Coming this Sunday!
Hua Hin & Prachuap Khiri Khan week in review
Some of our readers are only interested in news about Hua Hin, and perhaps Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Some view this newsletter once or twice a week and might miss local news when they don’t scan our news.
So, starting this Sunday, Expat News will publish a 7th day, recapping just the Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan news from the week. Let us know what you think, as we evaluate this new offering from Expat News.
Feedback Re: Hua Hin development plans/Dengue fever prevention/Heavy rain and strong winds expected/British Embassy Alerts Pattaya Expats/Thailand to host FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championship/ECONOMY: Thailand Rejects 0% Tariff Deal with US/Thailand says nearing deal with US/Will Indonesia regret its trade deal/No more changes to minimum wage/TOURISM: Thailand Launches “The New Thailand” Vision/Russian arrivals to top last year/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thailand in Decline/Thai sausages sizzle/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thai villages win big/Battery-swapping station in Phuket/INTERNATIONAL/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
Re: Hua Hin development plans
“These might help to make Hua Hin the “City of Happiness”: Turn the so-called “entertainment” areas (Walking St, Wonderland, Soi 80, etc.) into genuine family oriented bar/restaurant/cafe entertainment areas; keep the “seafood” wooden piers; have a bridge over Phetkasem road in downtown area to enable safe crossing; encourage fair taxi fares, instead of the “cartel” rip-off; stop the encroachment of food places on HH beach; stop dangerous windsurf and jetskis near the shore on HH beach.” – AJB
Hua Hin launches dengue fever prevention campaign
Local authorities in Hua Hin have launched a dengue fever prevention campaign aimed at reducing the risk of outbreaks through stronger community involvement and coordination.
Yesterday, Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul presided over the opening ceremony of the dengue fever prevention and control program held at the Golden Sea Hotel Hua Hin. Continued …
Heavy rain and strong winds expected across Thailand
The strong southwest monsoon continues to dominate the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while the monsoon trough stretches across upper Myanmar and upper Laos, the Thai Meteorological Department said today.
At the same time, severe tropical storm Wipha has been downgraded to a tropical depression over Laos, and is expected to weaken further into an active low-pressure system. Continued …
British Embassy Alerts Pattaya Expats to Growing Risks
The British Embassy has issued a warning to Brits residing inPattaya, highlighting a worrying rise in consular emergencies. At a reception, Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the consul for consular affairs, addressed British expats and Thai officials, stating that UK nationals facing distress are increasing rapidly.
Key concerns include an aging expat population, a surge in uninsured traffic incidents, and a notable rise in drug-related arrests, especially involving cannabis. Continued …
Thailand to host FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championship in August
For the first time in history, Thailand will host the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, marking a significant milestone, as the event will also be held in Southeast Asia for the first time.
The tournament is set to take place from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7 across four major cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The competition will feature 32 national teams from around the globe, divided into eight pools. All final-round matches will be held at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok. Continued …
Thailand Rejects 0% Tax Deal with US, Cites Risk to Local Farmers
Thailand has rejected a 0% tax agreement with the U.S., citing significant potential impacts on its agriculture sector. The government is instead launching a 200-billion-baht (£4.5 billion) soft loan scheme to support private sectors and farmers.
Deputy Finance Minister Julaphan Amornwiwat affirmed the country’s firm stance, stating the 0% tax proposal is untenable due to international obligations and the vulnerable nature of the domestic agriculture sector. The 0% tax would necessitate similar concessions from other trading partners, creating a ripple effect that could destabilize local industries. Continued …
(Editor: Two different media, two takes on U.S. tariffs, above and below. Are Thai officials talking with one another?)
Thailand says nearing deal with US to lower 36% import tariff
Thailand is close to an agreement with the United States to lower a threatened 36% tariff on its exports ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who expects trade talks to conclude within days.
The Southeast Asian nation will submit additional clarifications and final details of its proposal to U.S. trade officials in the coming days, Pichai said yesterday. A deal is expected to be announced before the new tariff rate takes effect, as Thailand has already provided the Washington with “almost everything” requested. Continued …
Will Indonesia regret its trade deal with Trump?
Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true. That ancient proverb comes to mind when considering the eagerness of America’s trade partners around the world to negotiate deals with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Four countries already have, with Indonesia the latest to do so – and possibly the first to regret it.
The United States has announced a complex, tiered tariff regime, including a 25% tariff on labor-intensive goods such as textiles and footwear, a 40% tariff on goods suspected of being “transshipped” or having content of Chinese origin, and a 50% tariff on so-called “strategic sectors”, including aluminium, copper, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. Continued …
No more changes to minimum wage this year, says minister
The Ministry of Labor has confirmed there will be no further increases to the minimum wage this year, saying the next shift will take place in 2026. Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit said yesterday that two wage adjustments have already taken place this year.
The minimum wage is usually only adjusted once a year, he said after a meeting of the national wage committee, which includes representatives of government, business and labor. Continued …
Thailand Launches “The New Thailand” Vision to Redefine Tourism in 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has unveiled its 2026 strategy under the theme “Value is the New Volume”— ushering in “The New Thailand” and signaling a shift to redefine Thai tourism through quality, balance, and sustainability.
Sorawong Thienthong, minister of Tourism and Sports, said that despite global tourism facing several challenges in 2024, Thailand remains a leading destination, having welcomed more than 18.08 million international visitors and generated 1.4 trillion baht in revenue so far this year. In response to the shifting tourism landscape, the government has approved a 4.5-billion-baht budget to drive 22 strategic initiatives. Continued …
Russian arrivals to top last year’s figure
Despite U.S. sanctions and intense tourism competition, the Russian market this year is expected to exceed the 1.74 million visitors recorded in 2024, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Russian goods within 50 days unless a deal was reached to end the war in Ukraine. (Editor: The U.S. currently does not import any Russian goods, making this threat pointless.) Continued …
Thailand in Decline: Reckoning with Two Lost Decades
For years, a comforting narrative persisted that “Teflon Thailand” would bounce back, that despite political noise and economic sluggishness, the country still had game. That optimism has all but vanished. Nearly every major indicator, political or economic, is pointing downward.
It’s time to stop pretending and start reckoning with the costs of two wasted decades. This is not an easy conversation to engage in. Many continue to avoid openly admitting just how far the nation has declined. Continued …
Thai sausages sizzle in global rankings
TasteAtlas, a global platform dedicated to cataloging local cuisines, has ranked Sai Krok Isan and Sai Ua among the top 50 most delicious sausages worldwide. Topping the list is Salsiccia, an Italian sausage made from minced pork, pork fat, salt, pepper, and a variety of spices like fennel seeds, cumin, garlic, and chilli.
Sai Krok Isan, ranking 23rd, is a local delicacy from northeastern Thailand. It is made from minced pork combined with rice, garlic, and salt, stuffed into cleaned pork intestines, and then fermented to develop a distinctive sour taste. Continued …
Thai villages win big for green tourism push
Thailand’s grassroots tourism projects just bagged six major accolades from the Pacific Asia Travel Assn. (PATA). Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan credited the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and its community network partners for putting Thailand’s local experiences on the global stage.
Leading the charge was the Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Community Enterprise, which clinched Thailand’s first-ever PATA Grand Award. The project was hailed for preserving traditional culture while offering immersive, sustainable homestay experiences that benefit the entire village. Continued …
U Power inaugurates smart battery-swapping station in Thailand
U Power (UCAR) has launched Southeast Asia’s first operational smart battery-swapping station in Phuket. The Thailand station is said to integrate U Power’s UOTTA battery-charging and swapping system technology to improve the transmission of data and station control logic.
The inauguration of the Thailand station comes after U Power’s delivery of the first battery-swapping compatible taxi fleet in Southeast Asia this May. Continued …
Trump announces ‘massive’ Japan trade deal ,including 15% tariff
President Donald Trump said yesterday the United States had agreed to a “massive” trade deal with Japan that would include a 15% tariff on its exports. The two countries have been locked in negotiations for months since Trump launched his global trade offensive, with levies targeting steel and automobiles – both important Japanese exports – seen as particular sticking points. Continued …
Trump agrees to small reduction in Philippine tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed yesterday to reduce threatened tariffs on the Philippines, but only by one percentage point, after what he termed a successful meeting with his counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
90-day online reporting 
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- 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
- State Railway – 1590
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