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Today’s news: 650,000 treated for PM2.5-induced illnesses/Hua Hin, Army deal with possible drought/Prachuap port considered for land bridge project/Nameplate, Buddha Image Retrieved/Universal health coverage expands/Irish mobster escapes to Thailand/Economy: Taxes slashed for booze, pubs/Thai growth outlook trimmed/400/day minimum wage approved/Thai exports in January/Bangkok Port relocation could hit exports/Chinese automakers top three EV brands/Benefit rise for elderly, disabled/Tourism: Top trending spa destinations/New drop-off lane at Don Mueang/National park earns over Bt260M/Thai Airways records recovery/Environment: Leader in green energy/Battle Against Rampant Wildfires/Forest Fires Threaten Chiang Mai/Sugarcane leaves for power generation/Thailand Experience: Most luxurious hotels on Koh Samui/International news/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

650,000 people treated for PM2.5-induced illnesses so far this year

More than 650,000 people have received medical treatment for illnesses caused by air pollution since the beginning of this year, particularly related to PM2.5, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Of these, more than 300,000 had respiratory diseases, about 80,000 heart and brain diseases, over 110,000 eye infections and irritations, and over 140,000 had skin infections. Continued …

Too little rainfall in Hua Hin, Army asked to help address possible drought

In a step toward combating the looming threat of drought in Hua Hin, local municipal officials have reached out to the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School for assistance in supplying water to the area.

This move comes in the wake of warnings about potential water scarcity in the coming months due to insufficient rainfall in the past wet season. Continued …

Prachuap port considered for land bridge project

Yesterday, a delegation led by Jane Namchaisiri, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to evaluate the potential integration of Prachuap Port with the proposed $28-billion land bridge project.

This ambitious project aims to create a direct transportation link across Thailand’s narrow south, offering an alternative route for cargo ships that currently navigate the longer passage through the Malacca Strait and Singapore. Continued …

Nameplate, Buddha Image Retrieved From Sunken Navy Ship

On the second day of a light salvage mission undertaken by United States and Thai navies to remove armaments and other objects from HTMS Sukhothai, which capsized and sank in stormy seas late 2022, killing 24 sailors with five others missing, the corvette’s nameplate, a Buddha image and some documents were brought to the surface.

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Deployed in the 20-day joint U.S.-Thai light salvage mission in the sea off Prachuap Khiri Khan are HTMS Rattanakosin, which is of the same type as the U.S.-built, Ratanakosin-class corvette that sank, the Thai Navy’s minehunter HTMS Bang Rachan, and landing craft HTMS Mannai and the U.S. Navy’s tugboat Ocean Valor. Continued …

Universal health coverage expands to eight more provinces

The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme is set to empower members with unprecedented healthcare options across eight additional provinces.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, heading the National Health Security Board, announced the green light for expanding the UHC digital health platform. This expansion encompasses provinces such as Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Phang Nga, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo. Continued …

Irish mobster dodges law with escape to Thailand

An Irish mobster has fled to Thailand in an attempt to evade the long reach of the law in his Emerald Isle homeland.

The mobster, along with his brother, swiftly departed from Ireland after authorities cracked down on their illegal drug trafficking operation. While one brother is reportedly holed up in Dubai, the other has sought refuge in the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Taxes slashed for booze, pubs

The Excise Department has cut tax rates for alcohol and nightlife venues, effective on Friday, in a bid to boost tourism and domestic spending.

Department Director-general Ekniti Nitithanprapas said that the new tax rates are in line with measures approved by the cabinet on Jan. 2, which are intended to promote Thailand to become a tourism hub. Continued …

Analysts trim Thai growth outlook

Despite two anticipated interest rate cuts this year, analysts are downgrading Thailand’s economic growth outlook, citing lower tourism revenue and increasing uncertainty surrounding the digital wallet policy.

BofA Securities, a unit of Bank of America, cut its Thai GDP forecast this year from 3.7% to 2.6%, as it no longer assumes the 500-billion-baht digital handout policy will be launched. Continued …

400/day minimum wage approved for some

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Friday confirmed a second rise in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day for some professions and provinces, which he said is a Songkran gift for Thais.

Phiphat said next Tuesday the terms of the new hike would go before a government subcommittee, which will forward it along with their own revisions to the full committee the same day. Continued …

Thai exports in January see highest growth in 19 months

Thailand’s exports in January expanded for the sixth consecutive month, totaling US$22.6 billion (815.7 billion baht), and growing 10% year on year. Ministry of Commerce permanent secretary Keerati Rushchano said on Friday that the growth in January was the highest in 19 months, since June 2022.

However, the country’s imports totaled $25.4 billion (914.9 billion baht) in January, an increase of 2.6% year on year, with a trade deficit of $2.7 billion (99.2 billion baht), according to the official. Continued …

PM warns Bangkok Port relocation plan could hit exports

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday poured cold water on plans to relocate Bangkok Port out of the city, warning of disruption to exports.

Asked about the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s proposal to move the port, Srettha told reporters covering his visit to City Hall that relevant agencies should carefully consider all the factors. He also remarked that Thailand’s biggest port, Laem Chabang in Chonburi province, is currently being expanded. Continued …

Chinese automakers top three EV brands for Thai buyers in 2023

Chinese automakers were the top three electric vehicle (EV) brands for Thai people last year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

BYD was the top choice with the highest number of new EV registrations in Thailand at 30,467, followed by Neta (12,777) and MG (12,462). U.S.-based Tesla and another Chinese brand, Great Wall Motor (GWM), were fourth and fifth, with 8,206 and 6,746, respectively. Continued …

Benefit rise for elderly, disabled

A subcommittee under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has agreed to enhance welfare benefit programs for the elderly, babies and the disabled, marking a significant step in improving the well-being of these groups.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said that under the proposed scheme the elderly would receive a flat rate welfare payment of 1,000 baht a month, instead of the current rate, which varies between 600-800 baht depending on their age. Continued …

Top trending spa destinations for 2024 unveiled. Thailand ranked 18th

In 2024, SpaSeekers.com’s latest research highlights the top spa destinations. Romania takes the lead, witnessing a 233% surge in spa trip searches. The study also pinpoints France, China, and Canada as standout spa destinations within the top 10 sought-after locations.

For many people, the start of the year comes with a refreshed bank of annual leave days, which provides the perfect opportunity to do some holiday planning, while dreaming of some summer sun during the cold winter days. For those who are looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway in 2024, and some serious self-care time, a destination spa break may be just what the doctor ordered. Continued …

New passenger drop-off lane at Don Mueang airport to help ease traffic

Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport will open a new passenger drop-off lane in front of Terminal 2 building from March 1 for taxi and personal vehicles to drop airport users off, in a bid to help reduce traffic congestion at the front of the domestic passenger terminal.

The new passenger drop-off lane is one of the measures to be put in place before Songkran Festival in April when the airport expects a spike in users, airport Director Wijit Kaesaithiam said on Friday. Continued …

National park in Krabi earns over Bt260M in entry fees in 4 months

Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi has generated more than 260 million baht in entry fees in less than four months, owing to the continual increase in the number of tourists visiting the popular island attraction.

From October last year to Thursday (Feb. 22), park officials have collected 267,500,382 baht in entry fees from 126,398 tourists, park chief Yutthaphong Damsrisuk said on Friday. Continued …

Thai Airways records recovery with US$782 million profit in 2023

Thai Airways International witnessed a significant rebound in its earnings following an increase in air travel demand. The airline reported a net profit of 28.1 billion baht (US$782 million) in 2023, a substantial recovery from the 272-million-baht loss experienced in the previous year.

This is the second-highest annual net income recorded by the company, surpassed only by the 55-billion-baht profit in 2021, primarily attributed to an 81.5 billion baht gain from debt restructuring. Continued …

Thailand’s potential to become leader in green energy

Thailand will become the leader in green energy in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s top five green economies, Thailand’s trade representative and adviser to the Prime Minister ML Chayotid Kridakon said on Thursday.

His confidence is based on the government’s framework for the country’s transition to clean power, which will see Thailand rely on more than 50% renewable energy by 2040 from a variety of green sources, including solar cells. Continued …

Northern Thailand’s Battle Against Rampant Wildfires: A Crisis Unfolding

As the sun rises over the verdant landscape of northern Thailand, a veil of smoke threatens to overshadow the natural beauty of this region. The recent outbreak of wildfires has put an estimated 1 million rai (160,000 hectares) at risk, marking a critical environmental and humanitarian crisis.

This isn’t just a story of fire and smoke; it’s a narrative about the delicate balance between nature and human activity, and the efforts to safeguard a region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Continued …

Forest Fires Threaten Chiang Mai’s Air Quality Amid Rising Temperatures

Imagine waking up to a hazy morning where the air tastes of ash and the sun is a mere smudge in the sky. This is not the opening scene of a dystopian novel but the reality for the residents of Chiang Mai as they face an environmental crisis.

Forest fires raging at the base of Doi Suthep mountain are not only a direct threat to the flora and fauna but have also catapulted the region’s air quality to hazardous levels, raising alarms about health and safety. Continued …

Sugarcane leaves being used for power generation

Mitr Phol Group reinforces the company’s sustainable development by continuing the purchasing of sugarcane leaves program from sugarcane farmers, enhancing the value of agricultural waste.

For more than six years, the program has promoted green sugarcane harvesting, utilizing sugarcane leaves as raw material for bio-power generation. Mitr Phol Group stands as a pioneering force in the development of renewable energy production processes, harnessing sugarcane leaves as a primary fuel source for biomass electricity. Continued …

The most luxurious hotels on Koh Samui

When you think of Thailand, what springs to mind? If it’s palm fronds, sugar-fine sand and sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, you’re picturing Koh Samui.

The most postcard-perfect Thai island, Samui is for many the gateway to a life-long obsession with the Gulf of Siam: the first destination in what will become a never-ending list of trips. Whether it’s the forthcoming third season of The White Lotus (currently being filmed on the island), or a simple Google search of gorgeous Thai beaches that has inspired you, you’re about to plan a trip we’re certain won’t disappoint. Continued …

Germany joins legal cannabis club

German lawmakers on Friday approved a government plan to liberalize rules on cannabis, paving the way for the country to decriminalize limited amounts of marijuana and allow members of “cannabis clubs” to buy it for recreational purposes. Continued …

AI frenzy pushes Nvidia value to $2 trillion

The market value of Nvidia hit $2 trillion on Friday, riding on an insatiable demand for its chips that made the Silicon Valley company the pioneer of the generative artificial intelligence boom. Continued …