Dusit’s new Hua Hin condo project/Hua Hin Blues Fest/Black Mountain Championship honored/Centara Grand wins HolidayCheck honor/Sansara’s luxury villa development/Power tariff faces trim of 17 satang/Growth of health spending in Thailand/China fight of cross-border crimes/Absent in global boobs size rankings/Flood warning issued/Forest fires continue/South Thailand unrest/Some of the world’s fattest kids/Man shoots cat with harpoon/Shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: The Rise of Southeast Asia/Entertainment complex plus online gambling?/Hidden motives behind online gambling/Investment likely to keep flowing/Working to protect auto industry/Thailand to sign free trade agreement/Bt10-billion factory expansion/TOURISM: Brawls in Pattaya/4 million travelers over Chinese New Year/Regional hub for cruise tourism/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Rice fields turned into art/Chefs to Serve Thai Favorites/CLIMATE THAILAND: Bangkok For Sustainably/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
Dusit invests in multigeneration Hua Hin condo project
Dusit International is expanding to real estate with an investment in a new multigeneration condo project in Hua Hin, while targeting at least 15 new contracts for hotel management, including in Europe.
Siradej Donavanik, vice president of development at Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said to capture the senior residence trend, the company plans to launch Dusit Ajara, a luxury condo under its property development arm Dusit Estate, this year. Continued …
Hua Hin Blues Fest tomorrow behind Tamarind market
Black Mountain Championship named Asia Tournament of the Year
Centara Grand Hua Hin wins HolidayCheck honor
Sansara announces luxury villa development at Black Mountain
Power tariff faces trim of 17 satang at expense of renewable energy
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects to reduce the power tariff by 0.17 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), leading to cheaper electricity bills, if the government agrees to reduce its spending on a policy to promote investment in renewable energy.
Part of the power tariff, which is now 4.15 baht a unit, is spent to support the renewable energy policy, a key factor keeping power bills high for households and businesses, according to the regulator. Continued …
Growth of health spending in Thailand from 2017 to 2024
China urges ASEAN (Thailand) to fight cross-border crimes
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Southeast Asian countries yesterday to take strong measures to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, urging the “relevant” nations to shoulder their responsibilities.
A series of cases of online gambling and telecom fraud incidents along the Thai-Myanmar border has threatened and harmed citizens of China and other countries, Wang was quoted as saying in a Foreign Ministry statement. Continued …
Thailand absent in global boobs size rankings
In a study by the World Population Review, Thailand is noticeably absent in the rankings of countries with the largest average boobs. The Scandinavian country of Norway has the biggest boobs, the survey reported.
This comprehensive report scrutinized 108 nations, unearthing intriguing correlations between body mass index (BMI) and breast size, while affirming that individual factors like genetics, diet, and age play significant roles in determining bust size. Continued …
Flood warning issued for southern Thailand
The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the south and the Andaman Sea will strengthen over the weekend, bringing isolated heavy downpours to the lower south, the Thai Meteorological Department warned today.
People in affected areas should beware of heavy rains and rain accumulations that may cause flash flooding and overflows, especially along the foothills, near waterways and low-lying land, it said, adding residents along the shores should beware of inshore surges. Continued …
Forest fires continue in Suphan Buri and Chon Buri
Massive forest fires, allegedly started by poachers four days ago, continue to rage in Suphan Buri, with approximately 1,000 rai of forest already damaged, officials have reported.
Volunteers, park rangers, and officials from relevant agencies joined forces yesterday morning to contain the fires, which have been spreading across forests on the mountain range in Tambon Plap Plachai and Tambon Ban Khong in Suphan Buri’s U Thong district for four consecutive days. Continued …
South Thailand unrest: Defense chief demands strategy overhaul
Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a bold rethink of Thailand’s southern border strategy following a recent motorcycle bomb attack in Pattani that left defense volunteers and civilians injured.
In a scathing critique of current measures, Phumtham urged the National Security Council (NSC) to replace the ineffective cycle of lifting and reinstating emergency decrees with a more cohesive approach. Continued …
Thailand weighs in with some of the world’s fattest kids
Thailand is home to some of the fattest kids in the worl a new study has revealed. The kingdom finds itself grappling with a burgeoning child obesity crisis, ranking as the third worst in the ASEAN region, according to a recent study.
A staggering 84.1% of Thai children aged six to 14 are regularly munching on salty snacks, prompting urgent calls for action. Continued …
Thai man shoots cat with harpoon, allegedly to eat it
Police are searching for a Thai man who shot a cat with a harpoon in the Isaan province of Buriram, allegedly intending to eat the animal. The cat’s right eye was left blind following the severe attack.
The 68-year-old Thai man brought the injured cat, Kuay Tiew (meaning noodles), in a cage to a shelter at the Wang Krood Rescue Foundation in the Satuek district of Buriram province yesterday. Narong explained that he could not afford the treatment costs for Kuay Tiew and hoped rescuers could assist. Continued …
British explorer uncovers shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo
A British explorer got more than he bargained for during a visit to Thailand’s abandoned Phuket Zoo, uncovering a hidden and haunting secret that left him and his viewers stunned.
British content creator Sean King, known for exploring deserted attractions on his YouTube channel @SeanKing5150, ventured into the defunct zoo. What he found was both extraordinary and deeply troubling. “I thought the animals had been rescued.” Continued …
- Australian man’s flight crash threat lands him in jail – Continued …
- Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam – Continued …
The Rise of Southeast Asia: A New Era in Global Manufacturing?
The Southeast Asia (SEA) region is rapidly positioning itself as one of the leading manufacturing hubs in the world, capturing the attention of global investors, manufacturers, and supply chain experts.
This growth is driven by competitive labor costs, strategic geographic location, and increasing government support for industrial development. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are emerging as key players, attracting multinational corporations seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependency on traditional manufacturing giants. Continued …
Entertainment complex plus online gambling?
The legalization of casinos in Thailand under the “Entertainment Complex” policy is progressing alongside efforts to legalize online gambling.
This aligns with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s comments in various forums about the significant underground economy fueled by gambling. Continued …
Former senator questions hidden motives behind online gambling legalization
Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has expressed doubts about the cabinet’s decision to legalize online gambling, warning that it could backfire on the government.
The decision was not included in the cabinet’s official resolution this week, but was revealed by Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Tuesday. Continued …
Bangkok Bank: Investment likely to keep flowing into Thailand
Bangkok Bank (BBL) expects sustained growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand over the next few years, presenting significant opportunities for the Thai economy despite global uncertainties.
Speaking at the 2025 ASEAN Business Forum hosted by the bank yesterday, BBL President Chartsiri Sophonpanich said Thailand’s total investment applications through the Board of Investment surged by 35% in 2024 to reach a 10-year high of 1.14 trillion baht, driven by foreign investments in various sectors, including companies relocating operations to diversify their supply chains. Continued …
Leading organizations working to protect Thailand’s auto industry
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is working with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to develop strategies that will safeguard the nation’s automotive industry, particularly amidst the rise of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
BOI Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi acknowledged the potential impact of Chinese EVs on Thailand’s existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle industry. Continued …
Thailand to sign historic free trade agreement with EFTA
Thailand is poised to sign a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Assn. (EFTA) next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the signing ceremony would take place on Jan. 23, after which it would be placed before the Thai Parliament for ratification, a process expected to take approximately one year. Continued …
Haier mulling Bt10-billion factory expansion
Haier, a Chinese consumer electronics and home appliance company, is considering expanding its factory operations in Thailand with an investment of more than 10 billion baht this year. The company has held talks with the Thai government concerning its plan.
While Dong Jianping, president of Haier Electrical Appliances (Thailand), did not reveal the location, he said the new facility would produce washing machines, large refrigerators and commercial air conditioners. The plant would also feature advanced automation systems, reducing reliance on human labor. Continued …
Drunk tourists fuel brawls in Pattaya
Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fueled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation.
Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after dark, in the bustling beach areas. Heated arguments, physical fights, and aggressive behaviors frequently disrupt the peace, posing safety risks to visitors and residents. Continued …
Thai airports brace for 4 million travelers over Chinese New Year
The Transport Ministry forecasts Thailand will be visited by over 4 million foreign tourists during the Chinese New Year festival, marking a 10.4% increase from last year.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said foreign arrivals are expected to top 4 million in the week from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2, including around 770,000 from China – a 22.6% increase from the previous year. Continued …
Thailand positions itself as regional hub for cruise tourism
Cruise tourism, which combines luxury transport with a floating resort experience, is set for significant growth, the latest Cruise Tourism Global Market Report 2024 said. The sector is expected to grow from US$6.96 billion (240.81 billion baht) to $7.62 billion in 2025, reflecting a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%.
Industry analysts predict the market with hit $10.85 billion by 2029, maintaining a steady CAGR of 9.2%. This expansion is driven primarily by the growing demand for luxury travel experiences, particularly among younger travelers. Continued …
Rice fields turned into art in northern Thailand
A two-acre paddy field in northern Thailand has been transformed into an artwork depicting a dragon and a cat, symbols of hope and resilience as the community recovers from floods.
The farm owner, Tanyapong Jaikham, said the cat represents the residents of his hometown Chiang Rai who faced devastating floods during last year’s monsoon season. The dragon, last year’s zodiac symbol, is shown protectively holding the cat. Continued …
Thai Chefs to Serve Bevy of Favorites at World Economic Forum
Thai culinary expertise will take center stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, as Chefcare’s Project Company partners with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present “Thailand Reception” under the theme “Nourishing The Future For All” on Jan. 22. The event will cater to approximately 500-600 global leaders and top executives.
The showcase will feature 12 buffet items, including traditional Thai favorites such as sticky rice with longan, crispy rubies dessert (Tab Tim Grob), Cho Muang (flower-shaped dumpling filled with minced chicken), Pad Thai, papaya salad, Thai-style grilled chicken, northern-style chili dip (Nam Prik Ong) with sticky rice and vegetables, basil stir-fry, green curry chicken, massaman lamb curry, and tom yum kung. Continued …
A Responsible Guide To Bangkok For Sustainably Minded Travelers
When it comes to places that have it all, few cities can compete with Bangkok. Thailand’s vibrant capital offers a sensory overload of bright colors, pungent odors, eye-popping structures and streets teeming with cars, tuk-tuks and food vendors.
Yet, for all its superlatives, buzzy Bangkok is not often associated with sustainability. Traffic congestion, air, water and noise pollution, excessive plastic usage, flooding, and unsatisfactory refuse collection processes are just some of the problems the Thai capital has to contend with. Continued …
Oligarchs already own much of US – can they buy democracy?
They increasingly own everything from access to space to how we get news on Earth and now outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden warns America’s new breed of Donald Trump-allied oligarchs could gobble up U.S. democracy itself. 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