Royal Blossom train trip from Hua Hin/Fishing community tourism push/’Graft to blame’ for police air crashes/Thai Forces Close Sa Kaeo Border/Army says Cambodia amassing troops/Double-track rail upgrades/ECONOMY: Call for delay in minimum wage hike/Could lead to hotel layoffs/Thailand to wrap up more FTAs/Asia’s New Entertainment Capital/TOURISM: Phuket Fines Over 28,000 Foreign Tourists/Case Against Travel/Krabi airport spreads its wings/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Regenerative Tourism in Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok Rolls Out EV Shuttle Routes/FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY//INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Royal Blossom train trip from Hua Hin to Bangkok announced
A one-of-a-kind tourist train experience will depart from Hua Hin for the first time next month, offering a rare opportunity to travel on Thailand’s most luxurious train without needing to return the same day.
The “Exclusive Royal Blossom Experience–Hua Hin to Bangkok,” scheduled for Saturday, July 12, is being organized by Thailand-based travel blogger and rail enthusiast Richard Barrow, in collaboration with Asian Train Guide and Wow Catering. Continued …
Fishing community tourism push for PKK
Prachuap Khiri Khan province has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable creative tourism through local fishing communities, using models based on the bio-circular-green (BCG) economy and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The project, titled “New Dish… Heart of Juab”, was officially launched yesterday at the Prachuap Grand Hotel in Mueang district, with provincial Gov. Sitthichai Sawatsan presiding over the event. Continued …
‘Graft to blame’ for police air crashes
The president of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) said systemic corruption is to blame for the recent crashes of two police aircraft, which claimed the lives of nine police officers.
ACT President Mana Nimitmongkol yesterday claimed the crashes weren’t caused by human error, but substandard maintenance as a result of corruption. He was referring to two crashes which took place earlier this year. Continued …
Thai Forces Close Sa Kaeo Border Amid Tensions
The First Army has ordered the closure of border crossings in Sa Kaeo due to growing tensions with Cambodia. This decision responds to reports of Cambodian military encroachment, including patrols and alterations to the landscape on Thai territory, which have heightened tensions and affected border residents’ safety.
The situation has disrupted cross-border travel in the First Army’s area, further complicated by crimes such as call center scams affecting citizens nationwide. Continued …
Army says Cambodia amassing troops and heavy weapons along border
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, has clarified the decision to close the Chong Sai Taku border trade checkpoint in Buri Ram province on Sunday, citing national security concerns.
He stated that the measure was carefully considered and implemented by military units in the area based on a comprehensive security assessment. Recent observations indicated an increase in Cambodian troop movements and deployment of military equipment along various sections of the border, raising concerns over the safety of Thai civilians in nearby communities. Continued …
Double-track rail upgrades to go ahead
The Ministry of Transport is pressing ahead with the second phase of double-track railway development with a total length of 1,249 kilometers and an estimated investment of 297.9 billion baht.
The highest priority group includes the 321-kilometer Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla route (which will require an estimated budget of 66.27 billion baht), the 218-kilometer Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai route (81.14 billion baht), and the 168-kilometer Chumphon–Surat Thani route (30.42 billion baht). Continued …
Businesses call for delay in minimum wage hike
The government needs to reconsider its plan to increase the daily minimum wage in Bangkok to 400 baht from July 1, as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot bear additional costs in such a weak economy, which is expected to slow further in the second half of this year, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Bangkok is slated to be added to a list of provinces where the daily minimum wage is 400 baht, a campaign pledge of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. A pilot program in four areas raised the daily minimum wage to 400 baht on Jan. 1 this year. Continued …
New minimum wage could lead to hotel layoffs
Large-scale layoffs in the hotel sector could be seen during this low season if the government agrees to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht from next week as planned, while the Thai Hotels Assn.(THA) has submitted a petition to the prime minister, asking for the policy to be cancelled.
La-iad Bungsrithong, an adviser to the THA board, said that as five-star hotels in Chiang Mai had earlier been mandated with the 400-baht daily minimum wage, they had already felt an impact from the soaring wage costs, which are up 14% from last year. Continued …
Thailand to wrap up more FTAs by 2026
The Thai government aims to finalize several new free trade agreements (FTAs) with global partners by 2026, with the deal with South Korea expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
She also confirmed that the European Union (EU) and Thailand are accelerating talks to finalize the EU-Thailand FTA as soon as possible. Similarly, Thailand and Peru are fast-tracking efforts to resolve about 30% of outstanding issues, aiming to complete the Peru-Thailand FTA by August 2025, as previously scheduled. Continued …
Chiang Mai Poised as Asia’s New Entertainment Capital
Hylife Group, a Chiang Mai conglomerate in real estate, asset management, and manufacturing, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Busan International Film Festival and key industry partners to position Chiang Mai as a premier entertainment hub in Asia.
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony held at the Chiang Mai Historical Centrer. The partnership includes K Wave Media, Solaire Partners, and Lewis Pictures, creating an alliance to advance the regional film industry. Continued …
Phuket Fines Over 28,000 Foreign Tourists for Traffic Offenses So Far in 2025
Phuket officials have reported that 28,809 foreign tourists have been fined for traffic violations on the island to date in 2025. Russian visitors topped the list with 3,121 cases, followed by tourists from China (1,721), the UK (1,419), France (1,365), and India (1,069).
Since Jan. 1, the police have arrested 369 foreigners for various offenses. These include 87 violations of the Immigration Act, 65 cases of drunk driving, and 27 breaches of the Alien Employment Act. Additionally, 23 incidents were drug-related, and there were 51 other criminal offenses. Continued …
The Case Against Travel (aka tourism)
What is the most uninformative statement that people are inclined to make? My nominee would be “I love to travel.” This tells you very little about a person, because nearly everyone likes to travel; and yet people say it, because, for some reason, they pride themselves both on having traveled and on the fact that they look forward to doing so.
The opposition team is small but articulate. G. K. Chesterton wrote that “travel narrows the mind.” Ralph Waldo Emerson called travel “a fool’s paradise.” Socrates and Immanuel Kant — arguably the two greatest philosophers of all time — voted with their feet, rarely leaving their respective home towns of Athens and Königsberg. Continued …
Krabi airport spreads its wings
Krabi airport is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s hottest aviation hubs after five international airlines applied for landing slots, signaling growing global confidence in the airport’s capabilities and potential as a gateway to the Andaman region.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said the Department of Airports (DoA) had participated in the 156th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Slot Conference early this month in Vancouver, Canada, to showcase the potential and development plans for airports under its jurisdiction, including Krabi and Surat Thani. Continued …
Regenerative Tourism in Thailand Inspires Visitors to Leave Positive Impact
Thailand, known for its lush landscapes, golden temples, vibrant street life, and rich cultural heritage, has been a staple on the global tourism map for decades. Yet, the country is no stranger to the adverse side effects of mass tourism: environmental degradation, overtourism, and cultural erosion.
In recent years, however, Thailand has embraced a new approach beyond minimizing harm. Regenerative tourism creates positive impacts, revitalizes ecosystems, and strengthens local communities, while preserving the nation’s unique heritage. Continued …
Bangkok Rolls Out Five New EV Shuttle Routes
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is expanding its “BMA Feeder” electric shuttle bus service, launching five new routes on July 1.
The initiative aims to encourage residents to switch to public transport, easing traffic congestion and improving air quality across the capital. The BMA Feeder project currently operates two routes. Continued …
- Latvian National Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for Heroin Smuggling – Continued …
- Norwegian Arrested in Surat Thani Attempted Crossbow Attack – Continued …
- Zimbabwean Woman Arrested for 5-Month Overstay – Continued …
- Taiwanese man arrested in Pattaya after rampage with baseball bat – Continued …
Trump announces ceasefire between Iran and Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that Iran and Israel had agreed to a staggered ceasefire that would bring about an “official end” to a conflict that had threatened to escalate into a full blown war involving the United States. Continued …
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Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer two round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
90-day online reporting 
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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