PKK advances development policy/PKK man murders wife/Thailand braces for soaring temperatures/Vaping Crackdown/Bangkok to limit pet numbers/’Trick 100 scam victims a day’/Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued/Crackdown on illegal immigration/Phuket officials under fire/Death toll in bus crash rises to 19/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Bank of Thailand Cuts Interest Rate/Social security system faces pressure/Thai casino push ‘a big threat’/Rice exports to dip/TOURISM: Ethical Tourism in Indigenous Communities/Authority Dismisses 94% Drop in Chinese Tourists/‘Summer Festivals’ extravaganza/240-million-baht Songkran budget/Chinese investors’ daily condo rentals/Chinese removing daily-rental keycard boxes/Grab contributed 1% to GDP/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Travel Guide: Hua Hin/Thailand’s last sea nomads/‘The White Lotus’ Prompts Criticism/CLIMATE THAILAND: EEC solar farm court battle/Phuket ‘waste banks’/Thailand’s glass packaging sector/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
Prachuap Khiri Khan advances development policy
PKK man murders estranged wife
A 60-year-old man has been arrested after stabbing his estranged wife 11 times, fatally wounding her in their home in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Their son has spoken out, revealing that his father was deeply addicted to gambling.
The attack took place at around 5:30 am Tuesday in Ban Na Thong, Khlong Wan subdistrict, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan. The suspect, identified as Sumpan Siangsai, used a newly purchased 50-centimeter knife to stab his wife, 53-year-old Sangwan Sualek, in the torso, with multiple wounds penetrating her heart and lungs. She died at the scene. Continued …
Extreme heat advisory: Thailand braces for soaring temperatures
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted extreme heat conditions in several regions from today until March 5, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Detailed forecasts reveal varying heat levels across the country.
In the southern region (eastern coast), from today 27 to March 1, expect a 20% to 30% chance of thunderstorms from Surat Thani upward. Eastern winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, with 1-meter waves and higher in stormy areas. Continued …
Thailand Ramps Up Vaping Crackdown Amid Rising Concerns
In a move to clamp down on the illegal trade of vapes, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal vape imports and sales. The initiative, starting immediately, places a strong focus on areas surrounding schools and universities to protect young people from the vaping epidemic.
The PM, in her social media updates, underscored the importance of community involvement, urging citizens to report illegal vape activities. Continued …
Bangkok to limit pet numbers, registration needed
A city regulation aimed at tackling stray animals goes into effect in about a year, which will impose a limit on how many pets an owner can keep, according to Bangkok Deputy Gov. Tavida Kamolvej.
The pet control regulation approved by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) last year was announced in the Royal Gazette on Jan. 15 and will take effect within a year. Continued …
Rescued teen ‘ordered to trick 100 scam victims a day’
A 14-year-old girl who was rescued from a scam gang in Cambodia said she was ordered to trick at least 100 victims a day or she would be assaulted and not fed.
The account came from the minor who had disappeared from her home in Rayong province last Saturday and was reportedly lured into working for a call-center gang based near the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Continued …
Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centers
More than 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in scam call centers in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region have been freed and are awaiting repatriation, according to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF).
The victims, totalling 7,141 people from 28 nationalities, were rescued from the notorious Shwe Kokko and KK Park complexes, areas known for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. The BGF, led by Karen warlord Saw Chit Thu, handed over the list of names to Thailand’s Ratchamanu Task Force for processing. Continued …
Thai police crackdown on illegal immigration leads to 9,532 arrests
Thailand’s national police chief has directed a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants, resulting in nearly 10,000 arrests. Notably in Surin, police discovered a building used for forging Chinese passports to evade immigration checks.
Speaking yesterday, Police Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, stated that under the policy of the national police chief, an operation was ordered by the Center for Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration. Continued …
Phuket officials under fire after corruption claims
Allegations of corruption and negligence are rocking Phuket as Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Ombudsman Khanitnan Aphicharn arrived to investigate a series of complaints against local officials accused of turning a blind eye to illegal activities.
The explosive allegations were discussed at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday, chaired by Phuket Vice Gov. Samawit Suphanphai. Senior representatives from key government agencies were present as residents voiced grievances about officials failing to enforce the law. Continued …
Death toll in Prachin Buri bus crash rises to 19
The bus driver blamed a brake system failure for the accident on Prachin Buri Road, which resulted in 19 deaths. One of the victims’ families is searching for missing valuables worth over 460,000 baht.
The coach bus collided with a traffic barrier and overturned on Road Number 304 in Prachin Buri province at about 3.30 am yesterday during a work trip for members of the Phon Charoen Subdistrict Municipality Office. They were traveling from the Isaan province of Bueng Kan toward the eastern province of Rayong. Continued …
- Chinese Couple Arrested in Phuket for 4-Year Visa Overstay – Continued …
- Chinese firm accused of Chachoengsao land grab – Continued …
- 2 Chinese arrested in Phuket over nominee activity – Continued …
Thai Stocks Surge as Bank of Thailand Cuts Interest Rate to 2%
In a move to energize Thailand’s economy, the Bank of Thailand lowered its key interest rate by 0.25% yesterday, responding to government pleas for economic relief and a weaker baht to enhance exports. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-1 in favor of reducing the one-day repurchase rate to 2.00%, citing increased economic risks.
Reacting to the decision, Thai stocks saw a midday rise of 1.6%. The baht held steady around 33.70 against the U.S. dollar. Continued …
Why Thailand’s social security system faces pressure for major reform
The Social Security Office (SSO) is facing major calls for reform amid criticism that lavish spending, poor budgeting, and a lack of transparency have pushed Thailand’s social security system to the brink of collapse.
Critics say the SSO requires a complete overhaul to enhance efficiency and safeguard health, pension and other welfare benefits it provides for some 24 million Thais. Continued …
Thai casino push ‘a big threat’, says Philippine gaming chief
Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos is a “big threat” to the Philippines, which is now Asia’s second-largest gambling hub and is looking to set a revenue record in 2025, says the head of the country’s gaming agency.
Gross gaming revenue may reach 450 billion to 480 billion pesos ($7.8 billion to $8.3 billion) this year, driven by a recovery in integrated resorts and booming electronic games, Alejandro Tengco, chairman and CEO of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, told reporters yesterday. Continued …
Rice exports projected to dip 33% in Q1
Thailand’s rice exports are expected to drop by 33% year-on-year in the first quarter, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Assn. Thai rice exports are projected to tally 7.5 million tons this year, dipping 24.2% from 9.94 million tons last year.
The two largest contributors to this downturn are India resuming white rice exports after a two-year hiatus and a global increase in rice production of 10 million tons compared with last year. Continued …
Exploring Ethical Tourism in Indigenous Communities of Northern Thailand
Visiting the highland communities of northern Thailand often evokes romanticized visions of remote villages preserved in time, seemingly untouched by modernity. However, this idealized perception can be deceptive.
Ethical tourism begins by questioning our own assumptions: Are you genuinely supporting the community, or unintentionally contributing to its exploitation? Continued …
Tourism Authority Dismisses Claims of 94% Drop in Chinese Tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is dismissing rumors that Chinese tourist numbers have plummeted by 94%. TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool assures that Thailand still ranks as the top destination for Chinese travelers.
The reported decline has been attributed to Thailand’s crackdown on call center scams. Thapanee pointed out that the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border hasn’t affected tourism numbers, as no official reports back up the claim. Continued …
Thailand launches ‘Summer Festivals’ extravaganza to boost tourism
The government has unveiled its “Thailand Summer Festivals” campaign, which aims to boost tourism and the creative economy through a series of festive celebrations scheduled from March to September.
The campaign, themed “7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals”, spotlights events across seven categories, namely Songkran, Pride Month, culture, music, sports, food and art, and creative festivals. The objective is to enhance Thai tourism by bridging the low season gap and promoting continuous travel throughout the seven months. Continued …
240-million-baht Songkran budget, tourist tax in final quarter
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is proposing a 240-million-baht budget to the cabinet for holding Songkran celebrations in April, aiming to generate 40-50 billion baht in revenue based on a 10%-20% uptick from 1.5 million visitors last year.
The ministry also plans to start collecting the 300-baht tourism tax during the high season in the final quarter. Continued …
Calls grow for the government to address Chinese investors’ daily condo rentals
Recent reports have highlighted a rising trend of Chinese investors purchasing condominium units in Thailand to rent out on platforms like Airbnb, catering to large numbers of tourists and effectively operating as hotels. This has led to dissatisfaction among condo residents and complaints from hotel associations, citing the negative effects on the local hospitality industry.
Suntorn Sathaporn, president of the Real Estate Business Assn., addressed the growing issue of illegal daily condo rentals, particularly those involving Chinese tour groups renting units to bypass legal restrictions. He emphasized that this practice results in large groups of tourists occupying condos, without regard for the impact on Thailand’s hotel industry. These actions, he noted, are illegal and violate the Condominium Act. Continued …
Chinese gradually removing daily-rental condo keycard boxes
After a netizen highlighted that there are boxes installed throughout the city holding keycards to condos illegally rented out on daily basis, a news team found out that the Chinese capitalists running this business have steadily removed many of them.
A Facebook page had posted photos of some cabinets holding combination lock boxes, with each holding a keycard to nearby condos, and causing trouble for other residents in these buildings. Local people revealed that there are foreigners, both Chinese and Westerners, coming to pick up keycards every day. Continued …
Grab contributed 1% to Thailand’s GDP, generated more than 280,000 jobs
A recent study by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) reveals that digital platforms significantly contribute to Thailand’s economic growth, with the ride-hailing and delivery platform Grab accounting for approximately 1% of the country’s GDP in 2023.
The platform generated 179 billion baht, created over 280,000 jobs, and contributed to a household income of around 24 billion baht. Continued …
Travel Guide: Hua Hin
Travel well in Thailand with this guide to two days in Hua Hin. We traveled to this beautiful, luxurious beachside town, discovering some of the very best things to see, eat and do. Continued …
Thailand’s last sea nomads cling to their roots in a changing world
Ngui slips beneath the waves, his movements effortless and precise. He’s done this thousands of times, diving deep to find fish and crustaceans hiding beneath the coral shelves of the Andaman Sea. His catch today is different. A sheet of black plastic, snagged on a rock 50 kilometers (30 miles) from mainland Thailand.
Ngui is Moken, a nomadic seafaring people who once spent most of their lives at sea; all they needed could be harvested from the sea and scattered islands. But in a rapidly changing world, the Moken have been forced to adapt their way of life. Fishing restrictions, dwindling fish stocks and the rise of tourism have pushed most to settle on land, their movement and activities limited within the boundaries of the Mu Ko Surin National Park. Continued …
‘The White Lotus’ Prompts Criticism of How the West Views Southeast Asia
Few recent TV shows have been more hotly anticipated than season three of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” set this time in Thailand’s Koh Samui.
Season three of the smash hit premiered on Feb. 16 but, so far, the beloved show has already garnered criticism for its take on Thailand, including its sepia color correction, underuse of Thai characters, and stereotypes about Thailand. Continued …
EEC solar farm court battle heats up
The Central Administrative Court is being asked to examine a 3.7-billion-baht lawsuit filed by solar farm developer SPCG Plc against the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) for allegedly unfairly discontinuing the company’s solar farm project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The PEA was asked by the EEC Office in 2019 to plan for a supply of clean energy in the EEC, which led to cooperation between the authority, its wholly owned PEA Encom International, and SPCG. Continued …
Phuket to set up local ‘waste banks’
Phuket City is preparing to establish a “community waste bank” program as authorities on the tourist island seek better ways to manage 1,200 tons of waste generated daily.
The program encourages people in communities to separate waste such as plastic and glass bottles and paper, which can be sold at the waste bank. The program is expected to expand to other parts of Phuket in the future. Continued …
How the EPR system will impact Thailand’s glass packaging sector
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach in which the producer’s responsibility for a product and/or packaging is extended to the post-consumer phase of the product’s life cycle.
An EPR policy is characterized by shifting responsibility for a product and/or packaging to the producer and away from local authorities and municipalities. It also aims to incentivize producers to take environmental aspects into account when designing their products. Continued …
New bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The new first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin will offer two round trips daily. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure will be from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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