Songkran at Cha Am Beach/Chiva-Som touts high-quality tourists/Songkran road toll 171/12 mild quakes recorded/PM Named Young Global Leader/Man, Attacked by Bees, Dies/ECONOMY: Thai team postpones US trip/Thailand sets sights on US gas/How US aid shutdown affects Thailand/Thailand’s Digital Economy/TOURISM: Illegal Foreign Tour Guides/Thailand’s Medical Tourism Market/Songkran events draw over 650,000/Songkran insanity/Drive to promote Thai soft power/German Tourists Hit by Songthaew/Ranger drowns looking for tourist’s phone/Phi Phi Islands reopen 10 dive sites/Air France Flights to Phuket/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: An essential part of Thai cooking/Solo travel in Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Call for greater EV incentives/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
The Songkran scene at Cha Am Beach
Chiva-Som calls for emphasis on high-quality tourists
Thailand should shift its focus to attracting high-quality travelers, meaning those with high spending power and concern for the environment, according to wellness resorts operator Chiva-Som. A recent initiative to shorten the visa-free duration could hinder this goal, noted the firm.
Krip Rojanastien, chairman and chief executive of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, said Thailand’s wellness industry has significant growth potential, as the country has a global reputation for its top-tier wellness services. Continued …
Songkran road toll 171, mainly from speeding and drink-driving
Traffic accidents killed 171 people and injured 1,208 others during the first five days of the Songkran holiday, as of Tuesday night. Officials reported yesterday that from April 11-15 there were 1,216 reported traffic accidents nationwide in which 171 people were killed and 1,208 others were injured.
The southern province of Phatthalung reported the highest number of accidents, 44, Bangkok the most traffic accident fatalities, 15, and the northern province of Lampang the most road injuries, 47. Continued …
12 mild quakes recorded today, two in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Twelve mild earthquakes were recorded in Myanmar and northern Thailand today, with magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 3.5, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. The Earthquake Observation Division of the department stated that two of these earthquakes occurred in Thailand.
The first, with a magnitude of 1.6 and a depth of 2 kilometers, occurred at 12:53 am in Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai Province. The second, with a magnitude of 1.9 and a depth of 7 kilometers, occurred at 5:44 am in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province. Continued …
PM Paetongtarn Named Young Global Leader 2025 by World Economic Forum
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been honored as a 2025 Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum. The 38-year-old leader has been recognized among the top 114 global figures under 40, among the emerging leaders with impressive records of fostering positive change across the globe.
Just recently, she was featured in TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list. Despite her relatively brief tenure, her progressive policies and leadership have been widely acknowledged, solidifying her as one of Asia’s youngest and most successful female heads of government. Continued …
Man, Attacked by Bees, Dies After Falling from Tree While Harvesting Honey
A 47-year-old man from Lampang has died after being attacked by a swarm of bees while attempting to collect honey from a tree, causing him to fall to his death.
Yesterday, officers from Mueang Lampang Police Station and an on-call doctor from Lampang Hospital were called to the scene near the Department of Health and Environment area beside the Rong Sam Duang cemetery in Bo Haeo subdistrict, Lampang Municipality. Continued …
Thai team postpones US trip for tariff talks
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira appears to have postponed his trip to the United States. Despite an announcement from Government House on Monday, he will not now be flying today and meeting U.S. trade representatives on Monday. Indeed, the Thai minister and his team are to fly out next week.
The delay comes as the scale or the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff move is hitting home in capitals across the world, none more so than Beijing. China today cancelled all post to and from the United States from Hong Kong. Earlier, President Xi Jinping ordered Chinese airlines to stop acquiring Boeing planes and parts. In short, this tariff negotiation must now be seen as a geopolitical struggle between China and the United States. Continued …
Thailand sets sights on US gas in answer to US tariffs
Thailand plans to buy an additional 1 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth US$500 million (about 16.6 billion baht) from the United States over the next five years as part of efforts to ease the trade imbalance that led Washington to impose a high tariff on Thai exports. The move comes ahead of negotiations with the U.S. over the tariff hike next week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday met representatives from the national oil and gas conglomerate, PTT Plc, to discuss measures to deal with the U.S.’ 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai goods. Continued …
How US aid shutdown affects Thailand
U.S. President Donald Trump has cut off most of America’s foreign aid programs, directly affecting Thailand and its neighbors. The affected projects range from hospitals and refugee support to earthquake relief and clean energy, and people have already died as a result.
Which projects have been shut down, how is the humanitarian community coping, and what hope is there for the future? Continued …
The Rise of Thailand’s Digital Economy
In recent years, Thailand has emerged as a dynamic player in the Southeast Asian digital landscape. The country’s digital economy is flourishing, driven by a combination of robust internet infrastructure, increased smartphone penetration, and supportive government policies. Thailand’s strategic focus on innovation and technology is transforming various sectors, from e-commerce and finance to healthcare and agriculture.
The Thai government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative plays a pivotal role in this transformation, promoting innovation and digitalization as key economic drivers. With significant investments in technology infrastructure, the nation aims to elevate its digital capacity, positioning itself as a leading digital hub in the region. Continued …
Illegal Foreign Tour Guides Bypass Thai Law with Bribes
Illegal foreign tour guides are shaking up Thailand’s tourism industry by dodging the rules and bribing officials. The Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand has raised red flags about this persistent issue affecting top tourist spots.
With a focus on places like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, these foreign guides, many from China, Russia, India, and Vietnam, are operating under the radar by paying off officers regularly to continue their businesses. Continued …
Thailand’s Medical Tourism Market Poised for Significant Growth
Thailand’s medical tourism industry continues to thrive, with projections indicating it will reach over $66 million by 2034, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% from a projected $15,378 million by the end of 2024.
This rapid expansion underscores Thailand’s rising prominence as a global leader in healthcare tourism, attracting patients from across the world due to its high-quality medical care, cutting-edge technology, and affordable prices. Continued …
Bangkok’s Songkran events draw over 650,000 visitors in 3 days
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has concluded its three-day Songkran water festival at Silom and Khao San roads, which attracted more than 650,000 Thai and international visitors.
According to Saenyakorn Unmeesri, Bangkok’s deputy permanent secretary, the festival ended smoothly and successfully, not only offering water-filled celebrations but also generating a significant economic boost for the capital. Continued …
Pattaya’s Songkran Mayhem must be toned down, warn the city’s police
Pattaya police on Tuesday met staff and the manager of a bar on Soi 6 on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach that was involved in a violent brawl and public disturbance early on Tuesday morning. Later on in the day, there were further incidents linked to Songkran, which have caused police to issue warnings to the public. Continued …
- Thai woman gives birth on street, leaves newborn to die to celebrate Songkran – Continued …
- Teen shot dead during Songkran in Phichit province – Continued …
- Cops hunt suspects in Songkran shooting at Nakhon Sawan temple – Continued …
- Tattooed Tourist Assaulted in Songkran Soaking Incident – Continued …
Drive to promote Thai soft power heats up
A draft bill to promote soft power will soon be submitted to the cabinet, while the establishment of the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) is anticipated in the first quarter of next year, says the chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee.
Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the committee, said a soft power policy is vital to transform Thailand’s economic structure and create new growth engines, as conventional industries can no longer sustain significant growth. Continued …
German Tourists Hit by Songthaew While Using Zebra Crossing in Khao Lak
A foreign tourist family was seriously injured after being struck by a local songthaew while crossing a zebra crossing in Khao Lak, Phang Nga.
The incident occurred Tuesday along Phetkasem Road in Phang Nga province. Dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle captured the moment a German family, a father, mother, and their young child in a stroller, attempted to cross the road at a designated pedestrian crossing. Continued …
Ranger drowns in cave looking for tourist’s dropped phone
A park ranger drowned while trying to retrieve a mobile phone a visitor dropped into the stream inside Tham Sao Hin cave in Thong Pha Phum district on Tuesday afternoon. Tham Sao Hin and nearby Tham Nok Nang Aen cave have subsequently been temporarily closed to the public.
Paisan Wanphet, 43, volunteered to enter rain-swollen Khlong Ngu stream to recover the tourist’s valued possession on Tuesday. He dove into the fast-flowing stream, was promptly swept away, and disappeared. Continued …
Phi Phi Islands reopen 10 dive sites after year-long closure due to coral bleaching
Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province today announced the reopening of 10 snorkeling and diving sites that had been temporarily closed for nearly a year due to coral bleaching crisis.
Saengsiri Chongthong, chief of the national park, said that the park closed several popular diving and snorkeling areas on May 13, 2024, to allow damaged coral reefs time to recover from severe bleaching caused by environmental stress. Continued …
Air France Launching New Flights to Phuket
Air France (AF) is introducing a new nonstop route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Phuket (HKT), Thailand, starting Nov. 27. The airline aims to meet rising demand for Asian travel with three weekly flights on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
This addition enhances Air France’s winter 2025-2026 schedule, expanding its Asian network to 11 destinations, including Phuket, a vibrant island known for beaches, culture, and adventure. The route strengthens connectivity between Europe and Thailand’s tourism hub. Continued …
How one divisive herb became an essential part of Thai cooking
It’s the middle of dinner service at Bo.lan restaurant in Bangkok and our table for two is packed with all the dishes that make up a traditional Thai meal: salad, a laab of minced gray mullet that smells like nutty, toasted rice kernels; curry, a southern-style chicken-and-prawn version made creamy with cashew nuts; a protein dish — stir-fried beef in a sauce thickened with shrimp paste; and much more besides.
I take a bite of stir-fried jícama (a turnip-like root vegetable) and dried prawns, garlanded with coriander leaves — a blast of green tempered with an umami undertone. This is what fresh coriander should be: a hit of brightness that wakes up the taste buds. But Thais don’t just use the leaves — various parts of the plant are in every component of this meal. Continued …
Solo travel in Thailand: 5 best places and safety tips
Thailand is one of the top destinations for solo travelers — and for good reason. With its welcoming locals, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delicious street food, the Land of Smiles makes solo travel not just easy but truly memorable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, peace, or self-discovery, Thailand has something for everyone.
From temple-hopping in Chiang Mai to sunset dinners in Phuket, exploring night markets in Bangkok, to hiking in Khao Sok National Park, each part of Thailand offers a unique experience. For solo women travelers especially, Thailand combines safety, accessibility, and soul-nourishing moments. Here’s your guide to traveling solo in Thailand with confidence and curiosity. Continued …
Firms call for greater EV incentives
The state tax exemption for companies buying commercial electric vehicles should promote EV usage, but more measures are needed to speed up the transition to eco-friendly vehicles, say companies in the sector.
Approved by the cabinet in late March, the exemption on corporate income tax applies to entrepreneurs investing in electric trucks and buses, both imported and assembled locally. Continued …
China says it will ignore US ‘tariff numbers game’
China will pay no attention if the United States continues to play the “tariff numbers game”, China’s foreign ministry said today. The White House says China’s total duties include the latest reciprocal tariff of 125%, a 20% tariff to address the fentanyl crisis, and tariffs of between 7.5% and 100% on specific goods to address unfair trade practices. Continued …
Boeing faces fresh crisis with US-China trade war
U.S. aviation giant Boeing, fresh off a crippling labor dispute and quality-control crisis, has now found itself drawn into the escalating trade conflict between Washington and Beijing. The largest U.S. exporter, Boeing has been caught in the crossfire after President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs of up to 145% on many Chinese products, sparking retaliatory 125% levies from Beijing. Continued …
Gold Hits Record High as Investors Seek Safe Haven Amid Global Uncertainty
Global gold prices have surged to a fresh record high in Asian trading, as investors sought refuge in the safe-haven asset amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, according to Reuters. Spot gold climbed by 1.9%, hitting $3,287.79 per ounce after earlier reaching a new peak of $3,294.99 per ounce. Continued …
Bitcoin declines 20% amid trade, stagflation woes
Ongoing trade tensions and stagflation fears pushed the price of Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, to drop 20% in the first three months this year, with further weakness expected in the second quarter, say analysts. The decline comes amid slowing economic growth and interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve that are proceeding more gradually than markets anticipated. Continued …
Astronomers spot strongest ‘hints’ yet of life on distant planet
Astronomers announced today they had detected the most promising “hints” of potential life on a planet beyond our solar system, though other scientists expressed scepticism. There has been vigorous debate in scientific circles about whether the planet K2-18b, which is 124 light years away in the Leo constellation, could be an ocean world capable of hosting microbial life. 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 10 am and 3 pm
- From Don Meaung to Hua Hin: depart 3pm
- Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
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
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
- State Railway – 1590