sustainable solutions -

Political showdown for Pita/
Pita’s chance of becoming next prime minister shrinks on eve of vote/
The Old Order’s Last Gasp/
Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays/
Thailand ranked among the 10 best countries for expats/
Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces/
Third Suspect In Murder Of German Businessman Nabbed In Kanchanaburi/
Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand/
About 5,000 Myanmar evacuees flee to Thailand after airstrike on civilians/
Household ‘net energy metering’ plan put on hold/
Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not wax candles, for Lent/
Burger King Thailand launches ‘Real Cheeseburger’ with 20 layers of cheese/
Tourism: Thailand sets goal to attract 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028/Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest/North of Thailand showcased as global MICE destination for tea, coffee/Four new airlines preparing for take-off in Thailand/
International: Championing sustainable solutions/NATO summit ends on a ‘big positive’ note/122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019/Longest Burmese python ever measured caught in Florida/
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

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Political showdown for Pita

The much-anticipated prime minister vote occurs today, and the odds are not in favor of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat emerging as the country’s next leader.

Backed by eight prospective coalition partners, Pita, who is the MFP’s sole prime minister candidate, needs 64 votes to secure the premiership. But two major developments on Wednesday are believed to have dealt a severe blow to his bid to contend for the position. Continued …

Pita’s chance of becoming next prime minister shrinks on eve of vote

The chance of Move Forward Party chief Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next prime minister shrank on Wednesday as Parliament prepared for Thursday’s vote to select the country’s leader.

The Election Commission asked the Constitutional Court to rule if Pita, who is the top PM candidate by virtue of Move Forward’s election win, had violated election law. Continued …

The Old Order’s Last Gasp

There is in Thailand a vestige of an epoch that is fast losing its relevance. I speak of Thailand’s conservative establishment, an obdurate machine anchored in antiquated conceptions of power, inept at moving with the currents of democratic evolution, and balefully terrified of a new political dawn.

The Constitutional Court and the Electoral Commission form the steely backbone of this historic relic, more adept at conspiring in hushed tones than honoring the clarion call of the ballot box. Consider, if you will, the electoral triumph of the Move Forward Party in the recent polls. The populace spoke, the establishment quaked, and the results were — overlooked. Underneath the veneer of formality, these institutions’ penchant for autocracy unfolds with startling clarity. Continued …

Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays

Protests and potential political instability are causing growing unease within Thailand‘s private sector, chiefly due to the impact of delays in forming the country’s new government. The possible effects are multifaceted, potentially touching areas such as new investments and the tourism industry.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s vice chairman, Poj Aramwattananont, expressed concern yesterday in light of recent moves by the local Election Commission (EC). Continued …

Thailand ranked among the 10 best countries for expats

Thailand has been ranked among the top 10 places for expats to live, according to the annual Expat Insider Survey carried out by InterNations. The latest rankings see Thailand move up to 6th place from 8th place in 2022 and 14th place in 2021.

Each year, InterNations, a global community for people who live and work abroad, conducts its Expat Insider survey. Now in its 10th year, the survey quizzes over 12,000 expats to generate a ranking of 53 countries across the world. It analyzes factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance, and more. Continued …

Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of a southwest monsoon causing thunderstorms throughout the country. The alert specified significant rainfall projected across 46 provinces, both north and south, covering 40% of the country’s north and south. The population should be vigilant due to the inherent danger at this time.

The southwest monsoon now covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand leading to continuous bouts of thunderstorms, primarily on the side facing the monsoon. Continued …

Third Suspect In Murder Of German Businessman Nabbed In Kanchanaburi

the third suspect in the murder and dismemberment of a German businessman in Chonburi last week was arrested yesterday in Kanchanaburi while trying to flee across the border to Myanmar.

Police arrested Shahrukh Kareem Uddin, 27, a Pakistani holding Thai nationality, while traveling in a taxi to Kanchanaburi city. He was taken to the provincial police station to record his arrest and then to be sent to Nong Prue police station in Chonburi for interrogation. Continued …

Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand

A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Policymakers from both nations are keen on bolstering cooperation in dealing with significant instances of Chinese criminals fleeing from China to Thailand to evade apprehension.

High-ranking officials of the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB), directed by Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, visited China with the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to international crimes involving Chinese nationals. Continued …

About 5,000 Myanmar evacuees flee to Thailand after airstrike on civilians

More than 5,000 displaced people fled across the border into Mae Hong Son on Wednesday after the Myanmar military launched an airstrike on the evacuation center where they were living in Kayah State. They are now being housed in an evacuation center in the province’s Mueang district.

Karenni National Progressive Party’s Culture Minister Tor Rae said the airstrike on the evacuation center occurred at 1.30am, killing one and injuring 10 others. The evacuation center, which is located near the resistance group’s barracks, also comprises a school and health center. Continued …

Household ‘net energy metering’ plan put on hold

A study commissioned by government to examine the implementation of a solar power project for households known as net energy metering has concluded that Thailand is not yet ready for such a scheme. Instead, the government will continue to allow consumers to sell the excess electricity to the utility at a rate of 2.20 baht.

Net energy metering (NEM) is a billing mechanism that credits households that have installed rooftop solar panels for the electricity they supply to the electricity grid. For example, if a residential consumer has a rooftop solar panel system, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. The NEM scheme serves to promote renewable energy use and conservation of non-renewable energy at the consumer level. Continued …

Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not wax candles, for Lent

A temple in Songkhla province put up a sign requesting that instead of offering traditional wax candles for the upcoming Buddhist Lent, supporters should donate solar cells. The use of local language on the signage has added a touch of levity and sparked conversation among the community.

Lieb Temple has grabbed attention with its unique request showcased on banners placed around the temple’s four-way red light zone and some parts of the interior. The messages are written in the local dialect, enhancing understanding and generating sparks of amusement among patrons and community members. Continued …

Burger King Thailand launches ‘Real Cheeseburger’ with 20 layers of cheese

Burger King Thailand got innovative and launched a new burger without meat called the “Real Cheeseburger”, offering cheese lovers burger buns with 20 slices of pure American cheese. The burger is now available for 109 baht, down from the original price of 380 baht. The new burger almost immediately went viral on Thai social media platforms due to the thick layers of cheese. Initially, many Thai customers assumed that the fast food chain had just created the burger for fun, but the brand confirmed that the cheeseburger is real. (thethaiger.com)

Thailand sets goal to attract 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 68.5 million foreign tourists in 2028, which will generate an estimated total revenue of 5.6 trillion baht, equivalent to 25% of Thailand’s GDP.

TAT officials say that they are also finalizing marketing plans for Thailand’s tourism in 2025, which expect to generate a total revenue of 3.1 trillion baht, accounting for 16% of the country’s GDP, with 74% coming from international tourists, equivalent to 2.29 trillion baht, and 26% from domestic tourists, equivalent to 805.6 billion baht. Continued …

Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest

The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travelers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the Eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects.

The slow recovery marks it as a testing time for places like Pattaya, particularly with a quiet Chinese market yet to bounce back and local visitors not returning en masse, said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, the former president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council and group executive director of Sunshine Hotels and Resorts. Continued …

North of Thailand showcased as global MICE destination for tea, coffee

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is working to make the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai international centers for tea and coffee. To achieve this, the bureau is implementing three major projects this year.

The first is to expand creative economy and local community products by sponsoring events like the “World Tea and Coffee Expo”, which has been held in Chiang Mai for two years running. Continued …

Four new airlines preparing for take-off in Thailand

Four new Thai airlines are preparing to take to the skies in coming months, propelled by resurgent tourism in the post-pandemic era and spurring an increase in competition in local and regional markets.

The new carriers are relatively small and will serve niche traveler markets. But they add depth to the Thai aviation industry and are an indicator of the sector’s improving health as economies recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Continued …

Championing sustainable solutions

El Niño. Drought. Wildfire. Massive flooding. Pollution. Water shortage. Loss of biodiversity. Environmental issues are endless and they pose a real threat not just in Thailand but around the world. Continued …

NATO summit ends on a ‘big positive’ note

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the meeting with NATO leaders was positive despite his disappointment about the lack of a timetable to receive an invite to join, he said in Vilnius on Wednesday. Continued …

122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019

Over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due to the pandemic and repeated weather shocks and conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published today. Continued …

Longest Burmese python ever measured caught in Florida

Hunters in south Florida caught the largest Burmese python ever measured, and the lengthy beast is currently being examined at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples. Continued …

UPDATED! 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.

UPDATED! 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