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Wednesday’s news-Oct 30

October 30, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News Leave a comment

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Thai retirees outliving Western counterparts/Hua Hin Becoming ‘Special Tourist City’/Thai border run woes/PM Promises To Tackle PM2.5 Pollution/Homeless Woman Found Murdered/An evening with snooker legend/Bangkok to Ban Trucks in ‘Low Emission’ Zones/Jay Fai denies she’s retiring/iCon Group’s business a pyramid scheme/Citizenships for 483,000 migrant workers/New pair of giant pandas/Gold prices to sparkle/Crypto leap sends shockwaves/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Positive signs for Thai economy/Factors holding Thai property sector back/Becoming a regional cloud hub/Equinix’s 7.1-billion-baht investment/Japan Expo 2025/Starbucks unit bullish/Tourism: ‘Winter Festivals’ to give tourism a lift/Phuket Tourism Forecast/Bt700-millon tourism campaign/Tourists’ Visa card spending surges/AirAsia’s new international routes/Thailand Experience: Exploring the beaches (and bunkers) in Thailand/7 Luxurious Spas/Climate Thailand: ASEAN trio agree on clean air/Thailand’s Renewable Energy Potential/Eco-friendly disaster products/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

Why Thai retirees are outliving their Western counterparts

Retiring in Thailand has become increasingly popular among Westerners looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Surprisingly, retirees in Thailand often enjoy longer, healthier lives compared to their Western counterparts. This longevity isn’t just luck, it’s a mix of lifestyle, cultural attitudes, and healthcare access that makes the difference.

Let’s dive into the key factors that help Thai retirees outlive their peers, while also looking at the challenges they face, especially when managing chronic conditions as expats. Continued …

Hua Hin on Its Way to Becoming a ‘Special Tourist City’

One of Thailand’s most famous tourist destinations, Hua Hin, is being transformed from a “municipality” in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to a “township” in order to become a special tourist city.

Over the years, Hua Hin has experienced rapid economic and social growth. The municipality covers an area of 86.36 square kilometers and comprises two subdistricts: Hua Hin and Nong Kae, with a registered population of 62,454 (as of August 2023). Continued …

Thai border run woes: From easy as pie to digital fly, book before you buy

Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days!

But hold onto your hats, because the digital age has swept in like a whirlwind, turning the visa game on its head. In recent years, many consulates have swapped the spontaneous stroll-in method for an appointment-only system, meaning you have to jump online and nab a slot before making your visa run. Continued …

PM Promises To Tackle PM2.5 Pollution Crisis

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season.

The fine dust can clog lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health concerns. In response, Paetongtarn’s government has identified agricultural practices and vehicle emissions as primary contributors to the pollution. Continued …

Homeless Woman Found Murdered in Abandoned Restroom in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan province responded yesterday to a report of a murder, after the body of a homeless woman was found in an abandoned restroom near a local market, adjacent to the Thap Sakae Municipal Childcare Center.

Police Lt. Visanu Sangman, deputy investigator at Thap Sakae Police Station, reported the incident and led a team to investigate the scene alongside forensic officers, rescue volunteers from the Sawang Rungrueng Thap Sakae Foundation, and a physician from Thap Sakae Hospital. Continued …

An evening with snooker legend Jimmy White in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is gearing up for when legendary snooker player Jimmy “The Whirlwind” White comes to town for a special event, “An Evening with Jimmy White in Hua Hin”.

Set to take place on Friday, Nov. 8, at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, this promises to be a remarkable evening for pool enthusiasts, sports fans, and those looking for an exciting night out. Continued …

Bangkok to Ban Trucks in ‘Low Emission’ Zones Amid Pollution Rise

In response to heightened air pollution, Bangkok is set to implement a new ban on trucks entering designated “low emission” zones. This move, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), targets the looming threat of PM2.5 pollution during the cool season, spanning from November to March.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the zones would be declared in districts like Dusit, Phaya Thai, and Phra Nakhon when PM2.5 levels reach the red level (90µg/m3) for two consecutive days. These areas will be enforced as low emission zones with a prior 24-hour notice, remaining effective for three days. Continued …

Star chef Jay Fai denies she’s retiring, closing her restaurant

Michelin-star chef Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta has denied reports she plans to close her celebrated restaurant in Bangkok next year, saying she may be old but remains very healthy and cooks up to 15 hours a day. She said the reports were wrong. A reporter had earlier asked her if she had any thoughts about retiring, pointing out she was already in her 80s.

“Then I said I had a project in mind. From that one answer, the stories grew,” Jay Fai said. “Not yet. Next year I will remain in business. I won’t quit.” Continued …

DSI maintains iCon Group’s business is a pyramid scheme

The screening committee of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has classified iCon Group’s business model as a pyramid scheme, in breach of the Emergency Decree on Borrowing.

The committee also recommended that the DSI file charges of operating a pyramid scheme against the executives and core members of the e-commerce company, who are currently being held on remand on charges of defrauding the public. Continued …

Citizenships for 483,000 migrant workers and ethnic children born in Thailand

The Thai cabinet has decided to grant Thai citizenship to about 483,000 migrants who have been living in Thailand since 1984 and children born in Thailand to parents in ethnic minority groups.

Spokesman for the prime minister’s office, Jirayu Huangsap, said that since these documented migrant workers have been working in Thailand for a long time, the cabinet feels that it is appropriate to grant them Thai citizenship, so they can travel freely and still beneficially contribute to the development of the Thai economy. Continued …

China to send new pair of giant pandas to mark 50 years of ties

The Chinese government confirmed earlier this month that it will send a new pair of giant pandas to Thailand as goodwill ambassadors, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said on Tuesday.

This move is part of the celebration of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties, which hit 50 years in 2025, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat said. Continued …

Gold prices to sparkle amid global turmoil, US policy

Gold prices are primed for a glittering rise this week, says the Gold Research Center (GRC). Driven by a trio of global factors – the Middle East turmoil, cues from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy moves, and faltering U.S. economic signals — this precious metal is sparking keen market interest.

While most experts brace for stable or dipping gold rates, the GRC Gold Survey bucks the trend with predictions of domestic price hikes. Last week, the Gold Traders Assn. reported 96.5% of gold bars in the local market swinging between 42,750 and 44,000 baht per baht weight (around 15.1 grams), closing with a glistening 43,700 baht, a 1,150 baht leap from the week before. Continued …

Crypto leap sends shockwaves through markets

In a dazzling leap forward, Bitcoin smashed through the US$71,000 barrier, sending shockwaves through the financial world. This crypto milestone, unmatched since June, comes on the heels of hefty inflows into exchange-traded funds and rampant election speculation.

As the clock ticked past 10.45am in Singapore, the digital asset darling rocketed over 2%, peaking at an impressive US$71,310. Not to be left in the dust, Ethereum and Dogecoin also saw gains, each rising about 4%. Continued …

21-million-baht Crypto Scam Ring Busted – Continued …
Ex-Russian soldier arrested after rivals receive death threat – Continued …
Swedish Men Arrested in Pattaya on Fraud and Overstay Charges – Continued …

Bangkok Bank official sees positive signs for Thai economy

Kobsak Pootrakool, executive vice president, company secretary, and executive director at Bangkok Bank Pcl. (BBL), has commented on Thailand’s economic outlook, noting that it is showing positive signs.

He anticipates that the economy will grow by just under 3% in 2024, given the late-year flood impacts in certain areas. But looking further ahead, he said the economy is “out of the thorny woods” and should maintain steady growth, with expectations for more than 3% growth in 2025. Continued …

Slew of economic factors holding Thai property sector back

Tourism has come close to a full recovery, nearly achieving pre-COVID-19 foreign arrivals in the first half of the year. In comparison, the property sector has been struggling due to subdued demand, oversupply and the high mortgage rejection rate.

The sector, combined with construction, accounts for around 11%-15% of gross domestic product, playing an important role in the local economy. Continued …

Thailand’s journey to becoming a regional cloud hub

ASEAN is one of the most dynamic regions in the world and is in the midst of a digital economy explosion. Thailand is located in the center of ASEAN. As a leader in the regional digital economy, the Thai government proposed the “Cloud-First” policy in August and regarded it as the core of its national digital transformation goal.

It encouraged the government and all industries to accelerate cloud adoption and seize key strategic opportunities for digital economy development. It promote Thailand’s economic transformation and helps achieve the goal of a digital Thailand. Continued …

BOI approves privileges for Equinix’s 7.1-billion-baht investment

The Board of Investment has approved privileges for a global leader in data center and interconnection solutions from the USA in the first phase of its 16.5-billion-baht investment in Thailand, the BOI chief said on Tuesday.

BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the BOI has approved the first phase of Equinix’s 10-year plan to invest 16.5 billion baht in Thailand to make the kingdom the digital hub for the CLMVT group of countries made up of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. Continued …

Japan Expo 2025 will be even bigger and better, organizer says

With planning well underway for the 2025 edition of Japan Expo Thailand, every effort is being made to offer more opportunities for cultural exchanges and business collaboration, event organizer G-Yu Creative said on Tuesday. The company’s CEO and founder Yupharet Eakturapakal said the event has received a good response from Thai and Japanese people, as well as foreign visitors, over the past decade.

The 2024 edition on Feb. 2-4 drew over 700,000 visitors, generating over 1 billion baht in revenue, she said, adding that the invitation to Japanese entrepreneurs to showcase their products and seek business matching to attract investment in Thailand had already considerably strengthened the relationship between the two countries. Continued …

Starbucks unit bullish on Thai prospects

Starbucks Thailand is planning to open 30 stores a year, even as competition in the country’s coffee market intensifies. Nednapa Srisamai, managing director of Starbucks Thailand, said the company believes the country’s coffee market is still growing, with competition intensifying as new players are constantly getting on the bandwagon.

As the country faces a high level of household debt, consumers are now being more careful when it comes to spending money, but the company still views Thailand as a market offering good potential in Southeast Asia, she said. Continued …

‘Winter Festivals’ to give tourism a lift

The “Winter Festivals”, a series of events during the last two months of the year, should accelerate annual tourism revenue to reach 2.78 trillion baht, short of the government’s target of 3 trillion for 2024.

Events under the theme “7 Wonders of Thailand” in November and December should earn at least 150 billion baht per month, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Continued …

Phuket Tourism Forecast to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Revenue in 2024

Tourism in Phuket is on track to surpass revenue levels seen in 2019, with visitor numbers almost reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Assn. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the association’s president, announced that Phuket has shifted toward attracting quality tourists. Despite a slight dip in visitors, total tourist spending has increased compared to 2019.

Data from the Department of Tourism indicates that Phuket’s tourism generated 246 billion baht in the first half of the year. With anticipated monthly spending of 50 billion baht during November and December, the year’s revenue could hit the 500 billion baht target. Continued …

CPN unveils Bt700-millon tourism campaign

Retail and property developer Central Pattana Plc (CPN) is joining hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Embassy of Finland, Sculptra by Galderma, Finnair and other partners to invest 700 million baht in “The World’s Great Celebration 2025” campaign, aiming to elevate the Thai economy and promote the country as a world-class tourist destination.

Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, chief marketing officer at CPN, said severe flooding in the north and northeast over the past few months marred sentiment, but as the situation eased, confidence has returned. Continued …

Tourists’ Visa card spending surges 90%

Inbound tourists’ spending on Visa credit cards this year is expected to be 90% higher than the 2019 level, a higher rate than that of Thai travelers overseas, who were hampered by a sluggish economy.

Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, country manager for Visa Thailand, said Thailand remains a preferred tourism destination among foreigners. The inbound market has grown significantly this year, given the 90% uptick in total Visa spending compared with 2019. Continued …

AirAsia takes off with five new international routes

AirAsia is ramping up its operations toward the end of the year with the launch of five new international routes. These include two routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Hyderabad, India, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and three routes from Phuket to Kolkata and Chennai in India, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don Mueang Airport, and Phuket Airport, AirAsia is confident that it will meet its target of transporting 20 to 21 million passengers this year. Continued …

Exploring the beaches (and bunkers) in Thailand

Just a couple of hours after I arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and just a couple of holes into an epic golf adventure, my caddie at Thai Country Club was teaching me my first words in the local language. “Tok sai.” In the sand.

This teed up my playing partner, tour guide and Canadian expat AJ Easton of Asia Golf Experiences, for a line that is no doubt well-worn: “You can’t come to Thailand without hitting the beach!” Continued …

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

7 Luxurious Spas in Thailand for High-Flyers

Thailand is known for its breathtaking nature, and the Land of Smiles is renowned for its exceptional wellness experiences. Holistic spas throughout this tropical country have become destinations for travelers seeking ultimate relaxation for both body and mind.

Health tourism in Thailand has been booming due to the country’s readiness to accommodate locals and foreigners alike, offering hospitality that promotes balance and relaxation. Here’s our pick of 7 luxe hotel spas across Thailand, each with its unique wellness program designed to take your relaxation game to the next level. Continued …

ASEAN trio agree on clean air initiative

Three Southeast Asian countries — Thailand, Laos and Myanmar — have launched a “Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030” to solve the problems of cross-border smoke and haze pollution.

The launch ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, with minister Maris Sangiampongsa joining Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Also taking part were Bounkham Vorachit and Khin Maung Yi, the natural resources ministers of Laos and Myanmar, respectively. Continued …

Thailand’s Renewable Energy Potential

Dr. Marko Lackovic, managing director and partner, Boston Consulting Group, and Suncica Zdunic, project leader, Boston Consulting Group, participated in a discussion about how renewable energy is a pivotal force in the global energy transition, particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Thailand has a valuable role to play.

Despite starting from a low base, renewable energy is experiencing robust growth in APAC, with installed generation capacity increasing at an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. By 2030, renewable energy is expected to account for 30% to 50% of the power generation mix across most APAC markets. Continued …

Eco-friendly disaster products to be produced in Thailand

The Industry Ministry is promoting an eco-friendly disaster prevention industry to boost Thailand’s resilience against natural disasters, as well as for export.

Industry Minister Akanat Promphan said on Tuesday that the initiative aimed to deal with climate change, especially flooding in many areas across Thailand, which this year caused more than 3.1 billion baht of damage to lives and properties. Continued …

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27

Thai Airasia has updated its daily flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai:

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm

Special schedule for Loy Krathong holiday (Nov 15): departure from Hua Hin 2pm, arrival in Chiang Mai 3:15pm

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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:

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

bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s news-May 30

May 30, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport/
How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem/
Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment/
TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns/
Students Stab Each Other at c Province School, one dead/
Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall/
79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses/
Economy: Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery/Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists/Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories/Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise/Planning unit touts revamp of labor force/EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing/Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade/Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming/Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz/Weed network fears law change/
Tourism: TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024/Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year/
Thailand Experience: Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts/Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’/
International: Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap/China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030/Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million/Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party/
Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Passenger bus stop pavilion opens outside Hua Hin Airport

A new passenger bus stop pavilion has been officially opened outside Hua Hin Airport, aiming to provide added convenience and improved travel options between the airport and Hua Hin town center.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday with several prominent figures in attendance. Continued …

How air treatment solutions can help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 pollution problem

The issue of PM2.5 dust pollution has spurred various political parties in Thailand to propose policies aimed at controlling dust intensity and mitigating its impact on public health.

The current air quality standard in the country sets the maximum allowable level of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) at 50 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a 24-hour period. However, it is evident that PM2.5 concentrations often exceed these standards during certain periods, leading to adverse implications for public health and the economy. Continued …

Why reducing plastic usage, not recycling, is the solution to saving the environment

The world may need to reconsider the mantra of recycling to prevent environmental degradation after recent research revealed that the recycling process itself may lead to the release of a significant amount of microplastics into the environment.

Waste management is one of the major challenges faced in the current era, with a large amount of waste generated from consumption and consumerism every day. Each country has different methods of waste disposal; some bury it while others incinerate it, and each method has its environmental impacts. This led to the emergence of the concept of recycling, which appeared to be an effective solution to reduce waste and reuse materials efficiently. Continued …

TikTok sweeps wave of change over Thailand’s election campaigns

In a notable shift from traditional campaigning strategies, political figures in Thailand have turned to TikTok, using the fast, efficient and cost-effective platform to connect with a wider audience.

With a large percentage of Thai nationals active on social media, TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for politicians to sway public opinion and secure votes. Continued …

Students Stab Each Other at Sisaket Province School, one dead

A renowned school in Sisaket Province was gripped by a shocking incident yesterday, as two young students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 engaged in a fatal altercation using a knife. The incident, which unfolded during school hours, resulted in one student’s tragic death and two in coma.

According to witnesses and initial reports, the incident began when the two boys had been engaging in what seemed to be a playful boxing game during their lunch break. However, the game soon turned violent, fueling anger in one of the boys. As the lunch break drew to a close and class resumed, tensions remained high between the two students. Continued …

Fat and lucky – Shifu proves cats have 9 lives after surviving a 6-story fall

A fat tomcat proved that cats indeed have nine lives when he survived a six-story fall by landing on a car below and shattering its back windscreen.

The car’s owner, who goes by the handle Apiwat Toyothaka on Facebook, posted a message on Saturday saying the condo’s management informed him that a cat had fallen on his car and smashed the back windscreen. Continued …

79 police fired in first five months over disciplinary offenses

A total of 79 police officers have been removed from service during the first five months of this year for committing severe disciplinary offenses, the Police Commission was updated on Monday.

The commission, the highest governing body of police officers, held a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok to endorse the decisions of the disciplinary committee against police officers found to have committed severe disciplinary offenses. Continued …

Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery

Thailand’s economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalization of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said on Monday.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. Continued …

Thai baht under more pressure as political uncertainty persists

A new low for the Thai baht looms and not even a rate hike by the central bank is likely to halt its slide. The Asian currency weakened for its third straight week against the U.S. dollar, closing at 34.77 on Friday and heading toward February’s year-to-date low of 35.39.

Hurdles to the Move Forward coalition are growing, increasing political uncertainty over who will form the next government in a development weighing on the baht, as it spurs foreign funds to sell both the nation’s equities and bonds. Continued …

Bt450 minimum wage seen as an earthquake moment for Thai factories

Thailand’s business leaders are increasingly concerned at the Move Forward Party’s determination to implement its Bt450-a-day minimum wage policy within 100 days of coming to power, if the eight-party coalition manages to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in August.

They warn that the move will cost Thailand jobs in terms of lost inward investment, the closure of factories where profitability is already marginal and a move toward automation, which will impact elderly and lower-skilled workers the most. One business leader describes the move as a potential earthquake for the critical manufacturing sector of the economy. Continued …

Asian Sea, AAI consider relocation if wages rise

Asian Sea Corp., a Thai frozen food producer, and its subsidiary Asian Alliance International (AAI) are ready to move their production base to Vietnam or the Philippines if the new coalition government raises the daily minimum wage to 450 baht.

President and Chief Executive Somsak Amornrattanachaikul said the group is preparing to relocate its production and investment bases to Vietnam or the Philippines to expand production capacity if the daily minimum wage is increased to 450 baht. Continued …

Planning unit touts revamp of labor force

Thailand needs to ramp up in-depth research and data analysis at provincial and regional levels to identify target markets for exports or investment in order to formulate appropriate promotion policies, according to the latest study by the Trade Planning and Strategy Office (TPSO).

The planning unit advised Thailand to accelerate building a skilled workforce ready for targeted and high-tech industries such as chip design and chip manufacturing. This is essential in order to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Thailand who possess quality and expertise, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO. Continued …

EVs expected to supercharge 3.5% growth in Thailand auto manufacturing

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) expects the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry to drive 3.5% growth in auto production this year to 1.95 million units.

About 900,000 units will be sold domestically and 1.05 million will be exported. TAI’s projection comes after 625,423 vehicles rolled off Thai production lines from January-April, up 5% from the same period last year. Continued …

Asia’s largest F&B expo smashes expectations with THB120 billion in trade

Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2023, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, surged past its 70-billion-baht target to record a whopping 120 billion baht in deals, according to the Commerce Ministry.

A total of 3,034 exhibitors – 1,109 Thai and 1,925 international – presented their products and services at 5,859 booths at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi from May 23-27. The five-day fair welcomed 131,039 visitors from 140 countries, a 58% jump from last year. Continued …

Eco-efficiency the key to environmentally friendly farming

Eco-efficiency in agriculture is a key to reducing environmental impact while meeting the increasing demand for food, Katharina Staske, managing director of the German Agricultural Society (DLG) Asia Pacific, said. She made the remarks during the opening ceremony of ”AgriConnect Conference & Exhibition” at True Digital Park in Bangkok.

She said climate change causes an impact on many regions around the world, especially in Southeast Asia. She added that unsustainable use of resources caused climate change impact to be more severe. Continued …

Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 creates a buzz

Under the theme “Good Coffee For Everyone”, the much-awaited Thailand Coffee Fest 2023 will be held from July 13-16 at Impact Exhibition Hall 5–8 in Muang Thong Thani.

Featuring more than 300 cafes and roasters, as well as a wide range of related products and innovative services, the four-day event, a partnership between the Specialty Coffee Assn. of Thailand and The Cloud, will take over a 20,000m² space across the exhibition’s four halls. It expects to welcome more than 30,000 visitors daily. Continued …

Weed network fears law change

Citing research by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Systematic Hemp and Cannabis Resolution, Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network has urged three alliance parties not to reinstate the plant as a narcotic drug, as that would be like “getting the first shirt button wrong” and lead to more problems.

Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader, wrote on Monday that before the election this particular ad-hoc committee was set up to discuss removing cannabis from the list in an attempt to study the systemic usage of the plant. Continued …

TAT expects 30-35 million foreign tourists in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates 30-35 million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom in 2024, generating 3 trillion baht in total revenue, marking a 100% return to pre-Covid levels. TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the recovery is expected to be driven by increased spending per trip.

In line with the government’s policy to stimulate economic recovery through tourism, TAT has launched the “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign to drive the recovery of Thai tourism. Continued …

Foreign visitors to Surat Thani surpass 1.5M this year

International arrivals to Surat Thani Province have exceeded 1.5 million, up 155% so far this year, according to the provincial governor.

Gov. Witchawut Jinto said yesterday 2.05 million visitors have arrived in the province since January. Of them, 1.5 million are foreign visitors, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year. Continued …

Why Phetchaburi is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant gastronomic scene, Phetchaburi stands as a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an unforgettable journey into Thai cuisine.

The city is dedicated to preserving traditional recipes held by local communities and is known for its high-quality ingredients that have been refined by local artisan producers for generations and form the core of Phetchaburi’s gastronomic excellence. Local cuisine has been adapted for more widespread national and global engagement, combining tradition with modern economic development. Continued …

Chaiyaphum: the ‘Land of the Phaya Naga’

Chaiyaphum is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isan. It is situated approximately 340 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Chaiyaphum Province covers an area of about 12,778 square kilometers and is divided into 16 districts (amphoes) and one subdistrict (king amphoe).

The province is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, which include mountains, forests, and fertile plains. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, such as the Phetchabun Mountains to the east and the Sankamphaeng Range to the west. Chaiyaphum is often referred to as the “Land of the Phaya Naga” due to the mythical serpents that are believed to reside in the nearby Mun River. Continued …

Unlocking Bali’s plastic tourist trap

At 6:15 am, the first rays of the magical Bali light are breaking over the horizon. At the shoreline, hotel staff are finishing their daily routine of raking piles of plastic bags, cups, wrappers, and other trash that washed up overnight. Continued …

China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030

China’s burgeoning space program plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand the country’s orbiting space station, officials said Monday. Continued …

Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million

The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Center for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. Continued …

Frankfurt police mistakenly arrest stripper with toy gun at stag party

In Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a stripper was mistakenly apprehended by local authorities after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy. The event took place on a Friday evening when a “suspicious man” was spotted in the Nordend district of the city, dressed in a U.S. police uniform and helmet, and seemingly carrying an assault rifle. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

90-day online reporting

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Monday’s News-March 27

March 27, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings/
Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday/
Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand/
Excessive PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces on Sunday/
Fighting ultra-fine dust/
Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt/
Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess/
Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home/
Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand/
Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1/
44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric/
Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces/
Andaman Sea to close on April 1 for three months of spawning season/
Tourism: Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge/Tempting visitors to find their chi/Traders eye Thai curry drawing card/Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6/Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket/7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay/
Thailand Experience: Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand/The hidden pluses of Thai food/Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food/The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus/China’s Mekong dams turn Thai fishing villages into ‘ghost towns’/
International: Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears/Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus/Afghan girls go online to study/
Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Rotary assists local school with health screenings

The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has a long-established close relationship with the Anuban Ban Nongkhon School, around 10 kilometers from central Hua Hin. That location falls just outside the Hua Hin municipality “funding zone”, which means securing funding and access to many vital services is often difficult.

During the past weekend, the focus of a project based at the school and coordinated by Rotary has provided family members of the school community with access to important health assessments. Continued …

Hua Hin Bikini Beach run held Saturday

The Hua Hin Bikini Beach Run was held on Khao Takiab beach Saturday evening, attracting several hundred runners in distances of 3km or 5km. Hua Hin-based runners Lewis Chalk and Pla Kitsanee finished first in the men’s and women’s 5km races, respectively. (HHT)

Summer storms, high temps forecast in upper Thailand

Summer storms with gusty winds and hail are expected in the upper part of the country from March 27-29, beginning with the Northeast and then the Eastern, lower Northern and Central regions, weather forecasters said on Sunday morning.

A moderate high-pressure system now covering upper Vietnam, upper Laos and the South China Sea was expected to move over the Northeast of Thailand on Sunday, with southerly and southeasterly winds prevailing over upper Thailand, according to the Meteorological Department’s forecast on Sunday. Continued …

Excessive PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces on Sunday

The level of PM2.5 dust in 21 northern and northeastern provinces in the past 24 hours exceeded Thailand’s 50-micron safety level, with the PM2.5 in northern provinces being measured from 37 microns to 459 microns, the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation reported yesterday.

The air quality in the rest of the country is, however, within safety limits, including Bangkok and its suburbs, where it was measured from 16-46 microns in the past 24 hours. Continued …

Fighting ultra-fine dust

Fine dust is back. It accumulates, covering parts of the city and many provinces. Individuals have been exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny air pollutants, known as PM 2.5, with sensitive people who suffer from breathing issues, heart and lung conditions, children, the elderly, and pregnant women the most affected. They are urged to be vigilant about the air quality and take precautionary steps to keep themselves safe from the harmful effects of the toxic airborne particles.

“I check the levels of harmful dust matter every day. If the air quality is bad, I don’t go out. It’s been very hard for me to breathe lately,” said Worawan Krueck, 48, who has asthma. Continued …

Thai private sector says 5 urgent economic issues face incoming govt

Five pressing issues with the largest impact on the country and the economy’s development must be tackled as soon as the next government forms, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) warned on Sunday. The five urgent issues are:

Economic recovery in the post-Covid era. For this, the government must quickly set a GDP target of at least 5%, upgrade agriculture with modern technology, continue the digital government project, link logistics and transport infrastructure to boost trade and investment, and manage energy costs to minimize impact on costs for the public and businesses. Continued …

Thailand unscathed by Western banking mess

Most economists from the public and private sectors expect the ongoing U.S. and European banking crisis to have a limited effect on the Thai banking sector thanks to the solid fundamentals of local banks and the strong supervision of the Bank of Thailand.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith last week insisted Thai financial institutions will not be affected by the banking debacle in the U.S. and Europe as local organizations have little exposure to such banks. Continued …

Chinese Invest in Thailand Real Estate as a Second Home

Several local media outlets reported on the growing trend of foreign ownership of Thai real estate in several provinces, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya (Chon Buri) and Koh Samui (Surat Thani) in the form of nominees, especially after COVID-19.

The public was even more shocked to learn that many Chinese investors have invested in housing estates in Chiang Mai, especially in Hang Dong, San Kamphaeng and San Sai districts, turning them into Chinese communities. Continued …

Lazada chief sets out growth plans for Thailand

We want to be “customer obsessed” rather than “competition obsessed”, according to the priority outlined by Lazada Thailand Chief Executive Werapong Goo.

“Lazada has been around for an amazing 11 years and we look forward to the next decade. We have always pursued growth at our own pace, which has enabled us to weather industry headwinds and continue to steadily accelerate the advancement of e-commerce in Thailand,” he said. Continued …

Sugary drinks tax takes effect April 1

The third stage of the excise tax hike for sugar-sweetened beverages comes into effect on April 1 after a six-month government postponement expires.

Nutthakorn Utensute, the Excise Department’s principal adviser on excise control system development, says the tax hike based on sugar content will not increase costs for manufacturers of sugary drinks or consumers, as producers have already adjusted their recipes to avoid the tax. Continued …

44th annual Bangkok International Motor Show continues to go electric

Auto sales at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show could rise by 15%-20% thanks to the easing of Covid-19 measures, recovery of the local auto industry, as well as the introduction of several new EV models. Continued …

Border crossing reopens in Tak after Myanmar troops repel resistance forces

The Thai-Myanmar border checkpoint in Tak province’s Mae Sot district reopened on Sunday after Myanmar troops regained control of Myawaddy township.

On Saturday, the immigration checkpoint located at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Ban Rim Moei village was shut following heavy fighting, as Myanmar soldiers battled Karan troops and members of the People’s Defense Force (PDF). Continued …

Andaman Sea to close on April 1 for three months of spawning season

Annual fishing restrictions will be imposed off Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang on the Andaman coast from April 1 to June 30 to allow stocks to recover. The fishing ban covers an area of 4,696sqkm, spanning Cape Panwa in Phuket province to Laem Yong Star in Trang province.

The Department of Fisheries said on Sunday that the sea is not blocked to all fishing activity, adding that villagers are allowed to catch fish provided their boats are less than 10 gross tonnage in size with engines less than 280 horsepower. Continued …

Thailand plans massive Songkran celebrations as tourism continues to surge

Massive Songkran festivals will be held across Thailand in April to further stimulate the resurgent tourism industry, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Sunday.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand already expects a big bounce from this year’s Songkran festival due to the faster-than-expected recovery in the tourism market and will organize major festivals in five regions of the country, Anucha said. Continued …

Tempting visitors to find their chi

As fears of Covid-19 infections die down in parallel with new cases declining globally, medical and wellness tourism is predicted to keep growing at a steady pace.

This month at ITB Berlin 2023, the biggest travel show in Europe, for the first time the organizer dedicated a hall for medical and health tourism, with participants including hospitals, hotels and destinations around the world. Continued …

Traders eye Thai curry drawing card

The inclusion of phanaeng curry at the top of the list of the “100 Best-Rated Stews in the World” provides food vendors and the tourism industry with optimism in the hope this will attract more tourists.

TasteAtlas, a global food mapping site for local dishes, named phanaeng curry the best curry in the world on March 13, drawing much public and press attention. Continued …

Phuket’s red card system for foreigners nabs 6

Phuket Immigration has announced those punished with its new yellow card and red card system for misbehaving foreigners. The new trial system was established to combat claims that law-breaking foreigners didn’t know the rules so, much like a football game, Phuket Immigration has implemented a yellow and red card system as a warning system.

If a foreigner commits an offense for the first time, they will receive a yellow card, and their behavior will be reported to consulates. If they repeat the offense, they will receive a red card and their visa will be withdrawn, and they will be deported. Information was typically vague as to what offenses and actions could earn these cards. Continued …

Foreigners record 180 criminal charges this year in Phuket

Phuket has seen a huge surge in formal criminal charges against foreigners this year, with over 180 cases recorded since January. Among the top three nationalities involved in these cases are Russians, French and British.

Phuket police are taking a low-tolerance attitude toward tourists and longer-stay foreigners behaving badly this year, including the introduction of the red and yellow card penalty system. Continued …

7,600 Russians seek to extend Phuket stay

Nearly 7,600 Russian nationals have sought to extend the length of their stay in Phuket, according to the local immigration chief.

“Phuket is a nice place to visit, with delicious food and good weather. As word has spread about the island, Russian tourists keep coming to the province,” said Police Col. Thanet Sukchai, superintendent of Phuket immigration office. Continued …

Ethical Wildlife Tourism: 10 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Thailand is best known for its tropical beaches, lavish royal palaces, ancient ruins, and beautifully decorated temples. The Land of Smiles also offers amazing wildlife encounters, making it a popular destination for animal tourists.

From dolphins, sharks, and whales, to tigers, turtles, and even elephants, Thailand is filled with magical biodiversity, where tourists worldwide can have a safari-style experience.

Ethical animal tourism simply means observing animals in their natural habitat, i.e., from afar. So how will you know whether the sanctuary is ethical? Continued …

The hidden pluses of Thai food

Thais have every reason to celebrate with regard to a new culinary milestone, phanaeng, which has been awarded the No.1 stew ranking by TasteAtlas, a global food mapping site.

Coming second and third on the TasteAtlas chart, compiled based on reviews by food professionals and critics worldwide, are kare, a Japanese-style curry, and sichuan mala, a spicy Chinese soup.

By making the ranking, phanaeng has effectively joined other world-famous dishes such as tomyam kung and tom kha gai chicken soup, green and massaman curry. Continued …

Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Thai Food

Thai food is popular with food enthusiasts around the globe for its unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. Due to the country’s geography, history, and cultural influences, Thai cuisine is also extremely varied.

For example, the gastronomic scene in northern Thailand is heavily influenced by China and Myanmar, making it somewhat milder than the spicier southern dishes. Meanwhile, the cuisine in the southwestern part of the country has a lot in common with Malay and Javan epicurean creations, which both utilize a lot of coconut milk. Continued …

The Complex Political History Behind The Standardization Of Thai Menus

Culture is more than just food, of course, but food often tops the list of easy entry points when discussing cultural differences or similarities. Our ideas of which foods belong to different cultures, however, have as much history and politics wrapped up in them as the foods themselves.

Thai cuisine illustrates the point. In America, travelers can practically count on a Thai restaurant in every city. These restaurants often serve familiar and comforting staples like green curry and pad Thai with the same reliability as your favorite diner or chain restaurant. The reason for that may be tied to the ways the Thai government has seen food as a way to raise its diplomatic profile, among other things. Continued …

China’s Mekong dams turn Thai fishing villages into ‘ghost towns’

From February to April each year, Kam Thon spends most of her days knee-deep in the waters of the Mekong River by her village in northern Thailand, gathering river weed to sell and cook at home.

Kam Thon and other women who live by the Mekong have been collecting river weed, or khai, for decades, but their harvest has fallen since China built nearly a dozen dams upstream.

The dams have altered the flow of water and block much of the sediment that is vital for khai and rice cultivation, researchers say. Continued …

Deutsche Bank shares plummet, fueling fears

Shares in Deutsche Bank fell heavily Friday on the lender’s surging cost of default cover, reigniting fears about a widening banking sector crisis. Continued …

Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus

Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, sending a warning to NATO over its military support for Ukraine and escalating a standoff with the West. Continued …

Afghan girls go online to study

Every other day, Sofia logs in from her Kabul home for an online English course run by one of a growing number of educational institutes trying to reach Afghanistan’s girls and women who can’t go to school and continue their education due to the Taliban administration’s restrictions on women. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

Book a flight

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

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Saturday’s News-Feb 11

February 11, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Thailand Pickleball Open Feb 16-19 at True Arena/
Give your lover shallots this Valentine’s Day, suggests PM/
Wine Pairing: How to Choose the Right Bottle to Drink With Your Favorite Foods/
44 Foreign Drivers Arrested in Patong with No Driving Licenses/
Muay Thai and Kun Khmer: a comparative overview/
Thailand, Malaysia unite to restore peace in deep South/
Chiang Mai tackles PM2.5 pollution with giant vacuum cleaner/
Salvaging the HTMS Sukhothai is costly and perilous, navy chief says/
Chuwit Kamolvisit: Thailand’s ‘super-pimp’ turned sensational whistle blower/
Solar D sees 100% revenue hike to Bt1 billion/
Amata, BGRIM to develop city in EEC/
Thailand Experience: Misty mornings and starry nights from Phayao’s Doi Phu Langka/Need to relax? Cannabis Thai Massage can soothe your mind, body, and soul/
International: First Thai team arrives in quake-hit Turkey/Quake death toll above 23,000 in Turkey, Syria/Do fewer shark bites mean fewer sharks?/
Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Thailand Pickleball Open Feb 16-19 at True Arena

The 2023 Thailand Pickleball Open is set for Feb. 16-19 at True Arena Hua Hin. As many as 140 players from many international communities are expected, including from Hong Kong, UK, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, other European countries and Thailand.

Give your lover shallots this Valentine’s Day, suggests PM

The smell of red onion is in the air this Valentine’s Day in Thailand as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha invites the public to send shallots to their lover instead of a red rose this year.

PM Prayut is pushing shallots as a symbol of love this V-day to support shallot farmers in Srisaket province in northeast Thailand.

The shallots grown by Srisaket farmers are specially marketed in Valentine’s Day packaging ready for you to present as a gift to your loved one. Continued …

Wine Pairing: How to Choose the Right Bottle to Drink With Your Favorite Foods

Despite all the deep cellars out there, most of the wine consumed is purchased on the same day that it is opened, and of that a very high percentage is uncorked and enjoyed within two hours of leaving the wine shop. That means there is an awful lot of last-minute decision making going on, much of it based on the food that it will be paired with.

The correct response to, “Can you pick up a bottle of wine on the way over?”, besides “Yes, of course,” should also be, “What’s for dinner?”

There are a few basics to pairing wine and food, and they go beyond the overly simplified “red with meat, white with seafood.” What is the taste profile of the food? Is it spicy? Is it sweet? Is it fatty? Is it lean? Continued …

44 Foreign Drivers Arrested in Patong with No Driving Licenses

Forty-four foreign drivers have been arrested in Patong for not having driving licenses.

The crackdown was launched last night after 20 French motorbike racers had been arrested after causing a public nuisance this week.

The Patong Police said that last night from 7:30pm to 10:30pm they arrested 39 foreign drivers for not wearing helmets, 44 with no driving license, and eight for jumping red lights. Continued …

Muay Thai and Kun Khmer: a comparative overview

Host Cambodia has dropped Muay Thai from disciplines for the 2023 SEA Games, and replaced it with its own version, Kun Khmer. This led to protests by Thailand that the host country had simply changed the name of the sport from Muay Thai to Kun Khmer.

Cambodia, however, argues that Kun Khmer is an ancient martial art, from which Muay Thai was born.

Thailand decided to boycott the Kun Khmer competition on grounds that the Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has announced that boxing martial arts that involve the use of fists, knees and elbows must be called “muay” only. Continued …

Thailand, Malaysia unite to restore peace in deep South

Thailand and Malaysia on Friday agreed to work together to end decades of insurgency on the Thai side of their shared border.

Visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan at a Bangkok hotel on Friday to discuss security issues involving the kingdom’s restive southern border region.

Both sides agreed to work together to end insurgent violence in the Muslim-majority provinces and pave the way for development in border areas, a source said. Continued …

Chiang Mai tackles PM2.5 pollution with giant vacuum cleaner

Thailand‘s Disaster Department is testing out a giant vacuum cleaner as a way to tackle the PM2.5 dust pollution problem that plagues the northern city of Chiang Mai every “burning season.”

Every year, farmers around Thailand send their forests and fields up in smoke because it’s the cheapest way to prepare to plant new crops, but causing PM2.5 levels to shoot upward. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of rain at this time of year.

Chiang Mai is especially affected because of the sheer volume of agricultural fires in northern Thailand sending dust floating into the city, which lies in a valley. Continued …

Salvaging the HTMS Sukhothai is costly and perilous, navy chief says

Salvaging the Sukhothai from the Gulf of Thailand could cost over 200 million baht, Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet said on Friday.

The ship sank to a depth of about 50 meters and recovering it could cause damage that will make it more difficult to determine why it sank, the admiral said.

The navy is carefully selecting qualified contractors to salvage the vessel, Choengchai added. Continued …

Chuwit Kamolvisit: Thailand’s ‘super-pimp’ turned sensational whistle blower

Chuwit Kamolvisit has earned the reputation of an anti-corruption hero after repeatedly exposing police bribery and underground businesses linked to corrupt state officials.

Once a self-declared “super pimp”, Chuwit has evolved from a massage-parlor tycoon to become a politician, a convict, a TV talk-show host, and a crusader against Thailand’s chronic corruption.

Over recent months, he has been busy acting as whistle blower, producing evidence against Chinese triad gangs and the dishonest law enforcers helping them to thrive in Thailand. He also spoke out against senior police officers, accusing them of involvement in illegal online gambling. Continued …

Solar D sees 100% revenue hike to Bt1 billion

Solar D Corp., the distributor of the Tesla Powerwall energy storage system, expects its revenue to soar by 100% this year to 1 billion baht thanks to growing demand for solar power in Thailand from both the commercial and residential sectors.

The company predicts positive business prospects in the rooftop solar panel and energy storage business in the country because the government has a clear policy to support a shift toward renewable energy, said Sumrit Sitthiwaranuwong, managing director of Solar D.

“In 2022, the company recorded total revenue of around 500 million baht,” he said. Continued …

Amata, BGRIM to develop city in EEC

Industrial developer Amata Corp. has teamed with B.Grimm Power (BGRIM) to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of Amata European Smart City, expected to serve European companies investing in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The companies plan to set up a joint venture to develop the project, set to be located on 200 rai of land in Amata City Chon Buri, said Vikrom Kromadit, chief executive of Amata Corp.

“Amata will hold a 60% share in the joint venture, with the remaining 40% funded by BGRIM,” he said. Continued …

Misty mornings and starry nights from Phayao’s Doi Phu Langka

Intrepid travelers now have a new destination from where they can enjoy a sea of morning mist and bright stars – the top of 1,720-meter-high Doi Phu Langka in Phayao province.

The mountaintop in the northern province’s Pong district is part of Tham Sakoen National Park, which spans 250 square meters across Phayao and Nan.

Doi Phu Langka is some 100 kilometers from Phayao town, with the last 12km covering the scenic PY4020 Road. Continued …

Need to relax? Cannabis Thai Massage can soothe your mind, body, and soul

Over the past few years, many people have turned to alternative therapies to help manage their physical and mental health. A popular one of these is Thai massage. It is a unique practice that has been around for centuries. Moreover, it’s thought to bring the body and mind into harmony, while also providing an array of medicinal benefits.

But, in recent times, the healing power of Thai massage has been given a new twist – the use of hemp oil.

Since the legalization of cannabis in Thailand last year, the country has opened up to new possibilities in the field of medicine and wellness. And one exciting development is the combination of Thai massage with the therapeutic properties of hemp oil. This article explores the benefits and potential of this unique approach to wellness and how it’s changing the game for Thai massage therapy. Continued …

First Thai team arrives in quake-hit Turkey

The first Thai rescue team arrived in Istanbul on Friday, while the Public Health Ministry announced its readiness to send an army medical team today, said the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Dr. Narong Apikulwanich. Continued …

Quake death toll above 23,000 in Turkey, Syria

The death toll in Turkey and Syria from this week’s catastrophic earthquake surpassed 23,600 on Friday as relief organizations struggled to overcome an array of obstacles to deliver aid to survivors in both countries. Continued …

Do fewer shark bites mean fewer sharks?

Shark attacks worldwide fell in 2022, resulting in fewer shark bite incidents compared to the past decade. In 2020, travel restrictions and beach closures were thought to have resulted in fewer encounters between humans and sharks and fewer shark bites. Continued …

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Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. Tickets are 473 THB.

Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.

90-day online reporting