- Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job/
- General Election Scheduled For May 14/
- Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes/
- Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais/
- Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models/
- Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht/
- Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show/
- Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero/
- Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing/
- Tourism: Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage/Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day/Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya/Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal/Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay /New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife/Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday/
- Thailand Experience: Elephants and elegance in Thailand/World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th/Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food/10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023/Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting/
- International: Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed/Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’/Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report/
- 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
Hua Hin school crosswalks get new paint job
Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan have launched a new campaign to reduce accidents at crosswalks or zebra crossings.
On Tuesday, Sathien Charoenruen, governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, as director of the Road Safety Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, chaired the opening ceremony of the road safety campaign.
The campaign seeks to improve pedestrian safety by repainting the markings of zebra crossings in numerous schools across the province. Continued …
General Election Scheduled For May 14
The Election Commission yesterday scheduled a general election for May 14, confirmed the polling agency’s Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee.
The May 14 election date has been set by the election commissioners after caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives or only three days before its four-year term would otherwise have ended by schedule on the upcoming Friday.
The nationwide race to parliament will see a total of 500 partisan candidates elected as MPs, including 400 in constituency-based mode and 100 in party-listed mode. Continued …
Thai firms unfazed by US banking woes
The collapse of U.S. banks is expected to have only a minor impact on Thai companies and the overall Thai economy, according to the latest business survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Based on a sample group of 600 Thai business owners nationwide, including those in the agricultural, industrial, service, and commercial sectors, the majority of business owners (73.5%) say the impact of the U.S. banking fallout on their businesses and the overall Thai economy will be marginal.
However, a majority of them (80%) still say there is a chance that Thailand’s international trade will feel an impact. Continued …
Inflation and unemployment main worries of Thais
The majority of people globally, including Thailand, are worried about economic recession, rising product prices and unemployment, global market research company Ipsos said on Tuesday.
The company cited its research “Ipsos Global Trend 2023″ conducted among more than 48,000 people in 50 countries. About 1,000 of the respondents were Thais.
“Recurring misfortune is the theme everyone faces this year because we have faced many crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and inflation,” Ipsos said. Continued …
Thai women of the year: Inspirational role models
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, a number of extraordinary women from a wide range of fields who have inspired change in their communities through the pursuit of excellence have been named the Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year.
A series of in-depth profiles of these women, which began on March 8, will conclude today. The profiles can also be viewed on a specially designed microsite, which provides further background on their achievements and insights into their rise.
This week, we honor Nattamon Pisankitvanich, managing director of BNN Restaurant Group; Danupha “Milli” Kanateerakul, a rapper; Srikanya Yathip, secretary-general of the Government Pension Fund; Watanya Amatanon, chief product officer of Forth Vending Co.; and Patchara Pirapak, a chef. Continued …
Pattaya Police Bust Alleged Indian Scammer of 3 billion baht
An Indian man and his Thai wife have been taken into custody by Pattaya Police for allegedly scamming multiple American victims of over three billion baht.
Deputy National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol, accompanied by a commando unit and officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), conducted a raid on a house in Pattaya’s Banglamung district yesterday. The raid was prompted by a notification from the United States Embassy, which stated that the dwelling was being used as a hideout by scammers.
After searching the house, Torsak said he has arrested an unidentified Indian national aged between 50-60 years old and his Thai wife aged around 40-50 years old. The two have been accused of duping numerous American citizens of over three billion baht in total damages and had fled to Pattaya, according to the U.S. Embassy. Continued …
Jolt in demand for EVs expected at Bangkok International Motor Show
Electric vehicle manufacturers from around the world are targeting Thailand as the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023 kicks off today at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Dozens of manufacturers will unveil new models at the 44th motor show, which runs until April 2. Automaking giants like Nissan and Toyota will also be using the fair to gauge Thai demand amid their plans to open EV manufacturing plants in Thailand.
Demand could also be driven up by the fuel crisis and higher prices at the pump. EV purchases at the Thailand International Motor Expo in December accounted for 15% of total bookings. Continued …
Top Thai execs discuss sustainability and path to achieving net zero
As the planet struggles with warming temperatures and climate change, the concept of sustainability is fast becoming a keyword in most industries.
“We can never stop, sustainability is a marathon with no finish line,” said Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Schneider Electric.
She was speaking at the “Sustainability Talk” jointly hosted on Monday by Bangkok Biz News and Schneider Electric. Continued …
Akara’s gold-mining operations back in full swing
Akara Resources’ Chatree gold mine resumed operations on Tuesday, six years after being shut down, in a new 10-year concession.
The mine was shut down in January 2017 by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, then head of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Prayut invoked his absolute powers under Section 44 of the Constitution to halt operations, citing pollution and environmental damage caused by the mine. Continued …
Smoked bat, bacon and duck: Suvarnabhumi sniffer dogs kept busy by Chinese luggage
The canine unit at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday added smuggled duck to the menu of illicit meats it has sniffed out in the luggage of passengers from China.
The Department of Livestock Development’s (DLD) Quarantine and Inspection canine unit detected seven bags of fresh duck meat hidden in luggage at the airport’s arrivals terminal.
The bags weighed one kilogram each and carried an estimated 2,100 baht worth of meat. Continued …
Bangkok business travel cost rises to $278 a day
The cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen moderately by 4%, making it the 24th most expensive destination in Asia, while Singapore ranks second after Hong Kong this year, says ECA International (ECA).
According to the daily rates report by ECA, the typical daily cost of business travel to Bangkok has risen to US$278 a day. The marginal uptick was caused by a slower post-coronavirus-pandemic recovery in popular Thai cities.
Lee Quane, regional director, said cities such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai all witnessed small rates of growth in local currency terms in 2022, ranging from 1%-3%. Meanwhile, hotel rates have been suppressed by low demand compared to pre-pandemic levels. Continued …
Tourist’s bungee cord snaps in midair in Pattaya
The bungee cord of a tourist leaping from a 10-story-high platform in Thailand snapped in midair, sending him plunging into a lake in Pattaya.
The man from Hong Kong, known only as Mike, momentarily blacked out in the water, but regained consciousness and swam out of the lake with the help of the attraction’s employees. He was then taken to hospital.
The incident reportedly happened in February in the Changthai Thappraya Safari and Adventure Park located in the popular Thai tourist destination of Pattaya. Continued …
Patong nightlife takes a hit after underage prostitution scandal
Nightlife venues in Phuket’s popular Patong Beach area say a recent bar raid in which police allegedly found children employed as sex workers has hit them hard. According to a report, businesses have lost around 100 million baht since the raid on a foreign-operated bar.
The raid was carried out last Wednesday by a special task force unit from the Department of Provincial Administration. It’s understood two suspects were arrested at the bar on Bangla Road, where police discovered minors were being employed as sex workers.
Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn has since confirmed the venue was operated by a foreign national, named only as Ronny, who has reportedly fled to Laos. It’s understood he also operated nightlife venues in Bangkok and neighboring provinces in central Thailand. Continued …
Russian Man Arrested on Pha-Ngan Island For 993-Day Overstay
A 34-year-old Russian man was arrested on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani for 993 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.
Immigration officers said recently they have arrested a Russian national, 34. He was arrested at a resort on the island.
He is now at 993 days of overstaying his legal visa, according to police. Continued …
New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife
An award-winning documentary launched in Australia – “The Last Tourist” – spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, and delivers a candid exploration filmed across 16 countries featuring UN messenger of peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.
Overtourism describes destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area, or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably.
“The Last Tourist” addresses the real impact of mass tourism as it traverses 16 different countries, magnifying its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities. With borders reopening around the world and post-pandemic travel resuming at a fast pace, it’s an apt time to reflect on what the pause in mass tourism taught us, and to reassess how travel can return in a more responsible and conscious way. Continued …
Phuket to host 1st Cannabis Cup this Saturday
Nine months after weed was decriminalized, popular tourist destination Phuket will light up this weekend with a cannabis event where the best buds will win.
The Phuket Cannabis Cup will go down Saturday at a hotel on Kata Beach. Hosted by the Phuket Cannabis Assn., the event will feature a joint-rolling race, showcase of buds throughout Thailand, panel discussions, and more.
There will be a competition to identify the best weed strains in four categories: indoor hybrid, indoor sativa, indoor indica, and greenhouse strains. They will be judged by eight weed veterans and long-time advocates. Continued …
Elephants and elegance in Thailand
Norpeo happily allows me to slather her with handful after handful of silky-smooth river mud. And she doesn’t mind it when I follow her into the crystal-clear waters of the River Kwai to splash and scrub the mud off with a big kitchen broom.
Maybe she’s such a trusting friend because earlier I hand-fed her watermelons and bananas as she winked at me and caressed my arm with her nimble trunk.
As you may have deduced by now, Norpeo is an elephant. Not just any elephant, but a pregnant pachyderm rescued from a life of having to give tourists rides on her back as her handler kept her in line with a hook. Continued …
World’s happiest countries have been unveiled, Thailand ranks 60th
The annual UN-sponsored happiness index for the happiest countries in the world was unveiled on Monday. For the sixth year running, Finland was named the world’s happiest country.
Thailand was ranked 60th.
With thousands of lakes and near endless forests, the Nordic country is known for its extensive welfare system, high trust in authorities and low levels of inequality among its 5.5 million inhabitants. Continued …
Thailand’s island getaways: wildlife, well-being and wonderful food
Behind me lies a lake of lotus – an emerald field of lily pads that begrudgingly part for a small wooden boat captained by a young boy. One of its great pink floating flowers has made its way from the water onto the table in front of me, in the most beautiful meal I’ve ever beheld. Two ample plates hold a veritable rainbow of fresh, crisp, culinary mysteries in colors that seem far from natural.
Yet, the majority of it has been grown and picked here at The Nature cafe’s garden on the Thai island of Koh Samui. The cafe’s signature miang-bua sharing platter holds a whole lotus, whose magenta petals are plucked off and wrapped around a mix of roasted coconut, cashew, shrimp, shallots, ginger, lime, palate-pounding chilli, taling bling fruit and sweet nam miang sauce. Every mouthful zings with bright, brilliant flavor.
To its side is khao-yum, a dish full of flowers, betel leaves, beans, nam bu du fish sauce and vibrant blue butterfly pea rice that has everyone under the age of 40 itching to Instagram it. The most impressive part is that, for once, the food actually tastes as good as it looks. Continued …
10 top destinations near Bangkok for summer and Songkran 2023
As the summer season and the Songkran Festival approach Thailand next month, here are 10 top destinations to visit in April to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a great water fight. The list includes a wide range of interesting places from waterfalls, seas, mountains, and spectacular natural scenery.
With Songkran Festival set to be held from April 13 to 15, all the visitors can also participate in water fights and various Songkran celebrations to celebrate the Thai New Year and the annual long holiday.
These destinations are easy to travel to, close to Bangkok, and convenient whether you’re planning for a one-day trip or a longer vacation. Continued …
Bangkok: 7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting
While many travelers only pass through Bangkok when in transit, the city itself is well worth a proper visit.
Bangkok is a whirlwind for the senses and a far cry from the relaxing islands and beaches that so many tourists seek out in Thailand.
But visitors who embrace the hustle and bustle of the city will be rewarded with a beautiful experience. With incredible food, welcoming people, and vibrant culture, Bangkok is just waiting to be explored. Continued …
Fed boss says banking stabilizing, US may intervene more if needed
The United States banking sector is “stabilizing” after the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank rattled the industry, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a lenders’ conference Tuesday, as leaders seek to calm global worries. Continued …
Xi and Putin hail ‘new era’
After two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin has pledged even closer ties with Russia’s most powerful backer and hailed Beijing’s proposals for ending his war in Ukraine. Continued …
Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report
Billions of people experience water-related issues on a daily basis – from contaminated drinking water, to droughts and floods – with a UN report warning Tuesday that the risk of a global crisis is “imminent.” 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
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