Expat tax filing deadline approaching/Hua Hin’s Sunshine International Expands/Air pollution warning for Hua Hin/Hua Hin dengue fever initiative/Choosing auto insurance/Ministry to deal with farmers/Smog disrupts Bangkok flights/Cutoffs of call center gangs/Pattaya offers free Thai massages/Bt5-million gold heist/New law holds Big Tech accountable/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: ‘War room’ to deal with Trump policies/Response to Trump’s tariff policy/Thai Exports Surge/$52 Billion from Agricultural Exports/Thailand’s Agricultural Ambition/Unregistered hotels targeted/Cabinet approves high-speed rail/TOURISM: Foreign arrivals up 21%/Digital Arrival Card Stirs Confusion/Passenger service fee hikes/Tour Bus Crashes into Tree/Marigold farmers thrive/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Red lotus fields of Phatthalung’s Thale Noi/CLIMATE THAILAND: Decommodify electricity/Pattaya moves toward solar energy/Siam Solar Power Distribution Launches/Electric trucks cheaper than diesel/Organic farming campaign in Chiang Mai/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Thailand’s expat tax filing deadline approaching
The 2024 Thai tax filing deadline is just nine weeks away, and many expats are filing for the first time. Acting now will help you avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re filing yourself:
- Revenue offices will be busier as the deadline approaches.
- Many expats are filing for the first time, and local offices may not be familiar with returns involving foreign income. We have received reports of confusion in some locations. Filing early reduces the risk of issues.
Live Q&A: Your Thailand Tax Questions Answered
Experts break down the new tax on expats – HERE
Hua Hin’s Sunshine International Expands, Building New Local Resort
Sunshine International, a leading retirement resort and residence provider based in Hua Hin, is rapidly expanding under the leadership of Andrew Stocks, a British entrepreneur with a vision to revolutionize retirement living in Thailand.
Having lived in Hua Hin for 16 years, Stocks, 54, founded Sunshine International to address a gap in retirement living options. His inspiration stemmed from a personal experience with his grandmother, whose dissatisfaction with a traditional nursing home motivated him to create a hybrid model — combining the comforts of a luxury resort with essential support services for retirees. The concept quickly gained traction, evolving from a 24-resident resort into a rapidly growing brand serving hundreds of expatriates. Continued …
Air pollution warning for Hua Hin
Hua Hin launches dengue fever initiative
Tips on choosing auto insurance
Agriculture Ministry to deal with farmers who engage in crop burning
The Agriculture Ministry’s announcement on measures to tackle PM2.5 air pollution in the agriculture sector was published on the Royal Gazette website yesterday, focusing on dealing with farmers who engaged in crop burning.
The announcement stated that fine particulate matter, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, negatively affects people’s quality of life and the environment. Burning activities on agricultural plots are a source of pollution that affects people’s lives, the announcement said. Continued …
Toxic smog disrupts Bangkok flights as PM2.5 levels soar
Bangkok’s toxic air pollution has reached hazardous levels, forcing flight diversions and sparking health warnings across the city. On Sunday morning, several flights were diverted from Don Mueang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, as thick smog reduced visibility to just 150 meters.
Among the affected flights was AirAsia X Flight XJ901 from Harbin, China, which had to be rerouted, while other flights, including AirAsia Flight FD3417 from Chiang Mai and Lion Air Flight SL213 from Ahmedabad, India, were left circling above Don Mueang until conditions improved. Continued …
Electricity, fuel, and internet to be cut off to call center gangs in Myanmar
After chairing a National Security Council (NSC) meeting on cutting electricity to Myanmar border areas to curb transnational crime and call-center scams, Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that the meeting had resolved to cut electricity, internet, and fuel supplies starting today.
The measure will be enforced at five locations along the Thailand-Myanmar border, which are suspected of serving as bases for call-center scam operations. Continued …
Pattaya offers free Thai massages, free job training
Pattaya residents and visitors can now enjoy free Thai massages and foot reflexology, thanks to a city initiative aimed at boosting employment and tackling poverty.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently visited a Thai massage and foot massage training program, where participants were honing their skills as part of their certification process. Organized by the Social Welfare Office, the initiative aligns with the sufficiency economy philosophy, promoting self-sufficiency, job creation, and community empowerment. Continued …
Video: Bt5-million gold heist in Pathum Thani mall
Police are hunting a robber who fled with jewelry worth about 5 million baht from a shopping mall gold shop in Pathum Thani province on Monday.
The Aurora gold shop, on the second floor of the Big C superstore in tambon Bueng Kham Phroi of Lam Luk Ka district, was robbed a few minutes before noon on Monday. The thief made off with more than 100 baht-weight of gold necklaces, worth slightly over 5 million baht. Continued …
Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, an amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals.
Currently under review by the Council of State, the draft amendment promises to add teeth to existing laws by holding banks, telecom companies, and social media giants accountable for any financial damages caused by call center scams where negligence or recklessness is evident. Continued …
- Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested – Continued …
- Drunken forign tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station – Continued …
- Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road – Continued …
- Chinese trio linked to online gambling arrested in Bangkok – Continued …
‘War room’ proposed to deal with Trump policies
Donald Trump’s policies to become more evident in the second or third quarter and Thai officials have proposed adaptation strategies to cope with the challenges.
“We must swiftly establish a “Trump 2.0 Policy War Room” and hold an immediate meeting upon Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan’s return from the U.S. This will ensure a unified government-private sector strategy and a clear stance in trade negotiations amid U.S. measures against Thailand. Time is running out to safeguard exports,” stated Chaichan Charoensuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) . Continued …
Finance Ministry mulls response to Trump’s tariff policy
The government plans to launch measures to cope with uncertainties arising from U.S. President Donald Trump’s import-tariff policy, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said yesterday.
After Trump’s imposition of tariff increases on Canada, Mexico and China, Paopoom said Thai government agencies should discuss ways to cope with resultant uncertainties. If the government comes to an agreement on the matter, a policy statement will be issued, he said, adding that U.S. tariff policy could offer both opportunities and risks for Thailand. Continued …
Thai Exports Surge by 8.7% in December Amid Looming Trade War Concerns
In December, Thai exports surged by 8.7% year-on-year, extending a six-month growth streak. The total export value reached USD24,765.9 million, surpassing forecasts from SCB EIC and the Reuters Poll. This consistent performance was bolstered by demand driven by concerns over U.S. trade protection measures and a notable rise in electronics and gold exports.
This robust export growth was further supported by strong demand from key trading partners, including China and the United States. Additionally, the weaker Thai baht played a role in enhancing the competitiveness of Thai products in global markets. Analysts suggest that this upward trend in exports could continue into early 2025, provided global economic conditions remain stable and trade policies remain favorable. Continued …
Thailand Earns $52 Billion from Agricultural Exports in 2024
Thailand earned $52.185 billion from exporting agricultural and agro-industrial products last year, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) announced. TPSO Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn stated that the export value of these products increased by 6% in 2024 compared to 2023.
He noted that most agricultural exports consisted of preliminarily processed commodities, and urged the country to promote higher-value products to boost earnings. Continued …
Thailand’s Agricultural Ambition: A Global Vision of Sustainability
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is quietly revolutionizing its agricultural landscape, transforming from a traditional farming nation to a sophisticated, technology-driven agricultural powerhouse. At the forefront of this transformation is Narumon Pinyosinwat, the minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, whose vision extends far beyond simple crop production.
During the “Go Thailand 2025 Women Run the World” dinner talk on Monday, Narumon painted a compeling picture of Thailand’s agricultural potential. Continued …
Unregistered hotels targeted for new tax revenue
Attracting unregistered hotel operators into the registration system could realize significant hidden tourism revenue, potentially lifting the total revenue tally to 3.5 trillion baht if successful, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the revenue total the ministry reports annually is lower than the real tourism tally because of the vast informal economy, including illegal accommodation and daily lodgings listed on home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb. Continued …
Cabinet approves Korat-Nong Khai high-speed rail
The cabinet yesterday formally approved the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train line, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, with an investment of about 340 billion baht.
The line would link up with the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima first phase now under construction, allowing for fast travel from the Thai capital to Yunnan in China via Laos where a high-speed line is already operating. Continued …
Foreign arrivals to Thailand up 21% so far
Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand have risen 21% since the start of the year, as visitors largely ignored safety concerns following the high-profile trafficking of a Chinese actor to work in an illegal call center in neighboring Myanmar.
A total of 3.97 million tourists visited the country as of Feb. 2, with Chinese visitors totaling 710,687, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said yesterday. Continued …
Thailand’s New Digital Arrival Card Stirs Confusion Among Travelers
The impending introduction of Thailand’s digital entry card requirement has left many potential visitors in a muddle, as questions about its implementation remain unanswered just weeks before its anticipated launch.
As of May 1, all non-Thai passport holders traveling to the country will need to complete an online form, the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), ahead of their arrival. This measure is designed to replace the now-defunct TM6 entry card, which travelers and immigration officials alike found cumbersome due to its small size and the frequent lack of pens handy after long-haul flights. Continued …
Passenger service fee hikes approved at 7 airports
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has approved an increase in passenger service charges at seven regional airports and the closure of Thai Smile Airways, marking significant changes in the country’s aviation sector.
At a meeting yesterday, the Civil Aviation Committee agreed to allow passenger service charges to be increased by 25 baht, pushing the charge for international passengers to 425 and for domestic passengers to 75 baht. Continued …
Tour Bus Crashes into Tree; 32 Injured, 2 Dead
A tour bus traveling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok veered off the road and slammed into a tree, leaving 32 passengers injured and resulting in two fatalities.
The driver, initially in critical condition, later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Continued …
Video: Marigold farmers thrive as festival season boosts demand
Marigold farming is flourishing as festivals, including the Lunar New Year, drive up flower demand and prices. Growers are strategically timing their planting cycles, while specialists ensure top-quality blooms through advanced fertilizer techniques. Video …
Tourists urged to visit red lotus fields of Phatthalung’s Thale Noi
The Phatthalung provincial administration has invited tourists to visit the famous red lotus fields of Thale Noi, a wetland in the southern province, which will start to bloom next month.
The red lotus fields are located in the Thale Noi community, which has been selected by the Culture Ministry as one of 10 model communities for tourists to visit and experience the local way of life. The community is named after the Thale Noi wetland, which is a Ramsar site — an internationally recognized wetland of importance. Continued …
Time to decommodify electricity
The international community has long recognized the urgent need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy, and in recent years many governments have pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions, albeit over extremely long timeframes. But they will never get there so long as they treat electricity, which is central to the clean-energy transition, like any other market good.
The green transition is driven by several factors, such as energy intensity, investment flows, consumption patterns, and distribution systems. But its success hinges on humanity’s ability to move away from “dirty” fossil fuels toward clean, renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind. And that requires a profound transformation in how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed. Continued …
Pattaya moves toward solar energy with city hall installation
Mayor Poramet Ngampichetsath chaired a meeting to discuss the installation of a solar rooftop system at Pattaya City Hall. This initiative is part of the city’s efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, contributing to Pattaya’s goal of becoming a green tourism city.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) presented a proposal and draft contract for the solar energy project, which would operate under the ESCO (Energy Service Co.) model. The meeting focused on discussing the project’s design, government regulations, and safety concerns to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the solar rooftop system. Continued …
Siam Solar Power Distribution Launches in Thailand’s Solar Energy Market
Siam Solar Power Distribution Co., (SSPD), a leading Tier 1 distributor of solar energy products, has officially launched its business in Thailand, announcing its vision to become the leader in comprehensive solar energy equipment distribution and aiming to expand its market to six regions across the country this year.
The solar energy market in Thailand is rapidly expanding, driven by the government’s clean energy promotion policies that aim to increase the proportion of electricity production from renewable energy to 50% by 2030. This has created significant business opportunities for companies like SSPD to offer high-quality and affordable solar energy products and services. Continued …
Electric trucks cheaper than diesel vehicles on long-haul routes
Battery-powered electric trucks driving long-distance routes from Shenzhen in China are more cost-effective than those powered by diesel fuel, according to an expert from a think tank.
A pilot program completed last year in the city showed that trucks that run on batteries beat diesel-fueled vehicles in terms of total cost of ownership if their annual mileage exceeded 60,000 kilometers. Continued …
Organic farming campaign to promote better health for Chiang Mai residents
A project by Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Engineering aims to encourage farmers in the province to adopt organic farming practices for enhanced food security and improved health among consumers.
The “Chiang Mai Greentopia” project was initiated as locals suffered from various diseases caused by consuming chemically contaminated vegetables imported from Bangkok, which led to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain and diarrhea. Continued …
At least 10 killed in Sweden’s worst mass shooting
At least 10 people, including the gunman, were killed yesterday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting. But a final death toll, a conclusive number of wounded and a motive hadn’t yet been determined hours later. Continued …
China hits back at Trump with tariffs on US goods
China announced an investigation into Google and imposed new tariffs on a range of U.S. products moments after President Donald Trump slapped a 10% tariff on goods from Beijing, reigniting a trade war between the world’s largest economies. Continued …
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590