Tag Archives: similian islands

exports, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, retirement, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, thailand islands, thailand wellness, tourism

Wednesday’s news-July 1

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Thailand Asia’s top retirement destination/Hua Hin videos//Buying a Pool Villa in Hua Hin/Why expats may soon trust their phones/Bangchak cuts premium fuel prices/Heavy rain to most of Thailand/Joy of the lottery/National streaming plan
  • THE IRAN WAR: 10 Thai-linked vessels exit Strait/Threat Over Fertilizer Import Trap/Asian airlines’ Europe windfall fades
  • ECONOMY: Thailand extends property fee cut/Branded residences uxury safe-haven/Manufacuring index decrease/Business registration fully digital
  • TOURISM: PKK pushes wellness tourism/Most visited city doesn’t mean most loved/Europeans steer clear of Thailand
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget/Thailand’s Lesser-Known Gem
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Electric, hybrid and the road ahead
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Thailand named Asia’s top retirement destination

Thailand has been ranked the best country in Asia and ninth globally as a retirement destination in the Global Retirement Index 2026. Thailand was ranked ninth worldwide and first in Asia by International Living, a leading US media outlet specializing in overseas living and retirement.

The ranking evaluates seven key factors: housing, visas and retirement benefits, cost of living, development and governance, climate, healthcare, and overall lifestyle suitability. The assessment is based on input from experts, correspondents and expatriates living in each country. Continued … 

New daily feature on Hua Hin Expat News – Hua Hin videos

Hua Hin: Is This Thailand’s Best Kept Secret for Expats?

Located in the heart of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Thailand. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife, Hua Hin has something to offer for everyone.

If you’re considering moving to Thailand or retiring in Thailand, Hua Hin is definitely worth exploring. In this video, we’ll take you on a tour of Hua Hin, showcasing its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and expat-friendly lifestyle. We’ll also provide you with valuable Thailand travel tips and insights into what it’s like to live in Hua Hin as an expat. Video … 

Is Hua Hin only for old people?

Hua Hin has long been one of Thailand’s favorite beach getaways, known for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from the capital. But beyond the beach, the city has a lot more going on than you might expect.

Explore the lively Tamarind and Cicada Night Markets, sample the local atmosphere after dark, and see why Hua Hin remains such a popular weekend destination for Bangkokians, expats, and travelers alike. Video … 

Buying a Pool Villa in Hua Hin

A private pool villa in Hua Hin costs far less than the same home would on Phuket or Samui, and for many buyers it delivers more: quiet, space, a real community, and Bangkok two and a half hours up the road.

The catch is that the result depends almost entirely on three choices — the area, the villa itself, and the builder behind it. Get those right and Hua Hin is hard to beat. Get them wrong and you inherit someone else’s mistakes. Continued … 

Why expats may soon trust their phones more than their landlords

The most useful AI gadget for expatriates in Thailand may not be a robot, a smart speaker or a laptop priced like a small motorbike. It may be the smartphone already sitting beside their morning iced coffee, quietly judging their screen time while helping them translate Thai messages, plan trips, manage work calls, read banking alerts and understand condominium notices that seem to have been written by a committee in a hurry.

For years, smartphone makers sold progress by touting sharper cameras, brighter screens and processors with names that sounded like comic-book villains. Now the battle is moving toward something far more interesting: usefulness. Continued … 

Bangchak cuts premium fuel prices by 5 baht

Bangchak Corp. (BCP) reduced the retail prices of two premium fuel products by 5 baht per liter from 5 am today. The price cut applies to:

Hi Premium Diesel Plus, now 49.25 baht per liter; Hi Premium Gasohol 98 Plus, now 48.44 baht per liter; and regular petrol, gasohol and diesel prices were unchanged. Continued … 

Monsoon blast brings heavy rain to most of Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain in parts of Thailand, with very heavy downpours possible in some areas of the east and the western side of the south today.

Thunderstorms in the south east coast area are expected in over 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Heavy rain expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani. Minimum temperature: 23-26°C. Maximum temperature: 32-35°C. From Surat Thani northward: southwesterly winds of 20-35 km/h; waves 1-2 meters high, rising above 2 meters offshore and during thunderstorms. Continued … 

The joy of the lottery

Thais genuinely enjoy playing the lottery. Even though the chances of winning the grand prize are staggeringly low, only one in a million, they buy more and more tickets every day.

A 2021 survey by the Center for Gambling Studies at Chulalongkorn University revealed that more than 24 million Thais – about 45.4% of the Thai population – snapped up national lottery tickets in 2021. The figure showed an increase of 8.3% from an earlier survey in 2019. Continued … 

Commission backs national streaming plan

The planned establishment of a national TV streaming platform is far more than the launch of another video application; it is intended to ensure that every Thai can conveniently access all free-to-air television channels through the internet, according to commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Pirongrong Ramasoota.

Pirongrong, who oversees the broadcasting sector, said this would preserve the principle of universal access to public-interest content, including news, emergency alerts, educational programming, cultural content and nationally significant events. Continued … 

Foreign Ministry says 10 Thai-linked vessels safely exit Strait of Hormuz

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 10 out of 11 Thai-flagged vessels and vessels chartered by Thai operators stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area after the closure announcement on Feb. 28, had now safely left the area.

Only one vessel operated by a Thai company remains in the area. It is currently waiting to take on cargo and is preparing to depart at the earliest opportunity. Continued … 

Thai Agriculture Faces Existential Threat Over Fertilizer Import Trap

Thailand’s total dependence on imported fertilizer has left its 16 million farmers dangerously exposed to global geopolitical shocks, according to industry leaders, state officials, and academics who gathered for a roundtable yesterday.

The panel discussion, titled “Hormuz Shock: World Fertilizer Crisis, Survival for Thai Agriculture”, concluded that while the immediate supply chain crunch triggered by recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz has begun to ease, the episode has exposed critical structural vulnerabilities that demand urgent, systemic reform. Continued … 

Asian airlines’ Europe windfall fades as Gulf rivals rebound

Asian airlines that gained passengers and charged higher fares ‌on European routes after the start of the Iran conflict are seeing those advantages erode as Gulf carriers restore flights and offer lower ticket prices, industry data shows.

The shift has been gradual, but it is raising doubts over whether carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Korean Air Lines and ANA Holdings, can retain much of the market share they gained during the disruption. Continued … 

Thailand extends 0.01% property fee cut in one-year lifeline for homebuyers

Thailand’s Cabinet has extended ultra-low property transfer and mortgage registration fees for another year, keeping a key housing stimulus measure in place as the government seeks to ease costs for homebuyers and support a fragile real estate recovery.

The measure, approved yesterday, cuts both the property transfer registration fee and mortgage registration fee to 0.01 per cent, covering eligible residential property transactions until June 30, 2027, after publication in the Royal Gazette. The measure continues a similar 2025 scheme that was due to expire yesterday. Continued … 

Thailand’s branded residences become luxury safe-haven

Thailand’s property market may be moving cautiously, but at the very top end developers are racing in the opposite direction. A new wave of branded residences — backed by global hotel, fashion, design and automotive names — is turning Bangkok, Phuket and resort destinations into a regional test ground for luxury homes sold not merely as places to live, but as managed, long-term collectible assets.

The shift comes as Thailand’s wider residential market faces a more selective buying environment. CBRE Thailand reported that Bangkok’s overall condominium market had a slow start to 2026, with only 12 new project launches in the first quarter, as buyers took longer to make decisions amid geopolitical risks, a weak local economy and elevated oil prices. Continued … 

Slowdown in auto sector drives manufacuring index decrease

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 101.18 points in May, due mainly to a slowdown in the domestic automotive sector, said the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The index increased from 92.76 points in April, however, when global conflicts and domestic challenges weighed on industrial activity.

Domestically, banks and car financing companies continued to tighten lending criteria, making it difficult for prospective buyers to get auto loans, while car exports bore the brunt of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israeli war with Iran. Continued … 

Business registration becomes fully digital

New partnership and company registrations are now fully digitalized, improving convenience and speeding up the registration process, while reducing costs for both businesses and individuals, says the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Effective today, all new business registrations, including the establishment of partnerships and limited companies, must be completed online through the Digital Business Registration System (DBD Biz Regist), though amendments to existing registration information are excluded. Continued … 

PKK pushes wellness tourism across all eight districts

Prachuap Khiri Khan is moving ahead with its wellness tourism strategy, with model communities selected across all eight districts as part of plans to develop the province as a wellness city. At a meeting yesterday at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office, officials reviewed work being carried out in each district to strengthen health services and support sustainable wellness tourism.

The selected model health-conscious subdistricts are Hin Lek Fai in Hua Hin, Pak Nam Pran in Pranburi, Rai Kao in Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri in Kui Buri, Ao Noi in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Na Hu Kwang and Thap Sakae in Thap Sakae, Ron Thong in Bang Saphan, and Pak Phraek in Bang Saphan Noi. Continued … 

The most visited city doesn’t mean the most loved

Bangkok was named the world’s most visited city for 2025 by Euromonitor International, drawing an estimated 30.3 million international arrivals, ahead of Hong Kong, London, Macao, and Istanbul. Thailand expects that number to climb further in 2026, with 34.9 million foreign visitors forecast and tourism revenue projected at 1.63 trillion baht, an 8% increase year on year.

By any conventional measure, this is success, the kind of ranking tourism boards spend years chasing. What it does not measure is whether the city living underneath all those visitor numbers actually feels good about hosting them. Continued … 

Europeans steer clear of Thailand amid heatwave

Europe’s most severe heatwave has yet to trigger a surge in tourists to Thailand, with Phuket hotels slashing low-season rates by 70%-80% compared with the high season, as surging airfares continue to deter both domestic and foreign visitors.

Somjai Tungkoo, vice president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn., said summer holidays typically attract large numbers of European tourists, but demand this year has been weaker than expected, as many travelers seek to escape the heat by visiting cooler destinations within their region rather than taking long-haul trips. Continued … 

These 3 Small Thai Towns Could Stretch Your Budget Further

Big-city life in Southeast Asia often gets the most attention — with Bangkok and Hanoi among many travelers’ favorite destinations — but some of the region’s best (and most affordable) long-term living can be found in smaller towns.

In a recent report, International Living tapped its global correspondents to share the towns in Southeast Asia that “combine charm, affordability, and a quality of life that larger cities often can’t match,” and three specific places stood out. Spoiler: They’re all in Thailand. Continued … 

Experience Thailand’s Lesser-Known Gem With A Gorgeous Beach

Many people choose the Caribbean for its pristine beaches and abundance of islands. But a trip to this Southeast Asian paradise in the Andaman Sea is worth the jetlag for its own stunning beaches.

Similan Islands National Park features numerous islands, although some are restricted from visitors to protect wildlife. However, Donald Duck Bay features viewpoints, water activities, unique rocks shaped like Disney characters, and white-sanded beaches that rival the Caribbean. Continued … 

Electric, hybrid and the road ahead: Mercedes-Benz CEO on the future of driving

“The future is fully electric,” the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), Christian Schell, declared, expressing his confidence in the automobile’s future path. This was emphasized in the first half of 2026 by the oil crisis, when people turned to buying electric vehicles (EVs) in fear of fuel shortages.

Even so, there will be some who prefer cars that run on fossil fuel, and that is the current gap that car manufacturers need to bridge. In this episode of “The Road Ahead – What Will We Be Driving Next?”, two car enthusiasts discuss the past and the future of the vehicles we drive. Continued … 

  • Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Chiang Mai Over Loan Fraud – Continued … 
  • Finnish Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok Home by Immigration – Continued … 

Global energy investment hits record as ASEAN power grids face strain

Global investment in the energy sector continued to expand, with total investment reaching US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level on record. Of this, US$2.3 trillion went into clean energy, helping lift the share of renewables and nuclear power in global electricity generation to 42%. Continued … 

‘I’m going to stay calm’: 48 hours under the rubble in Venezuela

Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. Just 23 years old, Canonico spent almost 48 hours in the same position before being pulled out – alive. Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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

bangkok, chiang mai, exports, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-April 18

Thailand’s Long-term Resident Visa/Heat soars to 43°C/Storm chaos in northeast/”Godzilla” El Niño looms/Rising heat is stretching summer/Songkran ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ ends/24-Hour Alcohol Sales in EEC/Famed Khao Yai tiger dies

  • THE IRAN WAR: Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen/Global tourism on edge/US$760 million in oil bets/Oil-addicted Asia finally going green
  • ECONOMY: US urges Thailand to remove barriers/ADB cuts Thailand growth view/Shrinking population trend/Thailand banks on EU trade deal/Driving e-commerce growth
  • TOURISM: Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet/Songkran a world-class festival draw/Thai Airways Cuts May Flights
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Songkran Festival in photos/Mon Songkran rite bathes monks/Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Ministers Push Eco Packaging/500kg of ‘ghost nets’
  • INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thailand’s Long-term Resident Visa

Thailand has introduced a new visa called “Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa”, which is a program that provides a range of tax and non-tax benefits to enhance the country’s attractiveness as a regional hub for living and doing business for ‘high-potential’ individuals. Today, Thailand is already home to multinational corporations from all over the world and one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia.

Thailand presents itself as a very attractive location for “work from anywhere” professionals. This new visa program is expected to attract new foreign residents, technologies, and talents contributing to domestic spending and investment, while supporting economic growth. The Thai government has set the target of attracting one million wealthy or talented foreign residents into the country over the next five years.

Thailand braces for summer storms as heat soars to 43°C

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its seventh warning of the year, cautioning that summer storms will continue to affect upper Thailand through Monday, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and isolated lightning strikes alongside extreme heat.

According to the announcement, the unstable weather will initially affect the northeast and the east before spreading to the central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well as the north. Continued … 

Storm chaos in northeast – Surin blackout, Buriram roads blocked

Severe summer storms swept across Thailand’s northeast overnight, causing widespread disruption in Surin and Buriram, as heavy rain and powerful winds brought down infrastructure and blocked key transport routes.

In Surin, the storm struck late yesterday, unleashing torrential rain and violent gusts that toppled multiple high-voltage transmission poles along Highway 226 on the Surin–Sikhoraphum route. Continued … 

Southeast Asia braces for scorching heat, water crisis as “Godzilla” El Niño looms

A potential “Godzilla” or super El Niño is forecast to develop in the second half of 2026, threatening Southeast Asia with prolonged drought, extreme heat, and heightened wildfire risk. While the term “Godzilla” is informal, scientists use it to describe an exceptionally strong El Niño event where sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific rise at least 2°C above average.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates a 62% chance of El Niño emerging between June and August, with roughly a one-in-three chance it could become strong by October-December. Continued … 

Rising heat is stretching summer and changing how people live

Climate change is leaving an increasingly visible mark on the planet, with temperatures continuing to rise year after year. The latest study shows that summer is now arriving earlier and lasting longer, with growing consequences for daily life, urban planning, and infrastructure.

Research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that between 1990 and 2023, summer length across the world’s mid-latitudes increased by an average of around six days per decade. That marks a notably faster rate of change than earlier research, which found that summer had lengthened by 4.8 days per decade before 2012. Continued … 

Songkran ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ ends with fewer accidents, injuries, and deaths

The seven-day Songkran road safety campaign has concluded with a total of 1,242 accidents, 1,200 injuries, and 242 deaths nationwide, with 10 provinces reporting zero fatalities.

Overall figures for this year’s Songkran period showed marked improvement compared with the three-year average, Thiraphat Khatchamart, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, who chairs the Road Safety Directing Center, said yesterday. Continued … 

Thailand Proposes 24-Hour Alcohol Sales in EEC Zone

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has approved in principle a proposal to allow 24-hour sales of beer and liquor in the Eastern Aviation City promotion zone, with a public hearing and royal decree required before implementation. The process is expected to be completed by no later than May.

Dr. Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the committee also approved a draft announcement on prohibited alcohol sales days. Under the draft, major Buddhist holy days will remain no-sale days, but the legal authority will shift from a prime minister’s office announcement to one issued by the committee. Continued … 

Famed Khao Yai tiger dies of natural causes

A male Indochinese tiger known as “Sri Kosa”, a key figure in Thailand’s wild tiger population, has died of natural causes in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex, researchers have confirmed.

The adult tiger, identified as TLT-119M in monitoring records, was first captured on camera traps in 2019 in Thap Lan and Pang Sida national parks. He was later fitted with a GPS collar in April last year to track his movements and study his behavior, and was subsequently given the name Sri Kosa. Continued … 

Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen, Iranian leader tells Trump

President Donald Trump said the United States may allow the ceasefire deal with Iran to expire next week if no deal is reached to end the war by Wednesday. Despite that outlook, Trump said there was also “pretty good news” regarding Iran, but the president declined to elaborate as he spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, DC, from Arizona.

Earlier yesterday, Iran said it scrapped reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Trump said he would not call off the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite the country’s concession to allow commercial traffic through the critical waterway. Continued … 

Global tourism on edge: What happens next

The collapse of high-stakes peace talks in Pakistan has sent a chill through global markets, and what happens next is no longer just a geopolitical question. It is a tourism question.

Recent negotiations in Islamabad, aimed at stabilizing tensions linked to the Iran conflict, were always fragile. Analysts warned from the outset that Pakistan lacked the leverage to guarantee outcomes, with external forces capable of derailing progress at any moment. Continued … 

Mystery trader dumped US$760 million in oil bets just before prices crashed

A massive oil trade placed moments before crude prices slumped has triggered fresh questions over whether sensitive information tied to the Iran conflict may have been used to profit in global energy markets.

The transaction, worth around US$760 million, was executed roughly 20 minutes before Iran’s foreign minister formally announced yesterday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for the rest of the ceasefire period. Continued … 

War forces oil-addicted Asia to finally go green

The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages, and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity.

Demand for solar panels has swamped companies like Wayso, whose managing director is coloring in Thailand’s rooftops as fast as he can find technicians to do it. “We can’t hire quickly enough,” Suwat Cherdvut said. “We’ve had to start outsourcing technicians just to keep up.” Continued … 

US urges Thailand to remove barriers on cars, drugs, and farm goods

Trade between Thailand and the United States surged past US$110 billion in 2025, underlining increasingly strong economic ties between the two countries. But behind the impressive figures lies a long list of trade barriers that Washington wants Bangkok to address in concrete terms.

Three issues are under especially close scrutiny: recognition of US automotive standards, approval of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and wider access for American agricultural and food products. Continued … 

ADB cuts Thailand growth view, flags deeper structural drag

Thailand’s economy is set to slow again in 2026, with the Asian Development Bank forecasting growth of just 1.8%, down from 2.4% in 2025, and 2.9% in 2024, before a modest recovery to 2.0% in 2027.

The sharper message in ADB’s latest outlook, however, is that the country’s deeper problem is not just this year’s external shocks. It is the structural weakness sitting underneath them: sluggish productivity, low domestic value added, and an economy that still struggles to spread technology and know-how widely enough to local firms. Continued … 

Shrinking population trend has begun to impact the Thai economy

A People’s Party politician on Thursday warned that last year’s birth level in Thailand was the lowest in 75 years. Natthaya Boonphakdee warned that by 2036, one-third of all Thai people will be over 60 years of age as the country becomes a super-aged society.

At the same time, the country will have lost 2.5 million working people from its population. After that, the spiraling decline in both population and working-age adults poses serious economic challenges to the economy. Continued … 

Thailand banks on EU trade deal

The international trade landscape is changing rapidly, with more barriers and the waning influence of certain established international organizations. In response, countries are reducing their reliance on multilateral systems and strengthening economic stability through bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs).

How do FTAs shape Thailand’s trade and economy, and which sectors could face heightened risks, especially following the EU’s finalization of its FTA with India? Continued … 

Thailand driving e-commerce growth

Thailand has emerged as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce growth engine amid regional market share consolidation. The country has become the standout performer in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape, posting the region’s fastest growth and reinforcing its position as a key battleground for platform dominance, according to a new report released by Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works.

In 2025, Thailand’s e-commerce market surged 51.8% year-on-year to US$35.5 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV), significantly outpacing regional peers and signaling a structural acceleration in digital consumption. Continued … 

The morning after Bangkok’s biggest Songkran yet

The Tourism Authority of Thailand projected 30.3 billion baht in Songkran revenue this year, up 6% from 2025, and released the number with the kind of confidence that comes from having done the work. The production at Benchakitti Park, the coordinated Silom closure, the S2O headliners on Ratchadaphisek, the international press coverage – none of it was accidental.

Bangkok did not stumble into becoming one of the world’s most-watched festival destinations. It applied for the job and this year the application was approved at scale. Continued … 

Bangkok moves to make Songkran a world-class festival draw

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the city’s Songkran festival into a world-class event, with a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving public space management, and strengthening environmental measures.

Thai Songkran already attracts huge numbers of visitors. On Silom Road alone, more than 700,000 people joined the festivities, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) able to manage the area safely and in an orderly manner. Continued … 

Thai Airways International Cuts May Flights Across Asia and Europe

Thai Airways International (THAI) will reduce flight frequencies across domestic and international routes in May, citing sharply higher fuel costs and weaker passenger demand during the low season. The cuts affect services within Thailand as well as routes to Asia and Europe, with some routes suspended entirely.

Ticket agents have been notified and the airline said it has prepared options to help agents and passengers manage the changes. The adjustments will run throughout May, with domestic services to Khon Kaen reduced from four to three flights per day, Udon Thani from three to two, and Ubon Ratchathani from 14 flights per week to 12 between May 5-28. Continued … 

Songkran Festival in photos

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, began on April 13 and ran through April 15. The celebrations featuring participants being doused with water drew unusually large crowds in Bangkok this year, with a record 160,000 people gathering on Silom Road on the first day, up from 100,000 last year.

The jump in attendance is partly due to rising fuel prices. Higher gasoline and diesel costs discouraged many Bangkok residents from traveling to their hometown, leading them to stay in the capital instead. As a result, the city’s festivities became even more crowded despite the economic strain. Photos … 

Mon Songkran rite bathes monks through bamboo channels

A rare Songkran tradition unique to Sangkhlaburi drew Mon worshippers, local residents, and tourists to Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Kanchanaburi yesterday, despite stifling heat and a lingering haze of dust and smoke.

The ceremony took place at the Bodhgaya Chedi in Ban Wangka, where devotees gathered to take part in the annual ritual of bathing monks with scented water flowing through a handmade network of bamboo channels. Continued … 

Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Guide

Elephant Nature Park serves as a sprawling 250-acre rescue center located 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai in Thailand’s lush Mae Taeng Valley. Visitors arrive via a scenic shuttle from the city, greeted by the sounds of trumpeting elephants and the scent of tropical foliage amid misty mountains.

This sanctuary fits into Thailand’s growing ethical tourism movement, offering day visits, overnight stays, and volunteer programs that prioritize animal welfare over entertainment. The atmosphere buzzes with gentle energy: rescued elephants roam freely in grassy fields, mud wallows sparkle under the sun, and bamboo platforms provide shaded viewing areas where the air carries hints of lemongrass and earth. Continued … 

Ministers Push Eco Packaging Plan in Thailand

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suthamphan and Industry Minister Warawut Silpa-archa have led efforts to promote eco-friendly packaging to reduce plastic use, as global supply pressures linked to the Middle East crisis impact costs.

The move was discussed on Thursday at Government House Building 1, where both ministers met senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry. Talks focused on managing production cost fluctuations and promoting sustainable resource use amid ongoing volatility in global raw material markets. Continued … 

Divers clear 500kg of ‘ghost nets’ from around Payang Island

Similan Islands National Park officials successfully removed a massive 500 kilograms of discarded fishing gear, commonly known as “ghost nets,” during a routine Marine Smart Patrol near Payang Island.

The operation, which took place yesterday, was part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the Andaman Sea’s fragile ecosystem and restore the pristine condition of one of Thailand’s most renowned marine sanctuaries. Continued … 

How tumor freezing is changing breast cancer treatment

Doctors are exploring a different approach to a specific type of breast cancer tumor called cryoablation. It destroys the cancer with extreme cold in a short outpatient procedure that can let them go home the same day. Video … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

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

chiang mai, hua hin, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Monday’s news-Oct 16

2 Comments

Today’s news: Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced/Western retirees feeling insecure/The 9-day Vegetarian Festival/Digging deeper at Farm-A-Jarn/Rare glimpse into Thailand’s past/Restaurant’s job ad goes viral/Why are video games blamed?/Health reform hopes renew/Flights to repatriate 5,000 Thais/Four more Thais believed killed in Israel/Thai workers’ perilous experiences/Workers question Israel’s safety/Free calls for True, DTAC customers/Swiss Honorary Consulate Opens in Pattaya/Murder-suicide suspected/Railway Police to disband tomorrow/79% of Thais want digital wallet/Digital Wallet Reaching People On Feb.1/Subsidy scheme for motorcycle taxi drivers/‘Best Destination – Asia Pacific’/Surge in travel bookings/Phetchaburi’s new tourism strategy/Visitors head to Phuket for Vegetarian Festival/Huge plans for Phuket/Surin and Similan islands now open/Best Beach Hotels in Thailand/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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

Western retirees in Thailand feeling rather insecure

Premier Srettha Thavisin’s new Pheu Thai-led administration has already seen massive investment in Thailand’s short-term visa programs. The mass market Chinese tourists are now 30 days visa-free, at least until February 2024, and appear to have no problem obtaining a further month at immigration if wished.

The sports and tourism ministry is planning to spend 600 million baht in the next financial year to promote marketing campaigns abroad for tourism. There is talk that some visitors, including Europeans and Russians, might soon see the arrival of the 90 days visa exempt stay awarded on entry. Continued …

All you need to know about the 9-day Vegetarian Festival

The Vegetarian Festival is an annual religious event during which people abstain from animal products and consume only vegetarian food without pungent ingredients.

The festival, celebrated for nine days, follows the lunar calendar, beginning on the first day of the ninth lunar month, which corresponds to September or October. In Thais, this festival is called “Kin Jay”. Kin in Thai means “eat”. Continued …

Digging deeper at Farm-A-Jarn

For me, it started in Seattle, on Queen Anne Hill, where I sort of grew up. I tried to grow pansies in our front side rock garden. Do you know how much it rains there? My efforts in all that rain were abysmal and the early childhood disappointment of not seeing my pansies’ colorful faces kept me from gardening for years.

Later, I found out that un-sprayed pansies and many other flowers can be eaten. They have a velvety, unique finish on the tongue. And moreover, each color has a different flavor! When torn and scattered over a salad or most any dish, it achieves a festive confetti. Continued …

New app gives visitors a rare glimpse into Thailand’s past

The Fine Arts Department has developed a new smartphone application that brings Thailand’s historical sites alive on your mobile phone or tablet.

The Smart Heritage app employs augmented reality to give users a glimpse of Thailand’s past grandeur and beauty, as well as the fine craftsmanship that was lost to the ravages of time or war. Continued … 

Thai restaurant’s job ad goes viral for unique qualifications and high salary

A Thai restaurant, Xin Rong, has announced several job vacancies, offering a salary range of 70,000 to 90,000 baht. The positions available include clean-up crew, customer service staff, and kitchen staff.

The announcement became a viral sensation on social media due to the high starting salary. However, the job listings also come with a peculiar list of qualifications. Continued …

Why are video games so often blamed for mass shootings?

As Thai authorities try to uncover the motive behind a 14-year-old suspect’s shooting spree at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Oct. 3, some media outlets have discovered that the suspect had a game addiction and mental health issues.

Oftentimes, video games have been blamed for mass shootings, as many of them depict acts of violence that may trigger players to commit crimes in real life. Continued …

Health reform hopes renew

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s decision to establish the National Health System Development Committee has raised high expectations for healthcare reform in Thailand.

Undoubtedly, the country’s globally acclaimed universal healthcare scheme resulted from the political resolve of the former Thai Rak Thai Party, which Pheu Thai succeeded. With Pheu Thai taking the reins, all eyes are on potential advances in the universal healthcare system. Continued …

Chartered Airbus-380 and 32 commercial flights to repatriate 5,000 Thais

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed authorities to charter an Airbus-380 aircraft to fly Thai evacuees out of Israel, in addition to over 30 flights arranged with Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways International and China’s Spice Jet airlines.

There are also six special flights by Royal Thai Force’s Airbus 340-500 aircraft arranged for October, with the first having already left for Tel Aviv early yesterday morning. Continued …

Four more Thais believed to have been killed in Israel, 17 held hostage

Four more Thais are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel last week, bringing the death toll to 28, with 17 still being held hostage and 16 injured, including some who have already been flown back to Thailand.

Labor Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said yesterday he has received a report from the Thai labor attaché in Tel Aviv that four more Thais are reported to have died, but this is yet to be verified by Israeli authorities. Continued …

Thai workers recount perilous experiences amid Gaza conflict

Recently returned Thai workers from conflict-hit Israel conveyed their harrowing experiences, raising questions about the government’s decision to send workers to the conflict-ridden zones, notably areas near the Gaza Strip.

The first batch of 41 Thai workers landed in Thailand last Thursday on Israel Airlines flight LY 083, with 15 sponsored by the Thai government and the remaining 26 funding their return. These individuals form part of the 7,000 Thais, out of 30,000 sent overseas, who were employed predominantly in Israel’s agricultural sector. Continued …

Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack

The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai laborers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad. For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector.

Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in Israel, with 5,000 of them working near the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip. These workers are no strangers to the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and have occasionally been caught in the crossfire. Continued …

True, DTAC customers can call, send SMS in Israel and back to Thailand free of charge

True Corp. is offering 24-hour free calls and SMS for both TrueMove H and DTAC customers in Israel to make domestic and international calls back to their families in Thailand from today until Oct. 31.

This additional measure is implemented on top of its existing roaming service in Israel to connect for emergency support from the Thai Royal Embassy in Tel Aviv, and True and DTAC call centers for free of charge since Oct. 7. Continued …

Swiss Honorary Consulate Officially Opens in Pattaya

The official opening ceremony of the new Swiss honorary consulate took place in Pattaya last week, and was attended by the mayor of Pattaya, Poramese Ngampiches, as well as the ambassador and honorary consul of the Swiss Confederation to Thailand.

The honorary consul of the Swiss Confederation, Esther Kaufmann, remarked that the establishment of the honorary consulate signifies an elevation of the diplomatic relationship between Switzerland and Thailand. Continued …

Murder-suicide suspected as foreign couple found dead in rental home

A chilling murder-suicide discovery was made in the Phana district of Amnat Charoen when a foreign couple, found dead in their rented house, sparked a police investigation.

The 47-year -old Swiss man and 40-year-old Moldovan woman were identified by Police Col. Chotnarin Sathupawarat, the superintendent of Phana station. Continued …

End of an Era: Railway Police to disband tomorrow

After a remarkable 72-year history of protecting Thailand’s railway system, the “Railway Police” will cease operations on tomorrow.

The official Facebook page of the National Police Bureau made an announcement, revealing that on Oct. 17, the “Railway Police” would cease their operations, in accordance with the restructuring plan outlined in the National Police Act of 2022. Continued …

79% of Thais want digital wallet money to spend

About 79% of respondents to a National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll say that they will accept the 10,000 baht one-time subsidy from the government under the “digital wallet” scheme and will use it to buy goods and services, while 60% believe that the popularity of the ruling Pheu Thai party will suffer if the scheme is scrapped.

The poll also shows that 13.5% of the respondents say they will not accept the money and 5.4% say they will accept it, but will not spend it. Continued …

10,000-Baht Digital Wallet Reaching People On Feb.1: PM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Saturday a sum of 10,000 baht in digital wallet will be delivered to each of the eligible people on Feb. 1, 2024.

The prime minister reconfirmed that the digital wallet is scheduled to be provided for each and every Thai national aged 16 years or over, despite strong objections raised by university economists and other critics. Continued …

Expanding subsidy scheme to drive down costs for motorcycle taxi drivers

The government is envisaging the introduction of a further stage in the fuel cost subsidy scheme for motorcycle taxi drivers. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce operational expenses in public transportation.

Prasert Sinsukprasert, the permanent secretary for energy, stated a proposal for the new installment of the energy cost subsidy initiative has been prepared by the Department of Energy Business. It is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Energy. Continued … 

Thailand named ‘Best Destination – Asia Pacific’

Thailand has been recognized as the “Best Destination – Asia Pacific” in the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023. This is the second time Thailand has received this honor.

Additionally, two hotels in Bangkok, Capella Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok, were also recognized in the awards. The winners were selected by industry professionals based on innovation, professionalism, and excellence. Travel Weekly Asia is a platform that connects buyers and sellers in the travel industry. Continued …

Traveloka reports surge in travel bookings to Thailand

Travel bookings to Thailand have seen a significant surge, according to online travel agent Traveloka. The company’s president, Caesar Indra, highlighted that despite the slow recovery of the aviation sector, Thais have predominantly utilized their platform for air ticket bookings, veering toward less-frequented destinations. This trend has been mirrored across numerous Asian markets.

Indra reported a fivefold increase in inbound flight bookings to Thailand within the first half of this year, in comparison to the same period in the previous year. However, the revival of international flights this year was slower than anticipated. Continued …

Phetchaburi unveils new tourism strategy

Phetchaburi province is making a dedicated effort to combine nature’s healing properties and Thailand’s age-old wisdom of holistic well-being to redefine its tourism strategy.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phetchaburi office will launch new initiatives centered on Thai traditional wisdom of harnessing herbs both as nourishment and medicine — a legacy passed down through centuries. Continued …

TAT projects big earnings as visitors head to Phuket for Vegetarian Festival

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects some 600,000 Thai and foreign visitors to land in Phuket for the nine-day Vegetarian Festival this month and earn the province at least 9 billion baht.

The annual festival, which kicked off on Sunday, is expected to attract visitors from neighboring provinces, such as Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani, TAT Phuket office director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee said on Saturday. Continued …

Government has huge plans to turn Phuket into a world-class tourism hub

The Thai government plans to invest heavily in transforming Phuket into a world-class tourism hub, according to the thansettakij.com news website.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s team visited Phuket and Phang Nga for the second time on Sept. 29, just a month after its initial visit on Aug. 25-26. This signals a clear commitment to expedite various projects with a budget in trillions of baht, aiming to elevate Phuket to a global city, stimulate tourism, and become a center for spreading prosperity to the Andaman region, Thansettakij reported. Continued …

Surin and Similan islands now open to visitors until May 15

After the six-month annual closure to allow the ecosystem to recover, the popular tourist attractions of the Similan and Surin islands, off the coast of Thailand’s southern province of Phang-nga, officially reopened yesterday.

Sarayuth Paso, chief of the Similan Islands National Park, said the closure for the rainy season, during which travel is unsafe due to strong winds and high waves, ended Saturday and the marine park is now ready to welcome tourists until May 15 next year. Continued …

The 20 Best Beach Hotels in Thailand

Thailand, renowned for its mesmerizing beaches and azure waters, is home to some of the best beach hotels in Thailand, making it a haven for travellrs seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Nestled along its pristine coastlines are the best beach hotels in Thailand, which are among the world’s most luxurious accommodations, offering unparalleled experiences that seamlessly blend Thai hospitality with opulent comforts. As the allure of Thailand’s beaches and the best beach hotels in Thailand continues to captivate the hearts of many, the significance of selecting the perfect beachfront accommodation from the best beach hotels in Thailand becomes paramount. 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 

November Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights reduced to two per week

Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to north Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting Oct. 30. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax. Continued …

 

Book a flight

 

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