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Today’s news: Starbucks cup of coffee/Foreign woman collapses on breakwater wall/PM2.5 air pollution budget/256 people killed in road accidents/Five sustainable living trends/Rooftop solar option reviewed/Top predictions for IT/Regulate Artificial Intelligence?/Giant King Cobra scatters golfers/Economy: Baht to strengthen/Short-term stimulus measure planned/Energy minister’s plan sparks potential/Online sales reporting/200,000 Jobs In EEC Smart City/Tourism: Operators question 40 million target/Airports chief expects 8 million Chinese visitors/60 countries and territories can visit Thailand without visa/‘100% recovered’ by December/Phuket Boat Drivers Test Positive/Thailand Experience: Beginner’s Guide To Thailand/January festivals/Why You Should Travel To Chiang Mai/12 best luxury resorts/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

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Starbucks cup of coffee now costlier than Thailand’s minimum wage

Starbucks, one of Thailand’s most popular coffee chains, announced that the prices of its beverages will be increased by 5 baht at all of its stores across the country from today. One cup of coffee from Starbucks is now more expensive than Thailand’s national minimum wage.

The corporation says the reason for the price hike is due to the current economic situation, which, according to an official Starbucks statement, has caused the cost of operation and management to increase its prices. Continued …

Foreign woman slips and collapses on breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach

The non-profit organization Beach for Life Thailand called for enhanced safety measures following an incident in which a foreign woman slipped and fell on a breakwater wall at Pranburi Beach in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. This infamous location has previously caused harm, resulting in a disability for a Thai man.

The foreign woman reportedly lost consciousness after collapsing on the slippery breakwater wall on Jan. 2. A local rescue team went to the scene to provide first aid and take the foreign victim to hospital. The condition of the foreigner has not yet been released. Continued …

‘Disappointing’ budget to fight PM2.5 air pollution

A Move Forward Party MP on Thursday accused the Pheu Thai of not living up to its pre-poll promise to tackle PM2.5 air pollution, as the ruling coalition had allocated too little funds to combat air pollution.

Move Forward’s Chiang Mai MP Phattarapong Leelaphat said on the second day of the budget bill debate that the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had made tackling PM2.5 issue a national agenda but the budget allocation was “disappointing”. Continued …

256 people killed in over 2,000 road accidents during New Year holidays

More than 2,000 road accidents occurred during the New Year holiday break, leaving 256 people dead and 2,106 others injured between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

A total of 2,083 road accidents were reported nationwide during those six days, Education Ministry permanent secretary Suthep Kaengsanthia told a press conference at the department. Continued …

Five sustainable living trends that could catch on in 2024

Saving the world from climate change and other environmental impacts is a common aspiration of all society, and the private and public sectors worldwide are paying attention to this issue.

Despite accounting for only 0.8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions annually, Thailand is among countries severely affected by climate change. Continued …

Rooftop solar option reviewed as energy alternative

Following the past year’s cabinet meeting on Dec 19, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said the government would continue to subsidize electricity to households, declaring the move as a “New Year for the people”.

This would seem risky in light of the Energy Regulatory Committee’s recent ruling that an increase in electricity tariff rates was necessary, as the country imports expensive liquified natural gas (LNG) to keep power plants running. Continued …

Top predictions for IT organizations and users in 2024

Gartner’s top predictions explore how generative AI (GenAI) has changed executive leaders’ way of thinking on every subject and how to create a more flexible and adaptable organization that is better prepared for the future.

“GenAI presents an opportunity to accomplish things never before possible in the scope of human existence,” said Daryl Plummer, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner. “CIOs and executive leaders will embrace the risks of using GenAI so they can reap the unprecedented benefits. Continued …

Does Thailand Need to Regulate Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful force for good in Thailand, improving healthcare, reducing carbon emissions, bridging educational divides and many more. But AI also comes with new challenges in terms of safety, privacy, skills and competitiveness gaps.

To ensure that AI moves ahead on the right track, True Corp. recently organized the AI Gets Good seminar. Representatives from the government sector, the academic sector, and the business sector came together at the event to discuss “How to ensure that AI creates positive impacts in Thai society?” Continued …

Giant King Cobra scatters Chonburi golfers

In the Ban Bueng district of Chon Buri, a typical day of golfing transformed into a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary when an enormous king cobra raised its scary head.

The beastly serpent, sprawled across the green, caused a stir among golfers, who promptly vacated the area in all directions. Upon receiving the distress signal, volunteer rescuers from the Silarattham Samakom Foundation, aptly skilled in handling such incidents, arrived at the golf course. Continued …

Baht to strengthen against US dollar

The baht could strengthen to 33 to the U.S. dollar in the near term as the market is convinced the U.S. Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates by as early as March, bringing back fund inflows to the Thai currency.

The baht traded at 34.26-34.28 to the greenback on Wednesday, weakening slightly from Tuesday’s close of 34.14. The depreciation was in line with other regional currencies as the U.S. bond yield rose and there was higher demand for the dollar. Continued …

Short-term stimulus measure planned until budget bill is passed

The Finance Ministry is drafting a short-term plan to stimulate the economy, to be implemented before the budget bill for fiscal 2024 takes effect, Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said on Thursday.

Parliament is currently deliberating the first reading of the government’s proposed 3.48-trillion-baht budget, which concludes today. Continued …

Energy minister’s plan sparks potential for across-the-board cost cuts

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga unveiled a plan that could slash energy cost across the board.

Pirapan declared that a paradigm shift is imminent in the gas supply sector, aiming to empower power producers and significantly cut down on electricity expenses. The key? A strategic merger of gas pools to unleash a domino effect that could alter the fortunes of power and petrochemical players. Continued …

Online sales reporting ‘could bring in Bt10 billion in taxes’

A requirement for online platform operators to submit sellers’ income statements to the Revenue Department should increase tax revenue by roughly 10 billion baht, says Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance.

The new reporting rules, which took effect on Jan. 1, apply to digital platform operators registered in Thailand with annual revenue of more than 1 billion baht. Businesses already supervised by the Bank of Thailand or the Stock Exchange of Thailand will not be subject to the rule. Continued …

Thailand Aims To Create 200,000 Jobs In EEC Smart City

The Thai government approved on Jan. 2 the establishment of the EEC Business Center and Livable Smart City, a special economic zone in the eastern part of Thailand. The zone is expected to become a regional business and financial center by 2027 and one of the 10 most livable smart cities in the world by 2037.

Chai Watcharong, spokesman for the prime minister’s office, revealed that the EEC board, chaired by Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy prime minister and minister of commerce, has agreed with this plan. Continued …

Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target

The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue, with only 3.5 million visitors last year, a sharp decline from the nearly 10 million seen in 2019. Continued …

Airports chief expects 8 million Chinese visitors this year

Airports of Thailand expects the Thai-Chinese visa-free agreement will help bring 8 million Chinese visitors to the country this year, or about 70% of the record total set in 2019, says President Kerati Kijmanawat.

The bilateral agreement between Thailand and China, under which nationals of both countries will no longer have to apply for visas before traveling, is expected to be launched on March 1. A six-month visa-free trial program for Chinese visitors is scheduled to expire at the end of February. Continued …

People from over 60 countries and territories can visit Thailand without visa for 30 days

Foreign visitors from more than 60 countries and territories can enter Thailand without a visa and stay in the country for up to 30 days.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affairs, these countries and territories include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. Continued …

Hotel industry ‘100% recovered’ by December end

The Thai hotel industry is expected to see a full recovery from the pandemic’s fallout by the end of the second half of this year, Thai Hotel Assn. (THA) President Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi predicts.

The average occupancy rate of Thai hotels was 60% in 2023, compared to 75% in 2019, the last full year before Covid-19 struck worldwide. Continued …

Five Phuket Boat Drivers Test Positive for Illegal Drugs

Five boat drivers tested positive for illegal drugs recently at a pier in Thalang after a random check.

Phuket Gov. Sophon Suwannarat ordered drug testing for boat drivers at piers in Phuket following a fatal boat accident that took the life of a young Russian girl in which the captain later tested positive for amphetamines. Continued …

A Beginner’s Guide To Thailand

With an estimated 24.6 million foreign tourists arriving in 2023 (as reported by Skift), the Kingdom of Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

For first-time visitors interested in immersive culture, eye-widening landscapes and epic gastronomy, here are some highlights from Thailand’s cities, seas, mountains and jungles: Continued …

January festivals from flowers to music and boats

Lovers of flowers, light and sound, cultural shows, music and boat racing — whatever your interest, there’s an abundance of festival choices for all from the kingdom’s north to its south throughout the first month of 2024.

Key festivals throughout January that promise to impress include:

The 20th Chiang Rai Flower Festival, running from now until Jan. 15, is being held by the Muang Chiang Rai municipality at the Tung and Khom Park. The festival also features music in the park from 8pm to 9pm every Saturday from now until Feb. 17. Continued …

Here’s Why You Should Travel To Chiang Mai

When it comes to Thai destinations, Bangkok often steals the spotlight with its busy streets, neon-lit nightlife, and the ever-present hum of activity. But hold on to your tuk tuks because there’s a gem up north quietly asserting itself as the preferred choice for discerning travelers — Chiang Mai.

Step aside, Bangkok, and make room for the city that effortlessly serves cultural richness, natural beauty, and a laid-back vibe. Continued …

The 12 best luxury resorts in Thailand

Thailand is a place where culture, tradition and creativity thrive, and where nature abounds. Bangkok caters to every whim, craving and desire. The chaotic city soon gives way to wild plains and verdant jungle, followed by dreamy coastlines and beautiful islands. Here, the hospitality is warm, the resorts spectacular and the ocean views unrivaled.

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Wellness reigns supreme here for mind, body and soul. Contemporary spa concepts are delivered through the lens of Thai ritual, a transformative experience that harmonizes the relationship between mental and physical states. Food is fresh, nourishing and largely sourced from the sea, and the luxury properties that pepper the region provide personalized service and peaceful surrounds. Continued …