Tag Archives: thailand domestic tourism

Wednesday’s news-Aug 23

  • Pheu Thai’s Srettha wins PM post by large majority/
  • New government forms, but at what cost?/
  • Lung cancer: PM2.5 tiny particles pose threats to lungs/
  • Abnormal sleep behaviors may require medical intervention/
  • Economy: McKinsey foresees AI technology dominating Thailand’s future/
  • Tourism: Domestic tourism recovery in Thailand hits 93%/
  • Thailand Experience: Thais see ‘elixir’ as solution to human-elephant conflict/Initiative to help foster symphony of elephant-human coexistence/US vet students helping animals and their owners in Thailand/
  • International: Seven key questions about the Fukushima water release/Helicopters, ziplining commandos rescue 8 from Pakistan cable car/
  • 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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Pheu Thai’s Srettha wins PM post by large majority

Pheu Thai’s candidate Srettha Thavisin was named Thailand’s 30th prime minister on Tuesday, effectively bringing the nearly 100-day political deadlock to an end.

After hours of debate, the former real estate tycoon received 482 votes in the joint parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, far higher than the required 374 votes. Against votes stood at 165, while 81 parliamentarians abstained and 19 were absent. Continued …

New government forms, but at what cost?

Thai politics is entering a new chapter as the color-coded political divide that has polarized the country for several years is expected to end after Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin won parliament’s endorsement to become the country’s 30th prime minister on Tuesday.

After more than a decade of conflict between red-shirt and yellow groups, the two opposing camps now appear to have buried the hatchet and joined forces to fight against the Move Forward Party (MFP), which is perceived as their main threat, according to observers. Continued …

Lung cancer: PM2.5 tiny particles pose threats to lungs

For more than 25 years, Thailand has struggled with poor air quality, including the PM2.5 threat. The north, in particular, has borne the brunt. In 2023, the amount of dust particles has exceeded safe limits by 14 times.

Statistics show up to 1.7 million Thais came down with illnesses related to air pollution between Jan. 1 and March 19, 2023. In 2022, there were also as many as 180,000 lung-cancer patients in Thailand. The number of these patients has been rising every year. Continued …

Abnormal sleep behaviors may require medical intervention

Sleep disorders affect tens of millions of people across the globe. They include insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy and parasomnias. REM sleep behavior disorder, also known as RBD, falls into that last category.

The term parasomnia refers to abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep. Sleep talking, sleep paralysis, bed wetting, repetitive tooth grinding, sleepwalking and nightmare disorder are also considered to be parasomnias. Continued …

McKinsey foresees AI technology dominating Thailand’s future

The Thai branch of global consultancy McKinsey & Company predicts that the three most impactful trends for Thailand over the next year will be generative artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technology, and climate technology. The prediction is a part of the company’s 2023 Tech Trends Outlook, which was published in July.

Gordon Candelin, senior expert and leader of McKinsey Design Southeast Asia at McKinsey & Company Thailand, emphasized the transformative potential of generative AI technology. Continued … 

Domestic tourism recovery in Thailand hits 93%

Thailand’s domestic tourism sector has seen a significant recovery, reaching 93% of its pre Covid-19 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT expects to record approximately 160 million domestic trips in the country this year, a sharp contrast to the dismal figures witnessed at the onset of the pandemic in 2019.

The projected tourism-related revenue is also expected to reach 808.2 billion baht by the end of this year, marking a 75% increase from 2019. Continued …

Thais see ‘elixir’ as solution to human-elephant conflict

Hidden in the forest of Chachoengsao Province in eastern Thailand, a compound of several single-story houses is being guarded by crews of security guards. In one of these houses, Piyawan Unaha is closely watching the monitors for the appearance of Asian elephants.

Piyawan works at the Bajrasudha Gajanurak Command Center, an advance warning project to detect the activities of wild elephants in five eastern Thai provinces, namely Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo. The provinces are home to nearly 600 wild elephants. Continued …

Initiative to help foster symphony of elephant-human coexistence

Thailand enjoys great animal diversity, with more than 200 protected areas of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife non-hunting areas, which cover 17% of Thailand’s total area.

The country is well known for the Asian elephant, the largest land mammal in the world, which can also be found in countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and China. Continued …

US vet students helping animals and their owners in Thailand

This summer, 14 students from the School of Veterinary Medicine traveled to Thailand to spay and neuter cats and dogs for owners who would otherwise be unable to afford the procedures.

For students at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, an annual Thailand spay and neuter trip is an opportunity to help Thai communities that lack veterinary resources while honing their clinical skills. Continued …

Seven key questions about the Fukushima water release

Japan’s plan to release nuclear wastewater from its Fukushima reactor has sparked many questions. Japan is set to discharge millions of tons of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear reactor, which was damaged in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, into the Pacific Ocean. Continued …

Helicopters, ziplining commandos rescue 8 from Pakistan cable car

Military helicopters and ziplining commandos rescued eight people, including six schoolboys, who were trapped for hours on Tuesday in a stricken cable car high above a remote Pakistani valley. 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

 

Thursday’s news-Aug 10

  • Prestige magazine features Hua Hin’s Intercontinental/
  • Hopes for Pheu Thai PM fade as conservative parties eye power/
  • True looks to bundled services for growth/
  • PTT to plant 86,173 rai of forests in 2023/
  • Thailand to grow opium, magic mushrooms to produce morphine, anti-depressants/
  • Economy: Thai economy riding recovery in tourism, amid flailing exports/FTI announces glum export outlook/Rice price hikes worry restaurant owners, some pass costs to diners/
  • Tourism: Thai tourists dominate PKK tourism numbers/Day trips more likely than longer stays over long weekend/Indian men clash for Thai woman in Pattaya/
  • Thailand Experience: 10 Tantalizing Thai Cookbooks/Learn about the long journey of Thai cats and local culture/
  • International: Indonesia’s Capital Named World’s Most Polluted City/Soaring rice prices stretch budgets for billions in Asia, Africa/People scramble for safety as Hawaii wildfires rage; 6 dead in Maui/
  • 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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Prestige magazine features Hua Hin’s Intercontinental

One of the true joys of living in Thailand is having access to some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. One such destination, the seaside haven of Hua Hin, offers an alluring blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.

Beyond its tranquil beaches and scenic landscapes, the town exudes an inviting atmosphere, with vibrant markets, world-class dining, and a wealth of recreational activities, which has made it increasingly popular for those looking to invest in properties that will provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the kingdom’s larger cities, as well as provide the setting for a lifetime of cherished memories in paradise. Continued …

Hopes for Pheu Thai PM fade as conservative parties eye power

Almost three months after the May 14 general election, Pheu Thai officially formed a new alliance with Bhumjaithai on Monday, and announced they are open to more political parties joining to form Thailand’s next government.

The new coalition emerged just days after Pheu Thai’s political divorce from the Move Forward Party, which won the largest number of seats in the election but failed to secure majority support from Parliament for its prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat. Continued …

True looks to bundled services for growth

Leading fixed broadband internet service provider True Online is offering bundled services, launching packages that include closed-circuit TV (CCTV), home and life insurance at a starting price of 600 baht per month.

The move aims to broaden its new household subscriber base from 3.8 million and increase its monthly average revenue per user from 475 baht, said Sakolporn Hanchanlert, head of online convergence at True Corp. Continued …

PTT to plant 86,173 rai of forests in 2023

Oil and gas giant PTT is planning to plant 86,173 rai of forest this year to accelerate the company’s bid to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

PTT President and CEO Auttapol Rerkpiboon said on Wednesday that the company’s reforestation project aims to rehabilitate the ecosystem and increase natural resources for absorbing carbon dioxide. Continued …

Thailand to grow opium, magic mushrooms to produce morphine, anti-depressants

The Cabinet has approved a draft royal decree for designating areas to grow opium and magic mushrooms on a trial basis for medicinal purposes.

Trisulee Trisaranakul, deputy government spokesperson, said the Cabinet gave the project proposed by the Justice Ministry the go-ahead on Tuesday. Continued …

Thai economy riding recovery in tourism, amid flailing exports

Amid sliding exports and the sluggish world economy, tourism is playing a key role in shoring up Thailand’s economy.

The tourism industry has generated 1.1 trillion baht revenue for the country in the first seven months of the year, 638.2 billion baht coming from spending by foreign tourists, deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said recently. Continued …

FTI announces glum export outlook

Exports may contract by more than 2% this year, following an interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve and concerns over higher global energy prices in the winter, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, predicted dim export prospects after the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking announced last month it was slashing its export growth forecast to -2% this year, down from -1%. Continued … 

Rice price hikes worry restaurant owners, some pass costs to diners

Rice prices have begun to climb, causing restaurateurs concern about the cost of producing made-to-order meals. Despite this, some restaurants have opted not to increase prices, sympathizing with their customers. They are instead appealing to the government to control the cost.

The Ministry of Commerce directed related agencies to balance rice prices after a lull in rainfall from El Niño and India’s suspension of rice exports, causing global market costs to rise. Continued …

Thai tourists dominate PKK tourism numbers

Prachuap Khiri Khan province saw 5,754,690 tourists between January and June this year. Most, 5,502,954, were Thai nationals. majority, 5,502,954, being Thai nationals.

The remaining 251,736 were foreign visitors.

Day trips more likely than longer stays over long weekend

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects Thais to make 2.6 million domestic trips during the National Mother’s Day long weekend (Aug. 12-14) and spend around 8.76 billion baht, a drop of 4% and 5%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

The reduced travel and lower spending are due to the impact of inflation and unfavorable weather conditions during the rainy season, TAT Gov. Yuthasak Supasorn said on Wednesday. Continued … 

Indian men clash for Thai woman in Pattaya

British writer John Lyly once wrote “All is fair in love and war,” but try saying that to two groups of Indian men who brawled in the street in a bid to win the heart of a fair Thai maiden on Southern Pattaya Road last night.

According to an eyewitness, a heated altercation erupted between the two Indian factions along the roadside. The witness courageously intervened, urging the groups to cease their conflict. However, one of the Indian men misinterpreted the intervention as an affront, escalating matters by attempting to wield a broken glass bottle as a weapon. Continued …

10 Tantalizing Thai Cookbooks

I’ll never forget the first time I tried Thai food. I couldn’t get enough of the savory pad Thai sprinkled with chili powder and ground peanuts, and I couldn’t help but crave it again the very next day!

Spicy curries, flavorful vegetable soups, and savory pad Thai are just a few dishes that you’ll be able to cook with confidence after reading these easy-to-follow cookbooks. Continued …

Learn about the long journey of Thai cats and local culture

As one of the most beloved animals in the world, cats have been people’s quintessential companions for thousands of years.

Domesticated felines have always played a significant role in human civilization, no matter where they are. From now until November, the Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Department presents “Wilar Wilas: The Journey Of Cats In Thai Tradition”, an exhibition that tells fascinating stories about this unique pet. Continued …

Indonesia’s Capital Named World’s Most Polluted City

Indonesia’s capital Jakarta topped the list as the world’s most polluted city on Wednesday, having consistently ranked among the 10 most polluted cities globally since May, according to data by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. Continued …

Soaring rice prices stretch budgets for billions in Asia, Africa

A surge in rice prices to the highest level in almost 15 years is renewing fears that food costs are going to get a lot more expensive for the world’s poorest people. Continued …

People scramble for safety as Hawaii wildfires rage; 6 dead in Maui

Wind-whipped wildfires in Hawaii forced hundreds of evacuations Wednesday, overwhelmed hospitals and even sent some residents fleeing into the ocean to escape the flames, as parts of the popular tourist destination turned into a raging inferno in a matter of hours. 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

Monday’s news-July 31

  • Chomsin Road (Soi 55) road work Aug 6-15/
  • Illegally stored explosives blow up in Narathiwat, killing 12, injuring 121/
  • Thai Meteorological Department warns of soaking showers/
  • Hua Hin Profile: Flying high but with his feet firmly rooted in the soil/
  • MFP calm amid election rejig buzz/
  • Reviewing the five visa options for retirement in Thailand/
  • Electric Tuk-Tuks reduce greenhouse gas emissions, easier for the elderly to use/
  • Thai traditional medicine popularity surges amidst Covid-19 crisis/
  • Thailand’s missing monkeys: US labs or Chinese medicine to blame?/
  • Economy: EEC can expect severe water shortage by 2037 if steps not taken, says agency/Transforming waste into sustainable raw materials/Thai Food Delivery Services: Quick Entry, Quick Demise/Bangkok residential market records 29% drop in new sales/
  • Tourism: Hua Hin–Cha Am Golf Festival 2023 tees off, 30,000 golfers expected/Thailand expects holiday tourism boom earning 16.6 billion baht/Cars form long lines to catch ferry out of Koh Chang/Chiang Rai flaunts its skillful tattooists in bid to expand tourism/
  • International: As Khanun forms, China warns of third typhoon in three weeks/Typewriters popular again in Singapore, not just for aesthetic reasons/
  • 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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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.


Chomsin Road (Soi 55) road work Aug 6-15

Chomsin Road, Soi 55, will be partially closed to traffic from Aug. 6-15, between 9am-6pm. One lane will be closed and there will be power disruptions, as well.

The contractor will be carrying out pavement removal work for a road surface expansion project.

Illegally stored explosives blow up in Narathiwat, killing 12, injuring 121

A warehouse near the main market of a village in Narathiwat’s Sungai Padi district blew up on Saturday evening, killing 12 people and injuring some 121 others.

As of press time on Sunday, 111 of the injured had been discharged from hospital. Among the deceased, seven have been claimed by families, two have been interred, two are yet to be identified and the authorities have yet to disclose information about the 12th body. Continued …

Thai Meteorological Department warns of soaking showers

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of increased and heavy rainfall due to the southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. As a result, 47 provinces are at risk of sudden flooding and forest runoff.

People in these areas have been urged to be wary of heavy rain and accumulated precipitation, which can cause these dangerous situations. Continued …

Flying high but with his feet firmly rooted in the soil

By Felicitee Lawrie

The best word I can find to describe Khun Ong, Chaiyapat Butrdee, is trailblazer. He is a man of passion and vision, is perfectly sure about the path he has decided to follow, and is doing everything in his power to smooth the path for those who make the very wise choice to travel alongside or in his footsteps.

But getting to where he is now has not been a straight or even smooth trajectory, yet Ong has displayed the tenacity and the determination required of him. His best friend would say that Ong is not like 95% of people, and I would have to agree. There is something about this man that sets him apart, as an individual and as a leader. Continued …

MFP calm amid election rejig buzz

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has dismissed speculation it will be excluded from a new government led by the Pheu Thai Party, insisting that unity among the eight prospective coalition parties remains intact.

According to sources, the latest possible configuration of a new government has emerged, still comprising the original coalition allies but with the Bhumjaithai and Chartthaipattana parties also invited to join. The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) would remain excluded. Continued …

Reviewing the five visa options for retirement in Thailand

Thailand regularly appears in the top 10 destinations chosen by foreigners wanting to retire abroad. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand does not offer a retiree visa, as such, but a number of choices aimed specifically or partially at this market.

Non-immigrant “O” visa conversion

This is the most popular route at present. A foreigner aged at least 50 enters the country with a visa exempt or tourist visa (30 or 60 days) and applies at local immigration to convert it to a three months non-immigrant “O” and thence to an annual extension of stay based on retirement. Typically, the financial requirement is 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or proof of monthly transfers to Thailand of at least 65,000 baht. The detailed bureaucracy varies in immigration offices nationwide and several embassies now refuse to get involved in certifying the creditworthiness of their own nationals. Continued …

Electric Tuk-Tuks reduce greenhouse gas emissions, easier for the elderly to use

Thailand is well-known for its brightly colored tuk-tuks, which are as much of a feature of the country as the ancient temples built during the Ayutthaya period. Today, the country is preparing for a greener future, by moving away from reliance on fossil-fuels and these three-wheeled vehicles might very well lead the way.

A start-up company called Muvmi was launched in 2017 with the goal of filling gaps in the transportation market. It has played an active role in putting electric tuk-tuks into widespread use in large cities. The 6 million active users are expected to continue to grow in numbers. Continued …

Thai traditional medicine popularity surges amidst covid-19 crisis

The turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic have become a potent catalyst for the growing popularity of Thai traditional medicine (TTM), which finds its roots firmly intertwined with diverse aspects of Thai culture, ranging from religious practices to local cuisine. This newfound acceptance of TTM as a fundamental fabric of Thai identity has emerged in the wake of the pandemic.

Traditional medicine in Thailand, known for the utilization of a broad spectrum of indigenous herbs, has seen a staggering surge in usage, as evidenced by the 20th National Herbs Expo hosted by the Ministry of Public Health. Spanning five days, from June 28 to July 2, this event provided a platform for active dialogue among professionals in the field, budding entrepreneurs, and visitors keenly interested in the mystique of TTM. Continued …

Thailand’s missing monkeys: US labs or Chinese medicine to blame?

Authorities in Thailand believe animal traffickers are smuggling monkeys across the border into Cambodia and Laos to be used for testing in laboratories.

Thai authorities blame the smuggling of long-tailed macaques on high demand from Chinese traditional medicine, but U.S. labs implicated.The U.S. has been cracking down on wildlife smuggling, and has passed a law removing the requirement for drugs to be tested on animals before humans. Video …

EEC can expect severe water shortage by 2037 if steps not taken, says agency

Thailand’s national water resources agency reckons the three provinces that make up the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will suffer severe water shortage by 2037.

The Office of the National Water Resources puts this shortage down to rising population, industrial development, tourism and farming. EEC comprises Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong provinces. Continued …

Transforming waste into sustainable raw materials

Thailand generated about 37 million tons of waste last year, of which 3 million tons were hazardous waste.

To reduce waste, a collaborative research and development agreement was signed by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and the Department of Industrial Works. This initiative aims to reduce waste. Continued …

Thai Food Delivery Services: Quick Entry, Quick Demise

The Thai food industry is a “paradise” for foodies, ranging from street food to upscale restaurants, with an estimated value of more than 4 trillion baht and continuous growth.

According to Yod Chinsupakul, CEO of LINE MAN Wongnai, however, the data collected from restaurant owners on the delivery platform reveals a somewhat sad truth. Within 12 months of opening, about 50% of new restaurant businesses have to close due to “lack of sales”. Continued …

Bangkok residential market records 29% drop in new sales

The Bangkok residential property market witnessed a significant 29.1% drop in new sales in the first quarter of 2023, with condos being the primary factor contributing to the slowdown.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the number of newly sold residential units in Greater Bangkok in the first quarter tallied 21,291 units, with a total value of 105.7 billion baht. Continued …

Hua Hin–Cha Am Golf Festival 2023 tees off, 30,000 golfers expected

The Hua Hin–Cha Am Golf Festival 2023 officially got underway on Sunday at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, marking the start of a month-long golfing extravaganza set to energize tourism and boost the local economy.

The festival offers discounted green fees throughout the entirety of August and September, making it an ideal time for golfers to experience golf in the region. Continued … 

Thailand expects holiday tourism boom earning 16.6 billion baht

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is forecasting a substantial influx of travel and expenditure within the nation from July 28 to Aug. 2. Projections are currently pointing at nearly five million trips, which could potentially rake in 16.6 billion baht across the country.

TAT Gov. Yuttasak Supasorn indicated that the estimated surge in domestic travels during this unique long holiday weekend may spur hotel occupancy rates to around 63%. Continued …

Cars form long lines to catch ferry out of Koh Chang

Tourists who had gone to Koh Chang on Friday for the long weekend created chaos on the island on Sunday, as cars began queuing up to catch the ferry.

Police said cars had filled the 4-kilometer road between Ban Had Sai Khao and Ban Dan Kao villages, as tourists waited for their turn to get on the ferry to Trat. The queue also spilled over to the top of Koh Chang Mountain to the pier of Pineapple Bay, with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace, police added. Continued …

Chiang Rai flaunts its skillful tattooists in bid to expand tourism

In an effort to boost tourism and revenue, the northern province of Chiang Rai is now looking to woo tourists interested in getting tattoos at cheap prices.

For this, local authorities and businesses got together to launch the “Tattoo Body Artists” and “Amazing Body Art @ Chiangrai” promotions at Central Chiang Rai shopping mall on Saturday. Showcased at the events were displays of body art created by local tattoo shops. Continued …

As Khanun forms, China warns of third typhoon in three weeks

China is bracing for the third typhoon in three weeks to roar in next week as scientists warn of more frequent and violent storms as a result of global warming. Khanun, now more than 1,000km east of the Philippine archipelago in the Pacific, may make landfall in China’s economically important Zhejiang province as early as Tuesday, Chinese forecasters said. Continued …

Typewriters popular again in Singapore, not just for aesthetic reasons

The ubiquitous clickety-clack of their keys was supposed to have gone the way of the dodo. But typewriters have become fashionable again. People continue coming up with novel ways to reinforce the relevance of typewriters in the digital age – from a stress-relieving pastime to a useful tool for engaging children. 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
  • Department of Hughways – 1586
  • State Railway – 1590

Saturday’s news-July 29

  • Free entrance to national parks during long break/
  • Downpours forecast for most of Thailand until Thursday/
  • Heart failure: cardiologists put out a call to action/
  • Female teachers required to serve alcohol, dance at religious event/
  • Economy: Thai political uncertainty could have ramifications for new investments/Property developers glum on outlook/
  • Tourism: Long holiday a boon for Ko Samui tourism/Unprecedented six-day holiday leads to tourist boom in Pattaya/Eastern Trat islands see huge influx of visitors as long holiday break begins/Thai health and wellness tourism in the global spotlight/
  • Thailand Experience: Guardians of The Forest: Fading Stripes/Thailand’s wild tigers have doubled in number to 189 since 2014/10 Best Natural Attractions in Chiang Mai for a Therapeutic Trip/In perfect harmony: an ode to Buddhism/
  • International: Typhoon Doksuri destroys power lines, closes factories as it rips into China/US announces $345M military aid package for Taiwan/
  • 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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Free entrance to national parks during long break

To promote domestic tourism, national parks nationwide will offer free admission to visitors during the six-day holiday, said the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on its Facebook page on Friday.

The long break started yesterday, His Majesty the King’s birthday, and continues until Wednesday, the start of Buddhist Lent. To help travelers decide which park to visit, the department listed the 10 most popular during the same period last year: Continued …

Downpours forecast for most of Thailand until Thursday

Heavy to very heavy rains are forecast to continue in most parts of Thailand until next Thursday due to a moderate monsoon trough lying across the upper north and Laos, and a low-pressure area near the coast of upper Vietnam, the Meteorological Department said.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify from Saturday to Thursday, according to the department’s seven-day forecast issued on Friday. Continued …

Heart failure: cardiologists put out a call to action

If you experience fatigue or you notice that one or both of your legs is swollen, you will probably brush it off, blaming the tiredness on too-busy days and the swelling on sitting in the same position for too long. But writing off these seemingly innocuous symptoms is a mistake, as they might well be telling you that your heart is failing.

Lack of knowledge aside, it’s perhaps even more worrying is that overlooking these symptoms is one of the reasons why 16.1% of heart failure cases are misdiagnosed in hospitals. Continued …

Female teachers required to serve alcohol, dance at religious event

An ongoing Thai school controversy has unfolded, involving a large school planning to host a religious “Pa Pha” ceremony, which attracted criticism due to directives issued that required female teachers to perform traditional dance and serve alcohol to guests. The incident has provoked heated discussions online following the incident’s exposure on social media.

The Thai school controversy came to light after a female teacher reported the issue through a social media page named “Teacher Indy.” She revealed that a large school yesterday was organizing a “Pa Pha” school ceremony during which the female teachers were expected not only to dress up and dance as traditional dancers but also serve alcohol to the guests. Continued …

Thai political uncertainty could have ramifications for new investments

Foreign companies are closely monitoring the political situation in Thailand, but they assured that they were continuing to invest in Thailand despite the political uncertainty, according to different sources.

They want the next government to pursue a policy of energy independence and sustainable energy to create a conducive environment for long-term business growth. Continued …

Property developers glum on outlook

Property developers have called for the new government to be formed as soon as possible, as it would facilitate a speedy economic recovery and ultimately stimulate the housing property sector amid several negative factors and risks.

Apichart Chutrakul, chairman of Sansiri, said the situation regarding the Russia-Ukraine war remained uncertain at present, posing risks to the global economy. Continued …

Long holiday a boon for Ko Samui tourism

The Ko Samui airport in the southern province of Surat Thani has become lively and crowded with many Thai and foreign tourists who started arriving at this famous island resort on Friday, the first day of a six-day long holiday, thanks to the cabinet’s decision to declare Monday, July 31, an extra day off.

All Bangkok Airways flights from Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province to Ko Samui were fully booked, as were all direct flights to the island from Hong Kong and Singapore. Continued …

Unprecedented six-day holiday leads to tourist boom in Pattaya

Yesterday marked the kick-off of an unprecedented six-day holiday. Pattaya‘s beaches and tourist hotspots were abuzz as visitors flocked, particularly to Koh Larn, a stunning island located roughly 7 kilometers from the coast. According to local accommodation providers, the entirety of the island’s estimated 3,000 rooms were booked out.

The rush of tourists, both Thai and foreign, regularly set sail from Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya to the island. In response to the influx, the Pattaya City Municipality, in collaboration with the Marine Office, mobilized officials to assist in managing the crowd at the pier. Continued …

Eastern Trat islands see huge influx of visitors as long holiday break begins

Tourists flocked to scenic islands in the eastern seaboard province of Trat as a six-day holiday break started on Friday.

Ferries from mainland Trat were crowded with vacationers and their cars amid a sharp increase in visitors to the islands of Chang, Kood and Mak. Continued …

Thai health and wellness tourism in the global spotlight

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) gained greater opportunities to tap into the medical and wellness market at the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness New Chapters New Experience Exclusive Trade Meet 2023.

Held earlier this week in Bangkok, the event was designed to connect health and wellness representatives from all over the world with Thai entrepreneurs. In addition to showcasing innovative health and wellness tourism products, the event fostered collaboration through seminars and business negotiations. Continued …

Guardians of The Forest: Fading Stripes

What is your favorite place to connect with nature? Picture yourself in the heart of a vast and ancient jungle, surrounded by towering huge trees holding untold past secrets. The air is thick with nature’s beauty, and the sounds of wildlife create a melody of life.

A faraway roar sends shivers down your spine and is a reminder of the regal presence of the tiger, known as the “king of the jungle.” This has become a rare scene these days. Today, the sounds of devastation drown out the echoes of their once-powerful dominion. This is the story of struggle, resilience, and hope in the face of an ongoing attack on their “homes”. Continued …

Thailand’s wild tigers have doubled in number to 189 since 2014

There are now as many as 189 wild tigers in Thailand’s forests, a 100% increase since 2014, according to a census conducted using camera traps, said Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, on International Tiger Day today.

Most of the tigers are to be found in Kaeng Krachan, Dong Phyayen-Khao Yai, Hala Bala-Bang Lang and western forests, he said, adding that the department launched the second national action plan to conserve the big cats, which runs from last year until 2034, with the aim of further increasing the tiger population and that of their prey. Continued …

10 Best Natural Attractions in Chiang Mai for a Therapeutic Trip

Does a therapeutic trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand sound appealing to you? Aside from the mouthwatering delicacies and cultural heritage, there are so many underrated natural attractions in this beautiful destination in Thailand that are worth exploring. For your upcoming vacation, visit Chiang Mai and be amazed by the natural beauty and rejuvenating activities it offers!

10 Must-visit natural attractions in Chiang Mai

1. Doi Inthanon National Park

Google the word Chiang Mai and you’ll probably stumble upon a gorgeous picture of the Doi Inthanon National Park. Not only is it an icon of Chiang Mai, but it is also one of the most popular parks in Thailand! Continued …

In perfect harmony: an ode to Buddhism

This Monday, Chalermchai Dongchan will be one of the four devotees chanting the Vessantara Jataka, or Maha Chat Kham Luang, in front of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at the Emerald Buddha Temple.

“Chanting Maha Chat Kham Luang has been my proud mission since 2010,” the 42-year-old civil servant with the Culture Ministry’s Religious Affairs Department said. Continued …

Typhoon Doksuri destroys power lines, closes factories as it rips into China

Typhoon Doksuri swept into China’s southeastern Fujian province on Friday, unleashing heavy rain and violent gusts of wind that whipped power lines, sparking fires, uprooted trees and forced factories and shopping malls to shut. Continued …

US announces $345M military aid package for Taiwan

The United States on Friday unveiled a $345 million military aid package for Taiwan designed to quickly bolster the island’s ability to deter a Chinese invasion. 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

 

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