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Thursday’s News-April 6

April 6, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Thailand to hit scorching 45.8C on Wednesday/
Centara Hua Hin receives Traveler Review Award/
Thailand’s Economy: Recession fears rise as growth projections are cut, exports continue decline/Inflation forecast lowered for 2023/Panel urges rethink of power tariff/Prime Road targets 1,800MW renewable power by 2027/Forbes: 3 Thais among world’s 150 richest people/
Chinese businessman hires sexy girls to fulfill vow at shrine/
1,000 tons of hazwaste dumped in Ayutthaya/
Fine dust smothers Mae Hong Son/Thailand’s thriving exotic pet trade/
Thailand’s cannabis future drags on in political limbo/
Tourism: Immigration Bureau to tighten screening of tourists entering with visa on arrival/Suvarnabhumi Prepares for 1 Million Songkran Tourists/Drunken Songkran antics spur plea for police action/Thailand’s air pollution threatens the health of residents and its tourism industry/Michelin Guide, TAT extend partnership through 2026/British tourist smashes up Bangkok 7-Eleven/
Thailand Experience: Next Michelin Guide edition includes unique flavors of Surat Thani and Koh Samui/Here’s Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai/
International: Gold prices surge as dollar weakens/
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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Thailand to hit scorching 45.8C on Wednesday

Thailand’s heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – will soar as high as 45.8 degrees Celsius (114.44 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The department forecast the hottest areas in each region as follows:

North: Tak province, heat index of 41C
Northeast: Si Sa Ket, 38.4C
Central: Bangkok’s Bang Na district, 45.5C
East: Chonburi, 45.8C
South: Phang Nga, 43.3C Continued …

Centara Hua Hin receives Traveler Review Award

Centara Hotels & Resorts, one of Thailand’s leading hotel operators, has announced that five Centara properties received the 2023 Traveler Review Award from Booking.com.

Awarded annually to partner hotels and resorts, the Traveler Review Awards highlight properties for their exceptional hospitality, as evidenced by Booking.com review scores left by guests after their stay. Continued …

Recession fears rise as growth projections are cut, exports continue decline

Growth prospects for the Thai economy have been downgraded as the country’s leading export body, this week, warned of a 10% decline in the opening quarter of the year with weaker demand from Western markets suffering from tightened liquidity due to concern within the banking system and rising interest rates.

The promised upturn in demand from China has also failed to materialize, with exports to that market down 7.8% in February, the ninth month in a row when output to the communist country has fallen. The situation leaves Thailand facing the rising prospect of a technical recession. Continued …

Inflation forecast lowered for 2023

The Commerce Ministry has downgraded its headline inflation outlook for this year from a range of 2%-3% to 1.7%-2.7%, in line with economic conditions and falling energy prices. Continued …

Panel urges rethink of power tariff

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) plans to ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to reconsider the electricity bill calculation, believing the power tariff of 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) could be further reduced.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) previously announced both businesses and households would pay the same tariff rate of 4.77 baht per unit between May and August. Continued …

Prime Road targets 1,800MW renewable power by 2027

Prime Road Power, an operator of solar farms and provider of solar panel installation services, aims to increase its renewable power generation capacity to 1,800 megawatts by 2027, up from 304MW, thanks to campaigns for fossil fuel reduction to fight global warming across Asia-Pacific.

These efforts should bring bright prospects for the company’s business, including more use of solar power at industrial estates nationwide operated by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), said Somprasong Panjalak, chairman and founder of Prime Road Power. Continued …

Forbes: 3 Thais among world’s 150 richest people

Three Thai tycoons have been ranked among the world’s richest people on the Forbes list of 2,640 world billionaires in 2023. Thailand has 28 billionaires on the list.

Dhanin Chearavanont, the senior chairman of Thailand’s largest food and agriculture conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, was ranked by Forbes as the 116th richest person in the world with a net worth of US$4.9 billion in 2023. Continued …

Chinese businessman hires sexy girls to fulfill vow at shrine

A successful Chinese businessman hired more than 10 sexy girls to dance at a shrine located in Kamphaeng Phet province, situated in the central region of Thailand, to fulfill a vow he had made after achieving business success. The businessman has reportedly fulfilled his vow at the same shrine four times already.

A Thai woman named Kanya-on Chanjohn shared a video featuring other Thai women dancing in front of statues. The caption on the video read “Rich, Rich, Rich!” Kanya-on later explained on social media that the performance was a vow fulfillment ceremony for the aforementioned Chinese businessman’s success. Continued …

1,000 tons of hazwaste dumped in Ayutthaya

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has sought help from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) to find out who was responsible for illegally dumping 1,000 tons of hazardous waste in Ayutthaya.

This is not the first occasion illegal waste disposals have been made in the area, and local officials suspect the same company may be responsible. Continued …

Fine dust smothers Mae Hong Son

Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, one of the best-known tourist destinations in the North, experienced the highest level of hazardous ultrafine dust in the country on Wednesday.

The highest level of PM2.5 – 356 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) – was recorded in tambon Wiang Tai, according to a daily report of air quality data from the Pollution Control Department (PCD). Continued …

Thailand’s thriving exotic pet trade

Dobby scurries frantically around a tiny dorm room at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, snorting and dousing the air with a pungent smell. For the past 10 minutes, Sujitta Thanomsingha, a 22-year-old communication student, has been trying to get her hands on her pet ferret.

As Sujitta darts across her tiny dorm room, she spots Dobby’s pink nose peeking from under the bed, and this time, she is determined to catch him. Finally, and after much resistance, he gives in to Sujitta’s grasp and allows her to secure a collar around his furry yellow neck. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis future drags on in political limbo

Shortly after cannabis was legalized in Thailand, thousands of cannabis stalls popped up along the streets of Bangkok and tourist spots, representing hopes of a boost to the nation’s economy.

Yet, nearly a year on, the promise of a new bonanza crop seems to have gone up in smoke as a legal framework has never been clearly set out, and long-promised legislation failed in February to get through parliament, leaving the country without an umbrella law to regulate its use. Continued …

Immigration Bureau to tighten screening of tourists entering with visa on arrival

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has been told to tighten screening of tourists using visa on arrival, following a gruesome murder allegedly committed by three Chinese nationals.

Royal Thai Police Commissioner Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he held a meeting on Tuesday with Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan to discuss measures for filtering out possible criminals who may attempt to enter the country using visa on arrival (VOA). Continued …

Suvarnabhumi Prepares for 1 Million Songkran Tourists

Suvarnabhumi Airport announced its readiness to serve incoming tourists during the Songkran Festival from April 11 to 17. It is estimated that a total of one million tourists will come to the Thailand airport, an average of 143,000 tourists per day.

The airport will set up a temporary outbound checkpoint at the end of row W in the departure lounge, 4th floor. The airport will also deploy more staff at the checkpoints to provide maximum efficiency for tourists. Continued …

Drunken Songkran antics spur plea for police action

More than 40 people yesterday joined hands to submit a letter to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to strictly enforce laws about alcohol sales and sexual harassment during the Songkran festival.

The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP), as well as various youth and development networks and city communities, urged National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas to act. Continued …

Thailand’s air pollution threatens the health of residents and its tourism industry

“Take a trip to toxic Thailand.” Hmmm, despite the smart alliteration, we can’t see that one catching on as a tourism slogan.

The air in the Land of Smiles/Grimaces has been especially foul of late – and could prove to be a double whammy, as choking smog strikes down residents and at the same time weakens the nation’s tourism industry. Continued …

Michelin Guide, TAT extend partnership through 2026

The Michelin Guide Thailand has helped to generate more than 842 million baht for the tourism economy during its first five-year contract with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) starting in 2017, according to the agency.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT deputy governor for marketing communications, said as food experiences are one of the top reasons listed for foreign tourists to visit Thailand, the Michelin Guide Thailand has helped emphasize the country’s strengths. Continued …

British tourist smashes up Bangkok 7-Eleven

Thai police arrested a young British man for destroying property at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday at 3am.

In a bizarre TikTok clip filmed by a European onlooker, the British tourist picks up various items inside the 7-Eleven and launches them at the door in an attempt to smash the glass. Continued …

Next Michelin Guide edition includes unique flavors of Surat Thani and Koh Samui

Surat Thani and the island of Samui in the province have made it to the seventh edition of Michelin Guide Thailand 2024, expected to be released at the end of 2023.

Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said Surat Thani and Koh Samui have many charming and interesting things to be discovered, including natural wonders, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Continued …

Here’s Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai

If you plan on visiting Thailand soon, add Chiang Mai to the itinerary. When anyone asks us how they should spend their time in Thailand, we say they must give the country an entire month.

Bangkok is the most popular city in Southeast Asia. Similar to New York, the city attracts tourists from all over the world. The streets are full of tourists and locals, shopping malls on all the major avenues, and one of the busiest street food districts you’ll ever see. Continued …

Gold prices surge as dollar weakens

Gold prices hit a 13-month high, touching US$2,031 per ounce as weak U.S. economic data spurred demand for the safe-haven asset amid a weakening dollar, according to analysts. 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

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Wednesday’s News-April 5

April 5, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Tourism: Songkran forecast: Domestic tourism surge dampened by trickle of foreign arrivals/Songkran spending to surge to Bt125 billion/Over 14,200 flights, 2.37 million passengers expected at 6 airports during Songkran week/More than 90,000 Tourists to Visit Surat Thani, Samui Island During Songkran/Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination in Thailand: Agoda/3 Bangkok expressways tollfree on Thursday, motorways free for Songkran/Maldivian tourist caught smuggling 25 live birds/Australian Resort Boss Murdered While at Work in Krabi/Phuket Airport gains new direct flights to Vietnam and China/
In other Thai news: Inflation up 2.83% in March, slowest pace in 15 months/FDA warns public of toxic hair dye/Exports expected to decline in first half/’Man-made’ fires rage in Chiang Mai/Thai badminton ace becomes a cop: ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted’, says Ratchanok/A twist in the case of the kidnapped and murdered Chinese student/Chinese trio facing prospect of execution for a horrific murder in Thailand/
Thailand Experience: It’s mango season: A guide to the best mangoes in Thailand/How many elephants are left in the world?/Where do tigers live? Tigers have a diverse range of habitats/
International: Trump pleads not guilty to 34 criminal charges in New York/Johnson & Johnson proposes $8.9-billion settlement of talc cancer claims/
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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Songkran forecast: Domestic tourism surge dampened by trickle of foreign arrivals

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to see 13.5 billion baht in revenue from domestic tourism during the Songkran holidays (April 13-16), up 22% from 11 billion baht last year.

However, it is far less optimistic about foreign arrivals over the traditional New Year.

The tourism agency estimates Thais will make up to 3.8 million trips to domestic attractions this Songkran, a rise of 14% from the 3.34 million trips made last year. Continued …

Songkran spending to surge to Bt125 billion

Spending sentiment for the upcoming Songkran festival is expected to be lively as people have been hesitant for many months, but the country’s economy is showing signs of recovery, driven by rapidly reviving tourism.

According to the latest survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), spending during the festival is expected to increase by 17.3% to 125 billion baht, up from 107 billion in 2022. Continued …

Over 14,200 flights, 2.37 million passengers expected at 6 airports during Songkran week

As many as 14,220 flights are expected to be operated at six airports during the Songkran festival from April 11 to 17 this year, 59.6% higher than in the previous year, Airports of Thailand (AOT) said on Tuesday.

AOT runs Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang (Chiang Rai), Phuket and Hat Yai airports.

“The 14,220 include 7,500 international and 6,720 domestic flights,” AOT said. Continued …

More than 90,000 Tourists to Visit Surat Thani, Samui Island During Songkran

More than 67,000 foreign tourists, and 23,000 Thai tourists are expected to visit Surat Thani, including Samui Island, during the Songkran Festival period.

Surat Thani Gov.Vichawut Jintoe said from April 13 to April 16 the tourism authority is expecting to welcome 91,000 tourists.

Of those, 23,000 will be Thai tourists, while 60,000 will be foreign tourists. Continued …

Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination in Thailand: Agoda

With many across Asia and Australia looking forward to long weekends and holidays in the coming weeks, price-savvy travelers will be happy to learn that Agoda crunched the numbers to reveal the cheapest tourist destinations. In Thailand, it’s Khon Kaen, where travelers can enjoy the most competitive room rates this month.

The digital travel platform analyzed the average room rates of tourist destinations in April. In Thailand, Khon Kaen is the most affordable tourist destination, with an average room rate of 1,030 THB. Also in Thailand’s top 5 are Surat Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Hat Yai, respectively. Continued …

3 Bangkok expressways tollfree on Thursday, motorways free for Songkran

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has announced that it is waiving toll fees for three expressways on Thursday to mark Chakri Memorial Day.

The Highways Department, meanwhile, will allow motorists to use four motorways for free during the long Songkran holidays. Continued …

Maldivian tourist caught smuggling 25 live birds

Officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok caught a tourist attempting to smuggle 25 exotic live birds out of Thailand on a flight to the Maldives yesterday morning.

Customs officials made the discovery when they inspected luggage destined to board flight PG711 to Malé in the Maldives, reported Prasert Sornsathapornkul, the director of the Division for the Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Continued …

Australian Resort Boss Murdered While at Work in Krabi

A 57-year-old Australian resort boss was killed by the husband of one of his employees who was apparently upset about her pay at a resort in Krabi.

The Ao Nang Police tsaid they were notified by the Krabi Hospital that a foreign man had been pronounced dead yesterday morning. Multiple stab and slash wounds were found on his body, said Ao Nang police. Continued …

Phuket Airport gains new direct flights to Vietnam and China

Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand is gaining two new direct flights to China and Vietnam. The first is to Chongqing in China operated by Chongqing Airlines and the second is the first-ever service from Phuket to Hanoi in Vietnam serviced by VietJet.

Chongqing Airlines’ inaugural flight OQ2093 landed on the runway in Phuket yesterday afternoon with 128 tourists on board. Tourists were welcomed with gifts from Airports of Thailand (AOT) staff. Continued …

In other Thai news:

Inflation up 2.83% in March, slowest pace in 15 months

Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose a less than forecast 2.83% in March from a year earlier, the slowest pace in 15 months due to lower energy and food prices, the Commerce Ministry said.

The reading compared with a forecast rise of 3.3% in March in a Reuters poll. The core CPI index was up 1.75% in March from a year ago, versus a forecast increase of 1.82%. Continued …

FDA warns public of toxic hair dye

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday warned consumers that three South Korean hair-dyeing products contain cancer-causing chemicals.

The FDA said the products are Seedbee’s Water Coloring Medium Brown and Seedbee’s Water Coloring Wine Brown, both by Soky C&T Co., and Mielle Professional’s Blondie Anne Treatment Color Cream by JPS Cosmetics Co. Continued …

Exports expected to decline in first half

The Thai export sector faces a spate of challenges in 2023, with a trade group forecasting that shipments may decline by as much as 7.4% in the first half of the year.

The export sector may not recover in the second quarter of 2023 and contract by about 5%, before rebounding by 1.8% and 12% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Continued …

‘Man-made’ fires rage in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai declared four more areas as wildfire crisis zones on Tuesday amid growing concerns over the North’s haze pollution problem.

The four areas cover 10 villages in Mae Taeng district and six villages in Phrao district, said Chiang Mai Gov. Nirat Pongsitthaworn. Continued …

Thai badminton ace becomes a cop: ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted’, says Ratchanok

Thai badminton ace Ratchanok Intanon, 28, has fulfilled a dream to become a member of the Royal Thai Police.

She is now lieutenant sergeant major. But still known as May to most.

The current world number 8 and still Thai number one from Yasothon in the northeast, was on Facebook with the good news. Continued …

A twist in the case of the kidnapped and murdered Chinese student

The murder of the Chinese student in Nonthaburi province last week was motivated by a soured love affair between the victim and one of her three abductors. The ransom story was just a diversion created by the abductors, with the help of a Thai bar girl.

The twist in the abduction and murder of 22-year-old Jin Can, a third-year music student at Bangkok Thonburi University, was revealed late yesterday afternoon by Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, who was assigned to supervise the case. Continued …

Chinese trio facing prospect of execution for a horrific murder in Thailand

Three men accused of the sadistic torture and murder of Chinese student Jin Can are in the custody of Chinese police after being arrested in the last 24 hours in Wuhan, China, according to Thai National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas. On Tuesday, he confirmed that the suspects would not be extradited to Thailand but would face a joint investigation and trial before a Chinese court, with the prospect of them facing the death penalty or execution for the outrage they committed in Thailand.

Kittiprapas revealed on Tuesday that police in China have already arrested three men accused of murdering Chinese student Jin Can on March 28 in Nonthaburi in a case that has shocked the kingdom. Continued …

It’s mango season: A guide to the best mangoes in Thailand

Thai mangoes are commonly referred to as Mamuang, and are a beloved staple in Thailand. Its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes has drawn tourists from every corner of the globe.

Visitors eagerly explore the streets of Bangkok and Phuket, eager to savor local favorites like mango sticky rice or a refreshing spicy mango salad. The distinct flavor of Thai mangoes sets them apart from others, making them an undeniable crowd-pleaser.

The origins of Thai mangoes can be traced back to ancient India and Southeast Asia, where mangoes have been cultivated for thousands of years. The mango (Mangifera indica) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, and it is believed to have initially spread from India to other parts of Southeast Asia, including present-day Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and eventually Thailand. Continued …

How many elephants are left in the world?

The elephant is the largest existing land mammal on Earth, weighing anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds. There are three species of elephants: the African bush elephant (also known as the African savanna elephant), the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant.

In 1930, approximately 10 million wild elephants were in Africa, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Since then, elephant populations have dwindled due to various threats, including habitat loss and illegal poaching. Continued …

Where do tigers live? Tigers have a diverse range of habitats

If you have ever had a cat, you know they don’t like to take baths. But there is one kind of cat out there that loves to swim and bathe: the tiger.

Thanks to their large webbed paws and muscular bodies, tigers are excellent swimmers. But that’s not the only thing interesting about the majestic animal: Tigers are the largest wild cat species and share nearly all but 4.4% of their DNA with domestic cats.

But where in the world do these big cats live? Continued …

Trump pleads not guilty to 34 criminal charges in New York

A defiant Donald Trump on Tuesday denied all wrongdoing after pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, as prosecutors accused him of orchestrating payments to two women before the 2016 U.S. election to suppress publication of their sexual encounters with him. Continued …

Johnson & Johnson proposes $8.9-billion settlement of talc cancer claims

U.S. pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday proposed an $8.9 billion settlement to resolve years-old lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused cancer. 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, hua hin, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, solar, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation

Wednesday’s News – March 8

March 8, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Why International Women’s Day matters/
Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up/
Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25/
Mask use urged as haze fastens grip/
Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks/
Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests/
Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand/
Foreigners picked to buoy property market/
Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year/
PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf/
Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation/
Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea/
WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge/
Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?/
Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint/
Tourism: Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome/People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms/German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island/
Thailand Experience: How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?/Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit/Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation/
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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Why International Women’s Day matters

Today is International Women’s Day.

It has been observed by the United Nations since 1975 and celebrated by many countries before then. Yet, if one looks on social media, many still argue that International Women’s Day should not be celebrated for different reasons. (“Why is this a thing? Why is there an international women’s day but not an international men’s day?”)

But the most compelling reason that even feminists may side with is: why should International Women’s Day be celebrated, when women’s rights should be advocated for every day, not just on March 8 of each year? To this I say, yes, women’s rights should be advocated for every day, but that does not mean that we should not dedicate a special day to commemorate it. Continued …

Inflation slows, but electricity, cooking gas costs likely to go up

Thailand’s average headline inflation in February was at 3.79%, the lowest in 13 months, following a drop in fuel prices, the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Tuesday.

The average headline inflation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which in February dropped from the previous month by 0.12% to 108.05.

The office also expected electricity bills and the price of cooking gas to go up in March due to continued economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector. Continued …

Anzac Day services in Kanchanaburi April 25

The upcoming Anzac Day memorial service to be held on Tuesday, April 25, starts with a dawn service at 5:30am, while the public will be welcome to enter the complex from 3am onward. The service will be followed by the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, with refreshments and snacks donated by Australian-Kiwi communities here in Thailand.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass is the only official memorial service in Thailand, and is jointly hosted by both the Australian and New Zealand embassies.

Located in Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center is a memorial site established and maintained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australian government. It is dedicated to those who were forced to work and build the railway connecting Burma and Thailand during the Second World War. Over 60,000 Allied prisoners worked on the railway, with approximately 12,500 lost lives, including British, Australian, Dutch, American and tens of thousands of Asian laborers (Romusha).

For decades, this place has become a significant commemoration site for Anzac Day – a memorial service that honors and acknowledges all Australians and New Zealanders who served and sacrificed their lives in war.

Mask use urged as haze fastens grip

A pulmonologist from Siriraj Hospital has suggested people wear masks to protect themselves from dust pollution, as the number of patients with respiratory diseases continues to rise, especially among children.

Meanwhile, 48 provinces were found to have ultra-fine dust particles (PM2.5) levels above the safe threshold on Tuesday.

Dr. Nitipatana Chierakul, head of the Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, said hospitals nationwide have seen a spike in cases that began in December. Continued …

Areas of three national parks closed due to fire risks

Areas of three national parks in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand were declared off limits due to the risk of fire. They are the Sai Yok, Khao Laem and Lam Klong Ngu parks.

Helicopters did 38 sorties carrying 19,000 liters of water to douse flames.

People rearing buffaloes, in particular, were ordered to stay away from affected areas. – Thai Rath

Cloud-seeding to be used to control fires in Thailand’s western forests

The Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department is expected to be cloud-seeding from this Saturday until next Monday to help contain fires in Thailand’s western forests, which appear to be out of control.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said yesterday that may hot spots have been detected in the forests north of the Srinagarind Dam in Kanchanaburi.

He said that fires have now spread to dry evergreen woodland, which is only accessible after several hours of trekking through the forests. Continued …

Wild elephants flee forest fires in eastern Thailand

It is not just forest land that has been affected by fires in Bo Rai district of Trat in eastern Thailand.

Wild elephants were also fleeing the impact of the fires that had burned over 2,500 rai in the Nonsri and Dan Chumphon areas.

Pictures of almost 20 elephants show them were trumpeting their displeasure at having to leave their regular stomping grounds in two areas. – Siam Rath

Foreigners picked to buoy property market

Despite the economic recovery, the property market this year may depend heavily on foreign demand, as negative factors still affect domestic buyers, according to economists and property analysts.

Piyasak Manason, senior vice president of the wealth research department of InnovestX Securities, said property market growth this year would likely slow because of various financial policies.

“When inflation is high, the Bank of Thailand will raise interest rates to cope with it,” he said. “With the termination of the lending-curb easing, which affects lower-end home demand, we do not expect to see a strong real estate market in the near future.” Continued …

Thai shippers’ council expects rebound in export market this year

A weaker baht and improvement in many countries’ production index will boost the Thai export market, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) says.

TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said on Tuesday that Thai export value in February should hit US$22 billion (760.34 billion baht), especially since the baht has weakened to about 34-35 to the dollar.

Thailand’s exports in January were 4.5% less at $20.24 billion (705.45 billion baht) due to an 11% contraction in the Chinese market and a delay in orders for electronic goods. Continued …

PTTEP grabs two new oil exploration licenses in Gulf

PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) was awarded exploration and production licenses at two of three new petroleum blocks in the Gulf of Thailand, a move that should pave the way for more domestic oil and gas supply to strengthen the country’s energy security.

The company was awarded the rights for blocks G1/65 and G3/65, while U.S.-based Chevron Offshore (Thailand) was awarded a license for block G2/65, according to the Department of Mineral Fuels. Continued …

Thai seller of rubber duck calendar found guilty of royal defamation

A Thai seller of a rubber ducky calendar has been found guilty of royal defamation. The 26-year-old man, “Tonmai,” was arrested on Dec. 31, 2020, and charged with royal defamation. Now, he will serve two years in prison after being found guilty.

The Taling Chan Criminal Court ruled that the depiction of the rubber duck was a mockery of Thailand’s head of state. According to Prachatai English, the rubber ducks first arrived at pro-democracy demonstrations back in 2020. Continued …

Foreign Teacher Charged After Son’s Friend Drowned at Sea

An American language teacher, 45, was charged with negligent homicide on Tuesday after an eight-year-old boy drowned in the sea of Chumphon province, despite the boy’s parents not wanting to see him charged.

The American teacher was an employee of a local church in Pathio District, Chumphon province. His family, consisting of his wife, son and four children friends of his son, were on a holiday in Thung Zang Bay.

While everyone was relaxing on the beach, his son and Wiwat, 8, were playing in the water. The two boys were holding onto a fish-shaped rubber bouy, meters from the shore when they lost control. The teacher’s son was rescued by a Myanmar worker in time while Wiwat drowned. Continued …

WHAUP rooftop solar panel business set to surge

SET-listed WHA Utilities & Power Plc (WHAUP), which provides utilities under WHA Corp., Thailand’s biggest industrial land developer and operator, expects its rooftop solar panel installation service to grow by 24% to 300 megawatts this year, thanks to greater adoption of clean energy in the industrial sector.

Last year, solar panels installed by WHAUP under private power purchase agreements stood at 133MW.

Rooftop solar panels with an electricity generation capacity of 1MW can lead to a reduction of 700 tons of carbon dioxide a year, so with a combined capacity of 300MW, up to 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be cut annually, said Somkiat Masunthasuwun, chief executive of WHAUP. Continued …

Thailand’s missing macaques: Chinese medicine or US labs to blame?

Authorities have blamed the latest monkey smuggling case in Thailand on demand from traditional Chinese medicine – but evidence indicates traffickers supplying U.S. laboratories are the real culprits.

In the latest smuggling case, 47 long-tailed macaques were found caged in a truck stopped by police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Non Sung district on Monday. Police said the two suspects had confessed, claiming they did know that long-tailed macaques are protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The suspects had agreed to smuggle the monkeys from Khao Ta Khrong National Park in Ratchaburi to Laos via Nong Khai in exchange for 17,000 baht, investigators said.

Peersasak Paksasuay, director of conservation for Nakhon Ratchasima, said national parks were working with police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Buri Ram to stop wildlife smuggling. He added that the macaques were destined for China for probable use in Chinese traditional medicine. Continued …

Thailand gives GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan great reception – he doesn’t disappoint

The highlight of the second day of the Six Red World Snooker Championships 2023 in Pathum Thani was the evening appearance of Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time.

A packed TV arena at the Thammasat Convention Center gave Englishman O’Sullivan a rousing reception, then watched in awe as he stormed into a 4-0 lead against compatriot Jimmy Robertson inside 25 minutes.

But Robertson, 36, was not there to make up the numbers against his 47-year-old opponent. He made the score 4-3 before O’Sullivan closed out the match. Continued …

Chinese are back on Koh Samui – tourists from Chengdu given special welcome

Thailand gave a special welcome back to the first direct flight from China to Koh Samui since the pandemic.

Surat Thani Deputy Gov. Nanthawat Charoenwan and local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Kanokkitika Kritwuthikorn were on hand with many other officials to welcome a full load of 130 tourists aboard Chengdu Airlines EU 2807.

The auspicious flight – the first direct flight from China to the holiday island in the south of Thailand since February 2020 – was met with much pomp and ceremony. Continued …

People hurry to snap up subsidized hotel rooms

People rushed to book hotels during the first day of the latest phase of the hotel subsidy program, with 112,876 room nights reserved out of 560,000 available under the scheme within six hours.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said the value of transactions during the first six hours of availability on Tuesday reached 443 million baht from 112,876 room nights.

Of the total amount, 60% or 273 million baht was paid by the purchaser and 170 million baht (40%) came from the government subsidy. Continued …

German Tourist Drowns on Samui Island

A German tourist drowned near a beach on Samui Island.

Bo Phut Police said they were notified that a male foreign tourist drowned at Chaweng Beach on Monday. Emergency responders and police arrived at the beach.

The man was identified by police as a 58-year-old German man. His body had already been pulled from the water. Continued …

How To Make The Most Of Your Thailand Trip?

The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is renowned for its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline.

Starting in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, one can visit the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that has been the home of Thai kings for over 150 years. The palace is surrounded by temples, shrines, and halls, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colorful mosaics. Visitors can also see a statue of the Emerald Buddha made from a single jade block and considered one of Thailand’s most important religious artifacts.

For a unique shopping experience, one can visit the largest open-air marketplace in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to food and antiques, it’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and taste some local street food. Continued …

Thailand: From tiny islands to wellness retreats, here’s why you should visit

A firm favorite with tourists, Thailand is well-known for its glorious white sand beaches, diverse landscapes and exciting nightlife.

But while the beaches of Phuket or the urban sprawl of Bangkok may be the first places that spring to mind when you think of the southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand wants you to look a little further.

“We are encouraging tourists to visit emerging destinations and travel during the weekdays to decongest those destinations, while also reducing environmental and cultural wear and tear. Continued …

Thailand’s Tarutao National Park Spans 51 Islands of Natural Contemplation

The islands of Tarutao National Park are not the most touristy beaches in beautiful Southern Thailand. These 51 islands have jaw-dropping scenery, yes, but lack the raving full moon parties of Koh PhaNgan, the impossible-to-escape reputation of The Beach filming location on Koh Phi Phi Le, and the 2.3 million vacationers who flocked to Phuket last year in just nine months alone.

With only 238,000 visitors throughout the entire year, Tarutao beckons to adventurous, nature-loving wanderers looking for more than just a party scene studded with bucket-sized cocktails.

Across these archipelagos, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, so many pristine shorelines, trails leading to vistas for sunsets and sunrises, as well as a thought-provoking tribute to the biggest island’s sobering past. Park-goers can explore a self-guided jungle trail to learn about how the government transformed a now-defunct prison into an outdoor museum memorializing all those who struggled and lost their lives onsite, a dark moment in human history that’s been returned to — and reclaimed by — nature. 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

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Tuesday’s News-March 7

March 7, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Run for Hunger set Saturday at Monsoon Valley/
Campfire Fest on the Beach Saturday/
Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18/
Headline CPI up 3.79% y/y in Feb, less than forecast/
The hot season arrives: Thailand expected to be hotter this year than last/
Bangkokians urged to mask up, avoid outdoor activity as PM2.5 levels rise/
Haze and blazes hit North/
Why Thailand Needs More Women Sports Stars/
More cancer patients get health cover/
Abundant cash crops help make Thailand 2nd-biggest bioplastics producer/
Poachers who killed rare Tigers lenient sentence angers activists/
‘Rare’ tiger — with three ‘even rarer’ cubs — spotted in Thai rainforest – video/
47 smuggled monkeys intercepted on their way to China via Laos/
Why Are Russians Buying Real Estate in Phuket?/
General Election turns into a referendum on marijuana/
McDonald’s plans 300 million baht investment in Thailand/
Tourism: TAT unfazed by tourism giveaways across Asia/Northern Thailand tourism plan expected to rake in Bt2.38 trillion/
Thailand Experience: Camping at Ban Krang, at Kaeng Krachan National Park/One of the best locations for snorkeling near Hua Hin/-Journey through Vietnam, Thailand among top once-in-a-lifetime trips/The Secret To Tasty Photharam Grilled Bananas/
Covid: Covid hospitalizations in Thailand continue dropping/
International: Archaeologists in Egypt discover Sphinx statue related to Roman emperor/
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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Run for Hunger set Saturday at Monsoon Valley

Scholars of Sustenance Thailand (SOS Thailand) is organizing a charity walk-run to be held at Monsoon Valley Vineyard on Saturday.

The first annual “Run for Hunger” event will support the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation’s food rescue mission in Hua Hin.

By participating in this event, you’ll be taking a step toward reducing food waste and creating food security in Thailand. And, the best part is that the entire family, including furry friends, can join in on the fun! Continued …

Crab festival set in Cha Am March 11-18

Cha Am municipality has announced its crab festival – “Gin Pu Chak@Cha-am festival” will take place March 11-18 at Cha Am viewpoint. Expect lots of fresh seafood and local cuisine, live music, entertainment, shopping and much more.

Headline CPI up 3.79% y/y in Feb, less than forecast

The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.79% in February from a year earlier, less than analyst forecasts, due mainly to lower energy and food prices, Commerce Ministry data showed today.

The reading compared with a forecast for a 4.18% rise in February in a Reuters poll, and followed January’s 5.02% increase. – Bangkok Post

The hot season arrives: Thailand expected to be hotter this year than last

The director of the Meteorological Office in Thailand has predicted that this year will be hotter than last, with four northern provinces taking the brunt of the highs.

Chompharee Chomphurat declared that the cool season is now over as of last Saturday.

The hot season will last until mid-May, she said. Continued …

Bangkokians urged to mask up, avoid outdoor activity as PM2.5 levels rise

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has advised residents to wear face masks and avoid outdoor activities after fine-dust levels climbed above safe levels in several areas of the city this morning.

Data from air-quality monitoring stations showed the level of PM2.5 – particulate matter under 2.5 micrometers in diameter – ranged from 61 to 93 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg) of air in 69 areas of the city this morning.

Any level above 50mcg is considered unsafe, as long-term exposure is linked with chronic diseases, including lung and heart problems. Continued …

Haze and blazes hit North

Haze pollution is exceeding safe levels in 36 provinces, particularly in the North, while Bangkok and surrounding provinces will remain blanketed in smog for two more days.

Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said on Monday that ultra-fine dust particles (PM2.5) have remained at critical levels in the North and the Northeast for the past week, as a result of slash-and-burn activities in forests and farms, with more than 2,500 hotspots found on both sides of the border. Continued …

Why Thailand Needs More Women Sports Stars

Professional sports have long been a male-dominated arena. Both regionally and globally, this prevailing domination of the playing field by men disadvantages women and girls from media to participation.

A European Union study of five countries found the percentage of media coverage for women’s professional sports was, at best, 14%, and, at worst, as low as 2%.

In some countries before the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of girls were insufficiently physically active, with rates recently worsening. Gender inequality in sports – whether at school or at the professional level – is indeed deeply rooted. This inequality is a symptom of a broader social condition where women’s pursuits are undervalued across many currently male-dominated fields.

But Thailand is bucking the trend impressively. For starters, Thailand has a rich history of producing world-class athletes, and recently, Thai women in sports have been dominating both regional and global headlines. Continued …

More cancer patients get health cover

At least 250,000 cancer patients benefited from the National Health Security Office’s (NHSO) gold card universal healthcare scheme in 2022, up from an annual average of 100,000 beneficiaries in the five years prior, the office has said.

Dr. Lalitaya Kongkam, NHSO’s deputy secretary-general, stated on Monday that the NHSO has covered at least 12 billion baht in medical fees for cardholders – some 7% of the NHSO fund budget.

This amount may increase in response to increasing numbers of cancer patients, Dr. Lalitaya said. Continued …

Abundant cash crops help make Thailand 2nd-biggest bioplastics producer

With a yearly production capacity of 95,000 tons, Thailand is now the second-largest producer of bioplastics in the world after the United States, which produces 150,000 tons.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri made the announcement on Monday, citing data from the Thai Bioplastics Industry Assn.

Anucha said Thailand is close on the heels of the U.S. thanks to an abundance of cash crops like sugarcane and cassava, and hopes to boost its annual capacity to 170,000 tons soon. Continued …

Poachers who killed rare Tigers lenient sentence angers activists

Five defendants were all found guilty by the Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court of shooting at, luring, or removing wild animals from their habitat, acting cruelly toward them, all of which are separate offenses. The plaintiffs’ punishment was reduced in half as a result of their guilty plea. Initially, they received a 9 1/2-year sentence.

The court determined that the plaintiffs’ basis for filing the lawsuit, which was done out of retaliation for the Bengal tigers eating their cattle and to protect their property, was incorrect.

This serious issue is not only illegal, endangering the ecosystem and upsetting the natural order. Officials seized four guns, extra firearms, and further equipment, including 176 rounds of ammunition, two bottles of gunpowder, and one bag of gunpowder, from the five suspects to establish their intent to hunt wild animals and their capacity to survive for an extended period in the forest. Continued …

‘Rare’ tiger — with three ‘even rarer’ cubs — spotted in Thai rainforest – video

A mother tiger prowls through the muggy rainforest of Thailand, her three cubs close behind. Emerging from the brush, the cats pass by a trail camera before vanishing again.

The mother tiger and her three cubs were filmed walking through the Upper Western Forest Complex, the World Wildlife Fund said in a Friday, March 3, news release. This region is one of the last two areas in Thailand where wild tigers still roam.

Video

The brief footage shows the tigress with two cubs behind her. A third cub emerges from the foliage a few seconds later. The mother crosses the foreground and leaves the camera’s view. Continued …

47 smuggled monkeys intercepted on their way to China via Laos

Thai wildlife officials and police intercepted a shipment of 47 macaque monkeys in a pickup truck Monday morning, at a checkpoint on Friendship highway in Non Sung district of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.

The two men in the truck were arrested after the officials found the monkeys, which are believed to be being shipped to China through Laos.

The driver of the truck, Kritaya, reportedly told the officials that they took delivery of the monkeys in Ratchaburi province, to be delivered to a customer in the province of Nong Khai, opposite Vientiane of Laos, who would then have sent the monkeys on to China. Continued …

Why Are Russians Buying Real Estate in Phuket?

On Oct. 30, an Ikar Airlines jet landed at Phuket International Airport with 449 passengers on board. The flight’s arrival in Thailand marked the resumption of direct service from Moscow after a break of nearly three years and opened the floodgates to a surge of winter tourism from Russia.

By late January, Phuket had welcomed 233,000 Russian vacationers, the single largest contingent of international arrivals to the island.

A local newspaper called the return of the Russians a “stunning comeback.” The unexpected influx helped Thailand’s tourism industry cross a coveted post-COVID-19 milestone of 10 million visitors in 2022.

The arrival of the “snowbirds” had far-reaching consequences for the local economy beyond tourism revenues. Last year, Russians became the leading purchasers of condominiums on the island, dislodging Chinese buyers from the top spot. Continued …

General Election turns into a referendum on marijuana

Cannabis policy is turning into an electoral nightmare for the Bhumjaithai Party, with growing public opposition to the recreational free-for-all and the easy access to it being seen throughout the country, something that is now being plugged into by opposition parties and activist firebrand Chuwit Kamolvisit.

This opposition is being bolstered by medical arguments suggesting both mental and physical health problems of a serious nature are linked to the regular use of cannabis.

In November, an authoritative Lancet published study showed firm evidence of mental health deterioration linked with pot use across all age groups but particularly among young adults, while just this week a study in California compared the use of pot to using tobacco, with both activities reportedly causing inflammation and impacting the body’s cardiovascular system. Continued …

McDonald’s plans 300 million baht investment in Thailand

Fast-food lovers will be lovin’ the latest news that McThai Co., the operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Thailand, just announced a massive 300-million-baht investment plan that will bring more McDonald’s outlets to the country. The company has upgraded its original plan from 200 million baht after seeing a rise in consumption and the economy.

According to CEO Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, the funds will be used to open 10-15 new restaurants, adding up to about 237-242 outlets by the end of this year. The new restaurants will be strategically located in high-demand areas.

More than 30 existing restaurants will also be renovated this year, featuring the latest store design concept with a focus on sustainability and simplicity. Continued …

TAT unfazed by tourism giveaways across Asia

Many countries in Asia recently announced giveaway campaigns to bolster their tourism industry, aiming to drive post-pandemic economic growth.

These include Hong Kong’s giveaway of 500,000 flight tickets to foreign visitors and Taiwan’s proposal to offer a cash incentive worth NT$5,000 (5,633 baht) per person.

Japan and South Korea, perennial favorite destinations among Asian tourists, also lifted most entry restrictions for all travelers and are poised to loosen tight curbs for Chinese visitors as the fear of Covid-19 subsides. Continued …

Northern Thailand tourism plan expected to rake in Bt2.38 trillion

The provincial Public-Private Economic Development Committee and the Provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office on Monday discussed a plan to bring 2.38 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year.

The talks, led by Chiang Mai Deputy Gov. Weerapong Ritrod, focused on the economy and tourism in the northern region.

Officials during the meeting agreed the recovery would continue during this trimester due to many factors, including the increasing number of foreign visitors after the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued …

Camping at Ban Krang, at Kaeng Krachan National Park

Hua Hin has many appealing factors, and one of them is its close proximity to stunning countryside and nature.

Ban Krang campsite is located in the Kaeng Krachan National Park, which is the largest national park in Thailand, covering an area of over 2,900 square kilometers, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a popular spot for campers who love to enjoy nature and wildlife. The campsite offers good facilities, including tent rentals, making it an ideal destination for a weekend camping trip. Continued …

One of the best locations for snorkeling near Hua Hin

The Hat Wanakon National Park in Thap Sakae district is now welcoming tourists during the Thai school holiday season in March and April.

The park, which includes small uninhabited islands of Ko Chan and Ko Thai See, offers one of the best areas in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province for snorkeling.

One of the main attractions of Hat Wanakon National Park are the coral reefs around Ko Chan and Ko Thai See. Continued …

Journey through Vietnam, Thailand among top once-in-a-lifetime trips

American magazine Travel+Leisure has called a journey through Vietnam and Thailand one of world’s 21 life-changing trips everyone should experience at least once.

“A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats,” the magazine said. “Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food.”

Thailand is famous for its golden pagodas, ancient ruins, royal temples and is a paradise of street foods, while Vietnamese cuisine has become better known around the world over the last couple of years. Continued …

The Secret To Tasty Photharam Grilled Bananas

“Photharam Grilled Banana”, known for its sweet, soft, sticky and charcoal-scented grilled bananas, is located on the corner of Song Praphat Street, in front of Photharam Shop, Photharam district, Ratchaburi.

The shop has been open for 19 years and has become a trademark of the area, so much so that there is a saying that if you have not visited Photharam Grilled Banana, you have not yet arrived in Photharam.

Poj Reungthep, 56, the owner of the shop, said he used to work as a leather sewer in Bangkok until the business collapsed. He returned to his hometown of Photharam. During that time, his younger brother, who owned a grilled banana shop at Mahachai Market in Samut Sakhon, brought him grilled bananas as a gift and told him to visit if he wanted a recipe. Continued …

Covid hospitalizations in Thailand continue dropping

The rate of Covid-19 infections is dropping in Thailand, with an average of 21 patients being hospitalized per day over the past week.

This number has dropped from about 29 patients hospitalized per day during the previous week, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) announced on Monday.

The DDC website said that 147 Covid-19 patients had been hospitalized from Feb. 26 to March 4, compared to 203 patients the week before. Continued …

Archaeologists in Egypt discover Sphinx statue related to Roman emperor

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered one of the most important finds in decades in the southern region of the country. According to the antiquity ministry, a sphinx-like statue and the remains of an ancient shrine have been unearthed near the Hathor Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient sites. 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

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Friday’s News-Jan 6

January 6, 2023 Hua Hin Expat News

Proof of Covid vaccines will be required again for all arrivals to Thailand/Hua Hin-Phuket, international flights remain in limbo/Thailand ties with Italy on list of world’s top retirement destinations/Thailand’s official population at Dec 31 was 66,090,475/317 die, 2,437 injured on Thai roads during 7-day New Year holiday/British pensioner gunned down in Pattaya/33-million-baht signboard scandal derailing Thailand’s new grand central station/Bangkok workers fleeing back to the provinces/Thai inflation rate poised to slow to 2%-3% in 2023/Newly appointed chief spells out four-point plan to develop EEC/Leasing and renewable energy firms to promote solar rooftops/Tackling our plastic waste woes/
Tourism: Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Proof Angers, Panics International Travelers/Thailand’s entry rules on arriving Chinese tourists falls shorter than other countries/First planeload of 200 Chinese tourists to land in Thailand on Monday/Tourism sector preps for Chinese/Thai hotels in dire need of staff as tourists flock back/With few entry tests, SE Asia may gain most from China’s travel revival/Pattaya Beach is second most popular beach in the world on TikTok/
Thailand Experience: What You Should Avoid Ordering At Thai Restaurants/
Covid: Over a quarter of travelers from China test positive in Taiwan/
International: Asia tourist hubs ready for China influx/It’s a bountiful bunny world in Year of the Rabbit/Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen gives up to 52 months’ pay as year-end bonuses/Half of world’s glaciers expected to vanish by 2100/Teslas now over 40% cheaper in China than US/
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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Proof of Covid vaccines will be required again for all arrivals to Thailand

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has adopted four measures that will be applied to all tourists visiting Thailand, including from China. The announcement follows news that the Chinese Government would travel restrictions on their citizens on Jan. 8.

The first flights from China, in the wake of the announcement from China, are scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Jan. 12. So the time for the re-introduction of the measures will be sometime from now until Jan. 12. The minister was not clear on this.

The newly announced measures:

All visitors must have received at least TWO doses of Covid-19 vaccine before their arrival Continued …

Hua Hin-Phuket, international flights remain in limbo

Perhaps the most discussed topic on the regional tourism scene is the continuing absence of scheduled flight connections to the Hua Hin Airport. That includes international flights, but also to Phuket, the most eagerly awaited domestic connection.

Hopes still remain high that more than the solitary Chiang Mai flights will happen soon, but some local hoteliers now openly state they aren’t expecting this to happen within the next six or even 12 months.

Stacey Walton, president of Skål international Hua Hin & Cha-Am, speaking during a visit to Phuket to consider that burgeoning tourism scene, is among those asking questions. Continued …

Thailand ties with Italy on list of world’s top retirement destinations

Thailand is the world’s ninth cheapest place to live for expat retirees, according to the Annual Global Retirement Index.

The 2023 list of “10 Cheapest Places to Live After Retiring” was compiled by experts at the International Living website and published this week. It details the best places to retire in terms of high quality of life and low cost of living.

Portugal tops the list thanks to the weakness of its currency and ease of acquiring a long-term visa. Second is Mexico, followed by Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece and France. Thailand ties with Italy in ninth place. Continued …

Thailand’s official population at Dec 31 was 66,090,475

Thailand’s population as of Dec. 31, 2022, was 66,090,475, according to the latest census data provided by the Central Domicile Registration Office.

The population was made up of 65,106,481 Thai nationals and 983,994 who are yet to receive Thai citizenship.

Of the Thai nationals, there were 31,755,032 males and 33,351,449 females. Continued …

317 die, 2,437 injured on Thai roads during 7-day New Year holiday

A total of 317 people were killed and 2,437 others injured in 2,440 road accidents across Thailand between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4, according to statistics provided by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and related agencies.

On the last day of the New Year holidays on Wednesday, 25 people died and 253 others were injured in 241 road accidents.

Speeding was the cause of 34.9% of the accidents and 80.2% involved motorcycles; 24.5% were the result of cutting in front of another vehicle at speed.

Most of the accidents (85.1%) occurred on straight roads, 49% occurred on local and rural roads. Most of the accidents took place between 4pm and 5pm. Continued …

British pensioner gunned down in Pattaya

A British pensioner was shot multiple times in the back by an unknown assailant as he was returning home on a motorcycle in the Pattaya area.

Neil Lewis Roger, 71, had told his close friend that he was off to have a drink with a friend in town. After buying some groceries, he headed home to Huay Yai but was shot on the way at least three times.

He died in a pool of blood 2 kilometers from his home. His friend called him a popular man who had no known enemies. Continued …

33-million-baht signboard scandal derailing Thailand’s new grand central station

Thailand’s new national rail terminus has run into trouble even before its official unveiling.

Bang Sue Grand Station is setting social media alight with news that signboards for its new royally granted name will cost a whopping 33 million baht to install.

Enraged Thai netizens have posted pictures showing how such a large budget could be better spent elsewhere, including to fund the construction of classrooms for a small school. Continued …

Bangkok workers fleeing back to the provinces

Workers in Bangkok who live from hand to mouth have decided to return to their hometowns, as the cost of living in the capital becomes unaffordable.

They said expenses in Bangkok have doubled compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic. After deducting expenses, there is almost nothing left to save.

Capping the price of more essential commodities would help low-income workers, they said. Continued …

Thai inflation rate poised to slow to 2%-3% in 2023

Thailand’s inflation rate is expected to slow to 2%-3% this year after soaring to a 24-year high last year, driven mainly by rising energy prices.

The Commerce Ministry on Thursday reported headline inflation, gauged by the consumer price index (CPI), rose by 6.08% in 2022 from a year earlier, which was close to the projection (between 5.5%-6.5%, with an average of 6%).

The main contributors were rising energy prices following limited production controlled by oil-producing countries, and the Russia-Ukraine war which led to a tight supply of energy and, finally, high domestic prices of fuel, electricity and liquefied petroleum gas. Continued …

Newly appointed chief spells out four-point plan to develop EEC

The new chief of the state agency that runs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has come up with a “4Rs” plan to push the special industrial zone as a model for sustainable development.

Chula Sukmanop, the newly appointed secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), said that his mission was to lead the agency to “re-evaluate, re-image, revive, and realize”.

Re-evaluation involves assessing challenges facing the EEC’s development, including the post-Covid “next normal” environment, the global recession, and climate change, he said in an interview. Continued …

Leasing and renewable energy firms to promote solar rooftops

Saksiam Leasing (SAK), a Thailand personal loan provider, has formed a joint venture with TC Renewable Energy with the goal of entering the solar rooftop system installation business and providing financing to Thai households nationwide.

The joint venture, Saksiam TC Energy Co., will have a registered capital of 50 million baht, with SAK and TC Renewable Energy holding 35% and 65%, respectively. This joint venture is scheduled to launch in this month.

Siwaphong Boonsalee, SAK’s managing director, said yesterday the joint venture is a significant step in expanding the service of providing loans for the installation of solar rooftop systems at residential properties, and supporting the public’s access to solar power as a clean and widely available source of energy. Continued …

Tackling our plastic waste woes

Today, most of the products and packaging in our local market are designed to be “disposable”, with little or no concern for environmental impacts and any negative influences on human health.

Yet, such waste is rarely recycled and barely managed in a sustainable manner. But in many countries, the policy of “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) is used to address this concern.

EPR emphasizes the entire life cycle of a product and encourages packaging manufacturers to keep resources in the loop as long as possible through product and packaging stewardship. Continued …

H O T HIGH SEASON D I S C O U N T: 500 BAHT

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You get a Big Beach Towel for the day
You get to use our facilities
You are welcome to splash around in our infinity pool
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That sounds like a deal, doesn’t it ? Welcome !

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!

Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Proof Angers, Panics International Travelers

A proposal made by multiple Thai agencies to require proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccine shots in the wake of the return of Chinese tourists next week has caused anger, frustration, and panic among many would-be travelers to Thailand.

The proposal was led by Thai Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and included input from multiple ministries such as Tourism and Sports, Transport, Office of the Insurance Board, and more.

In essence, the proposal is due to the return of Chinese tourists after three years effective from Sunday, Jan. 8, after China dropped most of its Covid zero measures and prepares to reopen its borders to travel. Continued …

Thailand’s entry rules on arriving Chinese tourists falls shorter than other countries

Thailand’s way of dealing with the expected influx of Chinese tourists starting this Sunday is much weaker than other countries that have put in place a requirement of RT-PCR test to be done before these tourist head into their country.

The move by the Thai government to impose restrictions on arriving Chinese tourists has come after heavy criticism that the government of 2014 coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha was not doing enough to prevent another wave of outbreak.

The Thai government has come out to say that it was looking to impose entry regulations on all travelers to prevent outbreaks of Covid-19 from the expected influx of tourists this year, with no specific rules for Chinese tourists. Continued …

First planeload of 200 Chinese tourists to land in Thailand on Monday

The first flight carrying around 200 Chinese tourists will touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday as China resumes outbound travel, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Thursday.

The flight from Xiamen in southern China will be the first to arrive in Thailand after China scraps quarantine measures on Sunday, giving the green light for citizens to travel. The country is also downgrading Covid-19 from a top-tier Class A infectious disease to Class B.

Phiphat said the first flight is a good sign that Chinese tourists will return to Thailand in large numbers following more than two years of Covid-19 restrictions. He said more flights will be restored before the Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 22. China was Thailand’s largest overseas tourism market before Covid, accounting for 28% of total arrivals. Continued …

Tourism sector preps for Chinese

Tourism operators are prepared for a wave of Chinese tourists in terms of hotel room capacity, public health hygiene and flight capacity, though demand remains unclear.

The government confirmed on Thursday Chinese tourists will be exempted from RT-PCR Covid tests upon arrival, but will be required to buy Covid insurance to guarantee they have medical expense coverage in case they are infected before flying back home.

Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), said Chiang Mai is ready to accommodate all tourists, including those from China, which are expected to return starting this month. Continued …

Thai hotels in dire need of staff as tourists flock back

The Thai hotel industry is seeking migrant workers to help relieve staff shortages, as millions of tourists have returned to the country.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), called on the government to relax the existing rules to make it easier for migrant workers to work in the hotel industry to help alleviate the shortage of workforce.

She suggested that the Thai government’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with neighbouring countries allow more positions in which migrant workers can be hired, easier hiring of migrants, and allow more foreign nationals to work in the hotel industry. Continued …

With few entry tests, SE Asia may gain most from China’s travel revival

Southeast Asia’s tourist economies are set to be leading beneficiaries of China’s scrapping of travel bans, as they have steered clear of the Covid-19 tests before entry that Europe, Japan and the United have imposed on Chinese visitors.

Even as the virus tears through its 1.4 billion people, the world’s second largest economy is opening its borders from Sunday, a move that promises to unleash a wave of travelers eager for diversion after three years of strict curbs at home.

Such newly mobile Chinese tourists will opt for “minimal hassle” and head for destinations that do not demand testing, which in turn stands to benefit Southeast Asia, said CIMB economist Song Seng Wun. Continued …

Pattaya Beach is second most popular beach in the world on TikTok

Pattaya Beach was named the second most popular beach in the world on TikTok. The most popular beach prize goes to Bondi Beach in Australia.

The UK luxury holiday company, Destination2, created a list of the most popular beaches across the world on TikTok. The company conducted the research on TikTok by creating a specific hashtag for the dream beaches all over the world and tracked the number of views.

Pattaya Beach was ranked as the second most popular beach in the world with the number of views at 128.5 million. The champion, Bondi Beach in Australia, gained over 445.8 million views. Continued …

What You Should Avoid Ordering At Thai Restaurants

Thai food is super popular worldwide, and for good reason. The cuisine combines a unique array of flavors that offer a mind-blowing dining experience. After all, it’s not every day you find a single dish with sweet, salty, sour, and even bitter tastes in perfect proportion, but Thai food strikes an excellent balance.

However, there’s a distinct peculiarity in the interaction of Thai food with American culture that’s quite unlike the rest of the world. It’s tempting to assume that Thai food was integrated into America by the immigration of natives from Thailand, but there are a few more twists to the story, as Mark Padoongpat, a Thai-American professor of Asian studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, discovered.

Thailand was never a formal U.S. colony, but by 1946, all of its surrounding Southeast Asian countries were colonies of seven world powers, most of whom were Western nations. According to Northern Illinois University, this meant that Thailand was treated like a U.S. colony. Americans visited freely, became immersed in the food culture, and even wrote Thai cookbooks for Western audiences. Continued …

Over a quarter of travelers from China test positive in Taiwan

Thailand may want to rethink its pandemic prevention strategy for Chinese tourists after news broke this week that more than a quarter of passengers from China landing in Taiwan tested positive for Covid-19.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) in Taiwan reported that over a quarter of the 500 plus travelers who arrived in Taiwan from China returned positive Covid test results.

Last week, the CECC announced that travelers from China needed to take a PCR test when arriving in Taiwan from Jan. 1, as Taipei tried to fight the current wave of Covid infections. Continued …

Asia tourist hubs ready for China influx

In Tokyo’s Asakusa tourist district, caricaturist Masashi Higashitani is dusting off his Chinese as he prepares for an influx of travelers after Beijing ends inbound quarantine rules. Continued …

It’s a bountiful bunny world in Year of the Rabbit

Now that 2023, the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, has kicked off, goods featuring bunny characters and places related to the lucky animal are drawing even more attention. Many rabbit lovers are eagerly working to make the new year a time of leaps and bounds. Continued …

Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen gives up to 52 months’ pay as year-end bonuses

Taiwanese shipping giant Evergreen Marine has rewarded employees with massive year-end bonuses worth between 10 and 52 months of salary each, after posting bumper 2022 profits. Most of the company’s junior workers with a monthly salary of NT$40,000 (44,274 baht ) took home a bonus worth NT$2 million (2,212,550 baht ) each last weekend, which is equivalent to more than four years’ pay. Continued …

Half of world’s glaciers expected to vanish by 2100

Half of the Earth’s glaciers, notably smaller ones, are destined to disappear by the end of the century because of climate change, but limiting global warming could save others, according to a new study. Continued …

Teslas now over 40% cheaper in China than US

Tesla Inc. made another round of price cuts on its Model 3 and Y electric vehicles (EVs) in China today, while also introducing its higher-end Model S sedan and Model X to get a better hold on the premium end of the world’s biggest EV market. 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 in 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