8 fatalities in PKK/Red-level air pollution/Bangkok Air Pollution/Colder weather moving in/Cheaper electricity costs/To Bear Costs of Phone Scam Damages/Students to Receive Learning Tablets/Chinese actor’s real-life drama/ECONOMY: Thai household costs surge/Cabinet approves Bt3.8-trillion budget/10,000-baht handouts to elderly/Exports helped by strong December/Thai minister heading to US/TOURISM: New Year countdown exceeds expectations/Chinese New year spending/Travel Trends Revealed/Provincial airports to ease travel/Chinese Tourist Drowns/CLIMATE THAILAND: Microplastics Widespread in Seafood/Climate crisis costly/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
8 fatalities in PKK over holiday period
Red-level air pollution blankets most of Thailand
Only seven out of 77 provinces in Thailand had safe air to breathe and most provinces including the capital were blanketed with red levels of hazardous ultrafine dust this morning.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 8am that 39 provinces were shrouded with “red” hazardous-to-health levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5). Continued …
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Bangkok Air Pollution Reaches Hazardous Levels
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped up the battle against Thailand’s air pollution crisis, with PM2.5 fine particulate matter levels reaching hazardous levels. Following a cabinet meeting, she has prolonged the directive to engage various ministries to anchor efforts in achieving lower pollution levels than last year.
After the meeting, Paetongtarn highlighted the concerning rise in dust levels across provinces, as evidenced by satellite images revealing more heat spots. The priority, she said, was clear-cut measures implemented by both relevant governmental bodies and sugarcane farmers, who are often responsible for agricultural burning. Continued …
Colder weather moving in from Friday
Temperatures are forecast to fall sharply in most regions of the country from this Friday due to the arrival of a high pressure system from China.
Sukanyanee Yawinchan, director-general of the meteorological department, said today that from Friday this week to Monday next week temperatures would drop by 5-7°C in the north and northeast, and 2-5°C in the Central Plains and Bangkok, east and upper south. Continued …
Cheaper electricity costs targeted
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has hinted at the possibility of bringing household electricity costs down after her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said that the price could be reduced to 3.70 baht per unit this year, from 4.15 baht now. Paetongtarn said this was one of the government’s priorities to ease the rising cost of living.
“Collaboration from all sides will benefit the country. Bringing household electricity costs down to 3.70 baht per unit is the target the government wants to achieve. It is one of the government’s priorities,” the prime minister said. Continued …
Thai Banks and Mobile Operators to Bear Costs of Phone Scam Damages
In a significant move to tackle the rising issue of phone scams, Thailand’s government is preparing new regulations that will hold banks and mobile operators accountable for losses incurred by victims. The initiative comes as these scams have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, causing considerable financial distress among the public.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, announced plans to issue an executive decree within the month that would mandate financial institutions and telecom companies to reimburse consumers who fall victim to such fraudulent activities. Continued …
600,000 Thai Students to Receive Learning Tablets by June
In a drive to bridge the educational gap, the Ministry of Education is poised to distribute learning tablets to 600,000 high school students by June 2025. This initiative aims to empower students with the capability to access learning resources anytime, anywhere, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
The effort is viewed as a pivotal step in reducing educational inequality and enhancing digital learning opportunities across the nation. Currently, the ministry is meticulously preparing the terms of reference (ToR) for the procurement of these tablets. Continued …
Chinese actor’s real-life drama ends on Thai-Myanmar border
Missing Chinese actor Wang Xing was dramatically rescued by Thai police yesterday after being abducted by a human trafficking gang while on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Wang Xing, known to fans as Xingxing, vanished on Jan. 3 after departing Shanghai Pudong Airport for Thailand in what he believed was an acting gig along the border. Last seen in Mae Sot, the plot thickened as his sudden disappearance spookily mirrored the storyline of No More Bets, a Chinese blockbuster movie where characters are ensnared by a scam center in Thailand. Continued …
Thai household costs surge: survey reveals rising living expenses
A recent survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Ministry of Commerce has revealed a significant increase in Thai households’ living expenses. The survey found that average monthly household expenditure in December reached 18,207 baht.
TPSO Director Poonpong Nayanapakorn highlighted a 1.23% rise in headline inflation in December 2024, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 108.28 compared with 106.96 in December 2023. Core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, increased by 0.79%, slightly lower than the 0.80% recorded in November 2024. Continued …
Cabinet approves Bt3.8-trillion budget for 2026
The cabinet has approved a budget of 3.78 trillion baht for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as soft loans to help small businesses, officials said yesterday.
The proposed budget will have a deficit of 860 billion baht and aims to stimulate the economy, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters. Continued …
10,000-baht handouts to elderly by Jan 29
The Thai government has officially confirmed that elderly citizens will receive their long-awaited 10,000 baht stimulus payments before Jan. 29, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat at the Ministry of Finance yesterday.
“We assure you, the 10,000-baht payments will hit accounts before the deadline. The exact transfer date hinges on a final appointment with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.” Continued …
Thai exports helped by strong December
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) upgraded its Thai export growth forecast for 2024 to 5% following a robust performance in December.
Chaichan Charoensuk, chairman of the TNSC, said Thai exports last month were estimated to rise by more than 4.5%, surpassing expectations. This improvement was attributed to collaborations among relevant sectors. Continued …
Thai minister heading to US to fight proposed tariffs
The Thai commerce minister plans to visit the U.S. early next month for negotiations focused on preventing potential tariff hikes on Thai exports, following a recent meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (Amcham).
During his U.S. visit, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan plans to meet with the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. Continued …
Thailand’s New Year countdown exceeds tourism expectations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a successful New Year’s Eve countdown campaign, with visitor numbers and revenue surpassing expectations.
In Bangkok, the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at Nakarapirom Park attracted 23,502 people – 19,740 Thais and 3,762 international visitors – over four days from Dec. 28-31. The event generated cash flows of around 55.4 million baht. Continued …
Chinese New year spending boom expected
Thailand’s economy is set to light up like a firecracker this Chinese New Year, with spending forecast to rise by over 3%, according to the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Buoyed by a recovering economy, government cash injections, and a surge of Chinese tourists, the festival promises to spark a celebratory spending spree, said Thanawat Phonwichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Continued …
Thailand’s Travel Trends Revealed
As travel enthusiasts seek fresh and unique experiences, 12Go, a leading travel agency, has identified key trends set to shape tourism in Thailand in 2025. Among these trends is the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable travel options, as more travelers prioritize environmental consciousness in their journeys.
Additionally, the rise of digital nomadism is expected to influence the tourism landscape, with Thailand positioning itself as a top destination for remote workers seeking both productivity and leisure. Continued …
Provincial airports to ease travel for passengers
The Transport Ministry has ordered the Department of Airports (DoA) to increase measures to support travelers after the number of passengers increased by more than 14% during the holidays.
Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri said on Tuesday the DoA has reported the number of passengers between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2 amounted to 319,275 people, or up 14.1% from the same period last year. Continued …
Chinese Tourist Drowns After Being Swept Away by Strong Currents in Rayong
A Chinese tourist drowned yesterday after being swept away by strong underwater currents while swimming in the sea off Rayong’s Khao Laem Ya National Park.
Police were informed by park officials that the body of a female tourist was found floating near Koh Kudee, approximately 2 kilometers from the original location where the incident occurred. Continued …
Microplastics Are Widespread in Popular Types of Seafood, Study Shows
Microplastics shed from plastic products like clothing and packaging are ending up in the fish we eat, according to researchers from Portland State University (PSU). The findings of the study highlight a need for strategies and technologies to reduce the microfiber pollution that makes its way into the environment.
Scientists from the Applied Coastal Ecology Lab at PSU built on earlier research that explored the pervasiveness of microplastics in bivalves such as Pacific razor clams and oysters. The team focused on commonly eaten crustaceans and finfish. Continued …
Climate crisis is also a costly one
Global inflation in recent years has pushed the prices of food, energy, and basic goods to unprecedented levels. As a result, the rising cost of living has dominated political discussion around the world, but especially in G20 countries.
High inflation risks overshadowing another urgent crisis: global warming. But rising prices and climate change are closely linked. Extreme weather damages crops, spoils harvests, and drives up food prices, and its impact is growing more pronounced as heatwaves, droughts, and floods become more frequent and intense. These events also disrupt supply chains and energy production, pushing up the price of other essential goods. Continued …
Tibet quake toll reaches 126
Thousands of rescuers were searching for survivors in freezing conditions Wednesday after a devastating earthquake in China’s remote Tibet region killed at least 126 people. Continued …
Trump says NATO members should raise defense spending to 5% of GDP
Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed NATO members to boost their defense spending to 5% of GDP, underlining his long-standing claims that they are underpaying for U.S. protection. Continued …
Trump threatens military action to reclaim Panama
Donald Trump threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal and economic force against neighboring Canada, in a meandering press conference Tuesday a day after Congress certified his election victory. 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