Reindeer Antlers, Colored Lights on Cars/Floods worsen in south/Australian tourist escapes drowning/2 Women Saved/Bangkok’s PM2.5 dust crisis/This Thai food can cause serious problems/7-Eleven’s omnipresence/Thailand accelerates universal healthcare/New Thai Police Chief/Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs/Energy demand seen rising/ECONOMY: Will Thailand dethrone Singapore?/Thailand’s Consumer Outlook/Thailand fast-tracks rail expansion/Turmeric to lead the way/Pork oversupply/Thailand and Malaysia trade/TOURISM: Red carpet for big spenders/British tourist found dead/Chinese Tourist Numbers to Remain Steady/ASEAN medical tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand’s land bridge/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
Police Warn Against Reindeer Antlers and Colored Lights on Cars
The Royal Thai Police have issued a warning against the recent trend of decorating vehicles with reindeer antlers and multi-colored lights, reminding the public that such decorations are illegal and subject to fines. The Royal Thai Police noted these festive modifications could violate traffic laws.
Police Major Gen. Siriwat Deephor, the deputy spokesperson, emphasized concerns about the potential dangers these adornments pose. The decorations might result in accidents or pose risks to other road users. Continued …
Floods worsen in south, death toll rises
Severe flooding in five southern provinces is wreaking havoc in 47 districts and impacting more than 128,000 households, with flood-related fatalities rising to eight. Yesterday, the most serious floods were reported in much of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Samui district of Surat Thani.
They are among the five provinces at the epicenter of the southern flood crisis. The other three provinces are Chumphon, Ranong and Phatthalung. Continued …
Australian tourist escapes drowning amid south Thailand flooding
An Australian tourist had a narrow escape from drowning in southern Thailand after his car plunged into a flooded ditch amid severe flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The deluge has affected 21 districts, severing numerous roads and resulting in the loss of four lives.
As heavy rainfall continues to worsen the situation, rescue teams are tirelessly working to assist those in dire need. The ongoing crisis in Nakhon Si Thammarat has escalated, as persistent heavy rain causes widespread flooding across almost all districts. Continued …
2 Women Saved After Being Swept Away by Strong Currents in Nakhon Si Thammarat
PM2.5 dust crisis drains Bangkok economy
Bangkok faces annual economic losses of over 400 billion baht caused by air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns or PM2.5, a recent seminar was told.
Research on air pollution found the amount of PM2.5 in Bangkok for one year lasts about 6-7 months, not just a couple of months as commonly thought. The economic damage caused by PM2.5 amounted to 400 billion baht annually in Bangkok alone. Continued …
This Thai food can cause serious kidney problems and cancer
Everyone loves delicious food, but sometimes our favourite dishes can be harmful to our health if we eat too much of them. Processed foods, especially meats like sausages, are popular in Thailand, but eating them too often can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney disease and cancer.
Processed meats, like sausages, are convenient and tasty, but they can be harmful if consumed regularly. They often contain high levels of sodium (salt), phosphorus, and preservatives. These substances put extra stress on our organs, especially the kidneys, and can lead to severe health issues over time. Continued …
7-Eleven’s omnipresence in Thailand
If there’s one ubiquitous presence in Thailand, besides the small local shrines, the food stalls and wide clean roads, then it’s 7-Eleven, considered the world’s largest convenience store chain with 85,000 locations in 20 countries and territories.
It’s possible to find up to three 7-Eleven outlets within a radius of half a kilometer in Thailand. Compact, convenient and functional, 7-Eleven seems to be a successful concept that caters to the needs of both travelers and locals alike, especially in places where general trade is not really a pervasive presence. Continued …
Thailand accelerates universal healthcare coverage nationwide
The Health Ministry is set to complete its ambitious healthcare coverage expansion, bringing the 30 Baht for Healthcare Anywhere program to all provinces by the end of 2024. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced Sunday that the initiative has already reached 46 provinces, with only 31 remaining to be integrated.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will officially launch the nationwide expansion on Dec. 25 at Government House, symbolizing a significant milestone in the country’s public health strategy. Continued …
New Thai Police Chief Sets Bold Crime-Fighting Agenda
Thailand’s newly appointed national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, has vowed to improve the Royal Thai Police’s reputation and tackle crime head-on. Following his unanimous appointment by the Police Commission, the Ratchaburi native has outlined his commitment to upholding law and order, protecting life and property, and enhancing police professionalism.
Succeeding Police Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, who retired in September, Kittharath has pledged to bring transparency and honesty to his administration. “I will work with honesty and transparency for the happiness of the people. They are my core working policies,” he declared. Continued …
Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs over gambling corruption
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, a former national police chief, over allegations of soliciting money from online gambling networks. Additionally, the NACC will gather more evidence regarding money-laundering accusations against Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief.
The NACC, represented by Secretary General Saroj Puengrampan, announced that the commission had examined significant cases capturing public interest. One such case involves allegations against Torsak, who allegedly accepted money or assets linked to crimes involving online gambling and other illegal businesses, spanning 18 different categories. Continued …
Energy demand seen rising in final quarter
Energy demand is expected to increase this year, though total consumption dropped for much of 2024 amid slow economic growth, says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). Tourism, export expansion and state budget spending will drive demand for energy, said Wattanapong Kurovat, secretary-general of EPPO.
“We initially thought energy demand would drop in 2024 because of decreased energy consumption during the first nine months, but usage changed during the last three months,” he said. Continued …
Will Thailand dethrone Singapore as global investment hub in 2025?
Thailand will introduce the OECD’s global minimum tax of 15% for multinational corporations from Jan. 1 next year.
Multinationals with annual revenues of at least 750 million euros will be required to pay a minimum corporate income tax rate of 15%, in a move aimed to prevent tax competition to attract investment and stop multinationals avoiding tax. Other companies will continue to pay the standard rate of 20%. Continued …
Thailand’s Consumer Outlook: Stable Medium-Term Prospects Despite Short-Term Political Challenges
Total household spending growth in Thailand will be moderate but positive in 2025. Although easing inflationary pressures and a stable labor market will form the base for stable consumer spending, high-frequency data indicate that the trajectories for consumer confidence and retail sales growth will continue to be sluggish, as political instability continues to cast uncertainty on the economic climate.
Real household spending (calculated at 2010 prices) is projected to grow by 4.0% y-o-y, accelerating from the 3.5% estimated for 2024, as consumer spending continues to stabilize with the volatility witnessed from 2020 to 2023, induced by Covid-19 lockdowns and a subsequent recovery subsiding. Continued …
Thailand fast-tracks rail expansion with 280-billion-baht investment
The Transport Ministry will prioritize investments in rail transport systems to improve passenger travel and freight logistics, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Monday. This will include Phase 2 of the dual-track railway project, which will extend Thailand’s railway network by 1,488 kilometers across seven routes.
The Cabinet has already approved the construction of the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai route. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has finalized the bidding process and signed a contract with CHO Thavee-AS Construction, which offered the lowest bid of 28.68 billion baht. Construction will commence next year and is expected to be completed by 2028, with operations beginning the same year. Continued …
Turmeric to lead the way in developing Thai herbal industry
A proposed plan to elevate Thailand’s herbal industry to the international level and develop the health economy and medical services was approved on Monday at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantraruangthong in his role as chairman of the National Herbal Policy Committee.
Six key ministries, namely Public Health, Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Interior and Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, will implement the integrated program, he added. Continued …
Pork oversupply could imperil small pig farmers
The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRAT) has raised concerns over the risk of small pig farms going out of business due to a worsening oversupply of pigs, while major farms are competing to expand their production capacity.
The country is experiencing an excessive supply of pork because large pig farms continue expanding production without taking into account actual demand for pork, said Sitthiphan Thankiatphinyo, the SRAT president. Continued …
Thailand and Malaysia aim for US$30 billion trade by 2027
Thailand and Malaysia set an ambitious goal to boost bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027, strengthening economic cooperation in pivotal sectors such as trade, investment, border connectivity, and tourism.
The agreement was reached during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent official visit to Malaysia, where she engaged in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit culminated yesterday, with the 7th Annual Consultation, where both leaders reviewed and advanced initiatives from last year’s talks. Continued …
Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travelers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights on affluent tourists, primarily professionals earning over US$60,000 (2.05 million baht) annually. These big spenders splash out more than 6,000-7,000 baht daily, far surpassing the average tourist spend of 4,200 baht per day or 120,000 baht per trip. Continued …
British tourist found dead after Full Moon Party
A British tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare after a wild night at Thailand’s infamous full moon party ended in tragedy. Christopher Stephen Boucher was discovered dead outside a 7-Eleven store on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, after attending the notorious beach bash.
The 37-year-old from Gillingham in Kent, had reportedly been trying to find his way back to his hotel in the small hours after of the morning after downing cheap shots at the iconic party. He was last seen withdrawing cash to pay a mystery local who had offered him a lift. Continued …
Chinese Tourist Numbers to Thailand Expected to Remain Steady
Thailand anticipates its influx of Chinese tourists to plateau in 2024, with numbers hovering around 7 to 8 million arrivals. This prediction by the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is attributed to persistent economic issues in China, including the expected economic impacts of upcoming tariff measures from the Trump administration.
The president of ATTA, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, voiced caution over meeting the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) goal of attracting 9 million Chinese visitors by 2025. He cites a mix of global geopolitical tensions and China’s internal economic strains as key obstacles to substantial growth. Continued …
ASEAN medical tourism set to outpace global revenue growth
The ASEAN medical tourism industry is expected to outpace the global market, said CGS International. The report said that the industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18% until 2032, according to Global Market Insights. The region is expected to command around 40% of the global market.
Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia were the top three ASEAN medical tourism destinations in 2023, collectively generating an estimated $2.2 billion in revenue. However, growth trajectories within the region are expected to vary. Continued …
TAT promotes Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani
Every year, Nong Han Lake in Udon Thani province transforms into a breathtaking spectacle with its expansive fields of red lotus blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see. This natural wonder has become a must-visit destination for both Thai and international tourists.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides to marvel at the vivid pink lotuses in full bloom, breathe in the fresh air, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and capture unforgettable moments to cherish forever. Continued …
Thailand’s land bridge through the eyes of the wild
In Auguest, a small group of villagers from Patho District in Chumphon Province undertook a survey of Lam Huai Phra, a tributary of Khlong Yae. This community-driven exploration, aimed at understanding the biodiversity of a stream located near the proposed route of Thailand’s land bridge construction, reflects growing concerns about the potential ecological consequences of this large-scale infrastructure project.
The land bridge is part of Thailand’s ambitious Southern Economic Corridor, intended to connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
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