Amazing Food Festival/Crab Release Walk and Run/Robe ceremony held at Wat Huay Mongkol/’F’ for handling Thailand’s education crisis/Would vote for new People’s Party/Thailand as a hub for senior citizens/Rice farmers to sue/Blackchin tilapia wash up in Phetchaburi/Thai Police Raid Chinese Factories/Economy: Thailand launches price cuts/GDP growth of less than 2%/Expert Warns Against ‘Hong Kong-ization’/Addressing the Thai nominee problem/Casino bill moves forward/Temu not registered to pay taxes/1 trillion baht for crop revenue/Franchise sector expands/Cross-border trade/Tourism: Big jump in Phuket’s August arrivals/Thailand Experience: Best Places To Visit In Thailand/Most beautiful places to visit in Thailand/Betong has plenty to offer/Observing the Ghost Festival/8 Stunning Airbnbs In Phuket/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Amazing Food Festival
There was plenty of food at this year’s Amazing Food Festival, held at Pone Kingpeth Park in Hua Hin central, albeit at tourist prices.
Crab Release Walk and Run Sept 7
Mother’s Day robe ceremony held at Wat Huay Mongkol
Experts give Srettha govt an ‘F’ for handling Thailand’s education crisis
Despite one year in office, the Srettha administration has yet to set a clear direction for improvement in Thailand’s stagnating education system.
“It’s as if the government doesn’t realize the need to prioritize,” said an exasperated Asst. Prof. Athapol Anunthavorasakul, of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education. Continued …
84% of people would vote for new People’s Party tomorrow
Eighty-four percent of respondents to a recent poll said they would vote for the brand-new People’s Party if they were about to cast ballots in a general election tomorrow.
Of a total of about 51,000 people who responded in the latest poll via Matichon’s YouTube channel to the question of which specific party they would support if the election was held tomorrow, 84% of the respondents said they would vote for the People’s, a resurrection of the court-dissolved Move Forward. Continued …
Positioning Thailand as a hub for senior citizens to enjoy life post-retirement
The current global trend of social change toward an aging society is becoming more evident. According to the United Nations’ World Population 2022 report, the global population is projected to reach 8 billion, with 10% being over the age of 65. This percentage is expected to increase to 16% by 2050.
In Thailand, by 2024, the country will have fully transitioned into an aging society. Data from the Ministry of Interior shows that in 2023 Thailand had approximately 13 million people aged 60 and above, making up one-fifth of the total population of 66,057,967. This increase in the elderly population presents an opportunity for businesses catering to this demographic, particularly in the elderly-care sector or “nursing homes”, which are experiencing growth in Thailand. Continued …
Rice farmers to sue if water is drained into their rice fields
Rice farmers in the Sena district of Ayutthaya province are threatening to sue the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) for compensation if the department drains excess water into their rice fields before Sept. 15, flooding their unharvested crops.
Pradab Kongpramoon, a farmer in Ban Krathum in Sena district, said that there are more than 22,400 hectares of rice fields, with only some having been harvested. Of his own 8 hectares, he said his rice plants are about 90-days old and can be harvested in the next 30 days, adding that water from a nearby canal is already flooding his field. Continued …
Thousands of Blackchin tilapia wash up on Phetchaburi beach
Fishermen in Bang Kaeo subdistrict of Phetchaburi province have each reaped a harvest of over 100kg of Blackchin tilapia fish, which washed ashore on Bang Kaeo Beach this morning. Fishermen told the media that they had never seen so many Blackchin tilapia being washed ashore, although they had seen them at sea.
The fishermen kept only the large fish, to be used as food for crabs, and ignored the smaller ones, which were left to die on the beach. Continued …
Thai Police Raid Chinese Factories: Hazardous Chemicals Found Again
Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division police raided illegal aluminum dross-smelting factories, seizing over 10,000 tons of contraband. They identified it as hazardous to living organisms. The owners are Chinese nationals.
On Sunday, police from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, armed with a court warrant, searched Phoem Phoon Sap factory in Phrong Madua, Mueang Nakhon Pathom, and Tai Bao Aluminum factory in Bang Kachao, Mueang Samut Sakhon. Continued …
Thailand launches price cuts to boost economy before digital wallet
The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with 150 manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies, is launching a nationwide price reduction event to alleviate living costs and stimulate the economy before the digital wallet launch.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that the Ministry of Commerce invited government agencies, consumer goods manufacturers, wholesale and retail chains, the Thai Retailers Assn., and other trade organizations to participate in the government’s economic recovery initiative. This comes ahead of the 10,000-baht digital wallet rollout scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Continued …
Most business executives see GDP growth of less than 2% in 2024
As Thai ministers huddled together on Sunday to discuss the government’s agenda and Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s tenure in office, it was against a backdrop of an economy that is already struggling. This comes despite attempts by government spokespeople to talk it up.
In short, business leaders are warning that the country’s manufacturing sector cannot withstand a Chinese tide of cheap products. Meanwhile, consumer confidence is slipping, and unemployment is rising. Continued …
Expert Warns Against ‘Hong Kong-ization’ of Thai Real Estate Market
the Thai government is considering a plan to boost the real estate sector by allowing foreigners to buy or rent property in Thailand for up to 99 years. This proposal aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy but has faced opposition from various groups.
Chinese investment in Thailand is growing rapidly, affecting nearly every business sector. Chinese supermarkets are expanding into the provinces, restaurant franchises offer low prices using mostly imported ingredients, and Chinese companies are involved in transportation, construction, and real estate. Continued …
Addressing the Thai nominee problem in foreign-owned firms
A large Chinese-language billboard explicitly offering a service to help customers obtain passports and citizenship for several countries, observed in Huai Khwang district last month, has again sparked a controversy regarding nominee businesses in Thailand.
An influx of cheap products, illegal tours, restaurants and supermarkets using Thai nominees have spread in the country, prompting local business operators to voice their concerns to the government, as Thai producers and service providers could be damaged without proper preventive measures. Continued …
Casino legalization bill moves forward
The government is pressing ahead with a bill to allow casinos to operate legally within entertainment complexes in the country.
According to government sources, the Finance Ministry has finished the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act. The bill will undergo a public hearing as required by Section 77 of the constitution to ensure public participation in the push for passage of the legislation. Continued …
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu is not registered to pay taxes
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has instructed the Revenue Department to reach out to the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, which recently entered the Thai market, to encourage it to register for the tax system.
Kulaya Tantitemit, director general of the Revenue Department, said the department has contacted Temu via email, advising it to register as a taxpayer according to Thai law. Continued …
Thailand targets 1 trillion baht milestone for crop revenue
The Commerce Ministry has urged Thai conglomerates and government bodies to collaborate on purchasing economic and secondary crops, targeting a revenue milestone of 1 trillion baht this year.
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai highlighted that the agriculture sector supports approximately 27 million people, accounting for around 40% of the labor force. This includes 7.4 million households and encompasses key economic crops like rice, rubber, oil palm, corn, and cassava, totaling 87.7 million tons. Continued …
Franchise sector continues to expand
The franchise sector, currently valued at 300 billion baht, is growing contrary to the economic downturn, with expectations of a 9% expansion this year driven by the service sector, including spas, beauty clinics, and the influx of new Chinese franchises with innovative products and business models investing in Thailand.
The provincial market is also expected to see significant growth, particularly among the younger generation, who increasingly prefer to start their own businesses. Continued …
Cross-border trade sees positive trend
The value of Thailand’s cross-border and transit trade in the first six months of the year stood at over 912 billion baht, an increase of 3.6% on the same period last year, which the government attributed to the increased promotion of cross-border trade over the past several months.
Citing figures released by the Department of Foreign Trade, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that during the past six months, the country’s cross-border trade and transit trade – defined as trade with third countries that take place via Thailand’s border checkpoints – was valued at 912.28 billion baht. Continued …
Big jump in Phuket’s August tourist arrivals
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed by the Airports of Thailand (AOT) that 20 to 30 flights are landing in Phuket every day in August, with this being over 100% increase from last year and the trend continuing during the high season.
Srettha used his vacation in Phuket to call a meeting of tourism agencies to prepare for the high season, including representatives from National Police headquarters, Region 8 Police, Phuket provincial police, tourist and marine police, plus the Navy, Provincial Gov. Sophon Suwannarat and AOT. Continued …
These Are The Best Places To Visit In Thailand
Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.”
My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022 when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself. The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. Continued …
6 most beautiful places to visit in Thailand
Thailand is a land of breathtaking beauty, offering a diverse range of landscapes and experiences that captivate travelers from around the world. From pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush mountains and vibrant cultural sites, this Southeast Asian gem has something for every kind of traveller
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, relaxation on a serene beach, or a deep dive into rich cultural heritage, Thailand’s natural and man-made wonders promise unforgettable memories. Continued …
Thailand’s border town of Betong has plenty to offer
A visit to the Ayerweng Skywalk in Betong, a town in the Yala Province in southern Thailand, is akin to having a wager with nature, a lottery to see whether there’d be clouds or no clouds on that particular morning.
If you win this lottery you’ll get a beautiful and surreal sea of clouds. But if you lose, then your view would be treetops, treetops and more treetops! To see this beautiful natural phenomenon, it is necessary to stay overnight in the border town of Betong, a small place with much to offer, especially in terms of food. Continued …
A list of ‘don’ts’ for people observing the Ghost Festival
As this year’s Ghost Festival falls on Aug. 18, superstitious Thai-Chinese people have been advised to undergo restrictions that could impact their lives. The aim of the festival is to remind people to pay their respects to their deceased ancestors, as well as promote family members to do activities together.
In keeping with Chinese people’s beliefs that their deceased ancestors, along with ghosts and spirits, will come to the human realm, they are traditionally advised to follow certain restrictions to ensure prosperity during the festival period. Continued …
Bookmark These 8 Stunning Airbnbs In Phuket For Any Kind Of Budget
Whether it’s hopping from one island to another, or sipping Pina Coladas by the shore, a tropical getaway is what everyone needs. What better place to relax and rejuvenate than in Phuket?
Being Thailand’s largest island destination, Phuket offers a magical retreat. The city, full of delicious food, white sandy beaches, and rich cultural history, ensures that there’s always something exciting to explore. With the island boasting a plethora of gorgeous Airbnb villas and stays for various budgets, let’s explore these topAirbnb picks below. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31
FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35
FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15
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
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