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Monday’s news-Nov 24

November 24, 2025 Hua Hin Expat News Leave a comment

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Health insurance visa requirements/Poaching gang arrested/Thailand to Expand Alcohol-Sale Exemptions/Severe Floods Hit 10 Southern Provinces/Why southern floods turned catastrophic/8 electrocuted in floods/Woman Found Alive at Her Funeral/Wild Elephant Kills One, Injures Three/Female inmates said forced into sex services/Thitikul wins LPGA Championship

ECONOMY: Economy faces potential recession/Tariff talks turn trickier/Developers demand urgent measures/BoT chief wants weaker baht/Thai–Lao trade hits 24 billion
TOURISM: An Independent Tourism Board/Tourism Giants Report Surge in Profit/Emphasis on wellness tourism/Phuket Clamps Down on ‘Visa Runners’/Tourists stranded at Hat Yai airport, hotels
THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Weird and wonderful Thai laws/Bangkok among the world’s best shopping cities
CLIMATE THAILAND: Toxic mines put rivers, people at risk/River test reveals arsenic
FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS

Make sure your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements

If you plan to stay in Thailand for a long time, you must have health insurance that meets the country’s visa rules. This applies to retirement (O-A and O-X) visas and long-term resident (LTR) visas. Each visa type requires a minimum level of coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, and some also need Covid-19 protection.

Several approved Thai insurance companies offer plans that already meet these requirements, making the visa process easier. Choosing the right policy and checking that it matches your visa type will help prevent any problems or delays with your application and keep you protected during your stay in Thailand. Continued …

Poaching gang arrested in Kaeng Krachan National Park

A poaching gang operating inside Kaeng Krachan National Park has been broken up after a raid by a special task force under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The operation, which targeted a group hunting protected wildlife including gaur, led to the seizure of rifle casings, carcass parts, and dried meat. Officials say the poachers were hired by an external financier.

The raid took place yesterday near the Mae Khamey Bon community in Ban Tha Salao, Yang Namklat Nuea, with officers from the Kaeng Krachan National Park working alongside the Kaeng Krachan district chief’s office and the Kaeng Krachan Special Forces Training Unit. Park chief Mongkol Chaipakdee said the team had been monitoring the poaching group, who had previously been active in the area. Continued …

Thailand to Expand Alcohol-Sale Exemptions Under 2025 Rules

Thailand has broadened exemptions to its alcohol-sale restrictions, confirming that three types of venues may sell alcohol every day, including during regulated hours, under the updated framework introduced by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025.

The move forms part of a wider reform of national alcohol regulations. The immediate impact is a clearer legal basis for international airports, licensed entertainment venues, and hotels to continue selling alcohol without hour-based limitations. Continued …

Severe Floods Hit 10 Southern Provinces, Over 650,000 Affected

Severe flooding across 10 southern provinces has affected 653,568 households, prompting Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to deploy heavy machinery, boats and emergency teams to support relief efforts.

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DDPM Director-General Teerapat Katchamat confirmed yesterday that the situation remains “worrying,” following his on-site inspection. As of yesterday, floods were impacting 86 districts, 515 subdistricts and 3,620 villages, affecting about 1,475,000 people. Continued …

Why southern floods turned catastrophic as monsoon trough triggers heaviest rainfall in 300 years

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) says an intense monsoon trough has caused catastrophic flooding across 10 southern provinces, with Hat Yai experiencing its most severe deluge in three centuries.

The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department explained that the heavy flooding across the south since Nov. 19 has been caused by the combined influence of a strong monsoon trough and a low-pressure cell covering the southern and lower southern regions. This has triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall from Chumphon downward, resulting in major flooding in 10 provinces. Continued …

8 electrocuted in Nakhon Si Thammarat floods, 1 dead

Flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat led to a fatal electrical leak while residents were moving belongings to higher ground, leaving one dead and eight others injured.

The incident unfolded in Chaloet subdistrict last Thursday as residents scrambled to move their belongings to higher ground amid worsening flood conditions. While attempting to escape the rising water, eight individuals were electrocuted inside a residence in Tha Pracha subdistrict. Continued …

Elderly Woman Found Alive in Coffin at Her Funeral in Nonthaburi

An elderly woman was discovered alive just before her cremation at Wat Rat Prakong Tham in Nonthaburi yesterday. Relatives had brought her from Phitsanulok, believing she had died the previous night. Staff at the temple were shocked to find her moving and breathing normally when the coffin was opened.

The woman had been pronounced dead in Phitsanulok and her body was transported by her family in a coffin on a vehicle for cremation. She had previously pledged to donate her body, but the receiving hospital had not collected it. Upon arrival at Wat Rat Prakong Tham, temple staff checked the coffin and confirmed that she was still alive, able to move her arms and legs. Continued …

Wild Elephant Kills One, Injures Three in Sa Kaeo Forest Attack

A wild elephant has killed one villager and left three others seriously injured after attacking a group of eucalyptus loggers in Phra Prong subdistrict, Sa Kaeo, early yesterday.

Six residents had gone into a community forest plantation to cut eucalyptus when the elephant suddenly entered the plot and charged at them as they paused for breakfast. Three workers were critically injured while others fled and alerted local leaders for urgent assistance. Continued …

Bangkok prison denies claim female inmates forced into sex services

Following the scandal over alleged VIP treatment for Chinese inmates, Bangkok Remand Prison (BRP) is facing new accusations claiming female inmates were forced to provide sex services to male inmates and guards. The prison denied the allegations.

Officers from the Department of Corrections’ special unit raided BRP on Nov. 16 after Thai prisoners complained that Chinese inmates were living in unusually comfortable conditions. The foreign inmates were allegedly housed in a separate VIP room equipped with electric appliances, were allowed to smoke, and had access to sex services in a hidden room. Continued …

Jeeno Thitikul sets LPGA season record while winning Tour Championship

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul had a pedestrian — by her standards — 4-under-par 68 at the CME Group Tour Championship, but it was more than enough for her to set an LPGA record and coast to victory yesterday in Naples, Fla.

Thitikul had built a six-stroke lead on the field coming into the day and finished the final round four strokes ahead of Thai countrywoman Pajaree Anannarukarn. Continued …

Thai economy faces potential recession, with growth under 1%

Anusorn Thammajai, dean of the Faculty of Economics and Director of the Center for Economic, Digital Investment, and International Trade Research at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, has expressed concerns about Thailand’s economic outlook.

He anticipates that the economy may expand by less than 1% in the fourth quarter, with a risk of negative GDP growth compared to the previous quarter. When viewed quarter-on-quarter, the GDP contracted by 0.6%. If the fourth quarter also experiences negative growth compared to the preceding quarter, it would indicate a technical recession. Continued …

Tariff talks turn trickier

Separating US tariffs from the Thai-Cambodian border dispute is like “rainfall without flash floods in Bangkok”.

Chulalongkorn University political science professor Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee fashioned that simile when she was asked during a Thai PBS TV program whether it is possible to treat the two issues separately, as the US Trade Representative vowed not to proceed with tariff negotiations with Thailand after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the suspension of the Thai-Cambodian peace accord, brokered by Washington and Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26. Continued …

Real estate developers demand urgent measures

Real estate developers have reiterated their calls for the government to expedite financial and tax relief measures, noting the sector is on track to record its lowest growth in two decades.

According to Issara Boonyoung, chairman of the real estate development committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, all key indicators in the real estate market this year are at their lowest levels in several years. Continued …

Bank of Thailand chief wants weaker baht

Bank of Thailand Gov. Vitai Ratanakorn said on Saturday that a weaker baht would be beneficial for the economy, and that there was room to cut interest rates if needed to support growth.

The baht has gained about 6% against the US dollar so far this year, becoming Asia’s second-best performing currency. The baht’s strength has posed a threat to exports and tourism. Continued …

Thai–Lao trade hits 24-billion baht

Bilateral trade between Thailand and Laos has expanded 8.8%, reaching 24 billion baht, supported by rapid growth in the Lao e-commerce market and improved cross-border logistics via the China–Laos high-speed railway, according to Danun Supatpan, president of Thailand Post.

Citing Ministry of Commerce data for September, Danun noted that the surge in trade value aligns with the sharp rise in online shopping and cash-on-delivery (COD) services in Laos. This growth has increased the importance of efficient logistics networks and payment systems in supporting long-term economic development between the two countries. Continued …

How an Independent Tourism Board Could Attract Millions More Tourists

Thailand’s tourism industry, once a global leader in attracting visitors, is facing growing challenges that demand urgent action. With competitors like Vietnam and Singapore stepping up their tourism development, it is clear that Thailand needs a radical shift in strategy. An independent tourism board dedicated to driving innovation, evaluating new products, and securing investment is essential to the country’s recovery and future growth.

Bold moves are required to elevate Thailand’s appeal by creating diverse attractions, from modern theme parks to high-end integrated resorts. The proposal aims to help Thailand maintain its charm while adapting to global tourism trends. By adopting a commercial approach, this initiative could steer Thailand back to its pre-pandemic tourism heights. Continued …

Thai Tourism Giants Report Surge in Profits Amid Chinese Slump

Major publicly listed Thai tourism businesses have successfully navigated a significant slowdown in international arrivals during the first nine months of 2025, transforming the market challenge into widespread profit.

Despite overall foreign tourist arrivals hitting 24 million—a 7% decline year-on-year, largely due to a sharp 35% drop in Chinese visitors — leading airlines and hotel groups reported strong financial results. Continued …

Tourism operators seek emphasis on wellness tourism

As the government promotes the wellness and medical tourism segment, the private sector is calling for eased regulations and a focus on well-being to position Thailand as a top destination for these services.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said wellness and medical tourism aligns with the government’s goal of increasing tourism spending and persuading guests to stay longer. Continued …

Phuket Clamps Down on ‘Visa Runners’ with New Measures

Phuket is stepping up visa checks to prevent abuse by “visa runners”. Immigration officials are scrutinizing tourists’ entry intentions more stringently, aiming to catch those exploiting the system for long-term stays without proper justification. Travelers with unclear plans may face denial of entry or deportation.

The initiative aligns with a nationwide effort to crack down on visa misuse, targeting individuals using visa-free entries improperly. Chief Kriangkrai Ariyaying, of Phuket immigration, emphasized the importance of ensuring visitors are genuine. Airport staff will now verify travel plans and financial status to confirm legitimacy. Continued …

More than 1,000 tourists stranded at Hat Yai airport, hotels

More than 1,000 tourists were stranded at Hat Yai airport and hotels in Hat Yai district yesterday due to severe flooding. The Tourism and Sports Minister said around 1,000 travelers were unable to leave the airport due to severe flooding that made travel to the city center difficult.

Airport management has been providing stranded travelers with food, drinking water, toothpaste, toothbrushes, first-aid supplies, and other necessities, he said. Continued …

Weird and wonderful Thai laws you probably never knew existed

Every country has its own set of quirks when it comes to rules and regulations, and Thailand is no exception. While many laws are designed to keep order, protect citizens, or preserve national identity, some stand out for being unexpectedly unusual and surprisingly fascinating.

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From half-value banknotes to claiming land simply by living on it, here are some of the strangest Thai laws you probably never knew existed. Continued …

Bangkok ranks among the world’s best shopping cities

The world’s shopping capitals have shifted. For years, Paris stood as the ultimate dream destination, Tokyo offered cultural escapes paired with light retail therapy, Seoul drew travelers seeking aesthetic perfection, and Singapore promised refined dining and fresh air.

But the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for shopping confirm that this landscape has changed dramatically. Of the world’s top 10 shopping destinations, half are now in East and Southeast Asia, a clear sign that the future of global retail has already arrived, fueled by beauty labs, mega-malls, and vibrant night markets. Continued …

Toxic mines put Southeast Asia’s rivers, people at risk, study says

For most of her life, 59-year-old farmer Tip Kamlue has irrigated her fields in northern Thailand with the waters of the Kok River, which flows down from neighboring Myanmar before joining with the Mekong River that cuts through Southeast Asia.

But since April, after authorities warned residents to stop using the Kok’s water because of concerns over contamination, Tip has been using groundwater to grow pumpkins, garlic, sweet corn, and okra. Continued …

River test reveals arsenic

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has detected arsenic contamination above safety limits at all 13 monitoring points along the Salween River in Mae Hong Son, following reports of unusually cloudy water.

Laboratory tests showed arsenic levels exceeding the standard of 0.01 milligrams per liter at every site. Lead contamination above the 0.05 mg/L limit was found at one location, while mercury levels were within safety limits. Continued …

Visitor fed wristband to turtle, faces arrest – Continued …
Six Chinese Nationals Arrested Over Overstay Violations – Continued …
Ukrainian Investors Probed in Luxury Villa Project on Koh Phangan – Continued …

Malaysia says it plans to ban social media for under-16s from 2026

Malaysia plans to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting from next year, joining a growing list of countries choosing to limit access to digital platforms due to concerns about child safety. Continued …

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Monday’s news-Dec 30

December 30, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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New Year festivities/Jimmy Carter has died/Hua Hin hotels report 95%+ bookings/PKK records 9.5 million tourists/Hua Hin Blues Fest/Tariff on wine imports eliminated/Police pickup truck crashes in Cha Am/93 Dead, 575 Injured in Road Crashes/Cost to see a doctor/South Korean jet crash/Heavy rain hits south/Elephant Ravages Local Farms/ECONOMY: Five megatrends for 2025/Bill short on benefits, big on casinos/Outlook for Thai agriculture/Thailand Joins BRICS/Tough year for the Thai stock exchange/TOURISM: 35+ million visitors/Hotel Fire Leaves 3 Tourists Dead/Japanese Tourist Stabbed to Death/Tourist boat capsizes off Koh Phangan/Tour Bus Crashes/Rain wreaks havoc in Surat Thani/Gridlock crisis: in Phuket/Airports offer free parking/Take care of own waste/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

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president and noted humanitarian, has died

Former President Jimmy Carter, honored more widely for his humanitarian work around the globe after his presidency than for his White House tenure during a tumultuous time, has died. He was 100.

Carter died Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. In November 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize-winner’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, also passed away in the modest house they built together in 1961, when he had taken over his father’s peanut warehouse business and was only beginning to consider a political career. Continued …

54% tariff on wine imports eliminated ‘indefinitely’

Thailand is cutting alcohol taxes and tariffs in a bid to lower the cost of a night out and attract more tourists. A 54% tariff on wine imports will be “exempted indefinitely”, according to local media accounts of a Thai cabinet meeting, while excise duties on locally produced wine will be cut to 10% or below.

The measure is designed not only to expand the budding domestic industry, but also to add to supplies of less-expensive alcohol. The government had in recent years increased tariffs on wine in a bid to raise revenues. But in the wake of the Covid pandemic and border closures, the focus has changed to reviving the tourism industry. Continued …

Police pickup truck crashes into lamp post in Cha Am

A police pickup truck crashed into a lamp post, snapping it in two, resulting in injuries to a police lieutenant colonel and two passengers. The incident occurred on a roadside in Cha Am.

The pickup truck reportedly lost control and crashed into a roadside lamp post along Petchkasem Road heading south, at the 204+100 kilometer mark. The accident left the vehicle severely damaged, and emergency responders from Sawang Sanpheth Rescue and Cha Am Highway Rescue, along with EMS personnel from Cha Am Hospital, were dispatched to the scene. Continued …

93 Dead, 575 Injured in Two Days of New Year Road Crashes

A total of 93 fatalities and 575 injuries have been reported across Thailand over the first two days of the New Year’s holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

On Dec. 28, the second day of the 10-day safety campaign, there were 269 road crashes resulting in 257 injuries and 38 deaths. The primary cause of accidents was speeding, accounting for 38.3% of incidents, followed by poor visibility (21.6%) and sudden lane changes (19.3%). Continued …

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?

Thailand is known for its high-quality, yet affordable, healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant.

Let’s explore the costs, compare insured versus uninsured expenses, and discuss why now is the perfect time to secure health insurance before 2025. Continued …

Two Thais among 176 dead in South Korean jet crash

At least 176 people have been confirmed dead after a Jeju Air passenger jet carrying 181 people crash-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea.

The tragic accident, which occurred on Sunday morning, is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s history. Three persons are still listed as missing. Among the 175 passengers were two Thai nationals. Continued …

Cold air from China chills Thailand, heavy rain hits south

Cold air masses from China have draped over Thailand’s upper regions, bringing a chill to the air and a drop in temperatures ranging from cool to cold, especially in the mountainous areas. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that these conditions are expected to persist, impacting various regions differently.

The northern and northeastern parts of the country are experiencing cold weather, with temperatures on mountain tops dropping to frigid levels. Citizens in these areas are advised to take health precautions against the cold and be wary of potential fires due to the dry air. Continued …

Wild Elephant in Musth Ravages Local Farms in Prachinburi

Residents in Prachinburi’s Na Di District are living in fear after a wild elephant in musth from Thap Lan National Park entered their farms, causing extensive damage to crops. The incident marks the third time this month the elephant has raided local farmland.

Reports indicate that the elephant entered a farm in Moo 6, Thung Pho subdistrict, at 1:25 am yesterday . Witnesses described the adult male elephant, approximately 25-centimeter long tusks and visibly in musth, with oily secretions from its temporal glands. Continued …

Five megatrends for 2025

2025 is just around the corner and everyone is looking for clues about the prospects for the global and domestic economies in the coming year. With Donald Trump set to return to the White House on Jan. 20, the U.S. factors seem difficult to predict given the personality of the president-elect billionaire we all learned from his first term.

Something the world can expect, however, is growing U.S. protectionism, through the proposed import tax hike Trump has clearly announced; countermeasures from the targeted countries, notably China, would put the global economy on the verge of turmoil. Here are five megatrends for 2025 from experts about their potential development in the year to come. Continued …

Entertainment complex bill said short on benefits, big on casinos

The bill that would set up entertainment complexes focuses more on having casinos rather than providing clarity about how the country will benefit from the revenue, the Stop Gambling Foundation says. It has slammed the bill, which the Finance Ministry plans to present to cabinet next month.

Thanakorn Komkrit, secretary-general of the foundation, on Saturday expressed concerns about the bill’s details, which “diverge significantly” from the initial Singapore model of opening a regulated entertainment complex business. Continued …

Outlook for Thai agricultural products

The Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) has analyzed the outlook for Thai agricultural products in 2025. While several products show positive trends, others remain a concern.

Chantanon Wannakejohn, secretary-general of the OAE, said the GDP for the agricultural sector in 2025 is projected to grow by 1.8%-2.8%, valued between 698.55 billion and 705.41 billion baht. Key supporting factors include increased rainfall from the La Niña phenomenon, expected to persist until February. This will benefit dry-season crop cultivation, ensuring sufficient water for crop growth and subsequent planting cycles. Continued …

Thailand Agrees to Join BRICS

Thailand has formally accepted an invitation from Russia to become a BRICS partner state. The BRICS group, which includes key global players like Russia, China, India, and Brazil, serves as a coalition of emerging economies that positions itself as an alternative to Western-dominated frameworks.

The official invitation to Thailand was extended on Oct. 31, 2023, coinciding with Russia’s impending chairmanship of the group in 2024. Continued …

Scandals and slumping market: A tough year for the Thai stock exchange

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) faced one of its most challenging years in recent memory in 2024. Compared to other markets in Asia and ASEAN, the SET has struggled, with performance indicators lagging behind its regional counterparts. The Thai market’s outlook in 2024 has been marred by a series of high-profile financial scandals, leading to a substantial loss of investor confidence and market instability.

Throughout the year, the SET has seen a downturn in performance. Market indices have underperformed, and trading volumes have decreased, reflecting a broader lack of investor confidence. Continued …

Thailand welcomes 35+ million visitors in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that international tourist arrivals have surpassed the target of 35 million visitors in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion baht in tourism revenue.

This achievement highlights Thailand’s strong tourism rebound and sets the foundation for an even greater year ahead, as 2025 has been declared the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year”. Continued …

Hotel Fire Near Khao San Road Leaves 3 Tourists Dead, Many Rescued From Roof

A fire at The Amber Hotel on Tani Road, near Bangkok’s popular Khao San Road, has claimed three lives and left several others injured. The incident has prompted Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt to order the temporary closure of the hotel to ensure the building meets safety standards.

The fire, which occurred last night, broke out on the fifth floor of the six-story hotel. Initial reports confirmed one fatality, but the death toll later rose to three as two victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Continued …

Stabbing Incident in Pattaya Leaves Japanese Tourist Dead

A violent altercation testerday resulted in the fatal stabbing of a 27- year-old Japanese man. The victim succumbed to his injuries despite resuscitation efforts.

Upon arrival, the vistim was found lying in a pool of blood with a severe stab wound to his chest. Bystanders were attempting to revive him as rescue workers administered first aid and performed CPR. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he later passed away. Continued …

Tourist boat capsizes off Koh Phangan, Korean national missing

A long-tail boat carrying passengers from Koh Phangan capsized after being struck by massive waves, leaving 13 passengers adrift in the sea and one Korean national missing.

The incident, which occurred yesterday, has raised serious concerns about safety regulations, as it was revealed that the boat’s captain was under the influence of drugs, and none of the passengers were wearing life jackets. The boat was carrying a total of 13 people, including 10 passengers and three crew members. Continued …

Tour Bus Crashes into Lorry: 17 Injured as Driver Admits to Picking Up Mobile Phone

A tourist bus carrying 43 international passengers collided with a lorry transporting rubber sheets on the Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province early this morning, leaving 17 injured. The incident occurred at near the Wat Phangun curve in Sawi district.

According to police reports, the double-decker bus, which was chartered to transport foreign tourists from Bangkok’s Khaosan Road to Surat Thani, crashed into the lorry when the 71-year-old Thai driver admitted to bending down to retrieve his mobile phone. Continued …

Torrential rain wreaks havoc in Surat Thani, Koh Phangan hit hard

Torrential rain drenched several districts in Surat Thani, leading to a significant runoff on the tourist hotspot of Koh Phangan Saturday. The deluge resulted in substantial disruptions, including a dramatic incident in Ban Thong Nai Pan, Ban Tai subdistrict, where a pickup truck was carried away by the forceful waters.

Government offices in Koh Phangan, including the district office, police station, and Surat Thani Immigration Office, found themselves surrounded by floodwaters. Roads in front of prominent locations such as the Koh Phangan district hall, a supermarket, and local convenience stores were rendered impassable for smaller vehicles due to the relentless runoff from the surrounding hills. Continued …

Gridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action

Provincial officials have vowed to tackle Phuket’s surging traffic chaos as the island’s tourism industry hits record-breaking highs. Gov. Sophon Suwannarat chaired a high-stakes meeting with key stakeholders last week to address infrastructure challenges threatening the island’s reputation.

With over 10 million visitors in 2023 generating 388 billion baht in revenue — a 100.4% increase from 2022 — Phuket is reeling from the strain on its roads and public transport systems. Thepkrasattri Road (Route 402), the island’s main artery, remains a bottleneck for locals and tourists. Continued …

Bangkok airports offer free parking for new year travelers

Bangkok is preparing for the upcoming new year holiday with special travel measures to facilitate passenger movement. Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports are set to provide free parking and continuous shuttle services. This initiative runs from today until Jan. 1 to ease holiday travel.

At Don Mueang Airport, free parking is offered at the lot between Cargo Building 2 and the five-story car park, catering to 250 vehicles. Shuttle buses are scheduled every 15 minutes, ensuring passengers can conveniently reach Terminal 1, Gate 6. Continued …

Hikers told to take care of own waste

Visitors at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei generated over 4.5 tons of waste between Oct. 1 and Dec. 27, park chief Adison Hemathanon said on Sunday, before urging tourists to dispose their waste to protect the park’s natural environment.

Since the park reopened on Dec. 23, authorities have been asking tourists to bring any waste they could see along the trail with them to be disposed properly, as part of their effort to keep the park in a pristine condition. Continued …