Prachuap Khiri Khan Town/Traffic fines unlawful since 2020/Temperatures set to drop/Deaths of children to air pollution/Fears allayed over influenza/Cancer patients dying to survive/Cancer kills 86,000 Thais per year/61 foreigners from scam call-centers rescued/Park tiger triplets on video/Four officers injured in Pattani/Booked to transport corpse/Man offers 100 pig heads/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Threat to 30 Thai industrial sectors/Exporters brace for US trade heat/Thailand’s 2025 Economic Trends/Call for more tariffs/Thais top online shopping/Valentine’s spending set to rise 7.2%/Thai films take the world by storm/TOURISM: Smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi/Pattaya Beach Wins Three Awards/Indian tourists sleeping on Pattaya Beach/Cost, quality remain top considerations/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Experience Thai-Chinese ties/Phuket among top winter sun destinations/Snake found in toilet/CLIMATE THAILAND: Hidden costs of a city that never sleeps/ASEAN’s renewable energy growth/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
Prachuap Khiri Khan Town: A serious option for long-term living
There are three places in my home province of Prachuap Khiri Khan where I like to spend time. Hua Hin is at the north end of the province. It’s the largest of the three, and is a popular tourist and expat destination, with a seemingly endless amount of goods and services.
Ban Krut is at the south end of the province. It’s a sleepy little fishing village that gets busy on weekends with tour groups from Bangkok and hosts a small, mostly German expat community. Continued …
Thai court rules traffic fines unlawful since 2020
Thailand’s top court has dropped a legal bombshell, ruling that traffic fines issued by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) since July 2020 were unlawful — potentially affecting millions of motorists.
The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) Wednesday partly overturned a ruling by the Central Administrative Court (CAC), which had previously found that two RTP announcements on traffic fines, issued in July 2020 and March 2023, were invalid. https://aseannow.com/topic/1351009-thai-court-rules-traffic-fines-unlawful-since-2020/Continued …
Temperatures in most of Thailand set to drop by 2-5 degrees
Most of Thailand will experience a short period of cool weather from tomorrow until Monday, as a new wave of cold air blows into the northeastern region from China tonight, according to the Meteorological Department.
The arrival of the cold front will cause temperatures in northeastern provinces to plunge by 3-5 degrees and by 2-4 degrees in the northern, central, eastern and the northern reaches of the southern region. Continued …
Over 100 daily deaths of children under five tied to air pollution in East Asia and the Pacific
As Thailand grapples with unhealthy levels of air pollution, leading to school closures and widespread health concerns, UNICEF’s latest analysis sheds light on the devastating impact of toxic air on children across East Asia and the Pacific. Air pollution, which peaks in many parts of the region during the dry season from now until April, is linked to over 100 deaths in children under five every day.
The analysis reveals that all children in East Asia and the Pacific – 500 million children in total – live in countries with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Household air pollution, caused by solid fuels used for cooking and heating, is linked to more than half of all air pollution-related deaths in children under five. Meanwhile, 325 million children live in countries where average annual particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guideline levels by more than five times. Continued …
Public fears allayed over influenza following severe outbreak in Japan
The Disease Control Department (DCD) yesterday reassured the public that there is no immediate risk of an influenza outbreak in Thailand, following warnings from a Thai doctor about a serious situation in Japan with high transmission rates.
DCD Director-General Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul stated that the influenza situation in Thailand remains normal, with some fatalities occurring among vulnerable groups or individuals with underlying health conditions. Panumas emphasized that no mutant strains of the influenza virus have been detected in Thailand so far. Continued …
Cancer patients are dying to survive
As a university law lecturer, Nat is struggling to make ends meet. Her monthly salary of 33,000 baht is only a fraction of the cost of the super-expensive cancer drug she has been taking.
In August 2022, Nat (real name withheld) was diagnosed with lung cancer. Living in Nongkhai, where the provincial hospital has only one oncologist, initially, she did not know what type of lung cancer she had. Continued …
Cancer kills approximately 86,000 Thais per year
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said this week that approximately 86,000 Thais die from cancer each year. As a result, his ministry has been improving medical services to help save cancer patients’ lives. Somsak revealed the cancer mortality statistics while presiding over the opening ceremony of World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique at CentralWorld shopping mall on Tuesday.
In his speech, Somsak stated that cancer is a disease that affects families, societies, countries, and the global community. He noted that Thailand sees around 140,000 new cancer cases each year, with approximately 86,000 deaths annually. Continued …
61 foreigners from scam call-centers handed over to Thai authorities
The Myanmar’s Border Guard Force (BGF) has handed over 61 foreign victims who were deceived into working for scam call-centers and human trafficking networks in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy, Myanmar.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai received them at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 in Mae Sot, Tak province, yesterday. They later underwent screening by the Immigration Bureau to determine whether they were trafficking victims and whether they had any connections to human trafficking networks. Continued …
Kaeng Krachan park tiger triplets on video
In 2024, a Bengal tiger mother was spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park. She was followed by a single cub, exciting researchers as they looked through footage from trail cameras positioned throughout the protected land.
Then, the region was hit with heavy rains for a large portion of the year, making it nearly impossible to retrieve the remaining cameras. The cameras were finally retrieved earlier this year, and officials were shocked by what they saw on them. The tiger mother didn’t just have one cub, she had three. Continued …
Four officers injured in explosion in Pattani
Four police officers were injured, two of them seriously, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near a police booth in Nong Chik district of Pattani province this morning.
The explosion occurred at about 7.30am, when the officers were on duty near the police booth at the Don Yang road intersection, next to a petrol station. Continued …
Thai Grab rider shocked after being booked to transport corpse for 53 baht
A Thai Grab motorcycle rider took to social media to share his experience of being booked for 53 baht to transport a corpse to a temple in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok.
The Grab rider shared a screenshot of the booking and his conversation with the female passenger on Wednesday. The booking showed the pick-up location as Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station, with the destination being Bang Poon Temple in Pathum Thani province. Continued …
Taiwanese man offers 100 pig heads at Bangkok temple
A Taiwanese man made a significant offering at Wat Ko Suwannaram in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district after winning millions in the lottery.
On Wednesday, the lucky man, along with friends and devotees, presented 100 pig heads, 3,000 candles, and various food items as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made to the Great Brahma Emperor, a large statue at the temple, believed to have brought him luck. Continued …
- Brit beaten by furious Thai bar girls over unpaid bill – Continued … Video …
- 15 Undocumented Foreign Workers Arrested at Chinese Restaurant in Chiang Mai – Continued …
- Immigration Police Arrest Gang Leader for Gold Scam and Fake Currency Fraud – Continued …
- 4 Israeli men arrested and deported after chaos at Pai Hospital – Continued …
- 8 South Koreans Arrested for Illegal Teaching in Bangkok; Owner Charged – Continued …
US-China trade war ‘poses a threat to 30 Thai industrial sectors’
The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China is impacting 23 Thai industrial sectors, a number that could rise to 30 next year without government intervention, according to the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).
Include are key sectors such as steel, plastics, electrical appliances, food supplements, garments, glass and mirrors, and cosmetics. An official warned that without appropriate measures, this number was projected to rise to 30 in 2025. Continued …
Thai exporters brace for US trade heat
Thai exporters could soon find themselves in hot water, facing increased tariffs from the United States. The government of Thailand might also be compelled to import more American goods to balance out its trade surplus, warns Burin Adulwattana, the managing director and chief economist at Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
Burin shared that K-Research hasn’t yet drilled down into the possible fallout of U.S. import tariffs on Thai goods. The impact would largely hinge on whether these tariffs are blanket measures or specifically targeted at Thailand. Continued …
Financial Group Analyzes Thailand’s 2025 Economic Trends
As Thailand enters 2025, the country’s economic landscape remains shaped by a delicate balance of fiscal stimulus, monetary policy adjustments, and shifting global market dynamics. While inflation has remained subdued, economic growth faces headwinds from weak exports, geopolitical uncertainties, and structural challenges.
At the same time, government-led stimulus measures and a resilient tourism sector offer potential recovery paths. EBC Financial Group (EBC) explores the evolving financial landscape, providing traders with insights into key trends and market opportunities that will define Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy in 2025. Continued …
Call for more tariffs alongside higher VAT
Most entrepreneurs want the government to raise tariffs on products imported to Thailand if it continues with its tax reform plan, according to the latest poll conducted by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The poll follows tax reform ideas unveiled by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira late last year as he proposed ways to increase state revenue, support national development, enhance competitiveness and reduce domestic disparities. Continued …
Thais top online shopping survey
Thailand is the global leader for online shopping and weekly online grocery purchases, and among the top countries for mobile app spending, according to the Digital 2025 report by creative digital agency We Are Social and media monitoring firm Meltwater. However, the country ranks poorly on data privacy concerns.
Thailand has 99.5 million mobile connections, with 65.4 million internet users and 51 million social media users. The Thai population is 71.6 million, according to the study. Continued …
Valentine’s spending in Thailand set to rise 7.2%
Thais are expected to spend around 5.2 billion baht this year during Makha Bucha Day and Valentine’s Day, according to a recent survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, said while spending is expected to increase, consumers remain cautious about outlays because of rising product prices. Continued …
Thai films, series and animation take the world by storm in 2024
Chakrit Pichyangkul, director of the Creative Economy Agency, said that 2024 was a golden year for the Thai content industry, with films, TV series and animation grabbing audiences and achieving success.
The Thai content industry is expanding with diverse and good quality offerings that meet the needs of viewers across all genres. Though horror has historically been the most popular genre among Thais, the local content on offer has expanded to cover a wide range of flavors, including comedy, drama and action, all of which have been well-received. Continued …
Smoking rooms may return to Suvarnabhumi airport
Smoking concerns have ignited as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend toward smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy.
Dr. Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of the National Health Foundation, revealed that insiders from the National Tobacco Product Control Board (TPB) are deeply worried about the AoT’s submission to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), set for today. Continued …
Pattaya Beach Wins Three Awards for Beauty and Eco-Friendliness
Nestled just an hour from Bangkok, Pattaya Beach has recently earned three prestigious awards, spotlighting its outstanding beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
This recognition, granted by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and the Department of Tourism, affirms Pattaya’s ongoing dedication to high-quality beach management. Continued …
Viral video shows crowd of Indian tourists sleeping on Pattaya Beach
A video circulating on Instagra showing what appears to be a mass takeover of Pattaya Beach by Indian tourists has set social media on fire.
Shared with the not-so-subtle caption “Indian Tourists in Pattaya,” the clip reveals around 100 holidaymakers lounging on mats. Some are seen knocking back beers while surrounded by unsightly piles of litter. Continued …
Cost, quality remain top considerations for travelers
Cost and quality remain the dominant priorities for travelers, outweighing sustainability considerations, according to the latest report by the WTTC. In a survey of more than 10,000 respondents, more than 50% said cost was the most important factor influencing purchasing decisions, while around 30% prioritized quality. Only a small minority (from 7% to 11%) said sustainability was a primary factor.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said: “Travelers care about sustainability but when buying travel, cost and quality are king. Customers expect businesses to create affordable sustainable options. But many WTTC companies inspire change – whether that is regrowing coral reefs or reducing food waste. Customers engage with brands that have strong values.” Continued …
Experience Thai-Chinese ties through noodles, tea, and neon-lit streets
As Thailand and China commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, the celebrations extend beyond politics, highlighting centuries of shared heritage.
Long before the influx of Chinese tourists, Chinese communities played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s cultural and economic landscape. Skilled artisans, traders, potters, and chefs, even exiled soldiers and families on the run helped forge a distinct Thai-Chinese identity, blending traditions in ways unique to the region. Continued …
Phuket ranks among top winter sun destinations
Phuket has been named the third-best winter sun destination in the world, according to travel and luggage experts Bounce. The ranking was based on temperature, rainfall, sea conditions, and sunshine hours, making the Thai island a top pick for sun-seekers escaping the winter chill.
With a winter sun score of 6.24 out of 10, Phuket secured the third spot, trailing behind Darwin and Sydney in Australia, which both scored 6.45 out of 10. However, Phuket’s popularity comes at a cost, with accommodation prices reaching 10,500 baht per night. Continued …
3-metre snake found in Samut Songkhram toilet
A large, 3-meter-long snake was discovered in a toilet at a residence in Samut Songkhram, prompting emergency services to intervene.
The snake, identified as a large fish-eating snake, was stuck in the toilet due to its size. Fire department personnel from Samut Songkhram municipality were alerted to the situation and took prompt action. Continued …
Bangkok: The hidden costs of a city that never sleeps
Bangkok’s light pollution has unseen impacts on health, ecosystems, and sustainability. With skyglow levels among the highest in the region, Bangkok’s artificial illumination is disrupting ecosystems, affecting human health, and increasing energy consumption. Despite its significance, light pollution remains largely unregulated in Thailand.
In the evening, as one ventures out in Bangkok, the city’s towering billboards and their brightly lit screens stand out just as much as its looming skyscrapers. These massive displays cast an intense glow, sometimes dazzling nearby drivers and pedestrians. Some of the city’s highways are fully covered on the sides with rows of these dazzlingly lit-up billboards displaying their consumerist wares. Continued …
ASEAN’s renewable energy growth: Navigating rapid economic expansion
As Southeast Asia’s economic growth accelerates, driven by its emergence as a manufacturing hub amid global geopolitical shifts, the development of renewable energy in the region is increasingly vital. The ASEAN-6 nations — Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Philippines — are at the forefront of this transition, balancing economic expansion with the pressing need for energy decarbonization.
In 2024, ASEAN-6 countries experienced robust economic growth, with an average GDP increase of 5.2% by the third quarter. This growth has amplified energy demand, highlighting the urgency of renewable energy adoption to meet both economic needs and carbon reduction goals. Continued …
‘Intolerable’ US claim sparks new row over Panama Canal
Panama on Thursday rejected the United States’ claim of securing free passage for its government vessels through the Panama Canal, while bowing to U.S. pressure to quit a key Chinese project. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino told reporters the U.S. assertion about the waterway was “intolerable,” adding that he rejected “bilateral relations based on lies and falsehoods.” Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
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