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exports, healthcare, hospitality, hua hin, medical tourism, phuket, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism

Tuesday’s news-Aug 19

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Feedback/Devasom Hua Hin marks 15 years/Probe Over Bt4,000 Omelette/Restaurants warned to display clear prices/Foreigners Brutally Assault Local/ECONOMY: ASEAN economies face slowdown/TOURISM: 7% y/y drop in foreign visitors/Thailand Medical and Wellness Tourism/Unusual Claims From Australian Tourists/Digital assets sandbox ifor foreign tourists/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Tamarind Night Market/Baan Khun Por Hua Hin/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

Re: Impact on Thailand of retired foreigners

“I think that in times of fluctuating tourism numbers, we must not forget that it is the long-term retirees living here who keep part of the economy running. And they do so for a long time. In many cases, however, this is only possible if their lives here are not made unnecessarily difficult, or even very difficult.

“So my appeal to those who can and want to influence this: Give the thousands upon thousands of retirees and early retirees the opportunity to continue to care for this wonderful country. Be it through domestic travel or “just” by consuming the goods and services offered. And, very few of these people in love with Thailand attract unpleasant attention! With that in mind: Thank you for all your efforts.” – RBM

Devasom Hua Hin marks 15 years of hospitality, rebrands restaurant

Award-winning Thai luxury hospitality provider Devasom marks its 15th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy built on discerning experiences, authentic heritage, and a deep commitment to mindful living.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary milestone, Devasom Hua Hin will rebrand its dining experience to launch Pribpri, named after the ancient name of Phetchaburi city, offering an authentic Phetchaburi culinary experience featuring some unique local signature dishes. Continued …

Famous Michelin Eatery Probed Over Bt4,000 Omelette Charge

Bangkok’s famed Michelin-starred Raan Jay Fai restaurant finds itself under the scrutiny of the Department of Internal Trade. The investigation, led by Deputy Director-General Udom Srisomsong, focuses on allegations that the eatery overcharged a social media influencer by 2,500 baht.

The incident in question arose when PEACHII, a popular YouTuber with 1.6 million followers, claimed she was charged 4,000 baht for Raan Jay Fai’s renowned crab omelette, despite the menu listing the price at 1,500 baht. This significant discrepancy sparked a wave of online attention and prompted the department to look into potential violations of the Prices of Goods and Services Act. Continued …

Restaurants warned to display clear prices or face fine

The Department of Internal trade (DIT) has issued an announcement reminding all restaurants to comply with the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services Notification No 68 (2025), issued under the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999, which governs the display of goods and service prices.

The announcement requires restaurants to display prices correctly, clearly and comprehensively, allowing consumers to easily check and compare costs before making a purchase, while also preventing confusion or incorrect billing. Continued …

Fury Erupts After Foreigners Brutally Assault Local in Patong

A shocking street fight in Phuket has once again put a spotlight on law enforcement in Thailand. A viral video captured foreigners attacking a Thai man outside a restaurant in Patong, stirring outrage on social media.

The clip shows the Thai man hiding under a table while three to four foreign men surround and assault him. Another local attempted to intervene, but the violence continued as the victim tried to reason with his attackers. An outpouring of criticism about the nation’s legal system and the perceived impunity of foreigners in Thailand has resulted from the footage. Continued …

ASEAN economies face slowdown in H2 as export boost fades

Nikkei Asia reported that ASEAN economies are bracing for an economic slowdown in the second half of the year as the boost from accelerated exports begins to fade.

In Thailand, gross domestic product grew 2.8% year-on-year in the quarter ending June, down from 3.2% growth in the previous quarter, according to official data released yesterday by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Continued …

Thailand records 7% y/y drop in foreign visitors so far in 2025

Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17 fell 7% from the same period a year earlier, the Tourism and Sports Ministry said today. There were about 20.81 million foreign visitors during the period, it said. China was the largest source market, with 2.93 million visitors.

Yesterday, the National Economic and Social Development Council cut its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals this year to 33 million from 37 million. There was a record of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic. Continued …

Thailand Strengthens Position as Asia’s Leading Hub for Medical and Wellness Tourism

Medical tourism and wellness travel now rank among the sharpest upward curves the global travel sector has seen in years, and in Thailand the footprint is anything but small. At the recent Skål International Bangkok panel on ‘The Business of Wellness‘, speakers estimated that the two segments, working in concert, could soon yield upwards of USD 17 billion each year, shaping the Kingdom’s tourism vision in concrete terms.

Such figures mirror earlier blueprints in which planners anticipated that health and wellness, together with cultural routes, luxury escapes, nature circuits, and the MICE circuit, would anchor long-term tourism horizons. Today’s travelers, conditioned to favor itineraries that seamlessly weave clinical expertise with approaches to well-being, find in Thailand the patient, practice, and environment long deemed essential. Continued …

Surge In Unusual Claims From Australian Tourists In Thailand

Australia’s long-running affair with Thailand isn’t cooling down — holiday bookings from the Land Down Under keep hitting new highs, and the Southeast Asian gem keeps welcoming record numbers of Aussie visitors. Yet, as departure boards brighten with Thai-bound flights, insurers note a parallel surge in left-of-field claims.

A well-known insurance company has reported a 43% increase in the number of Australians seeking emergency help in Thailand during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The unusual claims are both a testament to the challenges tourists can face abroad and a reflection of the growing number of Australian visitors to Thailand. Continued …

Bitcoin to baht: digital assets sandbox in offing for foreign tourists

The government’s latest initiative allowing foreign tourists to convert digital assets into baht for spending during their time in the country is expected to boost foreign tourist spending by an additional 10%, says Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Pichai said the initiative, which is scheduled to operate as a nationwide sandbox, will enable foreign tourists visiting Thailand to convert their digital assets into baht and use them via the country’s e-money system. Continued …

Tamarind Night Market: a must-visit evening attraction in Hua Hin

Tamarind Night Market has become one of Hua Hin’s most popular weekend attractions, particularly for those looking to enjoy an evening of affordable dining and live entertainment. Located just past Cicada Market on the road to Khao Takiab, Tamarind opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Unlike Cicada, which focuses on arts, crafts, and shopping, Tamarind is almost entirely centered on food and drink. Visitors can choose from a wide range of stalls serving Thai favorites, seafood, grilled meats, pizza, desserts, and fresh juices. Continued …

Baan Khun Por Hua Hin: the everyday favorite for food and live music

Baan Khun Por is one of Hua Hin’s most popular night-time food courts, located on Soi 88 just a short distance from the town’s historic train station. Open daily from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., it draws both locals and visitors who come for its lively, yet relaxed, atmosphere and wide range of food options.

Unlike more traditional night markets in Hua Hin, Baan Khun Por is designed around a central seating area that can accommodate up to 1,000 diners. Surrounding this space are close to 100 stalls offering everything from Thai favorites such as grilled seafood and moo ka ta to international dishes, including Indian curries, Japanese sushi, Korean fried chicken, Italian pizzas, and Mexican-inspired meals. Continued …

Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok

The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.

For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at  9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.

Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)

Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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.

 

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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
                            • State Railway – 1590
bangkok, chiang mai, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Tuesday’s News-April 4

  • New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April/
  • Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course/
  • Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices/
  • Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai/
  • Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’/
  • Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running/
  • Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations/
  • Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi/
  • Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China/
  • 37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon/
  • Annual motor show bookings surge 35%/
  • Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter/
  • Tourism: Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan/Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family/Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year/Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar/TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists/Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters/
  • Thailand Experience: Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand/
  • International: Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift/
  • 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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New opening schedule for Tamarind Market in April

Hua Hin’s Tamarind Market is extending its opening hours over two public holidays in April.

During the Chakri Day weekend, the market will open its doors from 5pm between April 6-9. Over the Songkran holidays, the market will be open from April 12-16.

The nearby Cicada market will be open April 13-16 during Songkran.

Junior golf clinic planned at Royal Hua Hin course

On Wednesday, April 26, a junior golf clinic will be held by some of the competing golf pros at the Royal Hua Hin Thailand Championship coming to the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course on April 25-27. The clinic will be held at the driving range commencing at 4pm.

The MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Tour is hosting the event. Over 70 golf professionals from across the globe have entered the event, with around 100 expected.

This free clinic is open to all aspiring junior golfers, but come before 4pm to register.

Cost of diesel to be cut this week amid falling global oil prices

The domestic diesel price is to be cut to 33 baht a liter this Friday, down from 33.5 baht a liter, as global oil prices keep falling, says the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO).

It will be the fourth in a series of price reductions since early February when the retail price in Thailand stood at 34.94 baht a liter. Continued …

Fires in Nakhon Nayok under control, focus shifts to park in Chiang Mai

After five days of relentless efforts, Thailand’s Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPDPM) announced Monday that firefighters have succeeded in getting forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province under control.

As a result of the success of the mission, the command center set up to deal with the fires on Khao Laem and several other mountains in Nakhon Nayok has been downgraded to just a local-level center, the task of which is to monitor the situation to ensure that the fires do not reignite. Continued …

Sri Lanna park to be made ‘disaster zone’

Authorities are preparing to declare Sri Lanna National Park a disaster zone due to the ongoing wildfires in the area.

After inspecting the fires yesterday, Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the park will be declared a disaster zone due to the nature of the wildfire within the park’s boundaries. Continued …

Chiang Mai ranks as most polluted city in the world for 9 days running

Northern Thailand continues to battle a thick layer of smog, with Chiang Mai being ranked as the world’s most polluted city by PM2.5 rating for nine days in a row, according to the IQAir website.

The highest air quality index (AQI) value was found at the Health Hospital in Ban Khai Hospital in Mae Na Wang subdistrict, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, measuring at a hazardous 411 μg/m3. Continued …

Restaurants, real estate drive 18% rise in business registrations

New business registrations in February this year rose 18.4% to 8,537 compared with the same period last year, though only 0.84% from January, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Monday. He cited a rise in tourism and hotel business registrations as evidence that Thai tourism is rebounding strongly after Covid-19.

New registrations in February were led by construction, real estate, and restaurant businesses, according to data from the Department of Business Development. Continued …

Man Dies After Bomb Explodes in Krabi

A 33-year-old man died after a bomb exploded in Krabi. The Klong Thom Police were notified of the incident on Sunday at a house in South Klong Tom. The Krabi EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and the Krabi Forensic Police were called to the scene.

The man was later identified as Kampanart Sapjaroen, 33, who had been pronounced dead at the scene. His body was surrounded by many unexploded bombs and the one that had set off. It took more than three hours for the EOD to recover all bombs from the area. Continued …

Suspects in Nonthaburi slaying of female student arrested in China

Three suspects in the gruesome murder of a Chinese student in Nonthaburi have been arrested in China, according to Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn.

Surachate said Thai police coordinated with Chinese authorities to arrest the suspects after discovering that they flew to Chengdu on March 30. He added that Chinese police are interrogating the suspects, who had committed other crimes in their home country before. Continued …

37 People Injured After Bus to Phuket Overturns in Chumphon

Thirty-seven people sustained injuries after a passenger bus from Nong Khai heading to Phuket crashed in the Sawee district.

Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Sunday morning on Asia 41 Road in the Na Poe subdistrict. Continued …

Annual motor show bookings surge 35%

Car and motorcycle bookings at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended on Sunday, rose by more than 35% year-on-year to 45,983 units, thanks to an improving economy and electric vehicles (Evs).

The economic recovery and the government’s policy to promote EVs, which encourages EV manufacturers to introduce electric cars to prospective EV buyers were key factors, said Jaturon Komolmit, vice chairman of Grand Prix International, which organized the event. Continued …

Exports seen contracting 10% in first quarter

Thailand’s exports are likely to show a contraction of 10% in the first quarter of this year from a year earlier, bigger than a previous forecast drop of 8%, the country’s shippers’ council said on Tuesday.

The global economy was slowing and a recovery in China’s economy was not as fast as expected, Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, told a news conference. Continued … 

Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan

Tourism officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan are gearing up for what is set to be a busy month in April.

With the big holiday break approaching, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan office is encouraging families and tourists to visit and enjoy the beach.

According to Archawan Kongkanat, director of Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan office, the organization has prepared a tourism events schedule for the whole month of April. Continued …

Pet-friendly V Villas in Hua Hin

Pet-friendly Songkran trip ideas for the whole furry family

Songkran’s a long holiday, and leaving your beloved little ones at home? That just won’t do. Let us show you some of the best places to go on a pet-friendly trip that will take care of everyone, including your furry family members.

When you’re a parent of a furry one, you know it can be quite a big deal to go on vacation. After all, how are they going to survive at home alone? Hotels that are pet-friendly used to be quite hard to come by. But now, you have a lot of choices to choose from across Thailand. Continued …

Thailand expects tourism revenue to hit 80% of pre-Covid level this year

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the country’s tourism sector to generate up to 2.4 trillion baht in revenue this year, or 80% of earnings in 2019, Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Monday.

Roughly 880 billion would come from Thai tourists, while the other 1.5 trillion would be from foreigners, he added. However, Thai tourism is experiencing difficulties because airlines had not yet reached their pre-Covid operating capacity, Yuthasak said. Continued …

Samui Negotiates More Direct Flights as Bookings for Songkran Soar

While Koh Samui is gaining popularity during the upcoming Songkran Festival, tourists are having problems with transportation, as many flights are fully booked. The president of the Koh Samui Tourism Assn. has been in talks with Bangkok Airways and Samui Airport to increase the number of flights to meet tourist demand.

With tourism in Thailand recovering, Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers since Christmas and until this April. Most travelers come from Europe, Singapore and China, crowding the airport and ferry port. Continued …

TAT keeping track of impact of Chinese tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is addressing concerns over the monopolization of foreign tourism businesses and zero-dollar tours, saying that “they are not a concern” as long as strict law enforcement and collaboration with Beijing continues.

TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn says that his office in China will continue to monitor these issues and ensure that only Chinese tour companies certified by the Chinese government are allowed to send tour groups to Thailand. Continued …

Chiang Rai skywalk closed for repairs after glass panel shatters

If you were planning on standing on the Chiang Rai skywalk in northern Thailand to stare into a thick layer of hazardous dust this week, think again, because the tourist attraction is now closed for repairs after a piece of the glass floor shattered yesterday.

Tourists standing 486 feet above sea level were terrified yesterday when a loud bang erupted from the “Three Lands Skywalk.” One layer of glass inside one panel on the West wing – about 2.5 by 2 meters long – had shattered. Continued …

The UK students will visit Elephant Nature Park and its founder, Lek

Students from UK high school embark on trip of a lifetime to Thailand

Students from one West Norfolk secondary school in the United Kingdom are embarking on a trip of a lifetime as they leave Lynn for a 17-day adventure in Thailand.

The year 12 students from Springwood High School, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, are taking part in a Thailand Global Citizenship Program, which will see them teach children in a Thai school about climate change, as well as spend time caring for rescued elephants at a sanctuary.

The 15 Springwood students, accompanied by three members of staff, flew to Thailand’s Chiang Mai airport on March 24 before transferring to Mae Sariang, where they will be working with pupils at Ban Kupuang (KP) School. Continued …

Finland joins NATO as Russian war prompts shift

Finland will become the 31st member of NATO today, in a historic strategic shift provoked by Moscow’s war on Ukraine, which doubles the U.S.-led alliance’s border with Russia. 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