Festivals this weekend/Bangkok Bank’s policy shift/Elite Powers Disenchanted with PM/Bangkok flood threat grows/Woman Tests Taxis/Worker wins lottery 10 times/American academic Thai life ruined/ECONOMY: Tariffs to remain in effect/False sense of tariff security/Thai-US trade talks/Economic figures show promise/Thai business closures rise/Trade Deficit Increases/Foreign Investment Surges/Foreign ‘zero-dollar’ factories/TOURISM: Cambodia Outshines Thailand/China market on the mend/Phuket tops tourism revenue/Trang Park Seasonal Closure/CLIMATE THAILAND: Solar rooftop shake-up/Electric Mobility Revolution/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/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
Two local festivals this weekend
Two beachside festivals featuring local cuisine and live entertainment are set to take place near Hua Hin this weekend.
In Pranburi, the Taste on the Rock festival will be held at Khao Kalok Beach over three days. The event will feature more than 80 food stalls serving fresh seafood, GI-certified products, and signature dishes from across the province. The festival promises a relaxed coastal atmosphere, with visitors invited to shop, dine, and enjoy live music each evening. Continued …
Bangkok Bank’s policy shift: Why the change of heart?
Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent financial institutions, has begun freezing accounts and blocking cards belonging to Russian nationals, triggering confusion and concern among the expat and tourist communities across the country.
The move, which reportedly began around May 25, follows a newly enforced policy that limits access to banking services for foreigners who do not meet strict eligibility requirements. Continued …
Storm Brewing: Elite Powers Disenchanted with PM Paetongtarn’s Reign
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces formidable criticism from high-ranking power brokers dissatisfied with her leadership. Dubbed a mere “puppet” of her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s tenure is now under siege, as academic Pornchai Theppanya voices concerns over her unfitness to govern. The noted former dean of Ramkhamhaeng University’s Political Science Faculty suggests a leadership change may loom on the horizon.
Despite leading for nine months following Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn’s performance reportedly fails to impress crucial influencers, including those instrumental in Thaksin’s exonerated return from self-exile. Continued …
Bangkok on alert as flood threat grows along Chao Phraya
Bangkok is on heightened alert for potential flooding as high sea levels threaten low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River through to Sunday, with temporary and permanent flood protection measures underway.
The high tides, combined with saltwater intrusion in the Chao Phraya River, have prompted daily inspections of flood barriers and drainage infrastructure in the river and the connected canals. Continued …
Thai Woman Tests Taxis, Charged 700 Baht for 100 Baht Fare
A Thai woman pretending to be a foreign tourist has exposed the steep overcharging byBan gkok taxi drivers. Her social experiment, captured on video, shows taxis refusing to use meters and quoting fixed rates between 200 and 700 baht for a short trip to Siam, a popular shopping area.
The video, shared widely on social media, highlights the ongoing issues with taxi services in Thailand, notably the refusal to use meters. Continued …
Thai worker wins lottery 10 times, credits mythical serpent
A construction worker from Surin province has remarkably won the lottery 10 times in a row, attributing his success to the spiritual power of the mythical serpent, Phaya Nak Pu Ong Dam San Siri Chantra Nakarat.
The lucky winner, known as Rocket Technician, shared that he obtained the winning numbers through the divine guidance of Phaya Nak, and on May 16 he correctly guessed the numbers 87 from incense sticks that only partially burned. Continued …
Lese majeste case against American academic dropped, but his Thai life ruined
The Office of Attorney General has announced a final decision to not prosecute American Paul Chambers on charges of lese majeste, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, and violating the Computer Crimes Act, because he was not the one who posted a message at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore’s website promoting a seminar there last year.
This case started when the Third Army Region commander, in his capacity as director of Internal Security Operations Command Region 3, had lawyers file a complaint against Chambers accusing him of posting an invitation to attend an online seminar on the topic of transfers and appointments in the Thai military and police, with a reference made to the monarchy. Continued …
Trump’s tariffs to remain in effect after appeals court grants stay
A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the most sweeping of President Donald Trump’s tariffs yesterday, a day after a U.S. trade court ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing the duties and ordered an immediate block on them.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington said it was pausing the lower court’s ruling to consider the government’s appeal, and ordered the plaintiffs in the cases to respond by June 5 and the administration by June 9. Continued …
Thailand’s false sense of tariff security
Thailand is in deeper trouble among its peer group in view of United States President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive. Yet, senior Thai officials appear nonchalant, complacent and smug. They seem to think Thailand will come out of the U.S. tariff war in good shape, as the Trump administration will prove unable to go through with its hefty import duties.
The domestic political battle between the U.S. executive and judicial branch – with the Court of International Trade’s injunction this week on most of the Trump tariffs – further adds to the absurd sense of security and false perception of Thailand’s importance by Thai officials. Continued …
‘No pause’ in Thai-US trade talks
Thailand will proceed with negotiations with the U.S. despite a U.S. trade court blocking President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on imports, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.
She emphasized that the court’s decision on Wednesday is considered an internal matter of the U.S., adding it remains uncertain how Trump might act moving forward. Continued …
Thailand’s April economic figures show promise
Thailand’s economic signals in April remained positive, with the automotive industry showing signs of improvement as new domestic passenger car registrations increased for the first time in 15 months.
According to Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), the economy last month was supported by continued export growth for the 10th consecutive month and sustained private consumption expansion. Continued …
Thai business closures rise 8.3% in first four months
A total of 3,921 businesses in Thailand ceased operations in the first four months of 2025, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Business Development.
The top three sectors with the highest closures are: General construction – 372 closures, registered capital of 652 million baht; real estate – 184 closures, registered capital of 912 million baht; and restaurants/eateries – 159 closures, registered capital of 391 million baht. Continued …
Thailand’s Trade Deficit Significantly Increases
Thailand’s trade deficit has widened in 2025, driven by several factors. According to recent data, the country recorded a trade deficit of $3.3 billion in April, a significant increase from previous months.
For instance, January saw a deficit of $1.9 billion, compared to $10.6 million in the prior month. This marks a continuation of Thailand’s trade deficit trend, with the country experiencing deficits for three consecutive years (2022–2024) due to structural issues like high energy import costs and weak export performance. Continued …
Foreign Investment in Thailand Surges in First Four Months of 2025
Foreign investment in Thailand jumped significantly in the first four months of 2025, with 363 foreign companies receiving business permits — a 43% increase from the same period last year, according to the Department of Business Development.
The total investment value reached 57.86 billion baht ($1.76 billion), representing a 5% increase compared to the January-April period of 2024, said Oramon Saptaweetham, director-general of the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce. Continued …
Concerns raised over foreign ‘zero-dollar’ factories
Foreign “zero-dollar” factories, including those that enter Thailand in the form of foreign direct investment, are causing grave concern among industry leaders who fear they will deal a further blow to Thai manufacturing, according to the latest survey conducted by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Zero-dollar factories are foreign factories that are set up in Thailand but contribute little or no benefit to the economy. Factory owners run their nominee businesses through Thai proxies with the aim of earning money for their parent firms overseas. Continued …
Cambodia Outshines Thailand in Race for Chinese Tourists
In an intriguing twist in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape, Cambodia is emerging as a significant contender for Chinese holidaymakers, leaving Thailand trailing in its wake. Central to this success is Cambodia’s strategic designation of 2025 as the “China-Cambodia Tourism Year,” a move already yielding remarkable returns.
Just last week, Phnom Penh welcomed a landmark arrival of 1,000 Chinese tourists from Wuxi, marking a significant milestone in reshaping regional tourism dynamics. Continued …
Travel agents say China market on the mend
A number of Chinese travel agents say the worst is behind Thailand, with arrivals from China gradually increasing and set to reach the minimum target of 5 million this year.
However, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urging immediate measures to prevent 4.6 million workers from losing their jobs. Continued …
Phuket tops southern Thailand’s tourism revenue in early 2025
Phuket remains the undisputed champion with tourism revenue of 188.99 billion baht. This figure highlights the island’s status as the “Andaman Pearl,” boasting world-class beaches, luxury hotels, a diverse range of water activities, and attractions catering to every lifestyle.
Following closely is Surat Thani in second place, with revenue of 49.16 billion baht, and Krabi in third, earning 36.41 billion baht. Both provinces have demonstrated growing popularity, thanks to their natural attractions — such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in Surat Thani, as well as Railay Bay and the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi. Continued …
Trang National Park Announces Seasonal Closure of Islands and Caves
The chief of Hat Chao Mai National Park has officially announced the temporary closure of several key tourist areas within the park during the upcoming monsoon season, to ensure public safety and allow for natural regeneration.
The closure affects several marine zones within the park. Koh Waen and Koh Chueak will be closed from June 1 to Sept. 30, a four-month period. Meanwhile, Koh Muk and Koh Kradan will be inaccessible from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. Continued …
Thailand plots solar rooftop shake-up
Going green could soon get a whole lot easier — and cheaper — for Thai homeowners as the government gears up to dismantle red tape blocking access to solar energy. The Energy Ministry is drafting a new law to supercharge the adoption of solar rooftop systems, aiming to cut through the bureaucracy that has long stifled household clean energy efforts.
Currently, Thai homeowners face a cumbersome approval process involving no fewer than five government agencies, often resulting in delays and high installation costs. The draft act is aimed at “removing all barriers” to make solar power more accessible and practical for the average household. Continued …
Electric Mobility Revolution in Southeast
Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to reshape the transportation landscape across Southeast Asia, with Thailand emerging as a pivotal market. As consumer demand for cleaner, greener transport grows, global technology companies are playing a crucial role in accelerating this shift, addressing key challenges and empowering the region’s transition to electric mobility.
Thailand, already home to Southeast Asia’s largest EV market, is experiencing a particularly rapid surge in adoption. The Thai government forecasts a 40% growth in EV sales by 2025, reflecting a regional trend that has seen EV penetration climb from 9% in 2023 to 13% in 2024. Continued …
- British Woman Arrested at Heathrow for Cannabis Smuggling – Continued …
- Thai Police Crack Down on International Scam Ring After 5-Year Probe – Continued …
- Shark fin smugglers caught at Suvarnabhumi – Continued …
New Schedule: Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The 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 four 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:
-
-
- 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
-
Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry: a cornerstone of the nation’s economy
Video: Vibrant Chinatown Bangkok – Largest Chinatown in the World
Thailand braces for 770,000 Chinese tourists this Lunar New Year
