PM in Hua Hin tomorrow/Vogue features Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som/New Proud project in Hua Hin/Sunshine Prestige retirement home/Dead sea turtle on Hua hin beach/’Jazz in the Tees’ concert/Hua Hin Bike Week/Take 5 Charity Golf/Health issues covered by insurance/Rama II traffic to resume by Saturday/Storm alert for southern Thailand/Most-searched terms in 2024/Man Killed by Elephant/Pattaya entrepreneur gifts children/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Cabinet approves 15% corporate tax/Thailand Plans Tax Reforms/Thai businesses review 2024/Data paints economy as ‘black hole’/Debt-relief measures/Automotive industry at a crossroads/Foxconn subsidiary factories in Thailand/Thai luxury properties/Shrimp industry battered/New farm technologies/Motor Expo 2024 record bookings/TOURISM: Wild Elephant Kills Tourist/17.5 million motorists will be traveling/Thailand leads global hotel arrivals/Special EV-Only Ferry Service/Thailand Named ‘Best Worldwide Destination’/6 Red Flags of Tourist Trap Restaurant/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: What I Wish I Knew/Thai cuisine ranks 28th/Street Food Tour in Bangkok/‘Pad Kaprao’ most popular/Seven ways to get around Thailand/Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair/CLIMATE THAILAND: Liquid cooling design for data centers/Bigger role in climate action/Forest conservation project/Demco revenue rises/The rise of plug-in hybrids/EV Primus Opens Assembly Line/INTERNATIONAL/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
PM to chair Pheu Thai party meeting in Hua Hin tomorrow
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will take a day away from matters of government tomorrow so she can chair a general meeting of the Pheu Thai Party in Hua Hin. Also attending will be former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, and Srettha Thavisin.
Paetongtarn will travel to Hua Hin by train, departing from Bangkok in the morning, stopping at Bang Bamru railway station to pick up her family, who will include her sister, Pinthongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong’s family and her elder brother, Panthongtae Shinawatra. The prime minister will return to Bangkok on Saturday. – Thai PBS
Vogue features Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som
As the year draws to a close, we’re seeking out rest and respite on all fronts. Some might find solace in spending it with their loved ones — over the festive season with Christmas cheer and boisterous gatherings. Or perhaps others might wander off in search of a restorative and transformative journey.
Beyond the season of gifting, the lull period in which we’re afforded away from the shackles of work and incessant deadlines is an optimal season of healing and recalibration that can be best spent at a wellness getaway. The best part is, we won’t have to travel too far; there’s plenty to peruse when it comes to wellness getaways around Asia. Continued …
Proud Real Estate to launch new project in Hua Hin
Announcing plans for 2025, PROUD will launch three new projects across Bangkok suburbs, Hua Hin, and Phuket, valued at 9.2 billion baht, setting a revenue target of 10 billion baht.
Pumipat Sinacharoen, CEO of Proud Real Estate (PROUD), stated that the company’s success stems from its DNA of crafting luxury residences that enhance well-being. Beyond rare locations and exquisite designs, Proud offers comprehensive living solutions, including wellness services, long-term care, and sustainability practices that integrate nature and local context. Continued …
Sunshine Prestige retirement home to open in Hua Hin next year
Dead sea turtle found on Hua Hin beach
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course to host ‘Jazz in the Tees’ concert Jan 4
Hua Hin Bike Week at Bluport this weekend
Take 5 Charity Golf Challenge this weekend
9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns.
To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health insurance typically includes is key. Here are the top health issues insurance plans for expats in Thailand often cover and why they’re essential for your peace of mind. Continued …
Rama II Bridge debris cleared, traffic to resume by Saturday
The Department of Highways successfully cleared over 70% of the debris from a collapsed bridge in Samut Sakhon, ensuring safety remains a priority. Normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume by this Saturday.
Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director general of the Department of Highways, accompanied by Narit Niramaivong, the governor of Samut Sakhon, visited the site to oversee the progress of dismantling the damaged steel structure known as the launching gantry (LG) and the concrete bridge segments on Highway 35 (Rama II Road). Continued …
Fresh storm alert for southern Thailand
Flooding and landslide alerts are in effect for all southern provinces near the Gulf of Thailand, with torrential rain forecast to pound the region until next Monday.
The southern office of the Meteorological Department issued a fresh warning on Thursday for eight provinces from Thursday to Monday. Continued …
Google reveals the most-searched terms in 2024
Google released its annual “Year in Search” on Tuesday, rounding up the top trending queries entered into its namesake search engine in 2024. The results show terms that saw the highest spike in traffic compared to last year — ranging from key news events, notably global elections, to the most popular songs, athletes and unforgettable pop-culture moments that people looked up to worldwide.
Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated Google’s overall trending searches in 2024. Copa América topped those search trends globally, followed by the UEFA European Championship and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Continued …
Man Killed by Elephant in Chanthaburi Province
At approximately 11:15 am yesterday, the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, received a report of a fatal elephant attack in Moo 6, Khao Lamok Reservoir Soi, Phawa Subdistrict.
Upon arriving at the scene, rescue personnel discovered the body of a 45-year-old man. Originally from Bo Thong District, Chonburi Province, the man had been working and residing in a community forest plantation in Moo 6. Continued …
Pattaya entrepreneur gifts exploited children with new bicycles
The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center (ATCC) in Nong Prue, Pattaya, provides a sanctuary for over 30 victims rescued from the clutches of sexual and slave labor exploitation. The center offers a secure environment where victims can access education and receive support from counsellors and social workers.
During a recent visit, a notable figure in Pattaya’s business community, Darin Phanthusak, paid a visit to the children’s home. As vice president of PTS Holdings Co, which includes Tiffany’s Show, Woodlands Hotel, La Ferme, La Baguette, and the Yamaha Music School, Darin made a memorable impact. Most notably, he gifted them with a fleet of new bicycles, which the children eagerly began to ride. Continued …
- Nigerian Man Arrested Over Online Prostitution Scheme – Continued …
- Belarus Tourist in Underwear Battles Thai Police in Phuket – Continued …
- Syrian woman and Afghan men nabbed in Phuket passport scam – Continued …
Cabinet approves new laws for 15% minimum corporate tax
The Thai Cabinet has approved two new laws aimed at implementing a minimum corporate tax rate of 15% in alignment with OECD guidelines. This significant move involves the endorsement of the Supplementary Tax Act 2 and modifications to the criteria of the Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
The measures are anticipated to generate over 10 billion baht in annual revenue by providing clear guidelines, which are expected to enhance Thailand’s attractiveness to investors. Continued …
Thailand Plans Tax Reforms to Boost Investment and Promote Economic Equity
Sundar Pichai has proposed significant changes to the tax landscape in Thailand. He focuses especially on value-added tax (VAT). He indicates that increases may serve as a vital mechanism in addressing economic inequality.
Despite the potential challenges of implementing VAT hikes, Pichai frames these adjustments within a broader objective of fostering a sustainable and equitable economic environment. This initiative represents a comprehensive strategy to modernize Thailand’s fiscal framework, underscoring the necessity of aligning tax policy with contemporary economic realities. Continued …
‘Tougher than COVID’: Thai businesses review 2024 and eye 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, Thai businesses are grappling with more challenges than opportunities, blocking prospects of sustained growth. Domestic pressures include a sluggish economy, fragile purchasing power, and high household debt.
Meanwhile, external factors are heating up, with a brewing trade war causing chain-reaction effects. Geopolitical conflicts also are spreading, acting as a ticking time bomb for the global economy. Continued …
Data paints economy as ‘black hole’
I am known for being pessimistic about the Thai economy. Apart from encouraging official economic growth figures of 1.6% in Q1, 2.2% in Q2, and 3.0% in Q3, I do not think anyone can be optimistic about the economy. It is obvious that GDP data and the actual economic situation do not go hand in hand.
It is beyond my comprehension that the non-performing loan (NPL) level rose 14.1% in Q3 while the economy expanded 3.0%. Shouldn’t it be the opposite when debtor’s income rises? Continued …
Cabinet approves debt-relief measures
The cabinet on Wednesday approved debt support measures, including interest suspensions and reduced principal payments, to help tackle household and small-business debt, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said. The measures will help retail borrowers and smaller businesses, she told a press conference.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told reporters the cabinet also agreed to allow banks to reduce their annual contribution to the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) to 0.23% from 0.46% of their deposits for three years. Continued …
Thailand’s automotive industry at a crossroads
Thailand’s automotive industry stands at a crossroads. While it remains a significant player in the ASEAN region, its traditional strengths are under pressure from global trends and domestic challenges.
Thailand, formerly known as “the Detroit of Asia,” is losing its competitive edge as a major auto production hub and exporter, as overseas buyers are increasingly switching to electric vehicles (EVs). Although the country has attracted investments from several Chinese EV manufacturers, such as BYD and Great Wall Motor, bolstered by the government’s EV subsidy program, the burgeoning EV sector has yet to compensate for the slack in local production. Continued …
Foxconn subsidiary gets BOI privileges to build factories in Thailand
Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer Foxsemicon Integrated Technology Inc. (FITI) has secured privileges from the Board of Investment (BOI) for an investment budget of 10.5 billion baht, BOI announced on Wednesday.
FITI, a subsidiary of the electronics giant Foxconn, applied for privileges under the UniEQ Integrated Technology Ltd. and plans to establish two factories in the Amata City industrial estates in Chonburi and Rayong as part of its first investment phase. Continued …
Thai luxury properties dominate in Asia
Phuket and Bangkok are among the top three destinations in Asia with the highest number of branded residence units, while Thailand ranks first in terms of value, according to C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality and real estate consultancy.
Bill Barnett, managing director of Phuket-based C9, said the branded residences sector in Asia has achieved a record-breaking supply value of US$26.6 billion this year, comprising 68,001 units in total. Continued …
Thailand’s shrimp industry battered by disease, low prices
Thai shrimp production is expected to decrease by 4% year-on-year because of disease outbreaks and falling prices, says the Thai Shrimp Assn. Ekapoj Yodpinit, president of the association, said total shrimp production in 2024 is predicted to fall to 270,000 tons, from 280,000 tons last year.
The decline is attributed to disease outbreaks and unstable weather, which affect the quality of baby shrimp and farming conditions. Falling prices have also prompted some farmers to postpone their new farming cycles. Continued …
New farm technologies promoted
The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry vows to launch more initiatives to modernize traditional agriculture, creating greater economic impact and paving the way for big data in farming.
The One Tambon, One Digital (OTOD) community drone project, for example, has generated more than 20 billion baht in economic value in the first year of operation. The community drone project helps farmers cut costs, increase income and create jobs. The project is operated by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). Continued …
Motor Expo 2024 sees record bookings despite market challenges
The 41st Thailand International Motor Expo 2024 wrapped up on Tuesday with a record 54,513 vehicle reservations, surpassing last year’s total of 53,248.
This year’s event, which kicked off on Nov. 28 at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, confirmed Toyota as the leader in bookings, followed by BYD and Honda securing the third spot. Continued …
Wild Elephant Kills Tourist in Loei national park
An incident unfolded on the yesterday morning at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province, when a wild elephant fatally attacked a domestic tourist, prompting authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and temporarily close high-risk areas.
At 09:45 park officials received a report of an elephant attack on the trail between the Buddha Metta statue and Penpob Mai Waterfall, near the Wang Kwang Visitor Center. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of a 49-year-old woman from Chachoengsao Province. Continued …
Nearly 17.5 million motorists will be traveling during New Year break
The upcoming New Year holiday is expected to see a historic surge in people returning to their hometowns or traveling across provinces after the Covid-19 pandemic, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Wednesday.
He expects 17.37 million motorists to and from Bangkok during the festival compared to 16 million last year. Of them, 7.25 million motorists would use highways and motorways, while 10.12 million would use expressways, he said. Continued …
Thailand leads global hotel arrivals with record holiday season growth
Thailand is leading the world in driving the highest percentage of international hotel arrivals for December, with 87% of bookings coming from foreign travelers, up from 84% last year. This is according to new data from SiteMinder, the hotel distribution and revenue platform.
The growth has led to a 18% year-on-year rise in total hotel reservations for the days leading up to Christmas, Dec. 21-25, underscoring Thailand’s unique appeal as a global holiday destination during the Christmas and New Year season. Continued …
Raja Ferry Considers Special EV-Only Ferry Service to Koh Samui
Raja Ferry Public Co, the leading ferry operator servicing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is considering introducing a special ferry route exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes as the company works to address fire safety concerns associated with EV batteries, which led to the temporary suspension of EV transportation on its ferries.
The announcement has sparked both support and criticism. While some commend the precautionary measure prioritizing passenger safety, others, including EV owners and tourists planning year-end trips to Koh Samui, have expressed frustration over the inconvenience. The suspension has raised concerns, especially with the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaching, when travel demand peaks. Continued …
Thailand Named ‘Best Worldwide Destination’ at Irish Travel Trade Awards 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Thailand has been awarded the “Best Worldwide Destination” at the Irish Travel Trade Awards (ITTN Awards) 2024, further cementing its reputation on the global tourism stage.
The ceremony, hosted by Irish Travel Trade News (ITTN), took place on Nov. 29 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington in Dublin, Ireland. Thailand’s achievements in the destinations and airports category highlight its ongoing dedication to service excellence, sustainable practices, and cultural authenticity, according to the ITTN. Continued …
6 Red Flags You’re About To Eat At A Tourist Trap Restaurant
For those who travel to eat, meals while away from home are precious. A marquee meal can be the most memorable highlight of a trip, and when you only get so many per day with no do-overs, there is literally no room for mediocre food. And even harder to stomach is when it’s expensive, inauthentic, or — even worse, in a world with such diverse cuisine — boring. In other words, a tourist trap restaurant.
According to a study by online passport photo service provider PhotoAiD, the top three criteria that make a place a tourist trap are above-average pricing, amenities tailored for tourists, and a lack of cultural authenticity. Continued …
What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Thailand
I first visited Thailand a few years ago – a month of solo travel to avoid the rainy British winter. My first stop, Bangkok. I ate deep fried insects at Khao San Road and visited Siriraj Medical Museum, which exhibits grisly medical specimens in a decidedly maximalist fashion. I traveled south to visit a few of Thailand’s islands with a friend, then north to Chiang Mai and the small mountain town of Pai, which is popular with backpackers.
Last year I returned to Thailand on a hiking and kayaking trip, and visited the south of the country. We went to Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park, a vast lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, where narrow karst islands jut out from the turquoise water. We spent the night in a floating bungalow, soaking up the tranquility and jumping into kayaks whenever we wanted to explore. Continued …
Thai cuisine ranks 28th by TasteAtlas among the 100 best cuisines
Thai cuisine has been ranked 28th among the 100 best in the world for 2024, with Greece topping the list, according to the latest TasteAtlas rankings. Greek cuisine was given 4.6 points, while Thailand scored 4.26.
The online platform mentioned that Thai cuisine includes notable dishes such as Phanaeng Curry, Roti Canai, Tom Kha Gai, Curry Paste and Kai Yang. Continued …
Thai Street Food Tour in Bangkok
Join us on our first Thai street food tour, where we go on an epic food adventure throughout Bangkok sampling some tasty foods, like the spicy papaya salad and sweet mango sticky rice, as well as some of the best Thai food in Bangkok. Video …
‘Pad Kaprao’ most popular dish for Foodpanda customers
Foodpanda released on Wednesday its 2024 year-end statistics, revealing the top 15 most ordered and searched dishes nationwide. All the favorites are classic Thai dishes, ranging from single-plate meals to popular street food.
Among a diverse array of favorite dishes ranging from à la carte meals to beloved street food, Pad Kaprao reclaimed the top position with over 800,000 orders. This marks a significant comeback for the dish after losing the title to fried rice in 2023. Its status has also been recognized internationally, as TasteAtlas named it the world’s best stir-fried dish. Continued …
Seven great ways to get around Thailand without flying
Forget about planes, not to mention elephants and tuk-tuks – there are plenty of easy options for exploring Thailand at ground level, from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, Sisaket to Koh Samet.
Thailand has 4850 kilometers of train track, stretching from border to border. Trains are frequent, cheap and punctual, even if they’re less than bullet-train fast. The carriages might be aged, but they’re clean and well maintained. There’s a major upgrade in progress on the main north-south line, which now features a fast, Chinese-built train from Bangkok to Hat Yai. Continued …
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair marks 34 years
To celebrate its 34th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old capital of Thailand will come to life during the Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair that runs from tomorrow until Dec. 22.
Wat Maha That will be the main entertainment venue, featuring a spectacular light and sound show that highlights the rich history and significance of the Ayutthaya kingdom, and a nostalgic retro market offering a wide range of local delicacies and Thai desserts. Continued …
Microsoft unveils closed-loop liquid cooling design for data centers
Tech-giant Microsoft announced on Monday that it will start its “zero-water evaporated” liquid cooling systems operations for data centers in 2026. The design is said to optimize AI workloads and consume zero water with the use of a closed-loop design.
(Editor: Thailand is poised to be a leading center for data centers in Southeast Asia, posing concerns about water use in a country consistently battling drought conditions.)
Data centers rely heavily on water to remove heat from data halls containing servers and other IT equipment. A substantial amount of water evaporates as part of the cooling process and must be constantly replaced. According to a NPR 2024 report, data centers use around “300,000 gallons of water a day to keep cool, roughly equivalent to water use in 100,000 homes.” Continued …
Young people in Thailand call for a bigger role in climate action
Youth advocates yesterday submitted climate action recommendations to the Royal Thai government. The recommendations drew on a national Suan Dusit Poll of nearly 1,000 children and young people across Thailand, followed by one-to-one discussions between UNICEF and young representatives.
The poll found that 93% of young people reported feeling the impact of climate change in their daily lives, affecting their mental and physical health, and that 85% were eager to take action. The recommendations therefore called for stronger measures to tackle the growing impact of climate change, along with greater youth participation in decision-making. Continued …
Swiss company launches forest conservation project in Thailand
Swiss packaging company SIG, in collaboration with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Switzerland and WWF-Thailand, has initiated a forest conservation project aimed at protecting and enhancing forest landscapes in Thailand.
The project focuses on improving forest management and connectivity across three key landscapes, Dawna Tenasserim, Lower Songkhram, and Dong Phayayen, covering a total of 60,000 hectares. Continued …
Demco revenue rises amid green growth
Demco, a contractor and engineering service provider, is continuing to rack up revenue in the final quarter, helped by a recent contract to build electricity transmission systems worth 270 million baht.
The contract, awarded by Siam Power Generation in Rayong, includes the construction of a 230/115 kilovolt (kV) substation with 230kV underground systems and a 115kV transmission line. Continued …
The rise of plug-in hybrids in Thailand and Asia
As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, Asia presents a nuanced narrative. While fully electric vehicles (EVs) dominate global discourse, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are gaining significant traction across Asian markets.
Thailand, Southeast Asia’s largest automotive production base, reflects the strategic pivot toward hybrid technologies. Amid a challenging economic environment marked by high household debt — 89.6% of GDP in Q3 2024 — and limited purchasing power, PHEVs offer a cost-effective alternative to full EVs. Continued …
EV Primus Opens Wuling Electric Vehicle Assembly Line in Thailand
EV Primus, has announced the establishment of an assembly line for Wuling electric vehicles. The company plans to promote the production of six vehicle models by 2027 and launch two new car models within this year.
According to reports, the factory has invested approximately 200 million Thai baht and can assemble up to 10,000 units of automobiles annually. The CEO of EV Primus revealed that with the help of SGMW’s engineering team, the assembly of new cars has already begun. Continued …
Global Oil Prices Drop Amid Economic and Geopolitical Pressures
In Q4/2024, ICE Brent crude oil prices averaged $74.40 per barrel (Oct. 1 to Nov. 29), down from $78.51 per barrel in Q3. This decline is attributed to weakened demand, largely driven by China’s sluggish economic performance. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
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
Increase in unemployment likely in early 2025, expert says
Tourism booms on Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak
Chinese visitors to Thailand between January-November top 6 million
US tariffs prompt relocations to Thailand
China’s Runergy Halts Solar Panel, Cell Production at Some of Its Thai Plants
Thai Exports Continued to Grow in September
Thailand’s Café Amazon sustains robust outlet growth in third quarter
The best resorts in Thailand when luxury matters
The first thing to love about Hua Hin is location. It’s just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), with no flight schedule or tides to contend with; just an air-conditioned transfer and you are at the beach under a striped umbrella and sipping a pink Margarita. The Standard super fans won’t be surprised to hear the vibe here is more about buzz than quietude. Palm Springs mid-century cool permeates the 196 rooms, suites and villas. and the five eating and drinking venues. 
ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025, Bangkok, March 5 – 7
