Border Trade Fair at Bluport/Heavy rain and strong winds expected/Covid Cases Surge/Photos show Cambodian invasion/ECONOMY: E-commerce to fuel rise/Thailand Races to Avoid US Tariffs/Less Export Reliance, More Domestic Growth/Foreign investment in EEC/Thai Households Tighten Belts/Debt due to overspending/NESDC Warns of SME Job Losses/Neta woes pose threat/Restaurant group expands offerings/TOURISM: Confusion Plagues Digital Nomad Visa/Drones set to spy on tourists/To boost MICE arrivals/Bangkok Top MICE Destination/Bangkok’s 5-billion-baht Ritz-Carlton/CLIMATE THAILAND: Global Standard In Eco-Tourism/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
Border Trade Fair at Bluport Hua Hin this weekend
The Department of Foreign Trade will host a trade event at Bluport Hua Hin June 13-16, featuring more than 150 stalls as part of its annual Border Trade Fair. The event, which will take place at the Hua Hin Convention Center, aims to boost trade and investment by bringing together small businesses, community enterprises, and importers from neighboring countries.
A wide variety of products will be on display and available for purchase, including consumer goods, agricultural produce, fruit, food and beverages, lifestyle items, and locally made products from across Thailand. Continued …
Heavy rain and strong winds expected across Thailand this week
Widespread rain and isolated heavy showers are forecast nationwide, with very heavy rainfall possible in the east and along the western coast of the south.
A moderate monsoon trough is currently extending across the north and upper northeast of Thailand into a low-pressure cell over upper Vietnam. Meanwhile, a strong southwest monsoon continues to prevail over the Andaman Sea, the south, and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing increased rainfall across the country, the Thai Meteorological Department announced today. Continued …
Covid Cases Surge: Chula Expert Sounds Alarm on Rapid Spike
Thailand is witnessing a significant surge in Covid-19 cases, with Chulalongkorn University reporting 111,472 new cases and 31 deaths in the last week alone.
Dr. Thira Woratanarat of the Faculty of Medicine at the university has warned that this uptick should not be taken lightly. The total number of people who have sought treatment in 2025 has now surpassed 400,000, with Covid-related deaths exceeding those from influenza threefold. Continued …
Aerial photos show Cambodian invasion of Chong Bok
The Royal Thai Armed Forces have released aerial photos showing Cambodian troops invaded Thai soil in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province in April and built a strong base there in May, leading to the recent skirmish.
In a six-minute video posted on the social media channels of armed forces headquarters last night, a woman officer said the Thai military had a series of aerial photos of the area taken since 1955 and they showed that the area in Thailand in contention had not been occupied. Continued …
E-commerce to fuel rise of express deliveries
Thailand’s express parcel delivery market is expected to maintain steady growth, fueled by the e-commerce market, while some operators are planning to capitalize on advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster their competitive edge.
According to ShipHub, a unified logistics platform service, Thailand’s express parcel delivery market continues to experience steady growth, fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. Continued …
Thailand Races Against Time to Avoid Crippling 36% US Tariffs
Thailand has assembled a technical negotiation team to engage with Washington over punitive tariffs, with just weeks remaining before a 36% levy threatens to devastate the kingdom’s largest export market.
Officials are working against a July 8 deadline to conclude talks before Washington imposes retaliatory tariffs that could severely impact Thailand’s $35.4-billion trade surplus with America. A Ministry of Commerce source revealed that senior officials will engage directly with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and Department of Commerce via video conference. Continued …
Thailand’s New Course: Less Export Reliance, More Domestic Growth
Thailand Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has unveiled a strategic blueprint for economic reform, emphasizing a move away from heavy export dependence toward fostering robust domestic balance and sustainable growth. The announcement came yesterday during a special address to Thai ambassadors and consuls-general gathered in Bangkok.
Pichai highlighted the current structural reliance of the Thai economy, where over 73% of national income stems from exports of goods and services, alongside a significant 60% from private consumption. However, he stressed the government’s firm objective to build a more balanced economic system, mitigating vulnerability to external factors and enhancing the nation’s capacity for resilient growth. Continued …
Early surge in foreign investment in EEC
The number of foreigners investing in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) during the first four months of 2025 rose 40% year-on-year to 108, according to deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanachan.
Sasikarn added that the government wants to promote investment in next-generation industries, ranging from electric vehicles to clean energy, with the aim of bolstering the country’s competitiveness. Continued …
Thai Households Tighten Belts: Energy Drinks and Instant Noodles Feel the Pinch
Two of Thailand’s most ubiquitous mass-market products, energy drinks and instant noodles, are experiencing a notable contraction in sales, signaling growing financial strain on the nation’s grassroots consumers.
Executives from the companies behind household names such as Krating Daeng (Red Bull) and Mama instant noodles point to a significant reduction in consumer purchasing power as the primary culprit. These product categories, deeply embedded in the daily lives of foundational consumers, often represent essential, cost-effective choices. Continued …
Over half of Thais may fall into debt due to overspending
More than 50% of working Thai people have savings amounting to less than six months of their salaries and there is a tendency to easily fall into a cycle of debt due to their habit of overspending, according to Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Citing research by Mahidol University undertaken last year, he said that Thai people have a propensity for lavish spending, which can result in being overburdened with debt, noting that one in three Thais prefer to buy luxury items and premium services, such as expensive concert tickets and beauty-enhancement services, to boost their image and to gain recognition. Continued …
NESDC Warns of SME Job Losses and Graduate Unemployment Crisis
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has expressed significant concern over the state of the nation’s job market, particularly the impact of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) closures on employment and the increasing difficulty for recent graduates to secure work.
In its latest Q1 2025 Social Outlook report released yesterday, the NESDC noted a marginal decrease in the unemployment rate to 0.88% from 1.01% in the same period last year. However, this figure masks underlying anxieties regarding job security and future employment prospects. Continued …
Chinese EV maker Neta woes pose threat to Thai car dealers
Troubles facing ailing Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Neta could have a drastic spillover effect on Thai car dealers, possibly forcing them to shut down, while insurance companies may choose to collect premiums directly from policyholders, says Allianz Ayudhya General Insurance (AAGI).
AAGI Chief Executive Lars Heibutzki said the risk profile for EV insurance is increasing. Claims for EVs tend to be 50%-60% higher than for traditional vehicles, mainly due to expensive battery replacements and specialized repair work. Continued …
Restaurant group expands offerings amid dining out decline
Facing a sluggish economy and a dip in the number of people dining out at restaurants, Thipsamai Group – renowned for its restaurants’ legendary pad Thai – is adapting by expanding its line of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products in an effort to offset the situation.
Sikarachat Baisamut, chairman of Thipsamai Group and Siam Royal International, which operates Thipsamai Phadthai Pratoopee, said the current economic climate feels like the post-war period when people were feeling exhausted and were grappling with income-related challenges. Continued …
Confusion Plagues Thailand’s New Digital Nomad Visa, Leaving Applicants Stranded
Thailand’s recently launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting digital nomads, has faced significant challenges, leaving many applicants stranded across Southeast Asia. Delays, confusion, and inconsistent procedures at regional embassies have complicated the application process, turning it into a bureaucratic ordeal.
Digital nomads in Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia who traveled specifically to apply for the DTV, are experiencing considerable delays. They face extended wait times, backlogged appointments, and changing requirements. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has drawn particular criticism, with some applicants reporting no response for more than 10 days after submitting their applications. Continued …
Drones set to spy on tourists in Pattaya
The Pattaya mayor has launched a new plan to keep crooks in check, from the sky, by rolling out AI-powered police drones to hunt down overstayers and suspects in real time.
The plan aims to integrate drones with a centralized AI database capable of scanning crowds and identifying people with outstanding warrants or overstaying their visas, especially during major city events. Continued …
Association seeks ways to boost MICE arrivals
The number of international travelers in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) segment this year is expected to contract from last year, due to U.S. trade and tariff policies and an unsafe image of Thailand, according to the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA).
Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, the newly elected president of TICA, said the size of international MICE groups has shrunk, and they have tended to shorten the duration of their trips or reduce activities to save costs. Continued …
Bangkok Fuels Country’s Ranking as Top MICE Destination
After seeing a tourism boost from set-jetting – a term used to describe travelers who visit a location after seeing it in a TV show or movie – Bangkok has taken 7th spot as a city destination in the ASEAN region for international conventions.
It’s a big jump from 2023 when the city took 15th place in ICCA Country & City Rankings for 2024 (International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ASEAN region – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Continued …
Bangkok’s 5-billion-baht Ritz-Carlton set to offer most expensive room rates
Asset World Corp. (AWC) has invested over 5 billion baht in developing the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok at the Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination in Bangkok, aiming to become the hotel offering the highest room rate in the city.
Wallapa Traisorat, chief executive and president of AWC, said the project is set to become a wellness and luxury destination along Bangkok’s riverside. Slated for completion in 2028, the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok will be situated on three plots with a total of 191 hotel rooms and 50,400 square meters of gross floor area. Continued …
Thailand Sets Global Standard In Eco-Tourism Through Green Mobility Infrastructure
Thailand, a land known for its golden beaches, lush jungles, and ancient temples, has always drawn travelers in search of natural beauty and cultural wonder. But as global awareness of climate change deepens, the country’s tourism industry is reimagining how it welcomes the world — this time with sustainability at its heart.
What was once a niche concept is now a growing movement, as Thailand positions itself as a leader in eco-conscious travel across Southeast Asia. In an ambitious push toward low-impact tourism, Thailand has unveiled a set of 11 specially curated low-carbon travel routes. These itineraries span the country’s diverse geography — from the misty highlands of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the sun-drenched shores of Krabi and Phuket. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in BangkokThe first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
(We recommend checking with the bus company about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Starting May 1, the Don Mueang-Hua Hin route will offer four round trips per day. The two outbound trips from Don Mueang Airport will depart at 8 am and 3 pm. The bus will stop at eight locations, including the Service Hall at Don Mueang, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Mahachai, Phetchaburi Big C, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, and the Hua Hin Bus Station.
For the return trips from Hua Hin, buses will depart at 9 am and 3:30 pm, stopping at seven locations, including the Hua Hin Bus Station, Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, Cha Am PTT Petrol Station, Phetchaburi Bus Station, Mahachai, Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, and Don Mueang Airport.
Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
(We recommend checking with the airline about this schedule, as it changes without notice.)
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 12:10 pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 10:20 am
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
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- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590
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