Tag Archives: sustainable tourism

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Tuesday’s news-Dec 19

Today’s news: WFFT rescues 15 big cats/Retire to Hua Hin with $10 million?/How to cope when PM 2.5/Rainmaking causes PM2.5 drop/Cooler weather for much of Thailand/PKK’s representative for Miss Thailand/Thailand highest for phone scams/Pork price crash/44 million registered vehicles/Economy: Future business challenges/More than 50% are ‘informal’ workers/Choking Thailand’s economy/PM touts 90-day record/Concession for land bridge megaproject/November exports up/Energy Absolute predicts 20% revenue growth/Tourism: 950/1,500-baht to enter Wild Boars cave/Duty-free shops on way out/Hub for sustainable ecotourism/Seamless tourism/Thailand Experience: Bangkok’s Banthat Thong/Farmer crafts image from rice seedlings/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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WFFT rescues 15 big cats from northern Thailand facility

Twelve tigers and three leopards who have spent their lives in captivity have been rescued from a tiger farm in Thailand.

The undisclosed captive tiger facility in northern Thailand was visited by government officials on Dec. 16 following legal action over alleged illegal wildlife trading. Veterinary teams and wildlife experts from Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) were on hand to rescue the seized animals, in the first part of the largest tiger rescue operation by an NGO in Thailand’s history. It is expected that 35 tigers in total will eventually be rescued from the farm. Continued …

Would you retire to Hua Hin if you had $10 million?

Where you choose to retire will be one of the most important decisions in your financial life. Most people look for things like nice weather, favorable tax codes and access to medical care. Proximity to family may be a critical factor, as well. The specifics will be different for everyone, but there is one universal concern — the cost of living.

Being on a fixed income means that choosing a retirement destination you can afford is critical. With a nest egg of $10 million, though, you have a lot of flexibility, opening up destinations outside of the typical Florida retirement village. GOBankingRates spoke to real estate agents and other experts to find out where they’d retire with a budget of $10 million. Continued …

How to cope when PM 2.5 pollution takes hold

Air pollution from dust particles smaller than 2.5 microns, or PM2.5, in cities like Bangkok and its environs is now at levels that affect the health, especially of the elderly, children and those who suffer from allergies.

The microscopic dust particles that we inevitably inhale deep into our airways and lungs irritate, burning nasal cavities, cause coughing, sneezing, phlegm, and asthma, and can also have long-term effects on lung development in children. Continued …

Rainmaking efforts cause PM2.5 drop

Rainmaking efforts that were carried out east of Bangkok have led to a dramatic drop in pollution across the capital and its surrounding areas, with levels of harmful, ultra-fine pollutants in the atmosphere reported to have dropped back below the safe threshold yesterday.

The director-general of the Department of Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, Supis Pitakham, said cloud-seeding operations were carried out between Dec. 16-18 east of Bangkok after a spike in PM2.5 levels was observed across the city last week. Continued …

Cooler weather for much of Thailand until Sunday

The upper part of Thailand will experience chilly mornings and strong winds today due to a strong high-pressure system from China extending to upper Thailand, the Thai Meteorological Department said.

The department added that from Wednesday to Sunday, another strong high-pressure system from China will spread to cover Thailand and bring a decrease in temperature and strong winds to most parts of the kingdom. Continued …

Prachuap Khiri Khan announces representative for Miss Thailand contest

In a ceremony at Market Village Hua Hin yesterday, Prachuap Khiri Khan introduced its representative for the 55th Miss Thailand contest.

Pornsirikul Phuata, known as “Nong Ning,” 26, will carry the province’s hopes in the national pageant. Continued …

Thailand highest in Asia for phone scams

The 2023 Asia Scam Report highlights Asia as a prime focus for criminals leveraging AI for faster, overseas fraud, making detection and capture challenging. In Thailand, phone deception poses a heightened risk.

Gogolook, the developer of the Whoscall application and trust technology provider (TrustTech), and global anti-scam organization GASA (the Global Anti-Scam Alliance) organized the first-ever Anti-Scam Asia Summit (ASAS) in Taipei, Taiwan. Continued …

Pork price crash in Thailand due to rampant smuggling

A nationwide crash in pork prices, sparked by rampant smuggling, is wreaking havoc on the livelihoods of hog farmers throughout Thailand. The illegal import of pork not only undermines local farmers but also poses a significant public health risk due to the potential for contamination.

The Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Chaiya Phromma, affirmed the government’s determination to tackle the smuggling issue head-on to safeguard the farmers’ income and protect the public from tainted produce. Continued …

Thailand has 44 million registered vehicles

There are more than 44 million registered vehicles in Thailand, about half of them motorcycles, according to the statistics office of the Department of Land Transport.

As of Nov. 30, there were 44.3 million registered vehicles of all types – 42.9 million registered under the Vehicle Act and 1.3 million under the Land Transport Act. Continued …

Top Thai executives air views on future business challenges

Two leading business executives have shared their views about the challenges and the unpredictability of doing business in the future, ranging from depleting natural resources and digital disruption to emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, climate change, geopolitics and human rights awareness.

Pichai Chunhavajira, an adviser to the prime minister and CEO of Bangchak Corp., said that, in chaotic and complex global situations, the one thing that is certain is the depletion of natural resources as the world’s population increases. Continued …

More than 50% of Thai workforce are ‘informal’ workers

The National Statistical Office of Thailand (NSO) is urging the government to further promote basic rights, social security and labor protection for workers in the informal sector, citing 2023 statistics that show that more than half of Thailand’s workforce (52.3%), or some 21 million people, are informal workers.

Informal workers are those who lack employee status as defined under the Labor Protection Act (LPA). Typically they do not work at an employer’s premises nor do they have official employment contracts; they either work at home, are self-employed or temporary staffers. Continued …

PM2.5 smog choking Thailand’s economy, says World Bank

PM2.5 air pollution is costing Thailand a staggering 6% in lost GDP per year, according to the World Bank.

The economic losses come from the huge medical bill for treating patients with PM2.5-related health conditions, says the “Thailand Economic Monitor” (December 2023) report. Continued …

PM office touts 90-day record

In the first 90 days in office, the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has introduced and implemented a series of policies aimed at reducing expenses, while increasing the earnings of the Thai people and businesses, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told the media today.

He said that many of these policies are expected to bear fruit in the middle of next year. The following policies are aimed at reducing expenditure: Continued …

Thai government plans 50-year concession for land bridge megaproject

The Thai government is contemplating a 50-year concession for the successful bidder of the land bridge megaproject, a venture worth one trillion baht and projected to break even within 24 years. This was revealed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit during the Thailand Landbridge Roadshow event in Tokyo, Japan, where he and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sought to attract Japanese investors.

Suriya stated that the winning bidder would receive a comprehensive 50-year concession encompassing shipping lines, logistics, port management, property development, and industrial investment management. He also revealed plans for a new law that would facilitate the surrounding areas’ development, based on a cost-benefit analysis. Continued …

November exports up 4.9% y/y, below forecast

Customs-based exports rose for a fourth straight month in November, up 4.9% from a year earlier, customs department data showed, but were short of expectations.

The reading compared with a forecast for a 6.3% year-on-year increase for November in a Reuters poll, and followed October’s 8% year-on-year rise. Continued …

Energy Absolute predicts 20% revenue growth by 2024 driven by EV demand

Energy Absolute (EA), a developer and operator of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, anticipates a minimum of 20% revenue growth by 2024. This increase, it suggests, will be primarily driven by the escalating demand for EVs in Thailand.

The tourism sector’s recuperation and corporate demand for employee shuttle services are likely to drive sales of EA’s electric buses, contributing significantly to its revenue, according to Vittaya Changeutai, EA’s assistant vice president. Continued …

950/1,500-baht fee to enter Wild Boars cave

Amid social media criticism of the entrance fee for visiting Tham Luang cave where the 12 “Wild Boars” youth football team and their coach were trapped for 17 days in 2018, park officials defended charging Thais 950 baht and foreigners 1,500 baht per visit as appropriate because this covers going through chambers two and three.

Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park had on Friday opened chamber three to visitors, limiting it to two rounds a day, with 10 people per round at the separate fee for Thais and foreigners they had set. Continued …

Duty-free shops on the way out, wine tariff may be reduced

In a bold move set to redefine Thailand‘s tourism landscape, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to propose changes that could reshape the way tourists spend their cash.

The Finance Ministry is set to pitch a revolutionary plan to Cabinet today, aiming to suspend duty-free shops in the arrivals section of all airports. Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent secretary, shared the motivation behind the move. Continued …

Cha Am’s Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park to become a hub for sustainable ecotourism

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, in a joint effort with Rajabhat University Phetchaburi, is poised to become a pioneering learning center for sustainable ecotourism.

Yesterday, Patthanaphan Jueachan, the head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, together with Associate Professor Pajonarath Buakhiew, deputy dean of Rajabhat University Phetchaburi, visited the park located in the Cha Am District of Phetchaburi Province. Their visit marked a step in the effort to enhance the park’s role as a tourist attraction and integrate it into local development strategies. Continued …

Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia eye seamless tourism

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled plans to enhance seamless tourism between Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia after meeting the three leaders on Sunday.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the summit in Tokyo commemorating Japan’s 50 years of cooperation with ASEAN countries. Continued …

5 old-school street food favorites in Bangkok’s Banthat Thong

Bangkok is world-renowned for its street food, but perhaps the best place to indulge is Banthat Thong, a downtown neighborhood with nostalgic old days’ vibes and flavors.

Once a sleepy area with little other than motorcycle repair shops, local convenience stores and wholesalers’ offices, Banthat Thong has emerged as one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods filled with modern cafés, bars, chain restaurants and 24-hour co-working spaces, thanks to some recent major developments and new residential projects, and the expansion of mega lifestyle malls in the surrounding areas. Continued …

Thai farmer crafts cat and fish image from rainbow rice seedlings

In northern Chiang Rai’s Ban Khon Sung, an aerial view reveals a captivating image of a cat cuddling a fish, meticulously crafted from rainbow seedlings sprouting in a rice field. This picturesque scene mirrors a traditional Thai proverb symbolizing prosperity.

The artistic feat is a creation of farmer Tanyapong Jaikham, who, alongside a group of laborers, planted the seedlings at specific locations across the field to form cartoonish feline illustrations with the intent of attracting tourists and cat enthusiasts. Continued …

At Least 111 People Killed In Northwestern China Earthquake

At least 111 people were killed in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in a cold and mountainous region in northwestern China, the country’s state media reported on Tuesday. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

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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
bangkok, hua hin, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News-April 12

  • Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand/
  • Airport VIP bus schedule expanded/
  • Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan/
  • Artist Village schedules Songkran event/
  • Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary/
  • Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani/
  • Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown/
  • Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand/
  • Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park/
  • 10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election/
  • Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again/
  • Free buses connect main rail terminals/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past/Agencies predict economic uptick/Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats/Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery/
  • Tourism: Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants/Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran/Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year/Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand/
  • Thailand Experience: The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance/Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation/New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty/
  • International: Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts/IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast/Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’/What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Best value-for-money neighborhoods in Hua Hin and around Thailand

For those considering living in Thailand, finding a neighborhood that offers a great quality of life at an affordable price is essential. However, finding the right neighborhood to live in can be an intimidating task, especially for those on a budget. Fortunately, there are many neighborhoods throughout Thailand that offer excellent value for money, providing a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Pranburi, Central Hua Hin, West Hua Hin

Sitting along the sun-kissed coastline of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province in Thailand, Hua Hin has become a sought-after destination. It’s popular among expats and retirees living in Thailand, as well as property investors. Renowned for its tranquil lifestyle, balmy climate, and affordable cost of living, this captivating coastal town offers a plethora of value-for-money neighborhoods. Each promises a delightful combination of relaxation and smart property investment. Continued …

Airport VIP bus schedule expanded

Bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated, with an additional trip scheduled. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10om, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:00pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, 6:30pm

Songkran events in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Following a three-year hiatus related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Songkran events are set to make a splash again this year in Thailand.

The annual water festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year, was canceled or scaled back in previous years due to the pandemic, but this year Songkran is back in full swing.

It is celebrated on April 13 every year, but the holiday extends to April 15 and is traditionally a time for people to come together, celebrate, and pay respect to their elders and ancestors. Continued … 

Artist Village schedules Songkran event

From April 14-16, Hua Hin’s Artist Village will be hosting the Art Arbour: Hua Hin Art & Workshop Week 2023.

During the event, visitors can participate in a variety of workshops and activities.

Chiva-som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin marks 28th anniversary

April is a milestone month for Chiva-Som Hua Hin as it celebrates its 28th anniversary and, to commemorate the occasion, it launches special offers throughout the month in conjunction with the Songkran festival.

It all began when Chiva-Som founder Boonchu Rojanastien removed his beachfront holiday home to make way for a sanctuary that more people could enjoy and Chiva-Som officially opened its doors on April 19, 1995. Since then, it has pioneered an innovative, holistic approach to wellness that balances mind, body and spirit. Continued … 

Prime Suspect Still on the Run After Six Deaths in Surat Thani

Police are still hunting for a prime suspect after six people, including the prime suspect’s son and wife, were shot dead in the Khiri Rat Nikhom district.

Region 8 Police commander Surapong Thanomjit said on Saturday (April 8) four people were found dead at a Khiri Rat Nikhom house, who were Thammarong Nilniyom, 61, the house owner and the former village headman, Nilthip Pankachen, 48, who was Thammarong’s wife, Phonsak Petchchoo, 58, a former village headman, and Thammrat Wichean. Continued …

Foreigners Rounded Up In Buriram Crackdown

A crackdown by Immigration police in northeastern Buriram province during March 27-April 10 led to six foreigners being rounded up for overstaying their visa.

Acting on the orders of Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, to prevent and suppress crime during Songkran festival, Police Maj. Gen. Ketchakat Nilpradap, head of Immigration Division 4, led his team in mounting raids to round up foreign suspects. Continued …

Police bust gang of thieves targeting foreigners in northeast Thailand

Police announced the results of their investigation into a gang of thieves targeting foreigners with families all over the Isaan region in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand. Police seized stolen assets worth an accumulative three million baht.

The gang found its victims by sitting in shopping malls around Isaan and scouting out foreigners with families. Then, the gang would follow the foreigner home and scope out their house. Continued …

Forest fires reignite near Khao Yai National Park

About 150 firefighters have been mobilized to control forest fires, which have reignited in Thailand’s Nakhon Nayok province, as helicopters were also deployed in an attempt to prevent fires from spreading into Khao Yai National Park.

Fire and water trucks have been sent to local communities not far from Khao Nang Dam, where fires are reported to have broken out again and are spreading toward Khao Tabaek, about 500 meters from the border with Cha-om subdistrict of Saraburi province. Continued …

10 things you need to know about Thailand’s election

The countdown to the May 14 general election is well underway, with a little over a month left before the big day.

The election was called after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the House of Representatives on March 20 – just three days before the Lower House completed its four-year term. Here are 10 things to know about the upcoming national vote: Continued … 

Feature phones or ‘dumb phones’ are becoming popular again

In recent years, there has been a surprising resurgence in the popularity of “dumb phones,” also known as feature phones. While smartphones have dominated the mobile phone market for over a decade, a growing number of people, particularly Generation Z, are looking to cut back on screen time and are turning to these simpler devices.

According to recent data, smartphone sales in the United States have been on the decline. In 2022, sales of smartphones dropped by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Continued …

Free buses connect main rail terminals

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched a free shuttle service that connects Hua Lamphong Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

The shuttle buses are available at both stations from 4.30am to 11pm, said Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, the SRT’s public relations director. Continued …

Thailand’s days of GDP growth in excess of 5% may be a thing of the past

Amid a warning from the OECD this week that Southeast Asian economies may see retarded growth and an update from the Bank of Thailand predicting 3.6% growth for 2023, there are real fears that Thailand’s days of GDP growth of over 5% may be behind it despite election pledges from the Pheu Thai Party to pursue an expansionary economic policy if it comes to power.

The reason for this is the country’s rapidly aging population and demographic problem, as it is already an aged society and faces becoming a super-aged society by 2029. It is also one of the first countries in the world to experience such a problem without ever having become wealthy. Continued …

Agencies predict economic uptick

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is feeling upbeat regarding Thailand’s economic recovery, citing the forecasts of several reputable economic agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER), that anticipate a rebound in 2023 and 2024.

According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, Prayut credits the agencies for the evaluation and Thais for collaborating to restore the country’s economy. Continued …

Thailand’s newfound economic stardom comes with caveats

Once synonymous with the crisis that brought on an Asia-wide financial meltdown a generation ago, Thailand gets almost rave reviews now. This relative resilience of its economy may be tested by a pronounced downturn and a re-awakening of the country’s deep political divisions.

Calamity appears to be the last thing on investors’ minds when they think of Thailand these days. Goldman Sachs Group even likened the nation to a “safe haven.” Among the kingdom’s attributes are a resurgence in tourism, low foreign debt and a surplus in the broadest measure of trade. That’s a halo historically associated with Switzerland, Japan or prized asset classes like U.S. Treasuries. Continued …

Tourism, construction, real estate, restaurants see continuous recovery

Thailand’s tourism sector has seen continuous recovery, aided by government measures to attract foreign tourists. This led to a sharp increase in new tourism-related business registrations in February.

According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the number of new tourism-related business registrations in February 2023 increased by 1.1 times compared to last year. This accounted for 8.05% of the total 8,537 new-business registrations that month. Continued …

Songkran is here: Ayutthaya trumpets message with colorful march of elephants

Ayutthaya province kicked off the Songkran festival with a parade of 10 elephants from Wang Chang Ayutthaya Lae Paniad on Tuesday.

All the elephants were painted in colourful themes, including flowers, hearts and the message: “Songkran Ayutthaya” in Thai and English. Several tourists took the opportunity to splash water at the elephants.

The parade covered Ayutthaya’s City Pillar Shrine and Wat Phra Ram, aiming to attract Thai and foreign tourists to visit the province after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Phuket to Generate at Least 4.5 Billion Baht During Songkran

More than 200,000 tourists will visit Phuket during the Songkran festival, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakundee, said from April 13th to April 16 about 84% of hotel rooms have been booked. There will be 223,452 visitors, which will generate at least 4.5 billion baht. Continued …

Over 900 International Chartered Flights So Far This Year

The recovery of both the aviation and tourism industries this year has led to a big jump in international chartered flights, with the four-month total reaching 924, while action has been taken to reduce domestic airfares.

Sutthipong Kongpool, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said of the 924 chartered flights reaching Thailand from the beginning of this year, 253 arrived in January, 288 in February, 165 in March and 218 due in April. Continued …

Sustainable tourism gains traction in Thailand

In the deep waters off Phuket, hobby divers scour the sea to pick up garbage on holiday. Elsewhere, in one of Thailand’s many villages, visitors are engrossed in baking banana bread using locally sourced ingredients.

These activities are now in vogue, as the rise of sustainable tourism in the Land of Smiles mirrors a growing worldwide trend that is here to stay.

Research has shown that over 80% of global travelers feel that sustainable travel is important – and Thailand is doubling down on environmentally friendly trips. With tourism a key pillar of the Thai economy, the country is promoting sustainable tourism development in major cities and secondary cities. Continued …

The scented water that gives Songkran its unique fragrance

Songkran is famous for water splashing, but did you know the Thai New Year also carries a special fragrance? No Songkran celebration is complete without the scented water known as “Nam Ob Thai”.

The perfumed water will be much in demand this week as people seek a respite from the heat of April.

Scented water is considered a traditional Thai perfume. The scent can be mixed with water because it is alcohol-free, unlike western perfumes. Nam Ob Thai is made from pure water and is also affordable. Continued …

Discovering Banrai Thummachot, Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation

Nestled away in a corner of the Thap Thai subdistrict is Banrai Thummachot – Hua Hin’s first coffee plantation. Owned and operated by Prachak Thummachot, the plantation boasts a 2-rai plot of land dedicated to the growth of robusta coffee.

The plantation was established three years ago after Prachak witnessed a lull in the coffee market and sought help from local farmers to learn more about the coffee trade. Continued …

New Songkhla skywalk unveils southern beauty

Southern traditions hit a high point on Tuesday as visitors flocked to Wat Wang Yai in Songkhla’s Thepha district to witness the opening of the province’s latest tourism attraction.

Kuan Mali Skywalk was officially opened by a performance of Menora, a traditional dance drama with deep roots in the southern region. Menora, often shortened to Nora, is at least five centuries old and has been inscribed as intangible cultural heritage of southern Thailand by UNESCO. Continued …

Myanmar confirms deadly air strike as international outcry mounts

Myanmar’s ruling junta has confirmed that it carried out an air strike on a village in which dozens of people were reported killed, drawing condemnation from the United Nations and Western powers. Continued …

IMF issues growth warning as it lowers 2023 forecast

The International Monetary Fund slightly lowered its outlook for the global economy on Tuesday, while predicting that most countries will avoid a recession this year despite economic worries and geopolitical strains. Continued …

Study warns critical ocean current is nearing ‘collapse’

Due to global warming, a deep ocean current around Antarctica that has been relatively stable for thousands of years could head for “collapse” over the next few decades. Such a sudden shift could affect the planet’s climate and marine ecosystems for centuries to come. Continued …

What we know so far on the leaked Pentagon documents

It’s been less than a week since news of highly classified military documents on the Ukraine war surfaced, sending the Pentagon into full-speed damage control to assure allies and assess the scope of the leak. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

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bangkok, chiang mai, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism

Saturday’s News-April 1

  • Red Cross Fair opens bigger and better than before/
  • Doctors issue heatstroke warning as hot season grips Thailand/
  • Inside Thailand’s 200-million-baht war on PM2.5/
  • Thai forest fires worsen pollution that’s left 2 million ill/
  • Khao Chaphlu fire now ‘under control’/
  • Chiang Mai’s severe PM2.5 pollution lands thousands in hospital/
  • National Parks Try To Help Animals Survive Bush Fires and Droughts/
  • Thai Central Bank tightens up measures to protect bank customers/
  • Hacker threatens to publish data of 55 million Thai citizens/
  • 63 Chinese religious refugees detained for overstays/
  • Swede charged for overstaying his visa by 7 years, and conning locals/
  • Thailand gets ready for Songkran with free parking, toll-fee waivers/
  • Thai cops indicted over extortion case with Taiwanese actress/
  • Thai photographer who shot Oscars on how Thailand smothers creativity/
  • Thailand’s wild, wooly and booming weed experiment/
  • Tourism: The power of partnerships: Thailand’s sustainable tourism can thrive with collaboration/Travel agents predict 1 million Chinese in Q2/Phuket crash kills foreigner, the 35th road death on island this year/
  • Thailand Experience: Phetchaburi Salt Festival ongoing until April 2/Salt farming in Thailand – Video/
  • International: East Asia and Pacific regional growth to accelerate as China rebounds/36 Bodies Found Inside Well After Collapse at Hindu Temple/One year on, Ukraine remembers Bucha victims/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Red Cross Fair opens bigger and better than before

The Red Cross Fair, a staple outing for Thais in Hua Hin, began its spring run last night behind the Bluport mall with big crowds and more vendors than in past years. Improvements include canopies over the main vendor areas to protect against rain, although they made the areas uncomfortably hot.

The festival runs through April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort, and features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment and the usual carnival games. Expat News noticed many new foods being presented, as well as the old standbys. There were also new products being hawked by vendors, including marijuana and weed supplies.

Proceeds from the festival go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged. Here are a few images from last night.

Doctors issue heatstroke warning as hot season grips Thailand

Doctors have warned people to look out for symptoms of heatstroke as temperatures rise across Thailand.

“As rising hot-season temperatures could hit 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, people who spend a long time outdoors could suffer from heatstroke,” said Dr. Manas Phothaporn, deputy director of the Department of Medical Services on Thursday. Continued …

Inside Thailand’s 200-million-baht war on PM2.5

As Chiang Mai was ranked world’s most polluted city again on Friday, figures show Thai authorities have spent at least 203.83 million baht to tackle PM2.5 in the past seven years (fiscal 2016-2022).

PM2.5 refers to the ultra-fine particles in air pollution that are linked with premature death from heart, lung and other conditions.

Figures compiled by Krungthep Turakij news outlet show Thai authorities have launched at least 761 projects to tackle PM2.5 pollution over the past seven years. Continued …

 

Thai forest fires worsen pollution that’s left 2 million ill

Raging forest fires in northern Thailand are threatening to worsen the country’s air pollution, which has sent nearly 2 million people to hospitals with respiratory illnesses since the beginning of the year.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday ordered urgent steps to put out forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province to the east of Bangkok and those in the country’s northern region, including popular tourist destinations Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Continued … 

Khao Chaphlu fire now ‘under control’

A wildfire that was reportedly caused by a lightning strike on Khao Chaphlu in Nakhon Nayok on Tuesday evening has almost been completely contained, with fire barriers set up to prevent the blaze spreading to Khao Yai National Park.

Following the lightning strike, strong winds fueled the fire as it spread to Khao Laem, located near tambon Phrommani and Khao Phra in Muang district, on Wednesday and then Khao Nang Dam on Thursday. Continued …

Chiang Mai’s severe PM2.5 pollution lands thousands in hospital

Respiratory illnesses and allergies caused by severe air pollution have seen as many as 12,671 people admitted to the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital since Jan. 1 this year.

The actual number, however, is far higher than reported because many patients could not be admitted due to overcrowding, said Dr. Bannakit Lojanapiwat, dean of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine. Continued …

National Parks Try To Help Animals Survive Bush Fires and Droughts

The temperatures at this time of year are harsh and lead to drought, affecting many wild animals. There are also forest fires in many national parks and conservation areas.

Pattarapol Maneeoan, senior expert veterinarian, also known as Doctor Lot, from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said wild animals are scared during bush fires and use instinct to survive by fleeing the fire. This leads to injuries, in some cases to the bones; in other cases, it can lead to death. Continued …

Thai Central Bank tightens up measures to protect bank customers

Bank customers who want to transfer more than 50,000 baht electronically from their bank accounts are required to have their faces scanned to confirm their banking transactions, under a new set of measures imposed by the Bank of Thailand to protect bank customers from online thieves.

Bank of Thailand Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has issued an order instructing all financial institutions, including commercial banks, to upgrade their banking systems to cope with increasing online theft from customers’ bank accounts. Continued …

Hacker threatens to publish data of 55 million Thai citizens

A hacker, who goes by the pseudonym of 9Near, threatened to publicly release the personal data of 55 million Thai citizens unless the government contacts the cyberpunk by April 5.

9Near announced on the dark website BreachForums that he had stolen the personal data of 55 million Thai citizens from a government department and was going to sell them. Continued …

63 Chinese religious refugees detained for overstays

Sixty-three Chinese nationals detained in Pattaya for overstaying their visas are members of a self-exiled Christian congregation seeking United Nations protection from religious persecution, their supporters say.

Two Americans who have been trying to help the group relocate to the United States have also been detained, the Wall Street Journal reported. Continued …

Swede charged for overstaying his visa by 7 years, and conning locals

Police have arrested a Swedish man who overstayed his visa by over seven years in Chon Buri. He is also accused of defrauding local Thai people for money.

The Immigration Bureau arrested the 50-year-old Swede, Lennart Alexander, at a rental house in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri. Continued …

Thailand gets ready for Songkran with free parking, toll-fee waivers

State agencies have been instructed to ensure people can travel safely during the April 12-18 Songkran holidays, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday.

Thousands of Thais are expected to start heading home from April 12 to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year on April 13. Public holidays for the three-day fest run until April 18 this year. Continued … 

Thai cops indicted over extortion case with Taiwanese actress

Six Thai cops have been indicted by public prosecutors in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases for allegedly extorting money from a Taiwanese actress in exchange for dropping charges against her. The officers are from Bangkok’s Huai Khwang police station.

According to Kosonlavat Intujunyong, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, the six officers have been charged with demanding and taking bribes in violation of Section 149 of the Criminal Code. The offense carries a jail term from five years to life, or the death penalty and a fine of 100,000-400,000 baht. Continued … 

Thai photographer who shot Oscars on how Thailand smothers creativity

Early in March, Thai photographer Jutharat “Poupay” Pinyodoonyachet made waves when Thais found out she was shooting the 95th Academy Awards for the New York Times.

“Dream until it’s reality. I’M HERE AT THE OSCARS!!!,” the photographer proclaimed in a caption next to a selfie taken earlier this month at the annual awards ceremony. The 30-year-old freelancer moved to New York in late 2019 after becoming fed up with the labor exploitation of Thailand’s movie industry. Continued … 

Thailand’s wild, wooly and booming weed experiment

In June 2022, the Thai government took the bold step of decriminalizing the production, sale and personal use of cannabis. Huge consequences have followed, and other Asian countries should take notice.

An extensive, largely unregulated industry has quickly emerged, surprising many observers. Specialized retail outlets selling cannabis products have proliferated in large cities. Their number seems comparable with conventional pharmacies.

The 3,000 new retail outlets officially registered include both small-scale Thai firms and foreign-owned firms with prior experience in the Amsterdam and California cannabis industries. Foreign firms are especially significant in cities receiving the most foreign tourists. Continued …

The power of partnerships: Thailand’s sustainable tourism can thrive with collaboration

In the deep waters off Phuket, hobby divers scour the sea to pick up garbage on holiday. Elsewhere, in one of Thailand’s many villages, visitors are engrossed in baking banana bread using locally-sourced ingredients. These activities are now in vogue, as the rise of sustainable tourism in the Land of Smiles mirrors a growing worldwide trend that is here to stay.

Research has shown that over 80% of global travelers feel that sustainable travel is important – and Thailand is doubling down on environmentally friendly trips. With tourism a key pillar of the Thai economy, the country is promoting sustainable tourism development in major cities and secondary cities. Continued …

Travel agents predict 1 million Chinese in Q2

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) expects 1 million Chinese tourists in the second quarter of this year, following positive signs of flight resumptions, while urging authorities to help regulate “zero-dollar” tours and illegal tour guides.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of ATTA, said as airlines work to increase both scheduled and charter flights, flight supply is ramping up. Continued …

Phuket crash kills foreigner, the 35th road death on island this year

Phuket’s number of road deaths reached 35 this year after a motorcycle crash killed a foreigner early this morning. The accident happened on Karon Beach Road on Phuket’s west coast at about 2.28am, according to the Ruamjai Rescue Foundation.

Rescuers and emergency medical service teams arrived on the scene to find a garbage truck parked on the side of the road. The foreigner’s body and a damaged motorcycle were lying nearby. Continued …

Phetchaburi Salt Festival ongoing until April 2

The Art of Salt festival in Phetchaburi is taking place until April 2 at the Bang Kaeo viewpoint.

The art of sculpting salt into intricate shapes and forms at the festival showcases the creativity and talent of local artisans. The salt sculpture designs vary from small and delicate to large designs showcasing the artists’ skill and creativity.

The fair, which begin s at 4pm daily, also features live music, a light and sound show, and an array of local food. One of the unusual treats to try is the unique sweet salt, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Salt farming in Thailand

Sompong Kaewmorakot has been a salt farmer for over three decades. He shares his thoughts on what it takes to run his farm in Bang Prakong, and his worries about its future. – Bangkok Post

East Asia and Pacific regional growth to accelerate as China rebounds

Growth in developing East Asia and the Pacific is forecast to accelerate in 2023 as China’s economy reopens, while the pace of growth in most of the economies in the rest of the region is anticipated to ease after a strong rebound last year, a World Bank report said on Thursday. Continued … 

36 Bodies Found Inside Well After Collapse at Hindu Temple

Thirty-six bodies have been found inside a well at a Hindu temple in central India after dozens of people attending a festival fell into the muddy water when its cover collapsed, officials said Friday. Continued …

One year on, Ukraine remembers Bucha victims

President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed Friday to defeat Russia, speaking alongside European leaders in Bucha one year after Moscow’s troops withdrew from the Ukrainian town that has become synonymous with war crimes allegations. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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 

 

Hua Hin-Chaing Mai flight schedule through October

Book a flight

 

90-day online reporting

 

bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 10

  • Hua Hin dealing with water supply problems/
  • Free pet rabies vaccinations offered in Hua Hin/
  • Hua Hin Magic during the 2023 Thailand Open/
  • No hike in electricity rates until August, minister assures/
  • Summer storm warning for Bangkok and 41 other provinces/
  • Avoid eight types of foods to prevent kidney disease/
  • Being an English teacher in Thailand 2023 – What is it like?/
  • Measures sought to stimulate property market/
  • As election nears, PM vows no more coups/
  • Thailand improves but still ‘not free’/
  • Big Joke prepares cases against 116 corrupt immigration officers/
  • Thailand unveils 3 strategies to become global EV-manufacturing center/
  • Dept of Corrections denies existence of ‘VIP rooms’ in Thai prisons/
  • Tourism: Tourism sector braces for 80 million visitors by 2027/’Gangs of foreigners’ accused of stealing jobs from locals in Phuket/Rayong cheers as Chinese tourists return on first flight to U-Tapao/First of many? Russian Man Arrested on Pha-ngan Island for 188 days of Overstay/Two Thai destinations win awards in Germany for sustainable tourism/Take Advantage of Eco-Tourism Travel Apps in Thailand/
  • International: Indonesia unveils construction site of new capital city/China’s Xi handed historic third term as president/
  • Links: Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin dealing with water supply problems

Hua Hin is facing issues with the supply of drinking water, as its main storage facility for raw water is at a low level. Some residents have experienced no water or a drop in water pressure in recent days.

Officials say repairs to water pipes in Phetchaburi have significantly reduced flow to the reservoir. The repairs were due for completion yesterday.

Also contributing to the problem is the lack of rainfall recently, as well as the increased visitor numbers.

Free pet rabies vaccinations offered in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is launching a vaccination campaign for dogs and cats in all communities to prevent the spread of rabies during the hot season and ensure safety for residents and tourists.

The municipality is currently promoting a week-long vaccination campaign for rabies prevention as part of the “Disease-free Animals, Safe Humans” project.

The project aims to provide vaccination services to the town’s dogs and cats, as well as offer owners information and advice on observing the behavior of pets and animals living in public areas that may be infected with rabies. Continued …

Hua Hin Magic during the 2023 Thailand Open

The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin presented by E@, a WTA 250 tournament held in Hua Hin in February, still lingers in the minds of professional tennis players and remains their topic of conversation, even past its completion more than a month ago.

Hua Hin boasts a number of famous tourist spots, all of which are well known to foreigners who have visited before. In fact, this resort town actually offers a lot of charming aspects that are worth discovering.

Thus, Proud Group and True Arena Sport Club, on behalf of the organizers, joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to carry out special activities to highlight Hua Hin as a city of culture and health to tourists from across the world using social media and word-of-mouth. Continued …

No hike in electricity rates until August, minister assures

There will be no increase in electricity rates from May to August this year for both the household and industrial sectors, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Thursday.

He made the remark during the seminar “The Next Thailand’s Future” at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

Supattanapong said that electricity is currently at 4.72 baht per unit for the household sector and at 5.33 baht per unit for the industrial sector. Continued …

Summer storm warning for Bangkok and 41 other provinces

People living in 42 provinces in the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions of Thailand, including Bangkok and its suburbs, are advised to brace for summer storms, which will bring heavy rain and hail to some areas from Sunday until next Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department said today that a moderate cold front is forecast to blanket the northern part of Thailand and the South China Sea and this will collide with the westerly winds over the northern region, as the country is experiencing hot weather.

This weather condition will create summer storms, with strong winds in the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions, as well as hail in some areas, said the department. Continued …

Avoid eight types of foods to prevent kidney disease

The Department of Health has advised Thais to avoid eight kinds of foods and ingredients that cause kidney disease.

They comprise:
– Foods with high sodium content, such as MSG, sauces, and seasoning powder;
– Processed meats such as sausages and ham;
– Foods that contain butter and cream, such as cake, pizza, and pastries;
– Foods with high phosphorus content, such as dairy products, animal innards, and dried prawn; Continued …

Being an English teacher in Thailand 2023 – What is it like?

Have you ever considered teaching English abroad? If you’re looking for an adventure and an opportunity to make a positive impact, then being an English teacher in Thailand might be just what you’re looking for.

First things first, why Thailand? Well, it’s a beautiful country with a rich culture and warm, friendly people. The food is amazing, the beaches are stunning, and there’s something for everyone here. Plus, the cost of living is incredibly low compared to Western countries, so you’ll be able to save money while living comfortably.

Now, let’s explore what it’s like to teach English in Thailand and why it might be the perfect opportunity for you. Continued …

Measures sought to stimulate property market

The next government should revise loan-to-value (LTV) limits, reduce the minimum land size for low-rise houses and extend the leasehold period to stimulate residential demand amid unfavorable conditions, according to property associations.

Meesak Chunharuckchot, president of the Thai Real Estate Assn., said the easing of LTV limits should be extended to those borrowing for more than two years, as it would help boost both the new and second-hand home market.

“Borrowers who have been making payments on a home loan for over two years are generally considered to be reliable borrowers,” he said. “They should get a 100% loan-to-value if they want to buy a second home as their income rises,” Meesak said yesterday at the Property Focus 2023 seminar. Continued …

As election nears, PM vows no more coups

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday vowed there would be no more coups, saying the 2014 putsch was the last, in an attempt to allay fears as the general election nears.

Prayut was responding to a question regarding remarks written by Deputy Prime Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon on Facebook on Wednesday.

In the post, Prawit, who is the PPRP’s prime minister candidate, said he can do better than others in promoting national reconciliation and coordinating national development between politicians and the elite. Continued …

Thailand improves but still ‘not free’

Thailand has improved slightly in an annual assessment by Freedom House but remains “not free” overall, the U.S. democracy research group said on Thursday.

The country was assigned a score of 30 out of 100, compared with 29 out of 100 in the group’s 2022 report. The total score consists of two main components: Political rights (6 out of 40), and civil liberties (24 out of 60).

“Following five years of military dictatorship, Thailand transitioned to a military-dominated, semi-elected government in 2019,” the authors of the Freedom in the World 2023 report wrote. “The combination of democratic deterioration and frustrations over the role of the monarchy in Thailand’s governance triggered massive demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. Continued …

Big Joke prepares cases against 116 corrupt immigration officers

The investigation against 116 allegedly corrupt immigration police officers is moving apace. It involves the issuing of visas to foreigners.

A huge amount of evidence of their taking of bribes and back-handers is being sifted through.

Nine immigration offices across the northeast and the north are in the crosshairs. Continued …

Thailand unveils 3 strategies to become global EV-manufacturing center

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) on Thursday unveiled its three-point strategy to forge a global manufacturing hub for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030. TAI comes under the Industry Ministry and is tasked with developing the Thai automotive sector.

TAI President Kriengsak Wongpromrat said the domestic auto industry’s transition to ZEV manufacturing is being guided by the institute’s “Reshape the future” roadmap.

“TAI is also helping businesses in the automotive industry cope with the transition, especially small and medium enterprises,” he said. Continued …

Dept of Corrections denies existence of ‘VIP rooms’ in Thai prisons

Contrary to allegations in the media that inmates in Thai prisons can buy their way into an air-conditioned, smoking room with unlimited TV, the Department of Corrections says there is no such thing as a VIP room when you’re behind bars in Thailand.

On Tuesday, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections Sitthi Suteewong said he would like to clarify several points about inmate life in Thailand.

Sitthi says there is no smoking whatsoever in any of Thailand’s prisons. Before 2018, inmates were allowed to smoke cigarettes outside at specified times. In 2019, the Ministry of Public Health declared prisons “smoke-free zones,” prohibited the sale of tobacco in prisons, and completely banned smoking on prison grounds. Continued …

Tourism sector braces for 80 million visitors by 2027

Intense congestion at popular tourist destinations needs to ease in order to accommodate a new target of 80 million foreign arrivals by 2027, says Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

“It might be harsh to say this, but Thailand should never return to the conditions of 2019 when almost 40 million foreign tourists flocked to the country, with many destinations overcrowded like slums,” said Phiphat.

Speaking at a seminar held by Krungthai Bank on Thursday, he said the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) wants the tourism industry to contribute 25% of GDP by 2027, up from 17.8% in 2019, generating a minimum of 6 trillion baht. Continued …

‘Gangs of foreigners’ accused of stealing jobs from locals in Phuket

The hospitality sector in Phuket is urging the government to solve the issue of foreign mafia on the resort island.

It is concerned the group is now exploiting laws to run their own businesses while also taking up the jobs traditionally reserved for locals.

Speaking during a recent meeting about tourism issues in the three Andaman provinces, Kata Group Resorts founder and President Pramookpisitt Achariyachai said some foreigners were breaching rules on jobs that are normally restricted to Thais. Continued …

Rayong cheers as Chinese tourists return on first flight to U-Tapao

U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport in Rayong welcomed 160 Chinese tourists on the inaugural flight of China’s Loong Air to the eastern province on Thursday.

Flight GJ8973, an Airbus A320, arrived from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in northwest China carrying tourists who wish to explore Thailand, said airport Deputy Director Kiatkul Suwan.

A group of dancers and drummers from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya welcomed Chinese visitors with a Thai traditional music show at the airport. Each tourist also received a floral garland and souvenir from the airport. Continued …

First of many? Russian Man Arrested on Pha-ngan Island for 188 days of Overstay

A 50-year-old Russian man was arrested on Pha-ngan Island in Surat Thani for 188 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions.

Surat Thani Immigration officers said they arrested Leonid Toisloi, 50, a Russian national. He was arrested in front of a convenience store in Chalok Lam, on Pha-ngan Island. Continued …

Koh Mak

Two Thai destinations win awards in Germany for sustainable tourism

Two Thai destinations have won prestigious awards in Germany for sustainable tourism. The destinations are the island of Koh Mak, located in the eastern Trat province, and Huay Pu Keng village in the northern Mae Hong Son province.

The two picturesque locations won top spots at the Green Destinations Story Awards held at ITB Berlin 2023 in Germany. The awards ceremony honors the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development across six categories from submissions to the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition. Continued …

Take Advantage of Eco-Tourism Travel Apps in Thailand

A growing number of tourists around the world are looking to travel more sustainably. The market for eco-tourism products and services rose from $157 billion in 2021 to $185 billion in 2022. As customers become more concerned about sustainability, more countries are embracing sustainability to earn tourist dollars.

Thailand is among the countries that has made sustainability a priority. In fact, Thailand has been rated the number one country in Southeast Asia for meeting the United Nations Sustainability Goals.

Since Thailand is so dedicated to sustainability, more eco-tourists are likely to visit the country in the future. If you are an eco-friendly traveler, you will want to consider the ways that you can enjoy the area. Continued …

Indonesia unveils construction site of new capital city

Orange-red ground has been broken in the jungle of East Borneo, where the Indonesian government has begun construction of its new capital city. Officials promise a “sustainable forest city” that puts the environment at the heart of development and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045. Continued …

China’s Xi handed historic third term as president

Xi Jinping was handed a third term as Chinese president today, capping a rise that has seen him become the country’s most powerful leader in generations. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s News-March 3

  • Campfire Fest on the Beach March 11/
  • Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26/
  • Hua Hin Red Cross Fair set March 31-April 9/
  • Thailand issues 24/7 hotspot alert as thousands of fires deepen haze crisis/
  • Real estate trends to watch in 2023/
  • Merger perks coming for True, DTAC customers/
  • Telenor Asia anticipates $2.5B gain via True-DTAC merger/
  • Thai economic woes grow with a 10-year high trade deficit/
  • Industry panel does not expect a recession in Q1/
  • Go easy on fried dough, Thai tea, say health experts/
  • Experts ask for healthcare system reform to address new challenges/
  • PTT sees EVs as new revenue stream/
  • Tourism: Other Voices: Thailand bets on sustainable tourism/Will air pollution levels stall Thailand’s plans to boost tourism?/Pattaya gets set for Chinese despite concern/Fishing boat blockade causes chaos for tourists heading to Koh Lipe/Thailand launches free gastronomy tourism e-guidebook/Police say Canadian tourist lied about attack, started fight/
  • Thailand Experience: 6 ethical elephant adventures in Thailand/Best Stays in Thailand When You Want to Work Remotely/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Hua Hin Boat Show at Racer Marina March 24-26

The first-ever Racer Marina Hua Hin Boat Show will take place in Pak Nam Pran from March 24 to 26.

The show will showcase a selection of boats, as well as a variety of marine accessories and equipment. Visitors can speak to industry experts, view boats and purchase the latest equipment from some of Thailand’s leading suppliers and brokers.

Several of Thailand’s biggest yachting companies are taking part in the event, including Simpson Marine, Asiamarine and Motorfield, while Suzuki and Tohatsu will also be at the show.

For more information; tel: 032 632 206.

Hua Hin Red Cross Fair set March 31-April 9

The Red Cross Festival returns March 31-April 9 on Soi 102 behind BluPort Hua Hin. The event features numerous food booths, OTOP shops, entertainment, games and entertainment.

Proceeds go to helping the poor, the handicapped and the underprivileged.

Thailand issues 24/7 hotspot alert as thousands of fires deepen haze crisis

Authorities have been placed on a 24/7 high alert for forest fires in the country’s northern, northeastern and central regions, as the number hotspots continues to rise.

Firefighters are on standby and agencies in risk areas are establishing war rooms at national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, under urgent orders issued by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Thursday.

Firefighters have also been told to ensure their equipment is in good condition. Continued …

Real estate trends to watch in 2023

Thailand has entered 2023 with a positive outlook economically and for the real estate sector in general. The property consultant CBRE Thailand has identified key trends to watch in the residential, office, retail, industrial, hotel, and industrial and logistics sectors. Continued …

Merger perks coming for True, DTAC customers

True Corp., the new company formed by the merger of True and Total Access Communication (DTAC), has vowed that customers of both brands will automatically receive cross-company privileges and other benefits from the tie-up.

The new entity has begun by offering privileges such as top-up bundling of all existing promotional packages as a favor to its combined 55 million mobile phone subscribers.

On Thursday, the company also announced it would give 10 gigabytes of free internet for seven days to all prepaid and postpaid mobile subscribers. Continued …

Telenor Asia anticipates $2.5B gain via True-DTAC merger

Telenor Asia expects a synergistic effect worth up to US$2.5 billion over the next three years from the mergers of True Corp. and Total Access Communication (DTAC) in Thailand, and Celcom and Digi in Malaysia.

Telenor Asia celebrated the telecom merger with a $20.7 billion enterprise valuation in Thailand, Jørgen Arentz Rostrup, executive vice president and head of Telenor Asia, said. He is also deputy chairman of True Corp., the name of the newly merged firm.

“Thailand is a tech-savvy market and one of the most valuable for Telenor. We’ll continue our investment in the region,” he said. Continued …

Thai economic woes grow with a 10-year high trade deficit

The chances of Thailand entering into a technical recession in the first quarter of the year rose on Thursday when the country’s exports for January fell by 4.5%, a sharper drop than expected, leaving the kingdom with a near-record trade deficit of $4.65 billion for the month.

The rising economic headwinds caused by heightened inflation in its export markets now leave the kingdom precariously dependent on accelerated foreign tourism growth this year.

Thailand posted its largest trade deficit in 10 years on Thursday when the Ministry of Commerce revealed that exports for January had contracted at a sharper-than-expected rate of 4.5%. Continued …

Industry panel does not expect a recession in Q1

Thailand will not enter a recession in the first quarter of 2023, thanks to tourism recovery, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) said.

Thailand’s gross domestic product contracted by 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022 from a huge drop in exports.

However, the JSCCIB does not expect the economy to continue to contract in the first quarter of 2023, mainly because of the higher-than-expected number of tourists that were boosted by China’s reopening. Continued … 

Go easy on fried dough, Thai tea, say health experts

Thai people love their street food, but too much “pa thong ko” (fried dough) and Thai iced tea can be bad for you, says the Health Department.

The department’s Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai spoke after TasteAtlas, an online food travel guide, put pa thong ko on its list of 10 best Thai dishes.

But a 100-gram serving of pa thong ko contains as many as 441 calories. Continued …

Experts ask for healthcare system reform to address new challenges

Despite Thailand gaining global recognition for its world-class medical and wellness facilities, lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, rising health expenditure, and the surge in the aging population are putting increased pressure on future healthcare services.

Speaking at a recent seminar on “Health and Wellness Sustainability”, Associate Prof. Chanchai Sittipunt, dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, said that the government must reform the healthcare system based on people-centered health services in response to the needs and expectations of its population. Other challenges to be addressed are primary care, integrated care, and patient-centered care.

Nowadays, poor health is not only caused by known illnesses but by many factors, including PM2.5 pollution, emerging diseases, global warming and overflowing garbage. Non-communicable conditions, as well as a fast-growing aging population also affect health and become challenges for the future health system. Continued …

PTT sees EVs as new revenue stream

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is angling toward becoming a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in Thailand, as construction of its assembly plant in Chon Buri is scheduled to finish next year.

EVs are among the new S-curve businesses being promoted by PTT and its subsidiaries to create new revenue sources, said Buranin Rattanasombat, senior executive vice president.

These businesses have the potential to grow rapidly, he said. Continued …

Thailand bets on sustainable tourism

The coronavirus pandemic caused extensive pain and hardship for Thailand’s tourism industry, but now there may be a silver lining. Visitors are returning to enjoy a coastal environment that has had a chance to recover. Whale sharks and sea turtles are back, and the new buzz phrase is sustainable tourism.

Last November, almost 400 divers from around the world gathered for a special event at the popular beach resort of Phuket. Their task was to collect garbage from the sea in an initiative that would reap benefits for the environment and the tourism sector alike.

“We set up this event to create awareness among foreign visitors,” says Chiravadee Khunsub, an executive director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “We want them to know Thai people prioritize conservation and sustainability now, after the pandemic.” Continued …

Will air pollution levels stall Thailand’s plans to boost tourism?

After an unexpected economic slump in the last quarter, Thailand is seeking ways to boost its tourism industry in a bid to negate the effects of falling exports. But the country’s air pollution levels can put a dampener on all its efforts.

In February this year, air quality levels in the capital Bangkok and its surrounding regions deteriorated sharply, with PM2.5 levels almost 14 times the recommended levels by the World Health Organization, according to a Reuters report. The pollution levels in the country still remain high, with the atmosphere hazy around many tourist hotspots.

As per a Nikkei Asia report, the Thai government and the tourism industry have promoted the dry season (from November to February) as the best time of the year to visit the country. But international tourists may “postpone their travel to Thailand, or worse, choose instead to go to a different country with cleaner air,” Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries told Nikkei while talking about the air pollution levels in the county. Continued … 

Pattaya gets set for Chinese despite concern

Pattaya has shrugged off concerns over Chinese businesses, including those using Thai nominees, partly because the tourism market from the mainland is slowly reviving.

Titipun Pettrakul, deputy mayor of Pattaya City, said the number of Chinese tourists remained relatively low compared with other markets, such as India, Vietnam and South Korea, the top three source markets at the moment.

Titipun said the city should wait until the second quarter to see a significant volume of Chinese arrivals. Continued …

Fishing boat blockade causes chaos for tourists heading to Koh Lipe

Over 100 fishermen parked their boats to block the waterway leading to Pak Bara Pier in La-ngu district, in response to the arrest of 24 fishermen for allegedly trespassing in Tarutao National Park. Protestors argue that the national park overlaps with commercial fishing areas, making the arrests unfair.

The Pak Bara Pier is a gateway to tourist islands, including Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, and Koh Ra Wi, as well as Tarutao National Park. Tourists are currently stranded on boats unable to dock at the pier due to the blockade, with some being forced to transfer to speedboats heading to Laem Te Ban Pier, an alternative route to Koh Lipe.

Meanwhile, tourists returning from the islands are having to detour to other piers to get to the mainland so they do not miss their flights. Continued …

Thailand launches free gastronomy tourism e-guidebook

The Thai government has launched a free guidebook to promote gastronomy tourism for Muslim and other foreign tourists, an official said on Thursday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the Thai and English versions of the e-book, “Muslim Friendly & Gastronomy Tourism Routes”, is available for free download.

Rachada said the guidebook from the Tourism Department of the Tourism and Sports Ministry aims to support self-drive tourism connecting 14 southern provinces, and extending to Malaysia, Singapore, and Batam Island in Indonesia. Continued …

Police say Canadian tourist lied about attack, started fight

A Canadian tourist has been charged for fighting in public before being reported to the Thai Immigration office after he first claimed that he was attacked and robbed.

According to Thai police, the man lied and had actually started the fight.

The Patong Police said Thursday that after a full investigation they found that William Lamarche-Saint-Louis, 28, a Canadian national, was not robbed as he said at first. The actual situation was a fight between Lamarche-Saint-Louis and beach vendors that spilled into a nearby beach restaurant. Continued … 

6 ethical elephant adventures in Thailand

Say no to cruel riding camps and animal performances, and visit one of these ethical sanctuaries that allow rescued elephants to thrive in their natural jungle environment.

1. Elephant Nature Park

The inspirational Lek Chailert (herself a Karen woman) has spent years supporting elephants across Thailand. Her excellent sanctuary currently hosts 118 pachyderms, many of them elderly retirees from logging or tourism. It allows day visits as well as week-long eco-volunteering stays. Where: Chiang Mai; more information.

Best Stays in Thailand When You Want to Work Remotely

The holiday blues are probably coming in strong right about now. Summer has come and gone and dreams of a lazy mid-year escape feel like a lifetime away. Throw in the fact that you’re probably out of annual leave and have even less cash than usual to splash on a luxe resort (#costofliving, amirite?), and any ideas about sipping a margarita on a sunny island are slipping away.

So, would you believe us if we told you we’ve found a single solution that will solve every one of your ‘I need to find a way to make money without eating into my holiday allowance while also enjoying a fresh cocktail’ dilemmas at once? Unofficial title: Operation Working Holiday in Thailand.

Start by doing the hard yards and figure out how that digital nomad thing works (note: we’re using the term ‘hard’ loosely here, because it’s actually pretty easy). Then, the only thing you need to decide on is where you want to base yourself for that first bowl of Pad Thai. Whether you dream of urban style or beachy chic, we chatted to Tourism Authority of Thailand and got their suggestions for the best accommodation options for those considering a remote working holiday. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, starting Feb. 19. The bus leaves Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departs from Pattaya at 8am and 4pm. 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 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedules

 

90-day online reporting

bangkok, chiang mai, climate change, covid, hua hin, medical tourism, pattaya, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Monday’s News-Jan 30

1 Comment

  • Tennis stars explore Thai culture ahead of Hua Hin tournament/
  • Muay Thai Festival starts Thursday at Seapines/
  • Soaring rice prices show food inflation still stalking the world/
  • Chiang Mai beats Singapore as safest city in Southeast Asia/
  • Thailand’s unemployment rate drops to 1.2% as of November/
  • Regulator eyes tariff on factories to boost clean energy/
  • China-Laos-Thailand rail link plans up for talks/
  • 3-airport high-speed rail link completion seen by 2029/
  • Mae Hong Son in dire condition – 135 fire hotspots so far/
  • Pattaya’s revolutionary medical city moving ahead slowly/
  • Tourism: Russians dominate Phuket tourism revival/14 rooms at Kanchanaburi river resort razed to the ground – everyone safe/RTP says ‘trust us’ not social media in Taiwanese actress extortion case/Taiwanese actress who claimed extortion caught in lie on camera/First Songkran in Four Years in Pattaya Looking to be a Major Event/Illegal jet skis return to Phuket’s Surin Beach/
  • Thailand Experience: Exploring the National Parks of Thailand/Sustainable tourism could look like this/
  • Covid: Over 80% of Thais have ‘hybrid immunity’ against Covid-19/
  • International: Challenges remain for women’s reproductive health in Asia Pacific/Erdogan says Finland may join NATO without Sweden/Boeing’s 747, the original jumbo jet, prepares for final send-off/
  • Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

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Tennis stars explore Thai culture ahead of Hua Hin tournament

Five tennis stars participated in a range of cultural activities in the resort town of Hua Hin on Saturday ahead of the upcoming 2023 Thailand Open tournament. The tournament is being held all week at True Arena.

The activities at Bluport mall included painting eco-friendly clothing, a gallery visit, and Muay Thai lessons.

Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska joined Anna Karolína Schmiedlová from Slovakia and Katie Boulter from the United Kingdom in an event to promote environmentally friendly clothing. The three painted attire to encourage consumers to pay more attention to the environmental impact of their fashion choices. Continued …

Muay Thai Festival starts Thursday at Seapines

Soaring rice prices show food inflation still stalking the world

Rice prices are climbing, a sign that the food inflation shock that threw millions into poverty is still reverberating, even as the cost of wheat and other farm commodities has declined.

Thai rice, a benchmark for Asia, has soared to the highest in almost two years. Strong demand lies at the heart of the rally, with some importers buying more of the grain to replace wheat after the war in Ukraine disrupted supplies.

Some consumers have also been stocking up ahead of festivals, while a strengthening Thai currency has also helped to push up dollar-denominated prices. Continued …

Chiang Mai beats Singapore as safest city in Southeast Asia

Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand was named Southeast Asia’s safest city and the 32nd safest among 416 cities across the world.

According to the Numbeo website, Chiang Mai won 75.5 points for safety in Southeast Asia, followed by Davao in the Philippines (72.4) and Singapore (70.8).

United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world with 88.8 points, followed by Qatar capital Doha (85.5) and Taiwanese capital Taipei (84.9). Continued …

Thailand’s unemployment rate drops to 1.2% as of November

A new census conducted by the National Statistical Office shows that the number of unemployed persons in Thailand has dropped by 95,000, with 620,000 new people entering the workforce.

Traisulee Traisoranakul, deputy government spokesperson, said on Sunday that statistics show that 39.82 million Thais were gainfully employed as of November last year, up by 620,000 from October.

She said the census found that Thailand has 58.73 million nationals who are at least 15 years old, and 40.36 million are at employment age. Of them, 39.82 million are employed and 460,000 are not. She said 18.37 million are outside the workforce, including housewives, students, and seniors. Continued …

Regulator eyes tariff on factories to boost clean energy

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is working on a “green tariff” that will determine the price of power bills for factory owners that need to use clean energy to achieve carbon neutrality.

Carbon neutrality means striking a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption.

Details for tariff rates, which depend on types of renewable energy, are expected in April after the ERC announces the investors selected to join its 5,200-megawatt renewable scheme, said Khomgrich Tantravanich, secretary-general of the commission. Continued …

China-Laos-Thailand rail link plans up for talks

Thailand and Laos are in talks about the potential of a China-Laos-Thailand railway link that could reduce cargo transport costs by 30%-50% in three to five years, said the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) on Saturday.

Athipu Chitranukroh, deputy director-general of the DRT, and Kitjaluck Srinuchsart, deputy director-general of the Customs Department, visited Laos recently to discuss the matter.

The high-speed network will be developed alongside current infrastructure and benefit both Thailand and neighboring countries, observers say. Continued …

3-airport high-speed rail link completion seen by 2029

The Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway, officially known as the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, is in progress and expected to be completed by 2029, government deputy spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Sunday.

Tipanan said Prime Minister Prayut, as chair of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Committee, had expedited the construction of the project to ensure a modern, convenient, fast and seamless transport system linking the three airports.

The State Railaway of Thailand (SRT) and the EEC Committee have entered a contract with a private consortium to build the 220-kilometer railway at a cost of 224,544 million baht and operate the system for 50 years. Continued …

Mae Hong Son in dire condition – 135 fire hotspots so far

Northern Mae Hong Son province will likely see an increase in forest fires this year, with as many as 135 fire hotspots having been detected during Jan. 1-27.

The Forest Fire Control Center said it is Mae La Noi district where most of the hotspots were seen, totaling 36, but this is outstripped by 77 detected in the national forest reserve.

Where air quality is concerned, the Zone One Environment and Pollution Control Office said today’s PM2.5 pollution level in Mueang Mae Hong Son reached 39 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) with 50 µg/m3 or higher considered poor air quality. Continued …

Pattaya’s revolutionary medical city moving ahead slowly

The 566 rai (one million square meters) former woodland area, now being excavated by Mabprachan Lake, is set to become a futuristic medical valley rather than a mere hospital. Part of the Eastern Economic Corridor initiative, Thammasat University has signed the deal with local and foreign investors to build an entirely new concept in medical hubs quite unlike any other development in Thailand or Southeast Asia.

The huge zone will include a hospital, clinic and residential areas for staff and patients, as well as promoting the latest smart technology to link all record keeping, screening tools, radiography information and laboratory research. There will also be a recreation park with international golf courses and development of premier housing estates by the private sector.

As Thailand’s population ages quickly while the birth rate continues to decline, the main purpose is to cater for affluent Thai and foreign nationals, especially seniors. Continued …

Russians dominate Phuket tourism revival

Phuket is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, with the number of visitors to the island reaching nearly 50% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Phuket, Nantasiri Ronsiri.

According to the local TAT office, from January to December 2022, Phuket saw 9.26 million visitors, with 53.6% being domestic tourists and 46.4% being international tourists.

Ronsiri noted that foreign tourists contributed 70% of the entire revenue, while Thai tourists accounted for around 20%. The top 10 countries in terms of the number of arrivals to Phuket over the last year were Russia, India, Australia, England, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea and the U.S. Continued …

14 rooms at Kanchanaburi river resort razed to the ground – everyone safe

Fire destroyed 14 of the 16 house rafts at a resort on the Khwae Noi river in Sai Yok district on Sunday afternoon, causing about 10 million baht damage. There were no casualties.

The fire at Saiyok Mantra Resort near Kaeng Pralom village in tambon Sai Yok began about 3.45pm, Police Capt. Kasan Para, a duty investigator at Sai Yok, said. Continued …

RTP says ‘trust us’ not social media in Taiwanese actress extortion case

The deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police spoke yesterday after a meeting concerning allegations made by Taiwanese actress An Yu Qing or Charlene An that she and three male friends were extorted of 27,000 baht in Bangkok on Jan. 4.

Huay Khwang in downtown Bangkok has been mentioned as the location of the alleged extortion incident in previous reports.

The case has caused a firestorm of controversy in both Thailand and Taiwan. It has been reported as damaging to the RTP, as well as Thai tourism, something admitted by the RTP itself. Continued …

Taiwanese actress who claimed extortion caught in lie on camera

Security camera footage from several locations in Bangkok shows the Taiwanese actress who claims Thai police extorted 27,000 baht from her after placing a vaping device in her hand using one before and after she was stopped at a checkpoint in the early hours of Jan. 5.

The actress, Charlene An, alleged on Taiwanese social media that she was forced to pay 27,000 baht to Thai police officers after they stopped a taxi she and her friends were traveling in at a checkpoint near the Chinese embassy at about 1 am on Jan. 5.

The actress told Taiwanese media that Thai police put a vaping device into her hand and that she did not know what it was. Continued …

First Songkran in Four Years in Pattaya Looking to be a Major Event

The first full Songkran in four years is looking to be a major event in Pattaya, as more events, festivals, concerts, and parties are announced.

Of course, this will be polarizing and divisive to many readers as although the event is popular with tourists it tends to be feared and despised by many ex-pats, who prior to COVID-19 often hunkered down for a week or even fled the city to avoid the water madness.

However, Songkran was entirely canceled in Thailand in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic concerns. In 2022, only traditional religious events were allowed and “fun” events, like the world-famous water fights, were banned. The last full Songkran was four years ago, in 2019. Continued …

Illegal jet skis return to Phuket’s Surin Beach

For the umpteenth time, the local provincial marine office has started clamping down on illegal jet skis and parasail boats in the sea off Phuket’s Surin Beach.

Along Millionaire’s Row on the west coast, Phuket’s Surin Beach is surrounded by boutiques, high-end resorts and residences. It’s popular year-round, and an excellent spot for sunbathing on fine white sand, with the Andaman Sea stretching out before you. Its calm and clear waters are excellent for snorkeling and kayaking, as well as boogie-boarding and surfing.

The Phuket provincial administration wants to keep Surin beach free from all marine sports, so the public can swim in the sea without fear of being harmed by drunken hooligans on powerful machines. The beach is strictly off-limits to all motorized marine sports activities. Continued …

Exploring the National Parks of Thailand

Embark on an adventure to discover the hidden gems of Thailand’s national parks. From Kaeng Krachan, the largest in the country, to the picturesque limestone cliffs of Ao Phang Nga, there’s a diverse array of natural wonders to explore. Trek through lush rainforests, swim in sparkling waterfalls, spot wild elephants, tigers and leopards.

Dive and snorkel in the Andaman Sea for an unforgettable marine experience. Pack your bags and let’s go on a journey to explore the beauty of Thailand’s national parks.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Covering an area of over 2,915 square kilometers, Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in the country. It’s located near Hua Hin between Thailand’s Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Kaeng Krachan is home to an abundance of wildlife, including wild elephants, tigers, and leopards, as well as many species of birds and primates. Continued …

Sustainable tourism could look like this

“Help save the environment. Please reuse the towels.”

I can’t think of the last time I checked into a hotel that didn’t have some politely worded variation of that message, as if doing our small part is really even optional. And when I see such a message, I think about Koh Yao Noi.

Out in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay — on the edge of an incredible natural aquatic preserve between tourist hotspots Phuket and Krabi — Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) is still largely a locals’ island, more focused on agriculture than becoming a bucket-list travel destination. There is no welcome center, nor scooters for hire awaiting visitors upon arrival; for that matter, the island is still only accessible by boat. Continued …

Over 80% of Thais have ‘hybrid immunity’ against Covid-19

More than 80% of the Thai population has developed “hybrid immunity” to the Covid-19 virus from a combination of vaccination and infection, Professor Yong Poovorawan said on Saturday.

More than 70% of the Thai population, or over 50 million people, were infected with Covid-19, while at least 80% of the population has been fully vaccinated (with at least two doses), the virologist wrote in a Facebook post.

“So, most of the population – over 80% – have developed hybrid immunity, which helps lessen the severity of disease, covering new mutations like XBB.1.5, which is expected to arrive soon,” the virologist wrote. Continued …

Challenges remain for women’s reproductive health in Asia Pacific

While the world has made many advancements in healthcare, millions of women and girls in low- and low-middle income countries are still far away from having bodily autonomy and are not able to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Continued …

Erdogan says Finland may join NATO without Sweden

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said for the first time Sunday that Ankara could accept Finland into NATO without its Nordic neighbor Sweden. Continued …

Boeing’s 747, the original jumbo jet, prepares for final send-off

Boeing’s 747, the original and arguably most aesthetic “Jumbo Jet”, revolutionized air travel only to see its more than five-decade reign as “Queen of the Skies” ended by more efficient twinjet planes. The last commercial Boeing jumbo will be delivered to Atlas Air in the surviving freighter version on Tuesday, 53 years after the 747’s instantly recognizable humped silhouette grabbed global attention as a Pan Am passenger jet. Continued …

Click on imge above for more information

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

The VIP bus service schedule from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has been updated. In addition, a new Cha Am boarding location has been added in front of Government Savings Bank. The one-way fare is 325 baht.

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm

The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya departure time remains unchanged at 11am, at 473 baht. Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting