chiang Mai flight schedule May 4-June 14
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 10:20am–11:50am
Hua Hin Chiang Mai, 12:20pm–13:35pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai–Hua Hin, 9am–10:30am
Hua Hin–Chiang Mai, 11am–12:15pm
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.
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
Navigating the rise in sexually transmitted infections
