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bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-March 2

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Today’s news: Thailand facing historic heat/Mass Shooting at Concert/Extra holiday to boost Songkran/Fake cop shirks bill from Jay Fai/Economy: Land title deeds for farmers/China-Laos high-speed rail/15% global minimum tax/Key features of Thailand’s cannabis industry/Tourism: Will visa waivers help/Over 20,000 Chinese tourists a day/American Man Found with Bullet/Pattaya Hotels Exceed 90% Occupancy/150 million passengers at Suvarnabhumi/Environment: Fires force park closure/Thailand Experience: Ancient tie-dye tradition/Fresh Mindset to Bangkok’s Food Scene/International news/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

Thailand among countries facing historic heat in 2024

The El Nino phenomenon could cause temperatures in Thailand to soar to historic highs this year, well-respected marine ecologist Thon Thamrongnawasawat predicted on Friday.

“El Nino will end in June, but the temperatures in many countries could skyrocket in the first half of this year,” he warned. Continued … 

Mass Shooting at Concert in Ubon Ratchathani Leaves Four People Dead

At 12:30am yesterday, Khong Chiam police officers received a mass shooting report incident, resulting in four casualties and many injuries, at a northeastern-style concert in Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani.

According to the police report, unidentified witnesses told the police that during the concert at a temple in Khong Chiam, Noppadon Thonglee, a 45-year-old Volunteer Defense Corps (VDC) guarding the event, broke up a group of audience members that annoyed the singers on the stage. Continued …

Thailand announces extra holiday to boost Songkran economy

Thailand’s financial sector is set to benefit from an additional public holiday, as declared by the Royal Thai Government Gazette. The special holiday is part of a government initiative to facilitate travel flexibility and stimulate the tourism, service sectors, and the overall economy during the Songkran festival.

This move aligns with the Cabinet’s decision from Feb. 13, and marks a strategic effort to distribute travel and boost economic activities nationwide. Continued …

Fake cop shirks 1,500 baht bill from Michelin-starred Jay Fai

Bangkok’s culinary Michelin-starred hotspot Jay Fai fell victim to a brazen food theft, leaving locals and tourists stunned as a fake cop vanished after downing a 1,500-baht feast. The Samranrat Police Station is hot on the trail of the impostor but with no affiliation to their force.

Col. Tossapon Ampaipipatkul, the superintendent leading the investigation, reassured that the police would nab the culprit without fail. However, the audacious thief managed to pull off a daring heist right under the noses of the renowned street-food chef, Jay Fai, and her team. Continued …

Land title deeds for farmers: Can Thailand escape the poverty trap?

A government initiative to convert agricultural land reform certificates into title deeds has sparked both hope and concern for millions of Thailand’s poorest people.

For farmers, the initiative offers the opportunity to use their land plots for more than just agricultural activities. With title deeds, they can also use their land as collateral to obtain loans when necessary, protecting them from loan sharks whose high-interest rates can trap them and their families in debt and poverty for generations. Continued …

Email – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

China-Laos high-speed rail to transform northeast Thailand

Krungthai COMPASS Research Center has identified the China-Laos high-speed railway as the cornerstone for transforming the northeast of Thailand into an economic juggernaut within the greater Mekong subregion.

The center disclosed that the China-Laos high-speed railway, now operational for both passenger and freight services along the Kunming-Vientiane route, will directly turbocharge trade and investment in Thailand’s northeastern region, seamlessly linked to this rail network. The government is primed to fuel the regional economy, committing an expected investment of around 760 billion baht over the forthcoming five years. Continued …

Thai draft ready for levying 15% global minimum tax on large multinationals

The Revenue Department will propose to the Cabinet a draft act within the first half of 2024 on imposing global minimum tax (GMT) at 15% on large multinational enterprises.

The department’s director-general, Kulaya Tantitemit, said on Friday that the draft has been prepared under the agreement with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental organization of 38 countries, to promote transparency and fairness in tax collection. Continued …

What are the key features of Thailand’s cannabis industry?

Just two years after Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, it now plans to ban recreational use of the drug, creating uncertainty for the public, tourists, and a burgeoning industry. Here are details of the cannabis sector:

Thailand has a long history of using cannabis in traditional medicine to relieve pain and fatigue. Cannabis also appeared in old cooking recipes before it was criminalized in the 1930s. Continued …

Will visa waivers help Thailand’s tourism regain pre-pandemic levels?

Thai tourists are excited at the permanent visa-free agreement signed by Thailand and China, which would make travel for citizens of both countries easy, with large-scale implications for tourism.

Chairat Trairattanacharatporn, a former chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, sees the arrangement as offering enormous convenience to Thai passport holders after the permanent visa-free agreement came into force on March 1. Continued …

Thailand expects over 20,000 Chinese tourists a day as free visa starts

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) expects more than 20,000 Chinese arrivals per day from March 1 when Thailand and China permanently waive visa requirements for their citizens.

“The confidence of Chinese tourists in traveling within Thailand has been fully restored,” ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said on Friday, citing statistics of Chinese arrivals in the first two months of 2024 at over one million people. Continued …

American Man Found with Bullet Arrested at Phuket Airport

An American man was arrested with a bullet at the Phuket International Airport.

The Sakoo Police said on Thursday they were notified from the Phuket International Airport that staffer at an x-ray machine was screening passengers’ bags and luggage at the international terminal and found a bullet inside a foreign passenger’s luggage. Continued …

Pattaya Booms with Tourist Influx, Hotels Exceed 90% Occupancy

Pattaya is experiencing a surge in tourism, with hotels exceeding 90% room occupancy driven by an influx of visitors from China, Russia, and India, alongside a rise in domestic tourism.

According to Sanphet Supabawornsathien, president of the Eastern Thai Hotel Assn., this positive trend is fueled by several factors. Russian tourists, seeking respite from the cold and the ongoing war with Ukraine, have chosen Pattaya as their destination, leading to increased flight frequency since late January. Continued …

Target: 150 million passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to boost the annual capacity of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan. “We’re gearing up to more than double our capacity to a staggering 150 million passengers annually,” he said.

Currently handling a substantial 60 million passengers, Suvarnabhumi Airport is set for a dramatic makeover, including the addition of a third runway. This makeover will catapult its flight-handling capabilities to 90 flights per hour, up from the current 60 flights per hour, by October this year. Continued …

Raging forest fires force closure of Thai-Cambodian Border park

Forest fires ablaze along the Thai-Cambodian border have ignited chaos, choking Khao Phra Wihan National Park in Sisaket province with clouds of thick smoke and dust particles, forcing a three-day shutdown.

The infernos, wreaking havoc on the region’s flora and fauna, including monkeys, bats, and birds, have sparked concerns for both tourism and wildlife preservation. Continued …

Ancient tie-dye tradition in Buri Ram

In a community of Khok Muang in Buri Ram, the tradition of tie-dye fabric reflects the local culture. A distinctive tradition passed down through generations involves using silk fabric imprinted with patterns extracted from carvings on the stone pillars of Prasat Muang Tam, an ancient Khmer Hindu temple. Video 

Today’s Thai Chefs Bring a Fresh Mindset to Bangkok’s Food Scene

At Potong, a Thai-Chinese fine-dining spot hidden in Bangkok’s labyrinthine Chinatown, every guest will find a letter to chef-owner Pichaya Soontornyanakij’s grandparents beside their plate. “What I am trying to do is not only to save traditional inspiring ingredients from being forgotten,” Soontornyanakij writes, “but also to create a bold new genre that still respects the ingredients used back then at your little Thai Chinese kitchen on the balcony.”

The ensuing 20-course tasting menu reads like a love letter to Soontornyanakij’s ancestors, who for five generations have run their herbal-medicine business from this timeworn building that quivers when tuk-tuks rattle through the alley in front. Continued …

Myanmar now a ‘never-ending’ nightmare: UN

Three years of military rule in Myanmar have inflicted unbearable cruelty, leaving people trapped in an unending nightmare as the conflict spreads, the UN human rights chief said Friday. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

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

baht, bangkok, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai economy, thai environment, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-March 1

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Today’s news: Planes to battle drought, pollution/More for expressway travel/How AI revolutionizes your food/Economy: Economy improves slightly/Weakening Thai baht forecast/Manufacturing sector sees slump/Another symptom of economic maladies/Global cargo distribution hub/Developing Laem Chabang Port/Year-End Ban on Recreational Cannabis/Tourism: Bid to curb airfares/Misbehaving foreigners/Southern provinces into tourist hub/Tuk tuks and taxis/Sydney launches eVisa/Thailand and US Air Travel/Environment: Thailand’s hotels and greenhouse gas/Thailand to tackle plastic waste/Turning waste into sustainable communities/Thailand Experience: In search of Thailand’s tasty hideouts/One of Thailand’s last untouched islands/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

30 rainmaking planes to battle drought, pollution

The government plans to deploy 30 aircraft nationwide for cloud-seeding operations to induce artificial rain to battle air pollution and ease dry weather conditions in the main crop-growing areas.

The annual royal rainmaking program began on Thursday, with seven centers set up across the country to coordinate efforts in all 77 provinces for operations in March and April, the government said. Continued …

Motorists to pay more for expressway travel from today

Toll fees for Bangkok’s Chalong Rat (Ramindra-At Narong) and Burapha Withi expressways will be more expensive from today.

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced earlier this month that the fee for 4-wheel vehicles on the Chalong Rat Expressway will increase by 5 baht to 45 baht. Toll fees for six to 10-wheelers, meanwhile, will also be 5 baht more expensive, going from 60 to 65 baht, while those for vehicles with more than 10 wheels will be 90 baht, up from 80 baht. Continued …

How AI revolutionizes your food: From farm to fork

In the fast-paced world of food innovation and production, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a game changer. From enhancing the quality of your morning cereal to ensuring the sustainability of your favorite snacks, AI’s role is both profound and transformative.

Imagine a world where food waste is significantly reduced, and every product on your plate meets the highest quality standards. That’s the reality AI is creating in the food industry today. It’s not just about making processes faster; it’s about making them smarter, safer, and more consumer-centric. Continued …

Economy improves slightly but overall recovery remains slow

The Thai economy in January showed signs of improvement from the previous month, but, overall, economic expansion remained slow, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said on Thursday.

BOT spokesperson Chayawadee Chaianant said contributing factors include increasing foreign arrivals and direct foreign investment, while the value of exports, excluding gold, also rose after contracting the previous month. Continued …

Weakening Thai baht forecast due to economic and freight cost factors

Analysts are forecasting a weakened Thai baht due to factors including poor economic performance, high freight costs, and disagreements over interest rate reductions. The baht is anticipated to fluctuate within the range of 36-36.50 to the U.S. dollar this month.

On Wednesday, the baht recorded a decline, falling below 36 to the U.S. dollar, and was quoted at 35.96-98 to the U.S. dollar yesterday morning. This was in response to a slight easing of the dollar, following a minor reduction in U.S. economic growth than initially projected at 3.3% for the last quarter of 2023, as reported by the Kasikorn Research Center. Continued …

Thailand’s manufacturing sector sees slump for 16th month

Thailand’s manufacturing sector witnessed a prolonged slump for the 16th month in January, as the country’s key economic pillar grapples with dwindling domestic and overseas motor vehicle sales, according to information released by the Industry Ministry.

The year-on-year decline of 2.94% in the sector fell short of the anticipated 5.1% fall predicted in a Reuters survey and followed a revised 4.66% slump in December. This downturn was primarily triggered by a reduction in auto production, marking the sixth consecutive month of slowdown, taking into account both domestic sales and exports. Continued …

Migrants moving back to rural hometowns another symptom of Thailand’s economic maladies

Thailand’s economy is undergoing major changes, with ominous signs of a downward spiral. The country has been battling slow growth since the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, after being a “tiger” economy for close to a decade.

In addition to a series of political crises, the country has also faced several other setbacks, such as the global financial crisis in 2008, the devastating floods in 2011, and the COVID-19 fallout recently. Continued …

PM unveils plan to become global cargo distribution hub

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin envisions the country as a regional aviation center and one of the world’s top five cargo distribution hubs. During a live broadcast scheduled for today, the premier will elaborate on this ambitious plan on the government’s NBT television channel and various online and social media platforms.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat shared a sneak peek of the Ignite Thailand Aviation Hub campaign. Kerati stated that AoT has already put forth the plan for the hub vision to PM Srettha. He added that the prime minister would reveal the key details of the plan today. Continued …

PAT developing Laem Chabang Port as a world-class facility

The third phase of development of Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province is among important government-private joint investment projects under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development plan.

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has invested 47% in the 114-billion-baht project, while 53% is by the private sector. The development focuses on the F port with a concession period of five years. Continued …

Email – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thailand Plans Year-End Ban on Recreational Cannabis

In a bid to assert greater control over recreational cannabis consumption, Thailand is set to impose a ban by the end of the year, according to statements from the country’s health minister.

(Editor: Simple solution – regulate it, tax it and use the proceeds for addiction programs and public education.)

Since blazing the trail in Southeast Asia with the legalization of medicinal marijuana in 2018, followed by the nod to recreational use in 2022, Thailand has witnessed a rapid proliferation of the cannabis market. The landscape now boasts an abundance of tens of thousands of cannabis outlets, with industry projections soaring to a monumental $1.2 billion valuation by the upcoming fiscal year. Continued …

In bid to curb airfares, 38 domestic flights added for Songkran

Amid escalating complaints over skyrocketing airfare prices, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced an additional 38 domestic flights and an estimated 13,000 seats for the upcoming Songkran holiday season in April.

Suriya asserted that this measure is just one of the short-term solutions being devised to combat the escalating airfare predicament. “We’re taking decisive action to address the concerns raised by citizens on social media.” Continued …

Thai immigration cracks down on misbehaving foreigners

The Immigration Bureau has ordered thorough investigations and apprehensions of foreign nationals engaging in illegal activities in Thailand, including scrutinizing Thai and foreign residents exhibiting inappropriate behavior.

These actions violate the law, endanger public safety, tarnish the country’s image, or involve transnational criminal activities exploiting Thailand as a base. Continued …

Plan to transform southern provinces into tourist hub

The Thai government has committed to transforming the country’s three southernmost provinces into global tourist attractions and increasing investment in this region. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gave this assurance during a three-day visit to Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala which concluded yesterday.

According to the prime minister, the southernmost provinces possess the potential to rise as the nation’s premier tourist destinations. However, a comprehensive development plan is crucial to actualize this potential and convert these provinces into tourism hotspots. Continued …

Tuk tuks and taxis: Bangkok’s solution to overcharging crisis

Amid a flurry of concerns raised over the fleecing of foreign tourists by tuk tuk and taxi drivers, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has taken a decisive stand. Permanent Secretary Wanthanee Wattana spearheaded this pivotal moment following an intensive meeting with both public and private stakeholders.

Diving into the heart of the issue, yesterday’s summit convened at the Bangkok City Hall and was chaired by the PM’s office minister, Puangphet Choonla-iad. A coalition of representatives from various agencies lent their voices to the cause, acknowledging the urgent need for action. Continued …

Thai Consulate in Sydney launches eVisa from March 19

The Royal Thai Consulate in Sydney has announced it will stop issuing “sticker visas” and go live with eVisa online applications from March 19. The Sydney Consulate will only accept applications from people who live in NSW from that date.

You can apply until March 9 the previous way. As of today, there is no mention of any visa fee increases on their website.

Thailand and US Air Travel: A Dozen Years of Separation Over?

Thailand and the U.S. may be moving ever closer to “Thai-ing” the knot in air travel again after a dozen years of separation.

In 2012, Thai Airways ended its nonstop flights between Bangkok and the U.S. That was because the airline deemed these trans-Pacific routes to be unprofitable. However, more serious reasons loomed in the background. Continued …

Thailand’s hotels produce the most greenhouse gas in Asia

According to KResearch’s latest findings, Thai hotels are the leading culprits in greenhouse gas emissions, emitting a whopping 0.064 tons of carbon per guest each night, significantly higher than the regional and global averages of 0.057 and 0.019 tons, respectively.

Urging the government to intervene, KResearch emphasised the crucial role of sustainable practices in curbing this environmental menace. “While hotels worldwide are embracing eco-friendly initiatives, Thailand’s hospitality sector seems to lag.” Continued …

A top-10 marine water polluter, Thailand to tackle plastic waste

Named one of the world’s top 10 marine water polluters in 2021, Thailand has now added environmental mitigation as a national agenda item.

According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019, the global production of plastics had reached 460 million tons annually, doubling in volume over 20 years. And some 353 million tons ended up as waste, given the increasingly single-use nature of plastics. Continued …

How ‘Grandpa Garbage’ turned waste into sustainable communities

Pirathorn Saneewong, or “Grandpa Garbage”, is the founder of the “Zero Baht Store”, a community initiative born from trash and hunger that has grown into a movement for positive change.

His story begins over three decades ago when living under a bridge in Bangkok and with a young child to feed, Pirathorn hatched a plan to escape poverty. Little did he know that his ingenious idea would provide a remedy for the global problem of waste management – a challenge that has plagued Thailand and other countries for decades. Continued …

In search of Thailand’s tasty hideouts that the locals would rather keep secret

“Stomach and soul,” says chef David Thompson with a smile. “The two things that sum up Thailand.” He pauses. “Well, if I was being flippant and succinct.” David, as I know only too well, is a master of both.

It’s quarter past two in the morning, just outside Amphawa, a town an hour or two to the southwest of Bangkok. And I’m a little confused. We’re here, loitering beneath the ornate eaves of the King Rama II Memorial Park, to observe a wai khru, an ancient Thai ritual where students pay respect to their masters, both human and divine, or — in this case — to honor the art of cooking. Continued …

My stay on one of Thailand’s last untouched islands

What a difference 30 minutes makes. That’s how long it takes to sail by public ferry from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai. You’ll have heard of the first island; Thailand’s most popular and overdeveloped holiday hub. But the latter, not so much.

And it’s startlingly different. I am here to stay in its brand-new Anantara resort among vast grounds of virgin jungle, palm groves and farmland. The plot has a long private coastline and is so big that the hotel requires a fleet of six speedboats, five golf buggies, two vans and two 4WDs, plus one longtail, while guests have use of free bicycles to get around. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

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

baht, bangkok, covid, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, prauchuap khiri khan, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Thursday’s news-Feb 15

Today’s news: Paid parking at Chatchai starts/Banyan Golf Club changing name/Baht falls to three-month low/Higher temperatures this summer/Bangkok urges work from home/Thai woman seeks foreign couple/Update on COVID-19/Thailand faces surge in cancer cases/Fisheries shutdown begins/Thailand’s love-hate relationship with cannabis/Cannabis industry braces for earthquake/Economy: Clean energy development plan/Joint petroleum exploration in Gulf/To triple farm incomes/Mega aircraft deal/Minister threatens Thai Airways/Tourism: New Govt Tourist Insurance/Thailand and Australia visa waivers/British kayaker’s body recovered/2 million bookings predicted/International news/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

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Re: New Hua Hin water rates

“The quality of the water supplied by the Tessaban is terrible…. and now they want to charge more for it!” – Paul

Paid parking at Chatchai Market starts today

Hua Hin has announced the implementation of parking fees in the Chatchai Market area, effective from today.

Dachanuchit Road, stretching from Phra Pok Klao Road to Phetkasem Road near Soi Hua Hin 72, adjacent to Chatchai Market and the site of Hua Hin’s night market, was inspected to establish designated parking zones as part of the municipality’s new ordinance to regulate parking and ensure the orderly collection of parking fees. Continued …

Banyan Golf Club to become Pineapple Valley

On March 1, Banyan Golf Club, chosen by golfers as the best golf club in Thailand, will unveil its new identity, Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin. This transformation reflects the club’s dedication to a distinct brand identity.

The new brand pays homage to the region’s rich heritage and the club’s history. Hua Hin is renowned for its pineapple farming, and prior to using it for the golf course, the land served as a pineapple plantation. This tropical fruit is synonymous with Hua Hin and Prachuap Kirikhan province and is still visible across the golf course. Continued …

Baht falls to three-month low as US inflation delays expected rate cut

The baht hit a three-month low against the U.S. dollar yesterday, slipping below 36 to the dollar. This was attributed to higher than anticipated U.S. inflation, which led the market to predict a delay in the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut, initially expected in May.

Quoting Kasikorn Research Center, the baht was valued at a low of 36.13 against the dollar before rising slightly to 36.07 to 36.09 baht. This is compared to Tuesday’s closing rate of 35.7 baht. Continued …

Meteorological department predicts higher temperatures this summer

Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak and Udon Thani provinces will likely experience temperatures higher than 44 degrees Celsius during the upcoming summer, the Thai Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

The department said this year’s summer will start in the last week of February and end by the end of May. Overall temperature throughout Thailand during the hot season will be higher than last year by 1-2 degrees Celsius, while the amount of rainfall will be lower than normal, it added. Continued …

Bangkok urges work from home amid rise in PM2.5

Levels of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) soared in most Bangkok districts on Wednesday, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to call on state agencies and private organizations to allow their staff to work from home Thursday and Friday.

In an announcement signed by Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt, the BMA encouraged 151 public and private organizations with 60,279 staff to work from home over those days. Continued …

Thai woman seeks foreign couple who rescued her mother from Chao Phraya River

A Thai woman took to social media to look for a foreign couple who saved her mother from drowning in the Chao Phraya River in the central province of Ayutthaya.

Recalling the event, Kornwipha Thongnoom explained that her 70-year-old mother went to a hospital for some follow-up treatment and waited for the boat at Chao Phrom Market Pier to return home. When her mother was boarding from a pier, she fell into the Chao Phraya River, which is very deep. Continued …

Update on COVID-19 in Thailand

We have now entered our fifth year since the first recognition of COVID-19. Overall, to date, 774 million cases and 7 million deaths due to this infection have been reported worldwide. Although we are past the worst phase of the pandemic, COVID-19 has not gone away.

Thailand is currently experiencing a significant surge in COVID-related hospital admissions, serious pneumonia cases, individuals needing support from a mechanical ventilator, and deaths. Continued …

Experts call for urgent action as Thailand faces surge in cancer cases

Despite making significant strides in medical technology enhancing diagnosis and treatment effectiveness, Thailand is still witnessing a concerning rise in new cancer cases.

Hence, experts are stressing an urgent need for proactive measures to combat the disease, focusing on early detection, access to high-quality treatment and palliative care. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Thailand, with the National Cancer Institute’s 2022 report revealing approximately 140,000 new cases and some 84,000 deaths annually. Continued …

Fisheries shutdown begins in Gulf

The Department of Fisheries has announced the beginning of the annual rotational closing of the Gulf of Thailand to fishing until September.

The first part of the Gulf being closed to fishing is the Khao Mong Lai coast in Prachuab Khiri Khan to Don Sak district in Surat Thani from today until May 15. Then, from May 16 to June 14, Khao Ta Mong Lai to Hua Hin in Prachuab Khiri Khan province will be closed to fishing. Continued …

Is Thailand’s love-hate relationship with legal cannabis coming to an end?

Cannabis has soared in popularity among Thais since being removed from the narcotics list two years ago and launched into an almost unregulated market.

Estimates suggest the number of cannabis users in Thailand has rocketed 10 times to about 10 million – around one in seven people – since it became the first country in Asia to decriminalize the herb. However, the “ganja good times” could soon be over, with the Pheu Thai-led government pushing for a ban on recreational use. Continued …

Thailand’s ‘wild East’ cannabis industry braces for regulatory earthquake

Thousands of cannabis businesses in Thailand are bracing for major legal and regulatory changes as the country looks to curb adult-use sales and pivot the industry back to a medicinal market.

The government’s latest draft cannabis law looks to end a legal vacuum that unintentionally allowed the recreational marijuana industry to flourish after a 2022 decision to declassify the drug as a narcotic. Continued …

Clean energy development plan touted to lure foreign investment

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reassured the business sector on Wednesday that his government was committed to developing sustainable clean energy to attract foreign investment.

However, during the transition from “brown” (polluting) energy to green energy, Srettha said the government would seek other energy sources – including gas from the overlapping claims area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand. Continued … 

Thailand and Cambodia discuss joint petroleum exploration in Gulf

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand and Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet have instigated discussions about the potential for joint petroleum exploration and production in the Gulf of Thailand.

The overlapping claims area (OCA), an area of 26,000 square kilometers that is believed to be rich in fossil fuels, is the focal point of these negotiations. The OCA is considered a high-potential petrol source due to its proximity to the Erawan and Bongkot gas blocks. Continued …

Agriculture ministry aims to triple farm incomes

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has sought approval for next year’s fiscal budget of 411 billion baht, more than three times higher than the previous budget, based on the expectation it will triple farmers’ incomes within four years.

Chantanon Wannakejohn, secretary-general to the Office of Agricultural Economics, said on Wednesday that the ministry is seeking this amount for its short-medium and long-term plans to increase farmers’ incomes, as they are the largest group of workers in the country. Continued …

Email: kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Thai Airways confirms mega aircraft deal with Boeing

Thai Airways International made headlines by sealing a monumental deal with Boeing, announcing an order for at least 45 aircraft.

The airline confirmed on Wednesday that the order, which includes options for additional jets, will see the new aircraft joining its fleet between 2027 and 2033. This strategic investment comes at a crucial time for Boeing, offering a much-needed boost following a recent accident on an Alaska Airlines flight that left the company under intense scrutiny. Continued …

Transport minister threatens Thai Airways Suvarnabhumi contract termination

Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit issued a warning to Thai Airways International (THAI) following a series of complaints about subpar ground services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Speaking after a pivotal meeting with airport service operators, Suriya unveiled a roadmap for dramatic improvements or contractual consequences. “The ministry has been inundated with grievances regarding the dismal quality of ground services provided by several airlines and businesses.” Continued …

New Govt Tourist Insurance to Cover Deaths and Accidents

Thailand wants to make sure foreign tourists feel safe when they visit. The government has set aside money to help tourists who are hurt or who die in accidents while visiting the country.

Thailand gets a lot of money from tourists. The government wants to protect them so they keep coming back. In the past, there was a special fund to help tourists, but it ended. Continued …

Thailand and Australia to consider mutual visa waivers

Thailand and Australia have agreed to consider the possibility of introducing a mutual visa exemption scheme to facilitate travel and business activity between the people of both nations.

The proposal was raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the governor-general of Australia, at Government House on Wednesday. Continued …

‘The Cave’ Diver Helps Recover body of British kayaker in Surat Reservoir

Yesterday, officials found the body of a British tourist who fell out of a kayak near Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province, after spending more than three days, with the help of a diving teacher who had previously participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue operation.

Gowribalan Shanghaman, a 24-year-old British tourist, has been missing since the morning of Feb. 11, after falling from a kayak into the Ratchaprapha Reservoir (Cheow Lan Dam) in Khao Phang subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, around 500 meters from the pier. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket. Continued …

Thailand set to break records with 2 million bookings predicted

Thailand’s tourism industry is gearing up for a surge, with online travel platform Klook forecasting a staggering two million bookings for holiday packages in the Southeast Asian country this year.

Klook’s COO Eric Gnock Fah revealed that Thailand’s tourism sector is bouncing back ferociously, rivaling Japan’s impressive rebound on the platform, and outshining other Asian destinations. Continued …

 

Indonesia’s Prabowo claims victory in presidential election

Indonesia Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in a presidential election on Wednesday after unofficial vote counts showed him with a huge lead that could see him win in a single round. Continued …

One dead, 8 kids among 22 shot at end of Super Bowl parade

In an unfortunate incident, eight children and 22 others were struck by gunfire during Wednesday’s parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. Tragically, one person, identified as a DJ by her radio station, lost her life. Continued …

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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

bangkok, exports, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, real estate, thai economy, thai environment, thailand, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Feb 10

Today’s news: Chinese New Year celebrations/Chinese New Year in Hua Hin/Charge for parking near Chatchai Market/Please welcome returning Sponsor IC Curtains/Thailand braces for severe weather/The New Expat Tax Landscape/Bridge to host 111 weddings/Canadian who opened plane door/Methamphetamine seizures double/Economy: Recovery still trailing behind/Modest 4.9% pay hike/First home blues/Bank rues cheap imports/World’s 3rd-largest chicken exporter/Cannabis industry threatened/Tourism: Bt4.4B for Suvarnabhumi expansion/Romanian Tourist Falls to Death/Alleged Hotel Booking Scam/Driver killed, 13 Danish tourists injured/AirJapan begins flights to Bangkok/Environment: The realities of PM2.5/Fires in western forest complex/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

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Thai, Chinese governments jointly launch Chinese New Year celebrations

The governments of Thailand and China on Friday together held a ceremony to give New Year’s blessings to all Chinese nationals and descendants worldwide, and officially launched the Chinese New Year Festival in Thailand.

Chinese New Year in Hua Hin

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The ceremony was held at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, attended by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Han Zhiqiang, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand. Continued …

Hua Hin to charge for street parking near Chatchai Market

The Hua Hin Municipal Council has initiated a pilot program to charge for parking on the streets surrounding Chatchai Market to improve parking availability for visitors.

The fees for parking near Chatchai Market, which is the main fresh market in the center of Hua Hua, will range from 5 baht to 20 baht per hour, depending on the vehicle type and the amount of time the vehicle has been parked. Continued …

Please welcome returning Sponsor IC Curtains

As Hua Hin’s expat business climate recovers from the Covid pandemic, Expat News welcomes back IC Curtains as a Sponsor.

IC Curtains and its sister companies, Just Sofas and Lucky Awnings, provide many complementary and interrelated products in a “one stop shop” experience. They simplify the process by enabling design, color and style choices for both indoor and outdoor soft furnishings and products in one place.

The founder and owner of IC Curtains, “Lucky”, is from Australia and has over 45 years curtain and fabrics industry experience, and over 60 years in service an retail industries, and so he really understands the level of customer service needed to keep clients happy.

Before opening IC Curtains here in Hua Hin, Lucky was already well established and respected in Phuket, having started the successful Island Curtains over 20 years ago. Island Curtains in Phuket has thousands of satisfied customers for hotels, villas, resorts, residential homes, restaurants and other commercial outlets.

“We really focus on taking the time to understand your own personal style and vision, and with offering advice on how to bring that together the aesthetics, purpose, budget and functionality of your environment,” Lucky emphasizes. “Our goal is to help you to create the mood, tone and ambiance that you envision for your space, with the best quality products within your budget.”

Call Lucky direct at 093-6294400 to make an appointment to drop-in and tell him about your unique requirements. IC Curtains is located at 70/171 Soi 112 Huana Tuptai Road, Hua Hin.

Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces

A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail.

The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from China covers the upper part of Vietnam and is forecast to extend its influence over the northeastern part of Thailand today. Continued … 

Navigating the New Expat Tax Landscape

A new reality is dawning for many expats in Thailand. A significant overhaul of the Thai tax system, effective Jan. 1, has thrown a curveball at many in the expat community, raising concerns and prompting a scramble for solutions.

This article delves into the intricacies of this new tax tango, offering a road map for expats to navigate the complexities and unlock potential strategies to secure their financial future in the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Bangkok’s Rama IX Bridge to host 111 weddings at Valentine’s party

A lucky 111 couples will be given the chance to consecrate their love in an historic marriage registration ceremony on Bangkok’s iconic Rama IX Bridge this Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).

The ceremony is part of “Luck Lock Love”, an event being held by the Expressway Authority of Thailand on Feb. 14-18 and 23-25 to celebrate the month of love. The romantic backdrop is Thailand’s first cable-stayed bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River. Continued … 

Canadian who opened plane door before take off self- harms in cell

The Canadian man in Chiang Mai who was arrested after opening the door of a Thai Airways aircraft as it was about to take off on Wednesday night has been taken to Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital for assessment after he hurt himself in his cell.

Chiang Mai police say that the suspect, 40-year-old Wong Sai Heung, bashed his head against the iron bars of the detention cell, in the Mueang district police station, and bit the back of his own hand. Continued … 

Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand

The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year.

This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighboring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Continued …

Thailand’s post-pandemic economic recovery still trailing behind

Unlike other ASEAN countries, Thailand’s real GDP and GDP per capita have yet to outpace pre-pandemic figures. The Thai economy was hit hard by COVID-19 and has experienced a relatively slow economic recovery. Thailand’s large informal economy and dependence on tourism made the economy particularly vulnerable to the pandemic.

Mild economic growth in 2023 was primarily driven by activities in the travel sector, but the manufacturing sector continued to contract. Merchandise exports, a backbone of the Thai economy, continued to decline. Continued …

Thai workers to see modest 4.9% pay hike in 2024

Employees in Thailand will see wages rise by an average 4.9% this year, lower than most regional rivals, according to management consultant Aon Plc’s latest survey.

Aeon forecast a slight rise from 4.7% in 2023 but lower than in Indonesia (6.5%), Philippines (5.5%) and Malaysia (5%). Singapore wages are expected to rise 4%. Continued …

First home blues: Why Thai millennials are caught in a housing crisis

A decade has passed since the minimum monthly wage for new graduates was set at 15,000 baht, but during that period the cost of living has soared.

Traditional markers of success like graduating from a prestigious university, securing a job, purchasing a car, buying a house, and starting a family, have become increasingly challenging for many millennials. Their hopes have been dampened further by the significant surge in property prices. Continued …

Bank of Thailand rues cheap imports

The Bank of Thailand is concerned about the weaker competitiveness of local small businesses amid an influx of cheap Chinese imports. Low-priced Chinese consumer goods have inundated the Thai market, hurting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Manufacturing for the domestic market is struggling to compete with imported goods, said the central bank’s assistant governor for the monetary policy group. Continued …

Thailand is world’s 3rd-largest chicken exporter

Thailand exported over 100,000 tons of chicken, worth over 100 billion baht last year, making the kingdom the world’s third-largest exporter behind Brazil and the United States.

Thailand’s 2023 ranking was an improvement from 4th place in 2022, said Chaweewan Kampa, president of the Poultry Promotion Assn. of Thailand on Friday. Continued …

Thailand’s cannabis industry threatened by legalization rollback

The future of Thailand’s cannabis industry is uncertain due to the government’s deliberation on whether to re-regulate the plant solely for medical purposes.

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The country legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes in June 2022, but without specific laws regulating its cultivation and sale, a recreational cannabis industry has developed. Continued …

Airports of Thailand to invest Bt4.4B in Suvarnabhumi expansion

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is to invest a total of 4.4 billion baht in the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport and the third phase development project of Don Mueang International Airport.

Kirati Kitmanawat, AoT deputy director, recently said that improvements in service and security are in place for Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a total of 65 million passengers expected to arrive this year. The number is close to that of the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Continued …

Another one? Romanian Tourist Falls to Death from Pattaya Hotel Balcony

A 63-year-old Romanian tourist lost his life in a fall from the balcony of a 7-story hotel in Soi 5, Pattaya, on Friday morning.

The incident was reported to Pattaya police around 9:30 am. Police officers and rescue workers arrived at an unidentified hotel to find the lifeless body of the deceased, a 63-year-old Romanian man, whose name was withheld pending family and embassy notification, in the garden area below the balcony. Continued …

Phuket Man Arrested for Alleged Hotel Booking Scam

A man from Phuket was arrested in Mae Hong Son after he allegedly scammed more than 40 victims, with damages costing approximately 800,000 baht in hotel bookings.

The Cyber Crime Police said that earlier this week they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Sunthorn, 37, from Phuket. He was arrested in Mae Hong Son, northern Thailand. He is being accused of fraud by importing distorted information into a computer system. Continued …

Driver killed, 13 Danish tourists injured as van plunges into ravine

Thirteen Danish nationals were injured late on Thursday night when their van plunged into a roadside ravine in Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand.

The 50-year-old Thai driver of the vehicle, identified by police as Baramee Panjachaiya, was seriously injured in the accident and later died in hospital. Three of the tourists suffered severe injuries, according to police. Continued …

Budget carrier AirJapan begins flights to Bangkok

ANA Holdings on Friday launched its third airline brand, AirJapan, a medium-haul low-cost carrier targeting the growing number of tourists from other Asian countries, including Thailand.

The parent of All Nippon Airways said AirJapan would operate six round-trip flights per week between Narita airport near Tokyo and Bangkok using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The first flight departed on Friday afternoon. Continued …

The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’

Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis, as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions.

The Check Dust application, utilizing cutting-edge satellite technology and AI, revealed a disturbing reality, with PM 2.5 concentrations reaching hazardous levels in several provinces, posing severe health risks to the populace. Continued … 

Hundreds of firefighters tackling fires in western forest complex

About 250 firefighters have been deployed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prevent fires in the western forest complex from spreading.

So far, 1,600 hectares of forest have been damaged as the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issues warnings of the threat of forest fires in nine provinces. Continued …

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90-day online reporting

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

bangkok, chiang mai, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, thai economy, thai environment, thai wildlife, thailand, tourism, transportation, wildlife tourism

Saturday’s news-Jan 20

Today’s news: Court orders plan to address PM2.5/New zoning areas for water sports in Hua Hin/Hua Hin Health Park opens/Split-second decision saved mother’s life/500kg of explosives at factory/Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan/Bangkok braces for three diseases/Plan to tackle decline in Thai doctors/New lottery system/Phuket’s unique 7-color lobster/Vape usage surging/Cannabis bill called ‘knee-jerk reaction’/Economy: Ministry monitoring product prices/Minimum wage raise/Delayed launch of digital wallet/To attract THB3.06 trillion investment/5 emerging trends/Govt clarifies on lithium discovery/Thailand halts poultry imports/Tourism: Must-have Thailand travel application/Flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok/Thailand Experience: Rethink as elephant population boom/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

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Court orders government to form urgent plan to address PM2.5

The Administrative Court in Chiang Mai yesterday ordered Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the National Environment Board to draw up an emergency plan within 90 days to deal with the PM2.5 pollution problem in northern provinces and to develop short- and long-term plans to deal with it.

The court’s ruling marks a rare victory for civil society in the northern region, putting pressure on the government to take concrete action to deal with PM2.5 pollution, which has been a threat to the health of people in the region for many years. Continued …

New zoning areas for water sports set for Hua Hin beach

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul presided over a meeting with local water sports operators as part of plans to enhance tourist safety and regulate water sports activities on Hua Hin beach.

The primary objective of the meeting was to communicate the latest regulations and legal requirements essential for conducting water sports activities, focusing on ensuring the safety of tourists and participants. Continued …

Hua Hin Health Park officially opens

In a boost for healthcare in Hua Hin, the Hua Hin Health Park held its official opening ceremony yesterday.

The ceremony was attended by Nopporn Wutthikul, the mayor of Hua Hin, Cheep Suksee, a member of the municipal council, and representatives from the Hua Hin/Cha Am Tourism Business Assn. and the Hua Hin Lions Club. Continued …

Split-second decision saved mother’s life at Suphan Buri fireworks plant

As Thailand and the province of Suphan Buri, just to the northwest of Bangkok, mourn the deaths of 23 people in a catastrophic firework explosion, it emerged that one fortunate woman survived. Namfon Bunkom, in a tizzy, just minutes before the explosion, hastily departed the building. Her son, who normally collected money from her, had failed to turn up and was at home instead.

Namfon’s flustered decision, a near-run thing because of her commitment to work, saved her life. However, any joy or relief for the Thai woman was subdued. Afterwards, she confirmed that her mother and many of the people she knew had perished. Continued … 

500kg of explosives in storage at factory

Authorities estimate that the fireworks factory in Suphan Buri may have had at least 500 kilograms of explosive materials stored in its compound before the blast on Wednesday afternoon.

The explosion occurred at village Moo 3 in tambon Salakhao of Muang district at about 3.30pm, killing 23 workers instantly. The explosion also caused damage to four houses located about 300 meters from the factory. Continued …

Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2024 final showdown at Bluport on Sunday

The contestants of “Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2024” gathered at Hua Hin Train Station on Friday as part of their promotional tour highlighting the region’s tourist destinations. Led by Phatthiya Nimnoi, the rights holder of the pageant, 12 contestants engaged in filming a video to showcase the attractions of Hua Hin District. The activities are a prelude to the final competition, scheduled for tomorrow at 6pm in the Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall’s event area, Level B. The winner will be awarded a diamond crown valued at 200,000 baht, along with a trophy and additional prizes amounting to over 1,000,000 baht. (HHT)

Bangkok braces for severe outbreak of three diseases

Bangkok’s health office predicts a severe outbreak of three diseases, with high infection rates, and plans to increase monitoring for an additional 12 diseases. Preparations are underway to care for patients, protect against infections, and secure treatment drugs and vaccines.

The Health Department of Bangkok predicted a significant outbreak of three diseases in 2024. The illnesses include the Omicron variant of Covid-19, influenza, and dengue fever. The influenza outbreak is typically expected to start in May, and vaccination once a year can prevent it. Continued …

Thonburi Healthcare Group unveils plan to tackle decline in Thai doctors

Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc (THG), which manages Thonburi Hospital, is teaming up with Assumption University to combat Thailand‘s chronic doctor shortage.

An international medicine program is set to launch in 2025, in collaboration with the prestigious St. Luke School of Medicine. Continued …

Government tests new lottery system with tickets as low as 20 baht

The Government Lottery Office (GLO) plans to experiment with the sale of three-digit and two-digit lotteries within a sandbox system mid-year this year.

The test will involve one million numbers, both direct and permutation, to combat underground lottery operations. The cost per ticket is expected to range between 20 to 50 baht. Continued …

Phuket’s unique 7-color lobster to soon get GI product status

Phuket province’s famous 7-color lobster is set to be registered as one of Thailand’s geographical indication (GI) products. The lobster has become a delicacy among tourists visiting Phuket restaurants. A GI product registration will offer intellectual property protection, as well as control the quality of the products. Phuket’s 7-color lobster has unique characteristics — a large head and body, a thick colorful shell and strong antennae. A full-grown lobster weighs 3.5-4.5 kilograms and can be served either raw or cooked. (The Nation)

Vape usage among young teens surging

A national committee on tobacco has ordered stricter enforcement of laws against e-cigarette sales after a survey revealed that vaping among younger teens has increased more than fivefold.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said the committee has voiced strong concerns about the widespread use of e-cigarettes among young people in the kingdom. Continued …

New cannabis bill called ‘knee-jerk reaction’

The new cannabis control bill is a face-saving move in response to a public perception that marijuana usage has spiraled out of control, according to cannabis right activist and entrepreneur Chokwan Kitty Chopaka.

The bill, which envisages a 60,000 baht fine for recreational smoking inside one’s residence, as well as prison sentences and fines upward of 500,000 baht for other offenses, is “a knee jerk reaction to the general belief that there are no current rules controlling cannabis,” Chokwan said. Continued …

Ministry continues to monitor product prices

The Commerce Ministry is keeping a close watch on prices in 18 categories in the first quarter, with costs nudging up for animal feed raw materials, the minimum wage is adjusted, and transport costs rise as a result of the Red Sea attacks.

According to Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, the 18 categories being monitored are: instant noodles; fresh food; canned food; bagged rice; seasoning sauce; vegetable oil; carbonated drinks; milk and dairy products; electrical appliances; laundry products; fertilizers; insecticides; pet food; iron; cement; paper; medicine and medical services, and services through retail and wholesale channels. Continued …

Thai PM pushes for minimum wage raise

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared yesterday that Thailand must abandon its reliance on low labor costs to entice foreign investments, pushing for a raise in the country’s minimum wage.

“Low labor cost should not be the attracting point. The attractive point should be clean energy, good international schools, good public healthcare system, fair capital market, zero corruption, and ease of doing business,” he said. Continued …

PM confirms delayed launch of digital wallet scheme

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed yesterday a delay to the launch of the “digital wallet” scheme, but no cancellation, adding that he wants to receive official recommendations from the national anti-graft body first.

He was speaking at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, after returning from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Continued …

Industrial estates agency aims to attract THB3.06 trillion investment

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has set itself the target of securing investment of 3.05 trillion baht in the next three years in industrial estates throughout the country, accounting for at least 27% of gross domestic product.

The ambitious goal is a 4% jump from the current 2.6 trillion baht annually, IEAT board Chairman Yuthasak Supasorn said during the first board meeting of the year on Friday. Continued …

5 emerging trends in 2024

Tech giant Meta has identified five emerging trends for businesses and marketers in Thailand to catch up with the “next wave of consumer growth” in the country and the region.

Those trends are the influence of Gen Z, the rapid growth of the “solo economy”, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, business messaging, and short videos. The study was conducted by Meta, and Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. Continued …

Govt clarifies on lithium discovery after experts debunk claims

The 14.8 million tons of mineral resources discovered recently in Phang Nga province may not be entirely lithium, a rare mineral that is a key component for making batteries for electric vehicles, a government official clarified today.

“The 14.8 million tons discovered are the total amount of mineral resources and not lithium resources,” deputy government spokeswoman Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri said. “Mineral resources could contain several kinds of minerals, including lithium.” Continued …

Thailand halts poultry imports from Belgium, France

Thailand has suspended poultry imports from Belgium and three provinces of France in a bid to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The announcement by the Department of Livestock Development, published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday, will be in effect for nine days.

The move follows a World Organization for Animal Health report on the spread of HPAI in both countries. The announcement noted that the disease could spread widely due to transport of sick poultry or their carcasses, adding that it could affect Thailand’s poultry farming and people’s health. Continued …

TAGTHAi emerges as the must-have Thailand travel application

TAGTHAi, pronounced “Tak-Thaai”, means “greetings” in Thai. The all-in-one app will be further ed for tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further raise awareness of TAGTHAi. Continued …

IndiGo launches flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok late February

Indian airline IndiGo announced the launch of daily nonstop flights between Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) starting Feb. 26.

IndiGo’s Airbus A320 family aircraft will be used for the journey. In a head-to-head battle, IndiGo goes wing-to-wing with Thai Airways. Continued …

Experts urge policy rethink as elephant population boom sparks escalating conflicts

Last year was a bloody 12 months in the ongoing saga of human-elephant conflicts in Thailand, marking the sixth consecutive year of escalating incidents. Records for 2023 show a disconcerting surge in encounters and casualties due to wild elephants across the country.

According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), more than 13,000 incidents of wild elephant intrusion outside protected forest areas were reported during the 2023 fiscal year. These incidents resulted in 29 injuries, 21 deaths and extensive damage to crops and property belonging to local communities. Continued … 

Japan’s lunar craft lands successfully but can’t generate solar power

Japan today became the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon, but the probe was not generating solar power, its space agency said, during a mission to prove a “precision” landing technology and revitalize a space program that has suffered setbacks. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

 

90-day online reporting

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

 

baht, bangkok, cha am, chiang mai, healthcare, hua hin, marijuana, pattaya, phuket, retirement, thai economy, thai food, thailand, thailand festivals, tourism, transportation

Saturday’s news-Nov 18

Today’s news: Winds, waves disrupt Hua Hin/Tighter Tax Rules/Paracetamol not good for hangover/Seismic upheaval in Myanmar/Hospitals report quake damage/Economy: Baht set to rise/Land bridge on the agenda/Trillion Baht Budget For 2024/Urgent economic stimulus sought/Cannabis-Hemp Act draft finalized/Tourism: Higher Q3 airfares/4th most-searched tourist city/‘Best Affordable Long-haul Destination’/French tourist joins ‘Pattaya Flying Club’/Thailand Experience: The Absolute Best Thai Curry Paste/New rail route/Why You Should Visit Khao Yai/Phuket’s holiest – and goriest – festival/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

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Strong winds and waves disrupt Hua Hin, Cha Am beachfront tourism

Powerful cold winds have been blowing across the east coast of Thailand and high waves are seen in the Gulf of Thailand, likely caused by the northeast monsoon, according to the Thailand Meteorological Department.

Along the coastline spanning over 200 kilometers from Hua Hin Beach to Bangsaphan Noi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, waves 2-4 meters high have been observed. Continued …

Tighter Tax Rules Not Applicable If Double Taxation Agreement Signed

Amid concern among foreigners who have retired in Thailand about the impact of more stringent tax rules on remittance of overseas income as announced on Sept. 15, an expert pointed out this could be avoided if their country has signed a double taxation agreement with Thailand.

According to the Revenue Department directive issued on that day, Thai tax residents, that is anyone who has lived in the country for more than 180 days, have to report and pay income tax on funds transferred from abroad starting Jan. 1, 2024. Continued …

Using paracetamol to cure a morning hangover is a bad idea

A night out on the town can leave many seeking a quick remedy for that pounding, unrelenting hangover headache. You know, the kind that makes you want to shut the blinds and wear sunglasses indoors.

But paracetamol, as powerful as it is for reducing day-after headaches, is not a recommended remedy. Pharmacists warn that paracetamol is broken down in the liver by the same enzyme as alcohol. Continued …

Seismic upheaval in Myanmar prompts call for earthquake-resistant structures in Thailand

A seismic upheaval of 6.4 magnitude rattled Myanmar and was perceptible in various regions of Thailand yesterday, prompting engineers and academics to urge the implementation of stringent regulations to ensure the resilience of structures against future earthquakes.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4, originated in Myanmar at 8.37am yesterday. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Meteorological Department reported the epicenter to be roughly 100 kilometers northwest of the Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai. Continued …

14 Thai hospitals report quake damage

Fourteen Thai hospitals — 13 in the north and one in the northeast — have been damaged by the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in neighboring Myanmar on Friday morning, with services at two hospitals partially suspended, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said.

According to reports sent to the ministry, affected were 11 hospitals in Chiang Rai and two in Chiang Mai in the north, and one hospital in Sakon Nakhon province in the northeast. Continued …

Baht set to rise next week

The baht is expected to rise to 35 to the U.S. dollar next week, as the greenback weakens after investors forecast an end to Federal Reserve rate hikes.

The baht opened at 35.23 to the dollar on Thursday, strengthening from Wednesday’s close of 35.47. Continued …

Land bridge on the agenda with a 2029 launch date

The government plan for a land bridge linking Chumphon and Ranong ports or the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean has emerged this week as a key policy objective of the government of Srettha Thavisin.

Scorned by critics as a “pipe dream” but approved by the Cabinet in principle on Oct. 16, the TBT1 trillion scheme, if the government can find a suitable foreign partner to take it on as a commercial proposition, would help to boost the kingdom’s GDP both in the short and long term if it can be launched by 2029. Continued …

Trillion Baht Budget For 2024 Due For Cabinet Nod

A 3.48-trillion-baht budget for fiscal 2024 will be submitted for cabinet approval next week, a government official said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to chair next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to pass the 2024 budget bill prepared by the Budget Bureau and then forward it to parliament, according to the official attached to Government House. Continued …

Government seeks urgent economic stimulus amid rising household debt

The economy is in a dire state and in urgent need of a stimulus package to prevent further deterioration, according to the government.

This stance arises amid ongoing discussions about the true state of the economy, with some expressing doubts about the actual need for the government’s proposed US$313 million handout scheme, which would necessitate a loan of US$15.6 billion. Continued …

Public Health Ministry finalizes Cannabis-Hemp Act draft

The Cannabis-Hemp Act‘s first draft has been completed by the Public Health Ministry, and despite public speculation, cannabis will not be reclassified as a narcotic.

According to Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew, the new legislation is a refined version of the initial draft, now streamlined from 94 to approximately 70 sections. The updated version addresses public concerns and closes loopholes that previously allowed recreational use of cannabis. Continued …

Travel demand drives higher Q3 airfares

Average airfares in the third quarter this year continued to surge even though it was the low season, with the increases driven by strong travel demand.

Thai AirAsia reported a 22% year-on-year increase in airfares in the third quarter, while Bangkok Airways recorded a 15% uptick. Continued …

Bangkok ranks 4th most-searched tourist city this year

Bangkok ranks as the 4th most searched tourist city in the world for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination and aims to further enhance its potential in tourism development.

The prime minister’s spokesperson, Chai Watcharong, revealed on Nov. 16 that, according to a survey and ranking of the top 10 most-searched tourist destinations worldwide for this year (Top 10 Most Searched Destinations Of 2023) conducted by eDreams Odigeo, a major travel company, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, secured the 4th position after London, Paris, and New York. Continued …

Thailand named ‘Best Affordable Long-haul Destination’

Thailand was voted as the “Best Affordable Long-haul Destination” in the Travel Great RES Prize Destination 2024 awards organized by RES and Travel News, a Swedish leading travel industry magazine.

The Travel Great RES Prize Destination 2024 awards ceremony was held at the Travel News Market in Stockholm, Sweden. Continued …

French tourist becomes another statistic of the ‘Pattaya Flying Club’

A 43 year old French tourist became yet another statistic of the insensitively named “Pattaya Flying Club” when he jumped from a hotel building in Pattaya and died at the scene.

Police Lt. Anirut Jeroh, deputy inspector of investigation, Pattaya City Police Station, received a report at 4.20am this morning of a French tourist who fell to his death from the hotel balcony. The incident occurred at a hotel in Soi 7, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Continued …

How To Choose The Absolute Best Thai Curry Paste

Whether using a premade Thai curry paste or creating one from scratch, get ready for an earthy flavor explosion on your palette. Thai food is famous for its deeply rich and creamy taste and textures, but also for the wide range of possibilities based on one thing: the type of curry paste you choose.

The options come down to more than just personal preference, since each must be perfectly paired with the specific curry dish you’re making. Thai curry paste, known as prik gaeng in Thailand, is quite simply a blend of spices, chilis, herbs, and culinary aromatics such as garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and shallots, all pressed together with a mortar and pestle. Continued …

New rail route connects cultures of the Gulf and Andaman Sea

The Southern Railway Travel Route connecting the cultures of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman is an innovative initiative aimed at promoting creative tourism, creating economic value and developing cultural capital.

Organized by Songkhla Rajabhat University (SKRU) in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand, the project is designed as a unique travel experience that intertwines the rich cultural heritage of the Andaman region with community attractions. Continued …

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Khao Yai

Located less than a three-hour drive away from Thailand’s capital is Khao Yai — a stunning paradise for nature lovers, with waterfalls, wildlife, fields of flowers, breathtaking views, and lots of fun activities.

Home to Thailand’s third-largest national park, this hidden gem has become increasingly popular among travelers seeking a different, more serene side of the Land of Smiles. Continued …

Phuket’s holiest – and goriest – festival is back with a bang

I was startled every few minutes by the sight and sound of the plastic-coated gunpowder exploding with a flash, inches from my feet, smoke billowing in my eyes and blasts ringing in my ears.

Volleying a firecracker at the wooden god effigies paraded at Phuket’s deceptively named Vegetarian Festival – in fact, everyone goes vegan – is deemed good luck by the thousands that gather there. Continued …

Tickets 

 

90-day online reporting

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
baht, bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Sept 22

Today’s news: Baht depreciation expected to deepen/Rain continues/Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey/Weakening baht not all bad/All in on Green Economy/PM talks up US trade ties/Land bridge project/EV, battery demand/Use of cannabis must be regulated/Small cannabis businesses in limbo/Tourism applauds vow to tackle cannabis/Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal/10 Things To Buy In Bangkok/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

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Baht depreciation expected to deepen amid global market volatility

Financial experts are predicting a further depreciation of the baht throughout this month and next, due to the increased volatility in the global money and capital markets. This follows the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent suggestion of a potential increase in its benchmark interest rate.

Poon Panitchpibun, a strategist at Krungthai Global Market, a research center of Krungthai Bank, noted that the baht opened on Thursday at 36.25 against the U.S. dollar, a depreciation from the previous day’s close of 36.07. Continued …

Rain continues for most regions

Thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain in the northeastern, eastern, lower central and the southern regions will continue throughout today, with Bangkok and the surrounding area having an 80% chance of downpours.

For the next 24 hours, eastern and northeastern regions of Thailand will experience strong easterly winds, while the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand and the western side of the country will experience light westerly winds. Continued …

Deloitte Thailand releases Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey

The survey highlights the cost of living as the top concern among both generations in Thailand. Thai Gen Z and millennial workforce are, on average, more satisfied with their current work/life balance in their job and their organization’s DEI efforts compared to the global average.

Deloitte Thailand reveals the results of the Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which also reflects on country-specific perspectives of Gen Z and millennials, including Thailand, toward the economy, society, and environment, compared to the global average across the same generation. Continued …

Thailand’s weakening baht not all bad for economy, prime minister says

Thailand’s central bank is monitoring the weak baht, which is not entirely bad for the economy and could help the key export and tourism sectors, the prime minister said in remarks aired on Thursday, as the baht hit multi-month lows.

Srettha Thavisin, speaking during a visit to the United States, said the government was not interfering in the central bank’s duty. The Thai currency’s depreciation was driven by capital outflows due to interest rate differentials, Srettha told reporters. Continued …

PM Srettha Goes All in on Green Economy

Srettha Thavisin, Thai prime minister and minister of finance, gave an interview while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and speaking on the topic of sustainable development (SDGs).

Thailand proposed its sustainable development goals (SDGs) and stressed the importance of addressing global warming in a sustainable manner amid geopolitical tensions. Continued …

PM talks up US trade ties

Thailand will further strengthen trade ties with the United States, as the two countries mark 190 years of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

He was speaking after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at a gala dinner hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Wednesday. Continued …

Land bridge project looks to attract investors

The Transport Ministry plans to host roadshows in China, Europe and the United States to attract investors in a land bridge megaproject connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Thursday provided an update on the progress of the project after Wichai Sudsawat, United Thai Nation (UTN) Party MP for Chumphon, shared his concerns regarding the negative impact of the project on the livelihoods of people in his constituency during a House meeting on Wednesday. Continued …

EV, battery demand to spur Thai company’s revenue

Growing demand for commercial electric vehicles and batteries is expected to boost the total revenue of Energy Absolute (EA), a renewable energy and EV developer and operator, to reach a record high of more than 41 billion baht this year, up from 27.5 billion baht in 2022.

EA’s battery manufacturing facility in Chachoengsao.

EV and battery sales represented 25%, or 10.4 billion baht, of total revenue in the first half of this year. Continued …

Thai PM says use of cannabis must be regulated within six months

Speaking in New York, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that his government will amend the law on cannabis, to restrict its use to medical purposes and to control retail cannabis outlets, within six months. (There are a reported more than 12,000 cannabis-related businesses in Thailand.)

During his interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister said that, since cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand last year, by removing it from the Category 5 drugs list, it has become the first country in Asia where cannabis is available for medical, as well as recreational purposes, resulting in the rapid growth of retail outlets offering cannabis and its extracts over the counter. Continued …

Small businesses in limbo with new marijuana policy

 

Just over a year after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced a dramatic policy shift.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, the prime minister revealed that the government will now limit the use of marijuana to medical purposes only. This sudden turn has garnered the support of all parties in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, leaving small dispensaries and entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty. Continued … 

Tourism sector applauds PM’s vow to tackle cannabis

Tourism operators have applauded the prime minister’s pledge to eliminate recreational cannabis usage within six months. as they believe unregulated cannabis shops have done more harm than good to tourism over the past year.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insisted this week during an interview with Bloomberg that the government would rectify the cannabis policy within six months to ensure it would be used only for medical purposes. Continued …

 

Suvarnabhumi’s SAT-1 terminal completes final trial run

SAT-1, a new satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, successfully underwent the third and final full-scale trial operation on Thursday night prior to the soft opening scheduled for Sept. 28.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, Suvarnabhumi airport director, said today that the third full-scale trial operation focused on the outbound passenger process during the night, running from 8pm until midnight. It aimed to ensure that the night-time operations, which require different support systems from the day-time operations, including lighting at all service points, were functioning smoothly. Continued …

10 Things To Buy In Bangkok If You’re Visiting For The First Time

A far cry from the many lesser-known, uncrowded islands in Thailand, Bangkok overwhelms first-time visitors with its bounty of markets, malls, and shops selling everything imaginable.

hile the options may seem endless, focusing shopping on finding authentic Thai items is key to an optimal experience. By looking for goods that represent true local craftsmanship and culture, visitors can be sure to take home meaningful souvenirs. Continued …

Singapore’s worst money-laundering case now worth over $1.7 billion

The police have taken control of more than $1.7 billion worth of assets in Singapore’s worst money-laundering case. In an update on Wednesday, the police said they conducted more operations after 10 foreign nationals were arrested in August for their alleged involvement in laundering the proceeds of their overseas organized crime activities. Continued …

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch steps down

Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as the chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp., ending a more than seven-decade career during which he created a media empire spanning from Australia to the United States. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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
hua hin, immigration, marijuana, thai economy, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Sept 15

2 Comments

Today’s news: Residents bemoan burning trash/Heavy rain forecast/Tablets for students/Gun owners given 30 days/iPhone 15 lineup/PM disagrees with use of cannabis/Minister promotes cannabis/Surging rice prices/Digital wallet for specific groups/Biweekly or monthly salary payment/Thai durian enjoys a bounty/Tourism goal set at Bt3 trillion/Effectiveness of visa-free policy/Focus to Kazakhstan/Thailand’s newest international airport/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

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Residents bemoan ongoing problem of burning trash

Persistent burning of waste in the Smorprong area continues to be a thorn in the side for local residents, whom claim their pleas for help from authorities have fallen on deaf ears.

According to one resident of the area, “I have reported this to the authorities who went to the temple to ask the monks to stop. Monks said no and that they have no choice as trucks keep dumping up there everyday. The guy from the government then said there was nothing more that could be done! “ Continued …

Heavy rain forecast for much of Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department is forecasting very heavy rain for 57 provinces, with an 80% chance of rain for Bangkok today.

The continuing heavy rainfall is caused by the strong monsoon influences over the lower northern, upper central, and northeastern regions of Thailand. Additionally, the monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand is contributing to moderate to heavy rain coverage, affecting various parts of the country, including the eastern region. Continued …

Tablets for students plan resurrected

The Thai Education Ministry is set to revive a decade-old initiative, which was originally launched by a previous Pheu Thai government, to distribute a tablet computer to each student and teacher across the country. This initiative aims to promote equal educational opportunities.

The announcement was made yesterday by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and his deputy, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, both members of the Bhumjaithai Party in the Pheu Thai-led coalition. During a gathering of ministry officials, their stated goal was to endorse good learning, with happiness. Continued …

Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance

In an attempt to crack down on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied.

This initiative was implemented following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21 locations in Nakhon Pathom. The operation resulted in the seizure of around 16 guns and 200 bullets from a network likened to organized crime. Continued …

iPhone 15 lineup set to juice up Thailand’s smartphone sales

Apple Inc’s new line of iPhone 15 models is set to boost Thailand’s smartphone sales in the fourth quarter, say industry analysts and a mobile phone distributor. In the premium smartphone market in Thailand, Apple and Samsung devices continue to reign.

Apple debuted the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max on Tuesday. Thai consumers will be among the first to access these models, with preorders opening tomorrow and widespread availability from Sept. 22. The iPhone15 Pro Max starts at 48,900 baht and the 15 Pro is priced at 41,900 baht, as per Apple Store Thailand’s website. Continued …

PM says he disagrees with recreational use of cannabis

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday he did not agree with allowing recreational use of cannabis, though its medical use would remain a policy under his administration.

“Cannabis policy will be medical cannabis. On recreational use, I do not agree with that,” Srettha, who is also finance minister, told reporters. Continued …

Thai Interior minister promotes cannabis for its medical and economic benefits

The government’s cannabis policy aims to promote health and economic development, as clarified by the Minister of Interior, rather than unregulated recreational use. The new interior minister said he was ready to explain in detail his decentralization policy, which has faced skepticism from critics.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul elaborated on the government’s policy concerning cannabis as a means of promoting health and economic growth, stressing that it was not to encourage unregulated recreational use. Continued …

Surging rice prices raise specter of Asian food scare

Rising food prices are likely to prove an additional concern for central bankers trying to subdue inflation, as the cost of rice — a staple food in Asia — surges the most since 2008, according to HSBC Holdings.

“The memory of the 2008 Asian food price scare sits deep,” economists led by Frederic Neumann said in a research note on Friday. “Back then, rising rice prices in some economies quickly spilled over into other markets, as consumers and governments across the region scrambled to secure supplies. It also lifted the prices of other staples, such as wheat, as buyers shifted to alternatives.” Continued …

BOT governor suggests digital wallet for specific groups only

The Bank of Thailand governor believes the government should provide the digital wallet money handout to specific groups only to minimize strain on the national budget and avoid potential adverse financial impacts that could follow.

BOT’s Gov. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday that the central bank is concerned about the economic recovery. Continued …

Civil servants can choose biweekly or monthly salary payment: PM

Government officials will be able to choose when their salaries are paid, once or twice a month, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday.

After the first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Srettha told the media that, tentatively from Jan. 1, the new options for payment of civil service salaries will be introduced. Continued …

Thai durian enjoys a bounty as Chinese demand surges

A new report by HSBC Bank predicts that global demand for durian will surge by up to 400%, driven by a significant increase in durian consumption in China.

“While some may view durian as a fruit with a strong taste, and others complain about its distinctive smell, we anticipate that demand for durian will rise by up to 400% annually, primarily fueled by the growing popularity of durian in China,” HSBC Bank’s ASEAN region economist Aris Dacanay said. Continued …

New foreign tourism goal set at Bt3 trillion

The new tourism and sports minister set a new record target for foreign tourism receipts of 3 trillion baht, up from 1.9 trillion in 2019, aiming to establish the country as a sports and entertainment hub.

Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the tourism and sports minister, said the government would like to achieve this ambitious target as soon as possible, but it needs more time to draft an action plan. Continued … 

Effectiveness of visa-free policy for Chinese tourists doubted

The introduction of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists is unlikely to be very effective because of the current economic slowdown in China, Private Hospital Assn. Thailand President Chalerm Harnphanich said on Thursday.

He made the remark after the cabinet on Wednesday approved a tourism stimulus measure that offers visa-free travel for tourists from China and Kazakhstan from Sept. 25 to Feb. 29. Continued …

Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan

Chinese tourists aren’t expected to immediately surge to 700,000 arrivals per month, despite a prospective Thailand tourism visa–free scheme, due to safety concerns and lower flight frequencies, currently at half of their pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Phuket’s tourism operators are instead setting their sights on Kazakhstan, to be granted visa-free entries from Sept. 25 to Feb. 29, 2024. Travel agents see this market as having high potential. Continued …

Thailand’s newest international airport set for maiden flight

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, situated in southern Thailand, is poised to start a trial run of its state-of-the-art international passenger terminal, valued at 1.4 billion baht, on Sept. 19. This development marks an eagerly anticipated step toward its recognition as Thailand’s latest international airport.

Originally designed primarily for domestic flights, the airport has responded to the escalating demand for international travel by introducing a new terminal. It now awaits the official declaration affirming its status as a newly minted international airport in Thailand. Continued …

Rain, Floods Claim 11,300 Lives After Dams Give Out In Derna, Libya

The death toll in Libya’s coastal city of Derna has soared to 11,300, as search efforts continue following a massive flood fed by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains, the Libyan Red Crescent said Thursday. Continued …

World’s 10 biggest car companies by sales joined by Chinese EV

China’s new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD (its electric car at left) has joined the world’s 10 biggest car companies by sales for the first time in the first half of 2023, surpassing Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Tesla. Continued …

NASA joins the still controversial search for UFOs

NASA on Thursday officially joined the search for UFOs — but reflecting the stigma attached to the field, the U.S, space agency kept secret for hours the identity of the person heading a new program tracking mystery flying objects. Continued …

International Red Panda Day is tomorrow

Picture this: A creature, small yet striking, wrapped in russet fur so vivid it could ignite the darkest of forests with fiery charm. Its eyes, framed by a mask of darkness, hold a centuries-old mystery as if they have witnessed the dance of shadows and light in dense woodlands since time immemorial. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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
bangkok, hospitality, hua hin, immigration, marijuana, pattaya, prauchuap khiri khan, solar, thai economy, thai food, thailand, tourism, transportation

Friday’s news-Aug 11

  • Prachuap Khiri Khan is no longer in drought crisis/
  • Hua Hin Coffee Fest slated this weekend/
  • Special blends, unique brands key to Thai coffee’s global appeal/
  • Monsoon Valley Vineyard Fest this weekend/
  • Queen birthday celebration at Huay Mongkol Temple Sunday/
  • Thailand’s health services strain as dental appointments delayed/
  • Bangkok is sinking/
  • Iraqi man arrested for overstaying in Thailand for nearly 15 years/
  • Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation/
  • Woman rescues 19 puppies abandoned in Isaan forest/
  • Thai researchers develop antibody drugs from tobacco plants for cancer treatment/
  • Pilots face pricey training fees to secure airline jobs/
  • Thailand election: Pheu Thai cruising toward power, but at what price?/The continuing crisis of Thai democracy/
  • Economy: Consumer confidence drops for first time in 14 months/Thai rice price surges amidst drought concerns/Fruit exports fare well in first 5 months/Thailand’s data center market to grow in triple digits/Thailand’s legal cannabis story – one year later/
  • Tourism: Tourist visa requirements eased for Chinese visitors/China Expands the Number of Countries for Travel/Thailand plans to build 3 terminals for cruise ships/Agency turns to culinary tourism/Hotels looking to hire temporary workers as high season nears/Motorbike collision sparks street fight between Thais and Kuwaitis in Pattaya/Police Urged To Stop Tourists Partying On Jomtien Beach All Night/
  • International: Maui fire fatalities rise to 53/Russia launches moon lander in race to find water on moon/Virgin Galactic rockets its first tourist passengers into space/
  • 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

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Prachuap Khiri Khan is no longer in drought crisis

Prachuap Khiri Khan has emerged from its drought crisis, with sufficient aid having been given to all the impacted areas, officials reported.

Decha Rueang-On, the director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DPMO) of Prachuap Khiri Khan, announced yesterday the province had activated a drought disaster response and solution center as early as Jan. 25. This initiative coordinated various government agencies to closely monitor the situation, gauge its impact on residents, and formulate appropriate assistance and support measures. Continued …

Hua Hin Coffee Fest slated this weekend

The Hua Hin Coffee Fest 2023 will be held Aug.10-13 at the Plik Vivek Cafe https://goo.gl/maps/oBAQs3hTcPTNDSFE6. The inaugural event,will offer a range of activities designed to celebrate the love of coffee:

  • A cold drip competition, “Drip Yenn Championship Thailand 2023,” on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13;
  • Booths from shops, coffee houses in Hua Hin, and nearby provinces, including coffee shops and roasters from all over Thailand. There will be cocoa, tea, bakery, coffee equipment, and various souvenirs, as well as local farmers who will offer a variety of special coffee processes to choose and taste from.
  • Workshops, coffee seminars with teachers, and celebrities in the coffee industry. Facebook; tel. 063 551 6244

Special blends, unique brands key to Thai coffee’s global appeal

Thai farmers and entrepreneurs are being urged to create unique coffee blends to increase sales in the lucrative and expanding global coffee market.

Thailand can increase its competitiveness in the global coffee market by producing and processing specialty coffees, Trade Policy and Strategy Office director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said on Thursday. This will increase the value of Thai coffee and promote Thai coffee as a global brand, he said. Continued …

Queen birthday celebration at Huay Mongkol Temple Sunday

One of the region’s most significant religious and cultural events will be held at Wat Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin Sunday. Centered on the theme “Enhancing Your Heart with Faith,” this celebration pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on her 91st birthday.

The event will see a 399-meter-long robe paraded through the temple grounds and around the statue of Luang Pu Thuat. Continued …

Thailand’s health services strain as dental appointments delayed

The lack of medical personnel in every department, coupled with the measly number of dentists, has pushed health services to the brink in Thailand, with patients finding themselves on the verge of collapse as dental appointments are pushed two years ahead.

At 9am yesterday, a caregiver, who was accompanying an 11-year-old boy for tooth decay treatment, shared this grim situation. The patient was treated at a provincial hospital in Chachoengsao. After the dentist performed root canal treatment, the boy was given a second appointment, in two years’ time. Continued …

Bangkok is sinking

Sopin Jindachom has lived in Bangkok all her life, but her village is far away from the bright lights of the city — and that is a blessing and a curse.

The blessing is that Sopin loves her small, coastal community, which is accessible only by foot, motorbike, or boat. But the curse is this part of Thailand’s capital is slowly being swallowed by the sea, and the authorities have no plan to try to stop it. Continued …

Iraqi man arrested for overstaying in Thailand for nearly 15 years

Immigration police officers arrested an Iraqi man in the central province of Kanchanaburi today after almost 15 years of overstaying in Thailand. As part of a concerted effort to root out illegal immigrants across the country, Thai authorities, led by the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau, investigated cases in each province.

The operation led to the discovery of the Iraqi man, identified as 43-year-old Oday Jabbar Khudhair, who had been concealing himself in a guest house within Kanchanaburi. Continued …

Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation

In a decisive move toward clean energy, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) are looking to harness the sun’s power, with the installation of solar rooftop panels on the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The green airport project is part of a larger crusade intending to derive 20% of the airport’s electricity from renewable sources in the coming two years. Continued …

Woman rescues 19 puppies abandoned in Isaan forest

A Thai woman rescued 19 puppies that were abandoned near a roadside forest in the Isaan province of Nong Bua Lamphu. The animal lover is now looking for new homes for the abandoned puppies.

The compassionate woman shared pictures of the black-and-light-brown-colored puppies on a Facebook group on Tuesday, in the hope of finding new homes for the cute little pups. Continued …

Thai researchers develop antibody drugs from tobacco plants for cancer treatment

For the first time in Thailand, lecturers at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences have successfully developed antibody from tobacco plants with inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells in laboratory animals. This signals hope for access to effective cancer medication and treatment at a lower cost.

From world-class success in producing a COVID-19 vaccine from tobacco plants, researchers from Baiya Phytopharm Co., a Thai company under Chulalongkorn University, have reached another milestone in the research and development of antibody drugs from tobacco plants, which have been found to reduce the size and inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory animals. Continued …

Pilots face pricey training fees to secure airline jobs

With employment in the aviation industry yet to fully recover, airlines in Thailand are adopting pay-to-fly employment schemes, which require licensed pilots to pay more than 1.5 million baht for training to secure jobs.

Yet, the average salary of pilots in Thailand remains lower than before Covid-19, as airline fleets are below pre-pandemic levels. The situation would be even tougher for student pilots who do not have enough experience to compete with veteran pilots. Continued …

Pheu Thai cruising toward power, but at what price?

Voters are now watching how the Pheu Thai Party goes about forming the new government after it parted ways with election-winner Move Forward, and courted several conservative parties including Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharath.

With serious political bargaining laid bare under the public gaze, netizens are crying foul over Pheu Thai’s recent moves. Many have declared they will certainly vote for Move Forward again, after witnessing what they perceive as Pheu Thai’s betrayal of the popular liberal party. Continued …

The continuing crisis of Thai democracy

The prolonged volatility and instability in Thai politics attest to a continuing crisis of democracy since the military coup in September 2006. It is characterized by the nature, direction and duration of government after an election.

Unless the poll-topping political party is backed by the conservative military-authoritarian regime, it is either not allowed to take power or gets overthrown while in office before completing its term. This crisis of Thai democracy has now persisted since the May 14 poll, as the formation of the next government remains stuck in a stalemate. Continued …

Consumer confidence drops for first time in 14 months

Thai consumer confidence declined for the first time in 14 months in July, dented by concerns over persistent political uncertainty after elections were held in May, and a slow economic recovery, a survey showed today.

The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) fell to 55.6 in July from 56.7 in June. Continued … 

Thai rice price surges amidst drought concerns

The world has been witnessing increases in the price of rice following drought concerns and India’s export ban, but it is Thailand’s rice that has seen the sharpest rise, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

In its monthly rice update issued on Aug. 8, the FAO said that over the span of two weeks, quotations of Thai 100% B white rice jumped by US$38, raising the monthly average to $562 per ton, the highest since February 2021. Continued …

Fruit exports fare well in first 5 months

Thai fruit remained popular during the first five months of this year, as demonstrated by the utilization of free trade agreement (FTA) benefits by exporters, especially with regard to shipments bound for China.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said durian, guava, mango and mangosteen are popular fruits in China, especially during the hot season. The value of Thailand’s fruit exports utilizing ASEAN-China FTA privileges amounted to more than US$3.3 billion in the first five months of this year, up 14.2% year-on-year. Continued …

Thailand’s data center market to grow in triple digits

Thailand’s data center market is anticipated to post triple-digit growth over the next two years, fueled by an influx of global cloud service providers and tech companies, according to hyperscale data center firm ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Thailand).

Data centers form the digital infrastructure that contributes to the country’s economic growth, said Supparat Sivapetchranat Singhara na Ayutthaya, the company’s chief executive. Continued …

Thailand’s legal cannabis story – one year later

In June 2022, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis following the Food and Drug Administration’s removal of all parts of the plant from the national narcotics list. Thailand had previously legalized medical cannabis in 2019, and its leaves in 2021.

At the time, the Thai government said the new regulations were intended to promote small-scale cannabis farms and bring a much-needed boost to the country’s agricultural sector, which accounts for around one-third of the national workforce. As well as this, cannabis legalization was intended to bolster Thailand’s economy – with the potential to generate 10 billion baht per year (around £22.5M), while allowing people to showcase their cannabis and hemp-related products. Continued …

Tourist visa requirements eased for Chinese visitors

The government has further relaxed its tourist visa requirements and shortened the standard time required for approving visas for Chinese visitors, in a bid to make the process easier for people visiting the country.

Last week alone, 95,581 Chinese arrived in Thailand, representing the largest proportion of international visitors, followed by Malaysians (73,810), South Koreans (37,754), Indians (27,707) and Vietnamese (25,717), deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday. Continued …

China Expands the Number of Countries for Travel

China has increased the number of countries that its big-spending tourists can visit by more than 70 following the lifting of its last COVID-19 travel restrictions. The decision comes as international flights to and from the country gradually return to their pre-pandemic levels.

China implemented strict lockdowns and draconian travel controls within the country and closed its borders almost entirely after the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. Continued …

Thailand plans to build 3 terminals for cruise ships

 

Three feasibility studies for three terminals for cruise ships to dock in Thailand are 60% complete and will be finished next year, a senior official at the Transport Ministry’s Marine Department said on Thursday.

Kritphet Chaichuay, acting director-general of the department, said the three projects are for three cruise ship terminals on Koh Samui, the Andaman coast and Pattaya, with the latter two including ports. Continued …

Agency turns to culinary tourism

Thailand plans to hold the world’s first “Kaphrao Grand Prix” in Bangkok to showcase the authentic Thai dish to foreign travelers and increase local ingredient exports, aiming to increase food expenditure among tourists from 20% to 25% by 2027.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said this marks the first time the agency has held an official promotion dedicated to pad kaphrao, a dish beloved by locals and tourists alike. Continued …

Hotels looking to hire temporary workers as high season nears

With the high season approaching, hotel operators are preparing to address the current labor shortages so they are able to accommodate the pent-up demand from foreign travelers after the lifting of Covid-19 shutdowns.

According to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA), a survey conducted in July by the THA in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) involving 91 hotel establishments, found that the labor shortage problem in the hotel business in July was close to the level of the previous month, with around 47% experiencing staff shortages, although this did not significantly impact the number of customers they could accommodate. Continued …

Motorbike collision sparks street fight between Thais and Kuwaitis in Pattaya

Panicked residents living on Soi Yensabai in Pattaya City had to rush out of their homes to stop a street fight between Thai locals and Kuwaiti tourists at about 15 minutes before 1am today.

The street fight took place in front of a restaurant after a group of Thais on motorbikes chased down a group of Kuwaiti tourists on motorbikes in an attempt to negotiate a settlement for a motorcycle collision the Thais blamed on a Kuwaiti tourist. Continued …

Police Urged To Stop Tourists Partying On Jomtien Beach All Night

Local residents in Pattaya have urged the authorities to crack down on tourists partying on Jomtien beach after midnight until 7 am, with the loud music they play preventing them from sleeping.

Upon receiving complaints, a TV station’s news team inspected the beach and found that after bars closed groups of tourists gradually flocked in and bought alcohol and drugs, plus renting bluetooth speakers to play music, which is against the law. Continued …

Maui fire fatalities rise to 53

The number of fatalities from the catastrophic fires in Maui, officially at 53 by Thursday afternoon, will probably surpass 60 and make the disaster the deadliest since Hawaii became a state in 1959, Gov. Josh Green said. Continued …

Russia launches moon lander in race to find water on moon

A rocket carrying a lunar landing craft blasted off Friday on Russia’s first moon mission in nearly 50 years, racing to land on Earth’s satellite ahead of an Indian spacecraft. Continued …

Virgin Galactic rockets its first tourist passengers into space

Virgin Galactic launched its first tourist passengers into the weightlessness of space Thursday, the culmination of a nearly two-decade commercial pursuit, the company said. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • Leaving Hua Hin: 6am, 8am, 10am, 11am, 12:00, 2pm, 4pm, 5:10pm, and 6pm
  • Leaving Suvarnabhumi: 7:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:00, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

The one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has once-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and departing from Pattaya at 8am. 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

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
bangkok, hua hin, marijuana, solar, thai economy, thailand, tourism

Friday’s news-May 26

  • Water pipe work to disrupt service today/
  • Strengthening monsoon to bring storms to all of Thailand/
  • Did Thailand just have its cleanest ever election?/
  • A guide to choosing the best international school for your kids/
  • Thailand Post to Launch Full-Scale Digital Mailbox Service/
  • Thailand’s most notorious serial killers/
  • US Offers Faster 4.5-Generation F-16 Fighter Jets To Thailand/
  • Myanmar junta says it will rethink relationship with Thailand/
  • Thailand’s Economy: Employers’ group wary of MFP wage policy/The profitable world of grasshopper rearing/SPCG keen on rooftop solar sales/Thai shrimp farmers urged to decarbonize now to escape new EU tax net/Metal producers to face new tariffs/Korean firms set to invest Bt7 billion locally/MFP to shield ‘registered cannabis businesses’/
  • Tourism: Pleas to shorten visa approval time as Chinese tourist arrivals drop/Tourism officials plan to market ‘Pita fever’ globally/
  • Thailand Experience: 8 of the best Thailand holidays 2023/Underrated tourist paradise: Thailand’s Mae Hong Son/Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today/
  • International: Militia leader gets 18 years in prison over US Capitol attack/Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay/Energy majors go slow on green transition despite pressure/
  • Links: Calendar of events/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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Water pipe work to disrupt service today

There will be disruptions and low water pressure in many areas of Hua Hin today until 8pm. Essential work is being carried out to the water pipes at Hua Na on Soi 112, resulting in no or low water pressure from Hua Na and Nong Kae, to as far north as the intersection at Hua Hin Airport.

Strengthening monsoon to bring storms to all of Thailand

Provinces throughout Thailand are likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds from Saturday to next Tuesday, the Thai Meteorological Department announced this morning, adding that isolated heavy rains are expected in the lower north, the northeast, the central region including Bangkok, the east, and the south.

The conditions are a result of the strengthening southwest monsoon prevailing across the country, while a low-pressure cell over Vietnam is expected to move through Thailand to the Gulf of Martaban, Myanmar. Continued …

Did Thailand just have its cleanest ever election?

Thailand’s Election Commission on Thursday certified the result of the May 14 election less than two weeks after the polls were held. It might be the fastest certification ever in Thailand’s electoral history.

One only has to look back to the previous election to see what the usual post-election landscape was like, with red and yellow cards handed to candidates for vote-buying or campaign violations. Continued …

Hua Hin International School

A guide to choosing the best international school for your kids

Moving to another country with your family is exciting, but can be stressful and full of worries. One of those worries could be the very real dilemma of trying to find an international school that fits your children’s needs.

Such things as the quality and type of curriculum, classroom size, location, and cost can complicate your international school hunt. However, here is a simple guide on how to choose an international school. Continued …

Thailand Post to Launch Full-Scale Digital Mailbox Service

Thailand Post has announced plans to launch a full-scale digital mailbox service called Prompt Post by the third quarter. The move is part of the company’s efforts to tap into the growing trend of electronic document handling and align with its Post Digital mission.

With Prompt Post, Thailand Post aims to offer comprehensive postal and logistics services, while providing convenience to its customers. The platform ensures security through identity verification using the national ID card system, and it operates as a closed platform, distinguishing it from traditional email services. Continued …

Thailand’s most notorious serial killers

The suspected crimes of Sararat “Am Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn, now accused of murdering 14 people with poison, are unusual not just only because the suspect is a woman and pregnant, but also because Thailand is not famous for cultivating serial killers.

While true crime is a national obsession that renews itself annually, there have been few known prolific killers with double-digit body counts. And, in most cases, their reasons to kill have sprung from banal motives such as money or infidelity rather than the archetypal thrill killer feeding dark appetites. Continued …

US Offers Faster 4.5-Generation F-16 Fighter Jets To Thailand

Upon postponing the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to Thailand earlier this week, the U.S. offered the faster 4.5-generation F-16 warplanes in its place, according to a media report.

AVM Praphas Sornchaidee, Thai air force spokesman, said U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec stated in his talks with Air Force Chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot that Thailand remains a very close partner of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region. Continued …

Myanmar junta says it will rethink relationship with Thailand

Myanmar’s military government said this week that it would have to rethink its relationship with Thailand following statements made by the next prime minister-elect of Thailand following his election victory, according to local media.

The second most powerful man in the Myanmar regime, Gen. Soe Win, warned his troops that Thailand’s likely new government was “pro West” and would help the “terrorists” operating in his country. Continued …

Employers’ group wary of MFP wage policy

The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) on Thursday voiced apprehension over the possible impact on businesses of the Move Forward Party’s wage policy.

Private sector members, particularly small and medium enterprises, are perturbed after learning details of the discussions held on Wednesday between Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said Thanit Sorat, vice chairman of EconThai. Continued …

The profitable world of grasshopper rearing

A Surin couple is augmenting its teaching salaries by raising Patanga grasshoppers, also known as Bombay locusts, to sell their eggs and meat.

A kilogram of the grasshoppers goes for 450 baht, while the eggs can be sold for up to 10,000 baht per kilogram to other grasshopper farmers, said Somphong Cheuthong, 53, a teacher in Surin’s Sang Kha district. Continued … 

SPCG keen on rooftop solar sales

SPCG Plc, a pioneer in solar farm development in Thailand, expects to earn more revenue from sales of rooftop solar panels for residential and commercial buildings, as well as industries, as solar power becomes more popular.

A surge in electricity bills is a key factor driving demand for rooftop solar panels among households and businesses, said Pipat Viriyatranon, financial director of SPCG. Continued …

Thai shrimp farmers urged to decarbonize now to escape new EU tax net

Thailand’s shrimp farmers have been warned that a new European Union tax will take a big bite out of their billion-dollar export industry unless they start adapting now.

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will collect tax on carbon-intensive imports from Jan. 1, 2026. CBAM taxes will initially apply to five products – aluminum, cement, iron and steel, electricity and fertilizers – but are expected to extend to shrimp and other agricultural products later. Continued …

Metal producers to face new tariffs

Steel and aluminum manufacturers should brace for a new levy on their exports as a result of the European Union’s (EU) introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Oct. 1 this year, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The transitional phase of CBAM requires importers of iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen to report greenhouse gas emissions embedded in their imports without being subject to financial payments or adjustments, according to the EU. Continued …

Korean firms set to invest Bt7 billion locally

Five South Korean companies are keen to embark on new investment projects in Thailand, ranging from an electric vehicle (EV) business to the construction of a new industrial estate, says the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

The prospective investors are expected to allocate around 7 billion baht for the projects, said Veeris Ammarapala, governor of the IEAT, after talks with executives during a recent roadshow in South Korea. Continued …

MFP to shield ‘registered cannabis businesses’

The Move Forward Party (MFP) assured registered marijuana growers and cannabis business operators yesterday that they would be protected, even when the new government re-lists cannabis as a narcotic.

The main objective of the party’s plan to put cannabis back on the narcotics list under a ministerial regulation of the Ministry of Public Health is to allow all state officials, including police and the Office of Narcotics Control Board, to work fully to control the abuse of cannabis, said deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun. Continued …

Pleas to shorten visa approval time as Chinese tourist arrivals drop

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has urged the Department of Consular Affairs to shorten the visa approval period for Chinese tourists from up to 15 working days to facilitate tour groups from China that wish to visit Thailand.

“The current approval period is too long. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, it took only 3-5 working days to approve Chinese tourists’ visas,” ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said on Thursday. Continued …

Tourism officials plan to market ‘Pita fever’ globally

If the charismatic leader of the Move Forward Party fails in his bid to become Thailand’s next prime minister, he already has another high-profile option lined up – tourism ambassador for the “Land of the Smile”.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Thursday that it is planning to use Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to charm more tourists to the kingdom by making him a tourism ambassador. Continued …

8 of the best Thailand holidays 2023

With culture-stacked cities, world-famous beaches and jungle interiors, Thailand’s unique landscape begs to be explored. Home to some of the best yoga retreats, beach bars and Buddhist temples in the continent, it’s no wonder that history-rich Thai towns have become such tourist hot spots.

Whether passing through on a budget world tour or relaxing on a family holiday, there’s something for everyone on the traditional shores of Thailand. Take a cooking class to get familiar with the local cuisine, go on a boat trip to scuba dive in lively reefs, or take a tuk-tuk to share in the street food of the bustling night markets with good-natured locals. Continued …

Underrated tourist paradise: Thailand’s Mae Hong Son

Nestled in the far northwest of Thailand and sharing borders with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is one of the most spellbinding locations in the kingdom and, for many reasons, an ideal spot for an offbeat summer sojourn.

Despite a wealth of unspoiled attractions, tourists are seldom aware of this paradise, partly due to its remote location, as it is located over 900 kilometers from Bangkok. However, this only adds to its mystique, as it remains unspoiled by mass tourism. Continued …

Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today

The Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today at CentralWorld shopping plaza and complex. The festival will be held until May 30. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to further elevate Thailand’s standing as a premier gastronomy tourism destination and provide an immersive experience for tourists.

This event, centered around the culinary arts, will showcase Thailand’s vibrant food culture. It will also leverage the power of food as one of the country’s key “soft power” foundations. Continued …

Militia leader gets 18 years in prison over US Capitol attack

The founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia was handed an 18-year prison sentence Thursday for seditious conspiracy in the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the toughest penalty given yet over the Jan. 6 assault. Continued …

Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay

Squinting in the bright light of a hot summer morning, Vu Thi Thinh perches on the edge of her small wooden boat and plucks a polystyrene block from the calm waters of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. Continued …

Energy majors go slow on green transition despite pressure

Most oil majors are stepping up investment in green energy amid rising activist pressure, but without abandoning fossil fuels, putting at risk reaching carbon neutrality in 2050. Continued …

Hua Hin-Suvarnabhumi bus schedule

  • 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 one-way fare is 325 baht.

The VIP bus service from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport has a new Cha Am boarding location in front of Government Savings Bank.

Hua Hin-Pattaya bus service twice a day

Hua Hin now has twice-daily bus service to Pattaya, leaving Hua Hin at 9am and 3pm, and departing 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