Today’s news: Hua Hin to host major ITF tennis/Hua Hin ‘ Reminiscing the Past’/Thai rock group to perform/Hua Hin Invitational 7s/Power tariff reduced/Thailand Relaxes Baht Rules/Heavy rainfall expected/Flood misery for Bangkok/Thai man erects 3 penis statues/US dollar surge hits Asian currencies/500-billion-baht investment budget/EV research center to open investment floodgate/KResearch cuts Thai economic projection/Cabinet Approves Farmer Debt Moratorium/True Corp predicts merger will save 22 billion/WHA in bid to lure US tech firms/7-Eleven’s transformation to 24-hour diner/Stringent regulations for use of cannabis/Top 10 Most Overcrowded Tourist Destinations/Multiple Entry Tourist Visa/Most Popular For Digital Nomads/Klook draws a line/Young tourist found dead/Thai Airways to boost flights/Yakult president lifts lid on secrets/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
Hua Hin to host major ITF tennis tournaments in October and November
Arena Hua Hin is gearing up to host a series of international tennis events that promise to bring world-class competition to Thailand.
The venue has been selected by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to organize four major tournaments, collectively named “Cal-Comp & CCAU Industry 4.0 Open ITF World Tennis Tour 2023”, from Oct. 8 to Nov. 19. Continued …
Hua Hin ‘ Reminiscing the Past’ event through Monday
Hua Hin is hosting the annual “Hua Hin, Reminiscing the Past” event through this Monday to promote tourism and spotlight the cultural traditions of the region. The event will be held at the event grounds behind the BluPort Shopping Mall.
Thai rock group to perform Saturday
One of Thailand’s most iconic rock bands, Carabao Official, will be on stage at the Long Lay Market at Sam Roi Yat this Saturday. Doors open 6pm, with ticket prices 500 THB. More info at 090-928-6874.
Power tariff reduced, electric bills to follow
The Thai government has swiftly approved a plan to lower the power tariff, with the goal of reducing electricity bills for the public.
The tariff rate has been revised from 4.45 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour, applicable from September to December this year. However, for a long-term solution to high electricity costs, a restructuring of the Thai energy price structure may be necessary. Continued …
Thailand Relaxes Rules On Non-Resident Baht Transactions
Thailand’s central bank said on Tuesday it was relaxing some foreign exchange rules for non-residents to improve the ease of doing business in the country.
More flexibility will be given under the non-resident qualified company (NRQC) scheme, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said in a statement. Continued …
Heavy rainfall expected to soak the nation
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 10th heavy rainfall warningtoday , highlighting many areas across the country at risk. The announcement comes in response to a strong low-pressure area covering the northeastern region and a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand.
These conditions are expected to cause heavy rain in the north, northeast, and central, including Bangkok and nearby provinces, east, and south regions. Continued …
Flood misery for much of the Bangkok metropolitan area
Several areas of the Bangkok metropolitan area, which covers Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan provinces, were inundated on Tuesday evening after hours of torrential rain.
According to the city’s Drainage Department, the highest rainfall was recorded at 8.30pm in Phra Khanong district at 140.5 mm. Flash floods have been reported in several areas, including Soi Pridi Banomyong (Sukhumvit 71), Udomsuk Raod and Bangna districts. Continued …
Thai man erects 3 penis statues for good luck
A retired senior police sergeant major, in the central province of Kampaeng Phet, raised a few titters after he completed an unusual erection on his land, three penis statues. He believes the phallic erections will bring him good luck in selling his land, which is worth 60 million baht.
Three penis statues stand prominently on the land of the 86-year-old Thai man, Thoop Lamoonmorn. The largest one-eyed monster, standing at an impressive 3.5 meters tall, is painted in a pristine white hue and takes center stage. Surrounding it are three smaller penis statues, each measuring about 1.5 meters in height and adorned in gold. Continued …
US dollar surge hits Asian currencies: Thai baht suffers
Asian currencies experienced a dip today, with the Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah bearing the brunt of the losses. This was mainly due to the rising strength of the U.S. dollar, bolstered by robust economic indicators and the threat of inflation from the Federal Reserve, which have pushed U.S. bond yields to a 16-year peak.
The baht saw a fall of up to 0.8%, trading offshore at 36.34 to the dollar, marking its lowest point since Nov. 10, 2022. The rupiah fell by up to 0.6%, its most significant dip in eight months. Continued …
500-billion-baht investment budget approved to boost fiscal growth
Yesterday, the Thai government approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine projects. Furthermore, an additional 50 billion baht will be disbursed within the fiscal year. Continued …
Chinese EV research center to open investment floodgate in Thailand
The China Automotive Technology and Research Center (Catarc) is to establish a regional office in Thailand, a move likely to bring substantial Chinese investment to boost Thailand’s position as an electric vehicle (EV) hub.
The move follows negotiations that showcased Thailand’s potential and is expected to bring further investment to drive the “30@30” goal – increasing EV production to 30% of total manufacturing by 2030. Continued …
KResearch cuts its 2023 Thai economic projection from 3.7% to 3.%
KResearch has lowered its 2023 Thai economic growth projection despite increased confidence after the successful government formation. The Thai economy is still grappling with the global economic slowdown, especially the weakening Chinese economy hit by property woes.
Burin Adulwattana, managing director and chief economist, Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch), said, “The global economy is slowing down, impacting global trade. This is evident in the global manufacturing slowdown, especially in China and Germany, which are heavily reliant on exports. China is also hindered by an ailing property sector, which has hurt domestic demand.” Continued …
Cabinet Approves Farmer Debt Moratorium
The Cabinet has approved a three-year debt suspension measure for 2.7 million farmers, which will start on Oct .1.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said that the Cabinet meeting endorsed the debt suspension measure for small-scale borrowers in line with the government’s Phase 1 policy. Continued …
True Corp predicts merger will save 22 billion baht
True Corp. CEO Manat Manavutiveth says the company’s merger with Total Access Communications (Dtac) earlier this year will result in cash flow savings of about 22 billion baht from 2026.
The merged company has become the market leader in terms of mobile subscribers, with 33.8 million TrueMove H users and 21.2 million Dtac members. Continued …
WHA in bid to lure US tech firms to Thailand
WHA Corp., one of the country’s largest developers of built-to-suit logistics facilities, expects Thailand to draw more U.S. tech companies to invest in the country next year as they are interested in seeking business opportunities in ASEAN.
Major players such as Google, Microsoft, and Tesla have shown interest in the country’s potential during an investment talk. The event was a part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s participation in the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, held from Sept. 18-24. Continued …
From dumplings to delicacies: 7-Eleven’s transformation to 24-hour diner
The bakery delights found at 7-Eleven convenience stores in Thailand come from many manufacturers, including companies within the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group). One of these companies is CPRAM, which produces the Le Pan brand of baked goods.
Established in 1988, CPRAM has emerged as a strategic asset within CP Group’s arsenal. Initially, 7-Eleven stocked edibles from different leading brands, much like other convenience stores. However, the introduction of CPRAM products transformed 7-Eleven from a mere convenience store to a 24-hour diner. Continued …
Public Health Minister wants stringent regulations to control the use of cannabis
The Minister of Public Health, Cholnan Srikaew, on Tuesday declared his opposition to marijuana use for recreational purposes, and demanded tight regulations to control its use.
The use of marijuana was decriminalized by the previous government, but Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that his administration would ensure marijuana use would be restricted for medicinal purposes. Continued …
Top 10 Most Overcrowded Tourist Destinations Worldwide
- Phuket, Thailand
- Pattaya, Thailand
- Krabi, Thailand
- Mugla, Turkey
- Hurghada, Turkey
- Macau, China
- Heraklion, Greece
- Venice, Italy
- Rhodes, Greece
- Miami, USA
What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa in Thailand and how to maximize it?
Do you have your heart set on spending an extended time basking in the tropical sun, exploring bustling markets, dipping into the rich cultural wonders that Thailand offers, and truly experiencing the country? If yes, the multiple entry tourist visa might be a good option, as it allows you to come and go as you please. But what is it exactly, and what are the benefits?
For those with plans of multiple visits to Thailand, the multiple entry tourist visa might be a good option. This type of visa allows its holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per trip. Continued …
Why Thailand Is One Of The Most Popular Countries In The World For Digital Nomads
After years of uncertainty and a global lockdown, the world of digital nomads is reinventing itself to set new standards for what the norm should be.
Nomads are now working in coworking spaces, slowly traveling from place to place, or starting their own businesses. In the past year or so, the idea of remote work has broken itself down into varying genres, and everyone wants a place! Continued …
Klook draws a line under animal attractions
Klook, one of the leading online travel companies, has launched an animal welfare policy that will see it end the sale of circus-style performances involving elephants, dolphins and tigers, World Animal Protection reported recently.
The policy will come into effect by the end of October 2023, ramping up pressure for more travel companies to follow suit as travelers seek more cruelty-free travel options, the animal protection non-profit organization said. Continued …
Young tourist found dead after hit by off-limits speedboat
The body of a missing 22-year-old Russian swimmer hit by a Pattaya speedboat that entered an off-limits zone was found on rocks off Haad Tian on Koh Larn on Wednesday morning.
Enrike Rakhman and his 20-year-old Thai girlfriend were swimming off the beach on Monday and were both struck by the speedboat. Haad Tian is off-limits to speedboats. Continued …
Thai Airways to boost international flights
Thai Airways International (THAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists.
A notable feature of this expansion is the airline’s decision to recommence flights to Istanbul, Turkey, which is a significant aviation hub for Asia, Europe, and Africa. Continued …
Yakult president lifts lid on secrets of iconic Thai yoghurt drink
Yakult Thailand President Kanokpan Hetrakul offered to reveal secrets of the probiotic yoghurt drink that Thais have been slurping for over 50 years. But before answering questions, Kanokpan gave a quick history of Yakult, which was formulated by Japanese microbiologist Minoru Shirota in 1935.
He developed the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain of bacteria to boost gut health and regular bowel habits, she explained. Continued …
Fire at a wedding hall in Iraq kills more than 100 people
A raging fire seemingly caused by fireworks set off to celebrate a Christian wedding consumed a hall packed with guests in northern Iraq, killing at least 100 people and injuring 150 others, as authorities warned the death toll could still rise. Continued …
”I guarantee you, I will take India among top-3 economies’: PM Modi
PM Modi said India was able to speed up growth and become the fastest-growing economy due to political stability, policy clarity, and democratic values. On Tuesday, he told the country’s youth, “I guarantee you that I will take India among the top three economies of the world. I need your support and association for the country and its 140 crore people.” Continued …
Trump committed fraud by inflating value of assets: judge
Donald Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. committed fraud by inflating the value of the real estate and financial assets of the Trump Organization for years, a New York judge ruled on Tuesday. Continued …
Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule
- Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
- Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm
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 once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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
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
Thailand to hit scorching 45.8C on Wednesday
Centara Hua Hin receives Traveler Review Award
Recession fears rise as growth projections are cut, exports continue decline
Inflation forecast lowered for 2023
Panel urges rethink of power tariff
Prime Road targets 1,800MW renewable power by 2027
Forbes: 3 Thais among world’s 150 richest people
Thailand’s cannabis future drags on in political limbo
Immigration Bureau to tighten screening of tourists entering with visa on arrival
Suvarnabhumi Prepares for 1 Million Songkran Tourists
Drunken Songkran antics spur plea for police action
Thailand’s air pollution threatens the health of residents and its tourism industry
Michelin Guide, TAT extend partnership through 2026
Next Michelin Guide edition includes unique flavors of Surat Thani and Koh Samui
Here’s Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai