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VIP airport bus schedule/Rainfall brings fish to Hua Hin shores/Racer Marina Pranburi/Bangkok Hospital hosts running event/Glamping Festival 2024/Thailand’s winter begins/Chef Jay Fai to Retire/Jay Fai closure reflects industry-wide problems/Laws on Pyramid Schemes/Mae Sai district returns to normal/Internet access in Thailand surges/To Review Drone Regulation/Economy: Restaurant group predicts healthy Q4/New stimulus measures/Exports to US jumped 18.1%/Thailand leads in agricultural exports/Thailand joins BRICS/Step backward with BRICS partnership/Life as a Cambodian migrant worker/Asia the powerhouse of global economy/Tourism: Facial Recognition to Replace Boarding Passes/Asia Pacific arrivals drive tourism/Thailand Targets 1 Million Flights/To attract over 10.7M international tourists/Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism promoton/Trang operators unfazed by pricey airfares/AirAsia flight avoids disaster/Thailand Experience: Festivals and events across Thailand/Climate Thailand: EGAT to add 110 EV charging outlets/Intensification of Storms in Asia/Thailand’s hidden gem of sustainable tourism/Bangchak forges deal with CPF/Southeast Asia’s Energy Mix/EVs to number 85 million in 2025/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

VIP bus schedule to Suvarnabhumi airport changed

There’s only minor changes to the return to Hua Hin segment. An 8:30am departure from the airport has been replaced by a 1pm trip.

Glamping Festival 2024, Nov. 1-2, Arena Hua Hin Sports Club

Don’t miss this concert at Arena Hua Hin on Nov. 1-2. This year, a star-studded lineup of artists is ready to bring joy and fun to everyone. Continued …

Thailand’s 4-month-long winter begins

Winter started in Thailand today with the arrival of a high-pressure system from China, and the cool season will likely continue for about four months, until February, according to the Meteorological Department.

Temperatures are expected to drop 2-4 degrees Celsius in the northeast and the upper north and 1-3°C in the central plain and the upper south through the week until Sunday. Thunderstorms and strong winds are possible in some areas of these regions. Continued …

Michelin-Star Thai Chef Jay Fai to Retire Next Year

In a surprising announcement, Michelin-star chef Jay Fai, known for her emblematic restaurant in Bangkok, revealed her plans to retire next year.

The renowned chef, whose real name is Supinya Junsuta, first earned her Michelin star in 2018, making her beloved venue famous worldwide for its exceptional street-food-inspired dishes. Continued …

Closure of Bangkok’s Michelin star restaurant Jay Fai reflects industry-wide problems

The planned closure of the famous Michelin one-star restaurant Jay Fai reflects a string of problems in the food supply chain, particularly high energy and raw material costs, according to the Restaurant Business Club.

One of the reasons cited for the planned closure is rising logistic costs, which resulted in a surge of up to 10% in the cost of seafood compared to this year’s first quarter, said Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, head of the club. Continued …

Government May Strengthen Laws on Pyramid Schemes

The Thai government is poised to make significant amendments to existing laws targeting pyramid-fund schemes. These changes aim to broaden enforcement scope to take action against not just the masterminds but also the lower-level operatives involved in these fraudulent activities.

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat outlined these forthcoming amendments, which will enhance the authority’s ability to tackle pyramid schemes more effectively. Currently, the law restricts action to top-level figures, allowing lower-level fraudsters to evade prosecution. Continued …

Mae Sai district returns to normal after two-month clean-up

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will preside over a ceremony in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province today to hand the responsibility for the administration of the district back to the municipality, at the completion of the major post-flood clean-up of the border town.

The military and volunteers from private relief organizations have spent about eight weeks returning the border town to normal, after it was buried under a sea of mud by the devastating flooding in September. Continued …

Internet access in Thailand surges to 21.7 million households in 2024

The ‘Thailand Digital Outlook’ report reveals that 50.1 million individuals are connected, with daily internet usage rising to 9 hours 20 minutes daily.

This year, some 21.7 million Thai households got linked to the internet, compared to 21 million households last year, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry said. Continued …

Government Set to Review Drone Regulation

The government has announced plans to review and potentially revise the current regulations surrounding the use of drones, particularly focusing on enhancing access for farmers.

During a Senate meeting on Monday, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and Digital Economy and Society minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong, highlighted the potential benefits drones could bring to the agricultural sector, as well as areas like disaster mitigation and logistics. Continued …

Restaurant group predicts healthy Q4 for restaurants

Central Restaurants Group (CRG) says Thailand’s restaurant industry looks promising in the fourth quarter thanks to the year-end spending season and rising foreign tourist arrivals.

Nath Vongphanich, president of CRG, said he wants the government to consider launching stimulus measures to boost the tourism sector. “The increase in foreign tourists could lift the economy, which benefits restaurants,” said Nath. Continued …

Finance minister eyes new stimulus measures

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Monday that he would consider the economic stimulus measures raised during a meeting with representatives of three professional groups.

After attending an hour-long meeting with representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House, Pichai said the government needs to consider several factors before deciding on the stimulus measures. Continued …

Exports to US jumped 18.1% in September amid 1.1% overall growth

Thailand’s exports to the United States in September grew 18.1% year on year to the value of US$5.01 billion (169.13 billion baht), the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Monday.

Overall, exports in September expanded 1.1% year on year to $25.98 billion (877.75 billion baht), the office added, as it predicted a 2% growth for this year. Imports in September stood at $25.59 billion (863.34 billion baht), up 9.9% compared to last year. Continued …

Thailand leads Southeast Asia in agricultural exports, 8th globally

Thailand emerged as the largest exporter of agricultural products in Southeast Asia and the eighth-largest globally, thanks in part to its free trade agreements (FTAs).

The Trade Negotiations Department highlighted this achievement, with Director-General Chotima Iemsawasdikul attributing the success to these agreements, despite growing foreign competition and global economic uncertainties. Continued …

Thailand pursues economic gains through BRICS membership

Thailand aims to join BRICS for economic opportunities, offering access to the ASEAN market and strengthening food security and tourism, according to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Charnvirakul says joining the BRICS group will create significant trade and economic opportunities. BRICS includes major economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside four new members added this year. Continued …

Thailand takes another step backward with its BRICS partnership

Thailand’s accession to the BRICS bloc last week as a partner member is certainly a notable development. Undeniably, it has implications for the country’s relationship with the United States and other Western countries.

In short, it highlights that Thailand is aligning itself with the “Global South” against what is seen as the hegemony of the West. Although the kingdom is joined by other ASEAN players such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, it is a significant departure from Thailand’s former close ties with the United States. Continued …

Life as a Cambodian migrant worker in Thailand

For Sorphean Nhih, Thailand has been more than just a place to work. It has become a second home. At 33 years old, she has spent nearly half her life in the bustling streets of Bangkok, far from her native Kratie province in Cambodia.

Like many other migrant workers, she came to Thailand seeking better wages and opportunities. “I decided to come to Thailand for work because my friend told me that I could earn more here,” Sorphean said. “Back in Cambodia, I couldn’t find any work. So, I took a chance.” Continued …

IMF official says Asia clearly the powerhouse of global economy

Asia, which is contributing 60% to global growth, is the powerhouse of the global economy, said Krishna Srinivasan, director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Asia and Pacific department.

“This is the most dynamic region of the world. It has a huge amount of labor force. A lot of that is also the skilled labor force. It’s a region which is highly integrated into global supply chains. And lastly, it’s a region which has seen a huge increase in productivity growth,” Srinivasan said. Continued …

Facial Recognition to Replace Boarding Passes at Six Thai Airports

Thai airports announced plans to introduce a facial-recognition system by the end of the year, effectively phasing out the need for traditional boarding passes. This cutting-edge technology will be implemented in six major airports, aiming to streamline passenger movement and enhance security processes.

From Nov. 1, domestic travelers in Thailand will experience this new system, with international passengers following on Dec. 1. Passengers will register their identification details during check-in, either at a staffed counter or using a self-service kiosk. Continued …

Asia Pacific arrivals drive Thai tourism

Thailand recorded 26,088,855 visits from January to September, a 30.1% improvement over the 20,054,665 trips recorded during the same nine-month period in 2023.

China led the five top source markets, totaling 5,254,764 trips, an increase of 110.7% over the same period in 2023. Malaysia, in second place, delivered 3,742,474 visits, up 12.1%. India was the third-highest supplier, with 1,536,196 visits, up 32.2%. South Korea was fourth with 1,382,785 visits, up 15.9%, and Russia was in fifth place, with 1,159,758 visits, up 16.9%. Continued …

Thailand Targets 1 Million Flights in 2025

The Thai government has unveiled a bold initiative to manage a million flights nationally next year, following the recent inauguration of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s third runway earlier this month.

This ambitious target is a significant milestone in efforts to position Thailand as a principal aviation hub in the region, consequently driving up tourism and fueling economic growth. Continued …

TAT, partners aim to attract over 10.7M international tourists in Q4

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that in the fourth quarter of this year Thailand aims to attract an additional 10.7 million foreign tourists, averaging 3.6 million per month, to reach the government’s target of 36.7 million visitors.

In the first nine months, over 26 million visitors have already arrived, and TAT is confident the target will be met, setting positive momentum for 2025. Continued …

TAT launches Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism promoton for 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will launch the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign. This will comprise collaboration with tourism partners to offer Grand Festivals, Grand Moments, and Grand Privileges to tourists, as well as the promotion of five must-dos in Thailand – Must Taste (Thai cuisine), Must Try (Muay Thai), Must Buy (Thai fashion and local products), Must Seek (new destinations and experiences), and Must See (Thai festivals). The latter aims to diversify Thailand’s tourism appeal and spotlight lesser-visited regions across the country. Continued …

Trang operators unfazed by reports of pricey airfares

Complaints regarding the price of airfares to Trang should not significantly affect tourism during the high season, as prices have dropped to regular levels since the lifting of the travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

Local news outlets reported that pricey airfares for flights to Trang, reaching as much as 3,000 baht for a one-way trip, triggered an outcry among locals, who suggested Trang people didn’t have any money. Continued …

AirAsia flight avoids disaster over denied landing in India

A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank.

The drama unfolded as the Airbus A320 eventually received clearance to land but was then detained for four hours at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, after arriving without the necessary clearance. Continued …

Festivals and events across Thailand in November

Thailand is alive with vibrant colors and unique celebrations in November, making it one of the year’s most memorable months for festivals. Experience the global music phenomenon at Rolling Loud Thailand 2024, or marvel at the artistic splendor of Thailand’s heritage at Awakening Bangkok 2024.

Be part of the lively atmosphere at the Phimai Festival, where exhilarating boat races captivate audiences, or delight in the enchanting ISAN Winter Wonderland. Continued …

EGAT to add 110 EV charging outlets in Thailand this year

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is intensifying its electric vehicle (EV) solution services, notably by expanding charging outlets, to capitalize on the burgeoning EV market and support Thailand’s carbon-reduction goals.

EGAT’s expansion follows its pilot-scale operations in collaboration with state agencies and building owners. EGAT aims to add 110 new EV charging outlets this year, increasing from 211 at the end of last year. Next year, the company plans to install an additional 100 outlets. Continued …

The Intensification of Storms in Asia: A Climate Change Reality

The recent years have witnessed a significant intensification of storms in Asia, a phenomenon that scientists attribute to the ongoing impacts of climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that Asia remained the most disaster-hit region in 2023, with floods and storms causing the highest number of casualties and economic losses. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. Continued …

Thale Noi: Thailand’s hidden gem of sustainable tourism

Thailand, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, continues pushing the boundaries of sustainable tourism.

Recently, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) submitted Thale Noi – a freshwater lake in the southern Phatthalung province – as a contender at the Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2024. It won second place in the “Marine and Coastal Biodiversity” category, competing against nine other contenders. Continued …

Bangchak forges deal with CPF for oils, fats

Energy conglomerate Bangchak Corp. continues to acquire more used cooking oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by teaming up with Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), which operates a variety of restaurant brands.

The cooperation agreement, which was signed on Monday, enables Bangchak and CPF to jointly manage used cooking oil and various fats from CPF’s food-production facilities, including fats from CPF’s wastewater treatment plants and affiliated companies, to produce SAF through Bangchak’s SAF production and distribution subsidiary BSGF. Continued …

The Role of Fossil Fuels in Southeast Asia’s Energy Mix

Southeast Asia’s energy landscape continues to be defined by its reliance on fossil fuels despite international efforts to promote cleaner alternatives. According to the IEA’s 2024 Southeast Asia Energy Outlook, fossil fuels have played a central role in meeting the region’s rapidly increasing energy demand over the past two decades. From 2010 to 2023, the region’s energy needs were primarily addressed through coal, oil, and natural gas, with coal being the dominant source.

Coal has been Southeast Asia’s primary beneficiary of energy growth, accounting for around 50% of the region’s electricity generation. Countries like Indonesia, which holds nearly 90% of the region’s coal production, have relied on coal to fuel their expanding industrial sectors. Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines also lean heavily on coal for electricity and other industrial applications such as steel production and manufacturing. Continued …

EVs on roads worldwide expected to number 85 million in 2025

By the end of 2025, an estimated 85 million electric vehicles (EVs), including cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks, are expected to be on the road, according to the latest forecast from U.S.-based research firm Gartner Inc. released on Monday.

Jonathan Davenport, Gartner’s senior analyst, said that despite several hurdles affecting the EV market over the past few months, the firm is projecting the number of EVs in use globally to total 64 million units in 2024 and increase by 33% in 2025. Continued …