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Friday’s news-Jan 3


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PKK’s new governor takes charge/PKK records 4 deaths in holiday traffic accidents/Road Crashes Claim 272 Lives/Covid’s lessons forgotten/Skydiving stunt at Bangkok mall/PM, husband worth about 13.9 billion baht/ECONOMY: Thailand’s economy lagging/2025 will be economically challenging/Latest debt-relief measures/To lure ‘future industries’/More free trade deals/TOURISM: 30th International Travel Fair/33 injured as bus crashes/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: UNESCO World Heritage Sites/Month of Festivals/Music Festivals In Thailand/Thailand’s Secret Island/What it’s like to eat at Sorn/Best restaurants in Phuket/CLIMATE THAILAND: Measures made to save dugongs/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

PKK’s new governor takes charge

Continued …

PKK records 4 deaths, 45 injuries in holiday traffic accidents

Continued …

Road Crashes Claim 272 Lives Over New Year’s Dangerous First Six Days

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On Jan. 1 alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.”

Phaskorn Boonyalak, director-general of the DDPM, announced the statistics on yesterday during a briefing at the Road Safety Center. He highlighted the critical need for caution, as many people have now returned to Bangkok and other key economic hubs after the holiday. Continued … 

Covid’s lessons have now all been forgotten

In December 2019, as the world was looking ahead to a new year, a novel virus was quietly spreading in China. Soon, the Covid-19 pandemic would bring the world to a grinding halt, forcing billions of people into unprecedented lockdowns and shuttering economies worldwide. Five years on, we are still grappling with the effects of this “grey rhino”: a high-probability risk that was nonetheless neglected or ignored.

What did we learn? For starters, the pandemic exposed flaws in the design of the global economy. In our interconnected world, the virus spread globally within weeks. Governments were reluctant to do what was necessary to prevent or stop it. Continued …

Skydiving stunt lands 3 Americans in hot water at Bangkok mall

A brazen late-night stunt by three American daredevils has left Bangkok police fuming after a viral video showed them parachuting off the roof of the Emsphere shopping mall. The clip, posted on TikTok, ignited a storm of online criticism and has prompted the mall to press trespassing charges.

The video, captioned “Business trip to Bangkok,” shows the men leaping from the mall’s rooftop, landing near Benjasiri Park, and then speeding away on motorcycles through busy Sukhumvit traffic. The incident, which occurred on Oct. 3, after the park’s closing hours, has been labeled reckless by police. Continued …

PM and her husband are worth about 13.9 billion baht

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband, Pidok Sooksawas, own assets worth a combined 13.9 billion baht, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The couple also have debts totaling 4.4 billion baht. The prime minister’s assets include: Continued …

Thailand’s economy lagging behind that of other ASEAN nations

Although the ASEAN economy is predicted to grow slightly more than expected in 2025, Thailand is still lagging behind other nations in the region, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Citing its report titled “Asian Development Outlook”, ADB estimated that the region’s economy would record overall growth of 4.7% throughout 2024, better than the previous prediction, conducted in September 2024, of 4.5%. Continued …

2025 will be economically challenging due to Trump’s declared policies

Thailand’s economy will face more challenges and uncertainties this year, due to an intensified trade policy by the incoming Trump administration against countries that enjoy substantial trade surpluses with the U.S., Thailand included, according to Kirida Phaophichit, research director for International Economics and Development Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” trade policies will cause a global economic slowdown, which will impact Thai exports to the U.S. market, as well as markets in Japan and the European Union, because the economic growth of these countries will slow down and Thailand’s export growth this year may register 1%-2%, compared to 4%-5% in 2024, according to Kirida. Continued …

Will the latest debt-relief measures work?

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Finance Ministry have introduced a series of debt-relief measures in recent years to tackle the household and small business debt crisis.

Lately, the Cabinet has approved comprehensive debt-relief measures, which include exemption of interest payment and reduction of installment loans for three years. But will these measures be effective in alleviating the debt burden? Continued …

Thailand steps up efforts to lure ‘future industries’

The Thai government aims to attract more investments in five core “future industries” by vastly improving the ease of doing business through amended laws and regulations, according to Jirayu Houngsub, spokesman for the prime minister’s office.

The investment promotion plan is expected to help Thailand achieve economic growth of more than 3%, he said, citing a summary provided by Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Continued …

Thailand targets more free trade deals this year

Thailand will continue to pursue free trade agreements (FTAs) this year as part of its strategy to accelerate economic recovery.

The scheduled signing of the Thailand-EFTA FTA this month represents Thailand’s first pact with European nations. The government is also working to finish negotiations with key partners such as the EU, South Korea, ASEAN-Canada and Bhutan, aiming to conclude deals this year. Continued …

30th International Travel Fair boosts tourism

The Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) is back with a bang, promising to be bigger and better than ever. From Jan. 16 to 19, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok will transform into a bustling hub of global tourism as the 30th edition of this event unfolds.

Organized by the Thai Travel Agents Assn. (TTAA), TITF#30 is a one-stop shop for all things travel. Showcasing an array of tourism products and services, the event caters to the February-to-May 2025 travel season, offering visitors the chance to snap up deals on domestic and international tours, cruises, accommodation packages, and more. Continued …

33 injured as bus carrying Russian tourists crashes into toll booth

Thirty-three people were injured, six of them critically, when a bus carrying Russian tourists crashed into a toll booth, a road barrier, and an SUV on the motorway heading to Pattaya City in Chonburi province last night.

Highway police said the accident took place at 6.46pm when a bus belonging to Kimhor Tour lost control and crashed into a toll booth at the Ngern Pong checkpoint in Bang Lamung district, before sliding into a road barrier and a Toyota Fortuner SUV. Continued …

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand

Thailand, a country of rich culture, history, and biodiversity, boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the country’s ancient civilizations, remarkable architecture, and diverse ecosystems. Here are the key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand:

  1. Ayutthaya Historical Park

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a testament to Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350. As a former kingdom, it flourished for more than 400 years, becoming one of the world’s largest urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. The ruins of palaces, temples and sculptures display the grandeur of the city, blending Thai, Khmer, Sri Lankan and Persian influences. This site is significant for its exceptional historical and architectural value. Continued …

Thailand in January: A Month of Festivals and Cultural Wonders

Start the year with a celebration of Thailand’s vibrant heritage and dynamic culture. January 2025 brings an exciting lineup of festivals and events, offering unforgettable experiences for both travelers and locals.

From art exhibitions and music festivals to traditional markets and stunning natural wonders, this month is packed with opportunities to explore and celebrate. Continued …

Music Festivals In Thailand In 2025

The year hasn’t has only just started and we already have a number of music festivals lined up to look forward to. Thailand has become a premier location for music festivals, whether it’s in the heart of Bangkok or in the sunny beaches of Phuket. Music lovers are spoiled for choice. The only question is whether your budget can handle it.

Mark your calendars and tighten your wallets. These are the music festivals happening here in Thailand in 2025. Continued …

Thailand’s Secret Island Boasts Crowd-Free Beaches And Lavish Resorts

Add Thailand to the list for overtourism. Europe may hog the spotlight with its global gripes demanding to have their beloved hometowns back, but Thailand is no stranger to busy streets and jam-packed beaches either.

Bangkok is and always will be a bustling city, but what may be surprising is the fact Phuket was recently crowned the most overcrowded tourist destination in the world. Continued …

What it’s like to eat at Sorn, Thailand’s first 3 Michelin-starred restaurant

A few weeks ago, Bangkok’s celebrated southern Thai restaurant Sorn, helmed by Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, became the country’s first-ever three Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was a monumental moment in Thai gastronomic history and one that has catapulted Ice, as he is better known, into the annals of culinary superstardom. It is also a sign that Thai cuisine – and Thai chefs – are now recognized and celebrated on an international level. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

A local’s guide to the best restaurants in Phuket

Touring Phuket, we can think of no better guide to the sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter delights than Merica Charungvat. Born in Bangkok and finishing high school in Phuket, Charungvat now splits her time between Thailand‘s southern tropics and Melbourne, where she owns Thai Tide restaurant.

This is Charungvat’s ultimate Phuket food guide, including the best restaurants in Phuket, where you can find top-tier coffee and her recommended food experiences. Continued …

Raft of new measures made to save dugongs

New measures have been put in place to support efforts to save more dugongs, after several were found dead recently, says Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on.

The problem has been attributed mainly to dwindling seagrass meadows in the usual habitats of the world’s only herbivorous marine mammal, which is reliant on seagrasses for food, he said. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

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

To book online

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

Tuesday’s news-Sept 24


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Longboat racing at Kao Tao/More brass bells stolen/7 teens surrender in abuse of girl/Thailand mulls welfare for all/Flooding in six Thai provinces/Flooding still ravaging north/Landslide stops trains/The science of Moo Deng/Moo Deng fever spreads/Want to Eat Moo Deng?/190,000 Myanmar workers arrested/Economy: Baht at 19-month high/Economy in choppy waters/Keeping Thai inflation low/To postpone minimum wage hike/Strategic market for Chinese automakers/EV firms told to make car parts/Thailand’s first silicon chip plant/Tourism: Domestic tourism to fall short/Airlines suspend flights/Condor Resumes Flights to Thailand/App helps Muslim tourists/Thailand Experience: Thailand’s Untouched National Park Wonders/One of Thailand’s most celebrated chefs/Climate Thailand: Renewable scheme to start/Typhoon Yagi’s Destruction in Southeast Asia/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

Longboat racing at Kao Tao Nov 10

Continued …

More brass bells stolen from Hua Hin temples

Continued …

7 teens surrender in Sam Roi Yot abuse of girl, 13; abbot questioned

Continued …

Thailand mulls welfare for all, even in the sex trade

The government is contemplating extending welfare protections to freelance workers, including those in the sex industry, akin to those available to employees registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), contingent on their payment of income taxes.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that discussions are underway with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system to safeguard freelance workers, including tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers, online content creators, and sex workers. Continued …

Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com

Flooding in six Thai provinces

Seasonal flooding is affecting six provinces in the north, northeast and Central Plain, disrupting life in more than 18,0 00 households in 27 districts.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said on Monday that floods triggered by heavy rain had caused major damage in 33 provinces across the country since Aug. 16 – four in the north, six in the northeast, two in the east, three in the Central Plain and eight in the south. Continued …

Flooding still ravaging north

The flood situation in Chiang Rai remains critical, as some areas in the province have been hit by more flash floods and landslides, inundating several villages and blocking a main road connecting the province with Chiang Mai.

Atipach Chomdang, director of the Hydrological Division Chiang Rai, on Monday issued a warning that excessive rainfall in Ban Pa Sang Pattana and Ban Rong in Wiang Pa Pao district could cause flash floods there. Continued …

Landslide stops trains to Chiang Mai

Train services have been halted by a landslide and flooding on the northern line between Lampang and Chiang Mai stations, the State Railway of Thailand said on Monday. The section of the line would remain closed until further notice.

A landslide and runoff damaged the track between Lampang and Lamphun on Sunday night. Continued …

The science of Moo Deng

Hardly anyone knew about Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo that recently became an internet sensation. Then renowned local and international media outlets like Time magazine, the BBC, The Guardian and Forbes featured cute stories about Moo Deng.

“She’s an Icon, She’s a Legend and She is the Moment,” reads Time magazine. Although people may have seen viral videos of Moo Deng bouncing around, there’s more to know about the pygmy hippopotamus than that. Continued …

Moo Deng fever spreads to other zoos

The crowd-drawing power of baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng  is generating a new fervor for her pygmy relatives, attracting people to other zoos hundreds of kilometers away. Moo Deng (bouncy pig) is the two-month-old starlet at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, where her cute antics have made her a global online celebrity.

And the Moo Deng craze has influenced people to visit other zoos that also feature pygmy hippopotamus enclosures. Ubon Ratchathani Zoo reported a 20% increase in visitor numbers after pictures and videos of seven-month-old “Moo Khaki” (pork knuckles) were shared on the internet. Continued …

Why Do So Many People Want to Eat Moo Deng?

If you’re anything like us or pretty much everyone else online, photos of the virally famous two-month-old Thai pygmy water hippo Moo Deng, will make you gasp with joy and break out in tears — and perhaps, want to eat the adorable animal in question.

Oddly enough, there may be a perfectly reasonable expectation for this ghastly hunger: a documented psychological phenomenon called “cute aggression,” in which adorable things like baby animals can cause an unexpected urge toward violence. Continued …

Over 190,000 Myanmar workers arrested in Thailand’s crackdown on illegal labor

On the 106th day of Thailand’s 120-day plan to arrest illegal workers, it was reported that 193,430 Myanmar workers have been arrested.

According to the Ministry of Labor, a total of 256,213 illegal migrant workers from countries like Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia were arrested within 106 days from June 5 to Sept. 19. Continued …

Baht at 19-month high against US dollar

The baht surged to a 19-month high against the dollar, driven by a weaker U.S. currency and profit-taking in gold. On Monday, the baht opened at 32.92 per dollar, marking its highest level in 19 months, compared to Friday’s closing rate of 33.60 baht.

The appreciation of the baht, breaching the 33-baht-per-dollar mark, followed the dollar’s depreciation after the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) sharply reduced its policy rate by 50 basis points last week to curb inflation. Continued …

Thai economy in choppy waters after Fed slash

The economy is teetering on the edge as the surging Thai baht causes ripples across the nation. In the wake of a significant rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), local industries are now urging the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to take swift action.

For over a year, the MPC has held interest rates steady, but the recent Fed decision has upped the ante. Manufacturers, exporters, and the tourism sector are all feeling the pressure as the baht continues to climb. While short-term impacts might not seem drastic, the long-term picture looks far grimmer, warned Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Continued …

China seen as keeping Thai inflation low

Thailand’s rate of inflation is not a major concern, as China is currently “exporting deflation” globally, according to the chairman of the state planning agency.

During the delivery of his keynote speech at the annual seminar of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), under the theme “Geopolitical Uncertainty: Navigating The Future”, Supavud Saicheua, chairman of the NESDC, said yesterday that as a small country, Thailand is inevitably affected by geopolitical problems. Continued …

Thailand to postpone Oct 1 minimum wage hike

Thailand will postpone a hike in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day scheduled for Oct. 1 by about two weeks due to a lack of a quorum at meetings of the committee working on the increase, a senior labour official said on Monday.

The committee, which includes representatives from employers, labor and the government, had failed to reach a quorum at two previous meetings to discuss the planned hike, Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said. Continued …

Thailand emerging as strategic market for Chinese automakers

Southeast Asia, with Thailand as its core, is emerging as a hub for Chinese carmakers, especially those which produce new energy vehicles, serving as a springboard for them to explore more overseas markets.

Chinese brands have taken a leading position in Thailand’s nascent but booming NEV market, thanks to the cutting-edge features available in their vehicles. Continued …

EV firms told to make car parts in Thailand by 2026

Car manufacturers supported by the government’s electric vehicle (EV) promotion measures must invest in producing key EV components domestically by 2026, according to the chief of the Excise Department.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the Excise Department, said the three crucial components of an EV that must be assembled in Thailand are: the electric motor, which converts electrical energy into kinetic energy to power the vehicle; the reducer, which functions similarly to a gearbox in combustion engine vehicles; and the inverter, which converts direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) to supply electricity to the motor. Continued …

Thailand’s first silicon chip plant to commence operations in 2 years

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has announced its support for a joint venture between Hana Microelectronics and PTT to construct Thailand’s first silicon carbide chip factory.

The project, with an initial investment of 11.5 billion baht, is set to commence production within two years, serving growth in power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs), data centers, and energy storage systems. Continued …

Domestic tourism receipts set to fall short of target

Domestic tourism is on course to reach 200 million trips this year, but revenue is expected to reach just 965 billion, falling short of the target of 1 trillion baht, while the private sector has called for the promotion of second-tier cities in the form of a loyalty program.

In the first seven months of this year, domestic receipts increased 12.4% to 581 billion baht, from 160 million domestic trips, which rose 8.8% year-on-year. Continued …

Airlines suspend flights as Middle East tensions rise

Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or to avoid affected air space.

Below are some of the airlines that have adjusted services to and from the region: Continued …

Germany’s Condor Resumes Direct Flights to Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the arrival of Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt to Phuket yesterday, marking the airline’s return to the route after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

This resumption is a significant milestone for Thailand’s tourism recovery, with TAT projecting over 979,000 German tourists this year, expected to generate around 65 billion baht in revenue. The renewed direct flights signify a strong demand for long-haul travel to Thailand, which is crucial for aiding the tourism sector’s bounce back. Continued …

Halal Route app helps Muslim tourists

The Halal Route app has been developed and launched to support halal tourism and help Muslims travel in Thailand with peace of mind. Presented by the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University, the application helps Muslims from around the world visiting the Kingdom.

According to the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index, Thailand is the 32nd most popular destination for Muslim tourists. However, a major problem Muslim tourists encounter is finding halal-accredited restaurants, hotels, accommodation or tourist attractions with service areas (such as prayer rooms) compliant with the Islamic way. Continued …

Khao Sak National Park

From Rainforests To Reefs, Explore Thailand’s Untouched National Park Wonders

Offering a glimpse into the country’s stunning natural beauty, national parks in Thailand showcase a rich tapestry of turquoise coastlines, sandy beaches, verdant rainforests, majestic cliffs, and astounding wildlife. These parks are home to diverse flora and fauna, considered a slice of heaven for birdwatching fans and diving enthusiasts.

From scenic waterfalls to floating campsites, and from ethical elephant camps to colorful songbirds, these places are full of unique things to see and experience. If you plan to visit this part of Asia, keep a few days aside to visit the amazing national park wonders of Thailand. Continued …

Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri is one of Thailand’s most celebrated chefs

Born in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat in southern Thailand, Chef Ice cultivated his passion for cooking alongside his grandmother, who inspired him with her mastery of traditional southern cuisine.

After completing his undergraduate studies in Boston and a master’s degree in cultural management in Thailand, he decided to fully embrace his passion for gastronomy by turning the family restaurant, Baan Ice, into an established brand. In 2018, he opened Sorn in a historic house in Bangkok, focusing on southern Thai cuisine. Continued …

Renewable scheme to start in Q4

The much delayed second-phase 3.6-gigawatt renewable scheme is likely to start in the fourth quarter of this year, following the end of a legal dispute concerning the first phase, says an energy official.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) could not push ahead with the scheme’s second phase after the Central Administrative Court suspended the state’s plan to buy 1,500 megawatts of wind power due to alleged irregularities in the process of selecting power plants in the first phase of the scheme, with combined power generation capacity of 5.2GW from wind, solar and biogas energy. Continued …

Typhoon Yagi’s Destruction in Southeast Asia Underscores Urgent Need for Global Climate Action

For the past two weeks, Chiang Rai and much of northern Thailand have been hit by devastating floods as Typhoon Yagi ravages Southeast Asia. Landslides and flash floods triggered by the typhoon have caused hundreds of deaths throughout Thailand, Vietnam, and war-torn Myanmar, and left millions more displaced, injured, or missing throughout the region.

Thousands of miles away from this death and destruction, world leaders have gathered in the august halls of the United Nations General Assembly in New York for the Summit of the Future. This week, the heads of state and government are adopting “The Pact for the Future,” a painstakingly negotiated outcome that reaffirms their commitment to tackling global challenges, including the existential threat of climate change. Yet, while the ink dries on the 60-something-page document, the harsh reality of climate change continues to unfold across Southeast Asia. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule Sept 21-Oct 26

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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