• The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023/World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy/Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow/SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station/Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools/Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat/Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening/List of top herbs eyed for export/ID soon required to buy cannabis buds/
• Tourism: Compulsory health insurance now not required/Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023/May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday/Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai/
• Thailand Experience: Fancy Thai desserts with odd names/7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss/Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore/
• Covid: Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023/China targets Korea, Japan over Covid curbs/Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines/
• International: French pension reforms potentially explosive/Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022/NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine/Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits
• Links: Calendar of events/airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas

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The Beach at Anantasila, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin

A spacious safe environment with all measures taken.

For information or reservations: e-mail fb@anantasila.com or dial 032 527638

Your deserve It!

The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2023

As we enter the new year, the latest results from the Henley Passport Index provide fascinating insights into a world characterized by extraordinary upheaval and offer a revealing look at what lies ahead.

For the fifth year running, Japan crowns the index, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA) and ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Japanese citizens can now visit an astonishing 193 destinations out of 227 visa-free, while those of South Korea and Singapore, which are tied in second place, enjoy a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192. Continued …

World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy

The global economy will come “perilously close” to a recession this year, led by weaker growth in all the world’s top economies — the United States, Europe and China, the World Bank warned on Tuesday.

In an annual report, the World Bank, which lends money to poorer countries for development projects, said it had slashed its forecast for global growth this year by nearly half, to just 1.7%, from its previous projection of 3%.

If that forecast proves accurate, it would be the third-weakest annual expansion in three decades, behind only the deep recessions that resulted from the 2008 global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Continued …

Casino project to be reviewed tomorrow

A report by a special House committee studying the feasibility of allowing an entertainment complex to be built that includes legal casinos is expected to be deliberated tomorow, a member of the committee said yesterday.

Aimed at raising tax revenue from legalizing gambling businesses in a yet-to-be-designated area, the project has been studied by the House committee since late last year, added the source.

If approved, the report will be forwarded to the government for consideration, the person said. Continued … 

SRT suspends scandal-hit signboard project at Bangkok’s central station

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) abruptly suspended the scandal-hit 33-million-baht project to change signboards at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station on Tuesday.

SRT Gov. Nirut Maneephan signed the order to suspend the project, which includes changing the main signboard at Thailand’s new rail hub to “Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal”, the official name granted by His Majesty the King in September last year.

The order was addressed to the managing director of Unique Engineering and Construction Plc, which won the contract bidding with a proposed price of 33.16 million baht. The SET-listed company signed the contract with SRT on Dec. 29. Continued … 

Banpu NEXT continues to provide solar power to electricity-deprived schools

With a belief that “Learning is the Power of Change and Development”, Banpu NEXT is making continuous progress in its “Light & Learn” project by bringing solar power systems to electricity-deprived schools in remote areas to help light up learning opportunities and benefit the children.

Most recently, the company took its employees on a field visit to join forces with highland teaching volunteers on the solar power system and storage battery installation for Ban Po Por Kee HACLC in Tak Province and hold edutainment activities for the children, which creatively taught them to appreciate nature and clean energy.

Over the past five years, it has already installed solar power systems for 73 schools in Tak, Mae Hong Son, and Kanchanaburi provinces. Continued …

Super-resistant mosquitoes in Asia pose growing threat

Mosquitoes that transmit dengue and other viruses have evolved growing resistance to insecticides in parts of Asia, and novel ways to control them are desperately needed, new research warns.

Health authorities commonly fog mosquito-infested areas with clouds of insecticide, and resistance has long been a concern, but the scale of the problem was not well understood.

Japanese scientist Shinji Kasai and his team examined mosquitoes from several countries in Asia, as well as Ghana, and found a series of mutations had made some virtually impervious to popular pyrethroid-based chemicals like permethrin. Continued …

Friendship Bridge to Myanmar now ready for reopening

The Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Myanmar reopens tomorrow, much to the delight of eager traders who have waited three years for the resumption of border trade stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provincial authorities held a meeting yesterday to prepare for the reopening of the bridge, which crosses the Moei River at Ban Rim Moei in Mae Sot district opposite Myawaddy in Myanmar.

Surapol Wongsukpisal, Tak deputy governor, led the meeting, also attended by Somchai Traithipchartsakul, Mae Sot district chief, and heads of the security and administrative agencies. Continued … 

List of top herbs eyed for export

The Public Health Ministry has unveiled its list of so-called “herbal champions”, but cannabis, hemp and kratom have been omitted, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department chief, said yesterday the government plans to promote local herbs under the list and ideally develop them for export. Herbs on the list include turmeric, krachai dam or black galingal, and fah talai jone or green chiretta.

He said cannabis, hemp and kratom have not yet made the cut after a policy committee on national herbs led by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agreed recently that their use must be limited, adding further research and development is required. Continued … 

ID soon required to buy cannabis buds

Thai nationals seeking to purchase cannabis buds will soon have to show their ID cards, with sales information recorded on a government database, according to the Department for the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).

Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, the department’s director-general, said he had signed the directive and it would take effect as soon as it is published in the Royal Gazette.

It is not known whether foreigners seeking to buy cannabis buds will have to show ID such as a passport. A recent health ministry publication, “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand”, makes no mention of any requirement. Continued …

Compulsory health insurance now not required

The public health minister, via the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, has canceled the requirement for foreign arrivals, from countries which require PCR tests on return, to have at least US$10,000 health insurance coverage for the duration of their holiday, plus seven days.

The requirement for proof of Covid vaccinations, to present while checking in for your flight to Thailand, has also been scrapped. It was in response to complaints from Thai tourism associations, foreign embassies and travel groups who say the measures, originally imposed on Jan. 7, would discourage many people from visiting Thailand.

Social media has been full of people being turned away at check-in, concerned travelers canceling trips and people just confused about the original regulations and then the sudden reversal of policy. Continued …

Krungthai Compass predicts 22.5M foreign arrivals in 2023

Krungthai Compass, a research unit under Krungthai Bank, expects foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 to more than double the number recorded last year, estimating it will take two years to return to the level posted in 2019.

The research house forecasts foreign arrivals this year to tally 22.5 million, up from 10.2 million expected for 2022.

Of the total, Krungthai Compass anticipates 4.8 million visitors will be Chinese nationals, a 20% increase from its previous forecast of 4 million, attributed to China’s reopening since Jan. 8 this year, said chief economist Patcharaphot Nuntramas. Continued …

May 5 Announced as Special Public Holiday

The government has announced May 5 as a special public holiday, creating a 4-day weekend break. The government hopes the long holiday will help boost the economy through various tourism activities.

During their weekly meeting, Cabinet members approved the decision to bridge the holiday gap between Coronation Day on Thursday, May 4, and the weekend.

Government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said the combined 4-day break is expected to help push forward economic activities, particularly in the business and tourism sectors. Continued …

Chinese heading to Phuket, Chiang Mai

Both Chiang Mai and Phuket are expecting to see a significant rise in air travel on direct flights from China from Jan. 18, according to local airport authorities.

There will be one direct flight daily from China to Chiang Mai and three a day to Phuket, with non-stop air links to keep rising between the two countries.

A flight between Shanghai and Chiang Mai is due to begin operating on Jan. 18, with another from Guangzhou to Chiang Mai to start two days later, Wichit Kaeosaithiam, the director of Chiang Mai airport, said yesterday. Continued …

Fancy Thai desserts with odd names

If you like unnecessarily posh names, you’ll love Ban Nong Bua, an old community in Thailand’s East.

The canal-side village in Chanthaburi province is drawing visitors and those with a sweet tooth for its desserts with strange names, including “Monkey Willy” (a mung bean rice crepe in a phallic shape). It’s a funny but tasty sweet that will have you searching for more idiosyncrasies of old-school cooks.

Located 10 kilometers south of Chanthaburi, the village of Ban Nong Bua has been home to Hainanese descendants for over 200 years. Their forefathers, seafarers, sailed from Hainan Island in Southern China to the horizon and eventually settled down along the mouth of the Chanthaburi River. Continued …

7 must-see festivals in Thailand you don’t want to miss

Songkran, Loi Krathong, Yi Peng, Loy Krathong Yipeng, Chak Phra and Rocket Festivals are some of the most popular traditional festivals celebrated in Thailand. Each festival has its own unique history and meaning and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy by both locals and tourists.

From the water fights of Songkran to the magical sight of sky lanterns during Yi Peng, each festival offers something special and memorable. At the Rocket Festival, the launching of handmade rockets is a symbol of asking the gods for bountiful rains and a good harvest. Celebrate the culture of Thailand and join in the festivities of these traditional festivals.

Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival is an important event in Thailand and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by locals and tourists alike. The festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated with a variety of activities. Continued …

Ghosts in Thailand: some eerie sites to explore

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture, but it also has a dark side. Thai culture has long believed in ghosts, some good, some bad.

A large percentage of people in modern life are still afraid of ghosts in Thailand and, as such, the country has some infamously haunted and eerie places. Here are a few of the ghostliest places in Thailand, where you might catch a glimpse of a phantom apparition:

The Old Phuket Town Ghost House

Located in the Old Phuket Town area, this abandoned house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who committed suicide there. Visitors to the house have reported strange noises, unexplained movements, and even the feeling of being watched. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghost herself, often described as a woman with long, flowing hair and a sad expression on her face. Continued …

Thailand’s Covid-19 numbers drop in first week of 2023

Thailand’s Covid-19 situation appears to have improved, with the number of hospitalizations during the first week of this year falling by half from the previous week.

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Tuesday that 997 Covid patients had been hospitalized in the first week of January, averaging at about 142 per day. He said this was half the daily average compared to the last week of 2022, without elaborating.

As of press time, 382 Covid patients were in hospital for lung infections, while 242 of them were on ventilators. However, Tares said the number of lung infections and patients requiring ventilators has dropped by 28% and 30%, respectively, compared to the previous week. Continued …

China targets South Korea, Japan over Covid curbs

China has suspended issuing some visas for South Korea and Japan in Beijing’s first retaliation against Covid-related curbs on Chinese travelers.

Chinese consulates in South Korea will stop issuing short-term visas for visits, business, tourism, medical care, transit and personal matters from Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul said in a statement.

The suspension will be adjusted if South Korea removes its “discriminative inbound restrictive measures” targeting China, it added. Continued …

Mainland Chinese citizens are eager to travel — for the West’s mRNA Covid vaccines

Mainland China’s move away from its zero-Covid policy has led to a sharp surge in infections, and the resumption of travel means some are looking farther afield for vaccines.

In mid-December, China’s full Covid vaccination rate stood near 87%, with 54% boosted. The main Covid vaccines approved for use in China are from Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Mainlanders have been flocking to Macao in recent months for Western mRNA vaccines, which are widely administered around the world but not endorsed by China. Continued …

French pension reforms potentially explosive

The French government is set to announce its proposals for overhauling the pension system on Tuesday, in a potentially explosive reform fraught with danger for President Emmanuel Macron. Continued … 

Extreme weather caused $165 billion in US damage in 2022

Major hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, drought and a fierce winter storm caused more than $165 billion in damage in the United States last year, with climate change “supercharging” some extreme weather, a government report said Tuesday. Continued … 

NATO, EU vow more support for Ukraine

NATO and the EU vowed Tuesday to bolster their backing for Ukraine to fight off Russia’s invasion and ramp up cooperation between Europe and the U.S.-led alliance. Continued … 

Russia hits Ukraine’s Kharkiv after German minister visits

Russian strikes hit eastern Ukraine’s city of Kharkiv late Tuesday, the regional governor said, just hours after a surprise visit by the German foreign minister with her Ukrainian counterpart. Continued …

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