Prachuap Khiri Khan Armed Suspect Threatens Explosion/PKK releases 273,000 shrimp/247 Exposed to Anthrax/Ten more bodies found/Rising violence in Pattaya/Royal insult charges dropped/Girl’s life saved after snake bite/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Ministry cuts Thai growth forecast/Thailand Warned To Brace for Tariffs Impact/Faces ‘Shaky’ 6 months ahead/Minister Warns of Trade War Impact/To increase gas purchases from US/Entertainment Group eyes Thailand/TOURISM: Fake digital arrival card website/Thailand faces tourism crisis/Student visa misuse/Pattaya rolls out posh toilets/Phuket pleads for rare blood/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: The story behind Soi Cowboy/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
Arrest in Prachuap Khiri Khan as Armed Suspect Threatens Explosion, Grenade Fails
In a tense standoff in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a suspect armed with an explosive device was apprehended by police after threatening to detonate it in a suicide attempt. Fortunately, the explosive failed to detonate, allowing officers to make a safe arrest.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening when officers from three police units moved in to apprehend the man at a makeshift shelter. Police had obtained intelligence that the suspect, who had two outstanding arrest warrants, was hiding in the shelter. Upon arrival, officers called for the suspect to surrender. However, he emerged in a disturbed state, shouting incoherently while brandishing a live grenade and threatening to kill himself. Continued …
PKK Fisheries Resource Center releases 273,000 shrimp
A field training initiative led by student interns from Kasetsart University resulted in the successful release of an estimated 273,000 banana shrimp post-larvae into the sea. The program, conducted at the Khlong Wan Fisheries Research Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan, forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance marine biodiversity and instill practical aquaculture knowledge among fisheries students.
The juvenile shrimp, which reached the post-larvae stage 2, were cultivated over a 12-day period by three student groups from the Department of Aquaculture and the Department of Fisheries Biology. The shrimp were bred from three viable female broodstock, out of four initially selected. Continued …
247 Exposed to Anthrax Following Village Ritual Beef Consumption
The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that 247 people have been exposed to anthrax after consuming contaminated beef distributed during a merit-making event in Mukdahan Province. One fatality has been reported.
Initial investigations suggest the infection stemmed from the butchering of a cow during a local religious donation event, known as a phapa, with the meat distributed and consumed within the village. A joint team from the DDC, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 10 in Ubon Ratchathani, the provincial public health office, and livestock officials are now conducting an in-depth investigation. Continued …
Ten more bodies found under SAO building debris
Ten more human bodies were found yesterday, buried under the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building, bringing the total number of those confirmed dead to 74, with 20 people still unaccounted for, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said the discovery of the 10 sets of workers’ remains on May Day (International Workers’ Day) was a breakthrough, albeit a sad one. Continued …
Rising violence in Pattaya leaves expats on edge, some rethinking life in the city
A surge in daily violent incidents in Pattaya is casting a long shadow over the city’s once-carefree image, prompting alarm among expat residents and forcing many to reconsider their long-term plans in the region. What was once a haven of sun, sand, and nightlife is now increasingly associated with altercations, assaults, and late-night chaos.
From bar brawls involving intoxicated tourists to petty disputes escalating into violent confrontations, the frequency of these incidents is unsettling both locals and foreigners alike. The recent case of a Hungarian tourist who was injured after allegedly refusing to pay for drinks and entertainment at a cannabis bar is just the latest in a string of concerning headlines. Continued …
Royal insult charges against American dropped
Thailand’s state prosecutor has decided not to prosecute American academic Paul Chambers, who faced charges last month for insulting the royal family and violating the computer crimes act.
Arrested on a complaint by the army, Chambers was confronted with the possibility of 15 years in jail, sparking a backlash within Thailand and criticism from the U.S. State Department. The decision to drop charges comes as the office of the Attorney General requested Chambers’ release from the Phitsanulok court. Continued …
7-year-old girl’s life saved after she is bitten by one of Thailand’s deadliest snakes
An alert grandmother and a quick-thinking, fast-acting mother saved a young Thai girl’s life on Wednesday. That morning, after her mother had left for work, seven-year-old Nong Smile or Aiyarada — was playing hide-and-seek with friends. While crouched in thick foliage to outwit her playmates, the little girl discovered she was not alone.
Suddenly, she was bitten by one of Thailand’s most venomous snakes. The Tab Saming Kla, or Malayan Krait, is a black-and-white harbinger of death, with a bite that can kill within four hours. Fortunately, the response was swift. Although two local hospitals lacked anti-venom serum, she was eventually taken to Buriram Hospital, where doctors administered the life-saving dose. Continued …
- Filipino Man Arrested for Skipping Luxury Hotel Bills – Continued …
- Chinese Nominee Network Busted in Rayong – Continued …
- Foreign Tourists Caught in Public Sex Act on Patong Beach – Continued …
Finance ministry cuts Thai growth forecast
The Ministry of Finance has cut its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year to 2.1% from 3%, saying that the impact of U.S. tariffs and a global slowdown would weigh on Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.
However, if the U.S. eventually chooses to impose only a 10% tariff on Thai imports rather than the announced 36%, gross domestic product (GDP) growth could reach 2.5%, said Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office. Continued …
Thailand Warned To Brace for Trump’s Trade Tariffs Impact
Economic and political experts in Thailand are calling for immediate action to prepare for global volatility and uncertainties caused by U.S. trade tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration, warning that the measures could trigger a fresh economic and political crisis.
At a forum yesterday titled “Turning Global Crisis into Thai Opportunity,” Associate Professor Surachart Bumrungsuk of Chulalongkorn University’s Political Science Department stated that the familiar era of free trade has effectively ended with Trump’s victory. Continued …
Thailand Faces ‘Shaky’ 6 months ahead
Thailand’s economy will likely experience “turbulence” for six months, during which the government will roll out proactive measures to help cushion any negative impacts, Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday. Pichai, also the finance minister, blamed the expected instability mainly on a volatile global economic situation.
“There’s been a major global shift, triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, which has impacted all economies,” he said. Continued …
Thai Finance Minister Warns of Trade War “Air Pocket” Impact
Thailand Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has warned that the ongoing trade war is dragging the Thai economy into an “air pocket,” with significant global repercussions anticipated. He projects first-quarter GDP growth to remain within 2.5%-3%, but has signaled adjustments to the budget year 2069 to prioritize urgent economic stimulus projects and a potential review of the digital wallet scheme.
Speaking at the 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Finance, he highlighted the disruptive impact of U.S. retaliatory tariffs on global free trade, outlining Thailand’s strategy to bolster imports and exports, particularly in agricultural processing and energy sectors, to mitigate the effects. Continued …
Thailand to increase gas purchases from US
Thailand aims to increase its purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to 2.2 million tons annually within five years, from 1 million tons under an existing contract, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
The purchases are among a number of measures the government plans to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S., in hopes of persuading Washington to cut the steep 36% tariff it has announced on imports from Thailand. Continued …
SKYH Entertainment Group eyes Thailand as entertainment metropolis
Singapore-based property developer SKYH Entertainment Group plans to transform Thailand into an entertainment metropolis, aiming to boost tourism and the economy.
According to a report, the international investment group specializes in real estate development with a focus on entertainment ventures. With its headquarters in Singapore, SKYH also maintains a Thai branch located in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district. Continued …
There’s already a fake digital arrival card website
On the very day Thailand launched its new Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system for foreign visitors, a fake website has surfaced, aiming to deceive travelers. This fraudulent site poses as an official third-party service, charging users a US$10 processing fee, whereas the legitimate TDAC service is free.
The TDAC system, which officially commenced on May 1styesterday, replaces the traditional paper TM6 arrival cards. This digital transition is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, sea, or land. Travelers complete their details via the official TDAC website and receive an email confirmation to present upon arrival. Continued …
Thailand faces tourism crisis as foreign arrivals stagnate
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand are slowing to a critical level, prompting Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong to meet with the private sector to urgently address the issue and mitigate its impact.
Sorawong on Wednesday chaired a meeting to address safety concerns affecting international tourists visiting Thailand. The discussion involved key stakeholders from the private tourism sector, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Thai Hotels Assn.ociation (THA), the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), and the Airlines Association of Thailand. Continued …
Student visa misuse ‘affecting Thai tourism industry’
The tourism industry has been directly impacted by the large number of foreigners exploiting student visas to work illegally in Thailand, mostly targeting universities in second-tier provinces.
The issue was exposed recently by a report that was heavily discussed on social media until one university decided to investigate and expel some foreign students, including those from China, Myanmar, India, and Malaysia. Continued …
Pattaya rolls out posh toilets to keep tourists cool and comfortable
Pattaya City is taking public convenience to the next level with the launch of high-end mobile toilets equipped with air conditioning, designed to serve residents and tourists, and it’s free of charge.
The first of these deluxe units is now stationed outside Walking Street, near the South Pattaya Pumping Station. The air-conditioned facility, which caters to both men and women, includes two restrooms for each gender and is open daily from 8am to midnight. Staff are also on hand to assist and maintain hygiene. Continued …
Phuket Red Cross pleads for rare blood as tourist demand surges
The Phuket Red Cross (PRBC) and the Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital are calling on locals to roll up their sleeves this May and donate blood — particularly the rare Rh-negative type.
With tourism booming again across Phuket and the surrounding regions, accidents and emergency hospital visits are on the rise — especially among foreign visitors. And that means a higher demand for Rh-negative blood, which is rare in Thai donors but more common in expats and tourists. Continued …
The story behind Soi Cowboy: Bangkok’s legendary nightlife strip
Tucked away between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23, just a short walk from Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations, lies one of Bangkok’s most iconic nightlife destinations — Soi Cowboy.
With its neon glow, pulsating energy, and more than 40 bars packed into a single street, Soi Cowboy has become a must-see stop for curious travelers and night owls alike. But beyond the bright lights and booming music, this buzzing strip has a unique story behind its name — one that dates back to the late 1970s and an American airman with a flair for the Wild West. Continued …
Asia’s factories suffer major blow as Trump’s tariffs hit demand
Manufacturing activity across most of Asia contracted in April, with companies struggling with weaker demand and pausing new orders in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s baseline 10% tariff. Continued …
China says open to US trade talks offer but wants tariffs scrapped
China said today it is evaluating a U.S. offer for negotiations on tariffs but insisted Washington must be ready to scrap levies that have roiled global markets and supply chains before talks can begin. Continued …
US to end shipping loophole for Chinese goods today
The United States is set to end tariff exemptions today for goods shipped from China worth less than $800, a move that could have significant ramifications on consumers’ purchasing habits. The decision to ban the so-called “de minimis” exemption from tomorrow could affect some 4 million shipments every day. Continued …
Apple expects $900m tariff hit, US iPhone supply shifts to India
Apple yesterday reported first-quarter profit above expectations but warned that U.S. tariffs could cost the company and was disrupting its supply chain. Apple expects U.S. tariffs to cost $900 million in the current quarter, even though their impact was “limited” at the start of this year, chief executive Tim Cook said. Continued …
New Schedule: 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 four 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.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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