Today’s news: Change in the tax law does target expats/Open to 4am but alcohol sales/Navigating Thailand’s weather conditions/Ministry proposes Clean Air Act/Pattaya Air Suffers/Samut Prakan has 9th worst air quality/2 More Thai Workers Dead/Domestic violence surge/12,000 in Chonburi Marathon/Oodles of noodles/Miss Grand Pranburi 2024/Inflation falls/Baht handout favored for all/Minimum wage rise before year-end/Raising salaries of civil servants/Sizzler and McDonald’s expansion/Slow transition to EV hub/Naga fireballs ‘man-made’/Phuket blood shortage plea/2 Foreigners killed in Phuket/Green lights over Phetchaburi/Thailand’s forgotten palace/Thailand’s unique railway market/Chiang Mai Favorites/Bua Tong sunflower field/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
Change in the tax law does target expats living in Thailand
A former chairman of an international law firm in Bangkok has warned that a new taxation directive issued by the Revenue Department targeting foreign income sources faces a legal challenge and will create more reporting obligations and confusion. The order published on Sept. 15 2altering a 38-year-old interpretation, is a definite step by the government to widen the tax base, meaning more significant reporting requirements, at the very least for expats living in Thailand.
Kitipong Urapeepattanapong, along with other legal experts, including a Supreme Court judge, is calling on the Thai government to overhaul the tax system thoroughly to make it competitive with Hong Kong and Singapore. Continued …
Open to 4am is OK, but alcohol sales are not
The Thai government will initially permit bars and nightclubs in four provinces, including Chonburi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, to operate until 4am, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, however, “Every private sector shall follow the laws, especially, the extension of opening service of entertainment districts to 4am, but it does not mean that selling liquor beyond prescribed legal hours: 2am. However, the customers may still be inside the venues, which is good for products and services other than alcohol.” Continued …
Navigating Thailand’s weather conditions: From mild winter to sweltering heat
Associate Professor Seree Suparathit, the director of the Center for Climate Change and Disasters at Rangsit University and vice president at the National Disaster Warning Council Foundation, recently shared insights on the upcoming weather conditions in Thailand.
Seree highlighted that while the end of the year in Thailand is not expected to be cold, the following year is anticipated to be extremely hot and dry. Continued …
Thai Ministry proposes Clean Air Act to combat rising pollution crisis
The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MNRE) is set to introduce a groundbreaking Clean Air Act to address the escalating air pollution concerns that have gripped the nation.
Police Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, the environment minister, revealed that a draft of the bill is currently open for public feedback on the ministry’s website until Nov. 13. Following this, on Nov. 16, the proposal will undergo a comprehensive review by state agencies before being presented to the cabinet on Nov. 21. Continued …
Pattaya Air Suffers ‘Worst’ PM2.5 Hazardous Dust Level
Pattaya holds the top spot for the highest PM2.5 health-hazardous dust level as of Nov. 5.
The concentration of extra-small particles has surged to 154 micrograms per cubic meter in Pattaya, far above the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the IQAir website on Nov. 5. Continued …
Samut Prakan has the world’s 9th worst air quality
Bangkok’s neighboring province of Samut Prakan has been ranked having the world’s 9th worst air quality. The place has not enjoyed a single day of good air quality in 12 months, according to House Fresh, a publication focused on air quality.
House Fresh offers advice on how to tackle air pollutants in the home through how-to guides, product reviews, advice and original research on a variety of factors that affect indoor air quality. Continued …
2 More Thai Workers Dead, One More Taken Hostage
The Foreign Ministry said this past weekend two more Thai workers had died in the Israel-Hamas war, raising the death toll to 34, while one more was taken hostage, increasing to 24 the number of Thais held captive by Hamas fighters.
However, there was no increase in the number of Thais injured, with the total still being 19, with four remaining in hospital. Continued …
Domestic violence surge in Thailand sparks renewed action
A surge in domestic violence cases in Thailand prompted a reminder from authorities that victims are not alone and assistance is readily available. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa emphasized a year-round approach to ending violence, not just during November, which is internationally recognized as the month for ending violence against women, children, and families.
“If violence is found, please report to the MSDHS hotline, 1300, available around the clock or to our official Line account @esshelpme.” Continued …
12,000 Thai and International Runners Join Chonburi Marathon
On Sunday, the town of Bangsaen in Chonburi province came alive with the energy of the Bangsaen 42 Chonburi Marathon 2023.
This event, held for the seventh time, witnessed over 12,000 Thai and international marathon runners, who took on the challenge of a 42.195-kilometer race, adhering to the standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Continued …
Oodles of noodles
Instant noodles have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a humble household, factory or office staple into a diverse and innovative dish.
Today, manufacturers offer an array of freshly prepared instant noodle dishes at their own restaurants in tourist destinations, petrol stations across the country and even at luxury retail complexes in Bangkok. Continued …
Monglong “Nong Na Khwan” named “Miss Grand Pranburi 2024”
Inflation falls for first time in 25 months
Thailand’s inflation rate fell for the first time in 25 months, thanks to falling energy prices due to government support measures, and lower food prices, the commerce ministry said today.
The consumer price index (CPI) fell 0.31% in October from a year earlier, versus a 0.3% year-on-year rise in the previous month, according to data. The figure compared with a forecast 0.0% for October in a Reuters poll. Continued …
Poll finds most Thais want 10,000 baht handout to be given to all
A recent opinion survey found that most respondents want the Pheu Thai-led government to stick with its pre-poll promise to hand 10,000 baht to all Thais aged 16 and above.
It also found that most of them want to be able to spend this money anywhere, instead of within 4 kilometers of their registered house address. Continued …
Minimum wage rise before year-end ‘but not to 400 baht’
A new round of minimum wage increases for workers will be announced next month “as a New Year’s gift”, Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sunday.
However, the rise to 400 baht “by November or December” previously announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will not happen.Instead, the maximum increase will be 10 baht per day, Pipat said. Continued …
PM Srettha seeking to raise salaries of civil servants
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is seeking to raise the salaries of civil servants, as promised during his government’s policy statement to Parliament.
The prime minister has instructed Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to collaborate with the Finance Ministry, the National Economic and Development Council (NESDC), and the Budget Bureau to discuss salary adjustments for government officials. Continued …
Sizzler and McDonald’s cook up expansion goals in Thailand
Leading restaurant brands Sizzler and McDonald’s are set on amplifying their reach, aiming to attract a wider range of customers and heighten patronage frequencies.
The general manager of SLRT Co, Anirute David Collins, who oversees the operation of Sizzler Steakhouse, disclosed plans to inaugurate a Steak Lab concept Sizzler along Koh Samui’s coast on Dec. 16. This restaurant expansion is pioneering within the chain for its offer of a variety of alcoholic beverages to its diners. Continued …
The slow transition to an EV hub
As the government increases efforts to build a low-carbon society, the infrastructure promoting the use of fossil fuels and manufacturing of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) has become an issue.
The administration wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector, as the automotive and aviation industries focus more on green energy. Continued …
Chula professor cites 2012 study to claim Naga fireballs ‘man-made’
A science lecturer and professor of Chulalongkorn University, who has launched a crusade against Naga fireballs, cited a study done 11 years ago to fire fresh salvos on the belief that the fireballs were a supernatural phenomenon.
Jessada Denduangboripant on Sunday posted on his Facebook wall a study by Somphop Khamsawat in 2012, disproving the sacredness of the Naga fireballs. Continued …
Phuket blood shortage plea: Paradise in peril seeks tourists’ rescue
The tropical island paradise of Phuket, usually a favorite destination for tourists and expats alike, now urgently calls for their help. As the high tourism season kicks off, the island is faced with a critical blood shortage, particularly for the RH-Negative type, prompting an island-wide blood donation drive throughout this month.
The plea for blood donations was made public by Rescue Team Volunteers Phuket, the only rescue service on the island that includes a foreigner within its ranks. Vincent Modell, a volunteer and instructor from the UK, who himself is a regular blood donor, is behind the appeal. Continued …
Russian Driver Crashes Into Motorbike, Killing 2 Foreigners in Phuket
An American man and a Luxembourgian woman died on the spot in a road accident in Phuket Province, while the female Russian driver was injured.
The incident happened near the Friendship Beach Resort entrance on Wiset Road, on the way to Rawai Beach. Phuket Police officers from Chalong Police Station were notified and contacted a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, as well as staff from the Rawai Municipal Rescue Unit and the Phuket Foundation, to assist with the scene examination. Continued …
No magic to green lights over Phetchaburi
The “green lights” illuminating the skies over Khao Phanoen Thung in Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park recently sparked a wave of curiosity over online communities.
However, Virachai Phuthawong, a professor from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, lifted the mystery shrouding the lights, which were compared to the famous “northern lights”. Continued …
Thailand’s forgotten palace
From the vantage point of the 21st century, the tumultuous and transitional Thon Buri period (1767-82) in Thailand’s history seems to be eclipsed by both the lost splendor of ancient Ayutthaya and the palpable grandeur of the ensuing Rattanakosin period.
The latter’s quintessence, embodied to this day in the sumptuous monumentality of the Grand Palace, mesmerizes millions of visitors annually. Nevertheless, those momentous 15 years between the devastating fall of Ayutthaya and the founding of the Chakri dynasty were crucial for paving the way toward modern Thailand. Continued …
Experiencing the fun thrill of Thailand’s unique railway market
While the diesel motorcar operated by the State Railway of Thailand may take a little over two hours to complete its journey, it is the last few minutes of the journey before it pulls into its terminus at Maeklong Station that make it so unique.
Prior to its arrival, enthusiastic tourists gather along a narrow opening through the local market to obtain the best position to watch the train slowly inch through the temporary market that adjoins both sides of the train track. Known as the Maeklong Railway Market or Talad Rom Hub, the local market located immediately adjacent to the railway line has become a popular tourist attraction in Maeklong, two hours to the south of Bangkok. Continued …
My Chiang Mai Favorites
I have loved Chiang Mai for three decades and I love it more albeit differently each time I visit. Thailand is an amazing country and Chiang Mai is an especially fantastic city with so much to offer its lucky visitors and residents.
Thailand’s second city, the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is officially designated a UNESCO Creative City and has applied to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continued …
Bua Tong sunflower field set to reopen to tourists next week
Mae Hong Son province is ready to officially kick off the tourist season on Saturday, Nov. 11, opening the Bua Tong field flower field on the Doi Mae U Kho mountain in Khun Yuam district.
Panudej Chaiyasakul, president of the Mae Hong Son Tourism Business Assn., said about 10% of the Mexican sunflowers in the vast field had already blossomed, leaving the field on the mountain draped in bright yellow. Continued …
World’s most polluted cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai among top 10
National capital Delhi, financial hub Mumbai and metropolitan Kolkata are the three Indian cities among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on Sunday, according to the Swiss Group IQAir data on air pollution. Continued …
Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza
From Washington to Milan to Paris, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched Saturday, calling for a halt to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The marches reflected growing disquiet about the mounting civilian casualty toll and suffering from the Israel-Hamas war. Continued …
Puppy slaughterhouse owner calls it a day
For the past seven years, business has been good – with Kieu Viet Hung earning between VNĐ 50 and 60 million a month (73-88 million baht). But, making a living doing something most people find abhorrent, Hung was faced with a crisis of conscience. Continued …
One year from election, polls offer gloomy view for Biden
With exactly a year to go before the U.S. presidential election, a new string of polls painted a grim picture Sunday for Joe Biden, showing him trailing likely challenger Donald Trump among a pessimistic electorate. Continued …
Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule
- Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
- Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm
The one-way fare is 325 baht.
The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.
Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day
Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. Tickets are 473 THB.
Tickets can be bought in person at the Hua Hin bus station or online. Buses depart from the Hua Hin bus station and in front of Government Savings Bank, Cha Am.. Tickets
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
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