Today’s news: Our newest Sponsor: Nice & Solid/Red Cross fair closes tonight/Navigating the perils of Rama II/Rama II: A clogged artery/Beat PM2.5 in Thailand/Project to Tackle PM 2.5/Forest fires in Chiang Mai/1% fee credit-card transactions/AI is changing healthcare/PM: Don’t Fan Anger/500 Phuket Locals Rally/Foreign Man Throws Glass At Thai Woman/Taxi surcharge at bus terminus/Gold prices up/Economy: Employment up in Q4/Tourism: Foreign Mafia in Phuket/Srettha concerned over disputes/Experts split on aviation hub/Development of six airports/5.5 billion wild animals kept in cruel conditions/World Wildlife Day/Environment: Being poisoned across the border/Mekong River fish species face extinction/Mekong’s forgotten fish/Permission to install solar rooftops/Thailand Experience: Selfie obsession in Thailand/Inspiring journey of Chef Tam/Krabi Vs Phuket/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

Please welcome our newest Sponsor:

The name of Nice & Solid is derived from the strong characters of our products. We make sustainable solid wood furniture, with butt joint or dovetail joint, well-built that’s designed to last, various in coolers. With more than 20 years of experience, we’re the perfect choice for homeowners who demand only the very best.

We also offer lighting solutions, sofas, luxurious wooden ship models and other home decor.

Every item of furniture is made from real wood, which means no plywood, no particle board, and the wood comes from renewable sources. Any chemicals used in the process do not pollute or harm the environment.

In need of a new wardrobe, bed, TV furniture, sideboard, desk? Look no further!

One piece or one hundred, we provide white glove delivery and installation of every item into your space – when, where, and how you need them.

Hua Hin Soi 116; Tel: 099 623 3395; LineID : pontlerk; WhatsApp : +66996233395; email: pontnicesolid@gmail.com; web; Facebook.

Hua Hin’s Red Cross fair closes tonight

The annual Red Cross fair is drawing to a close tonight after more than a week of festivities and fundraising efforts. The “26th Red Cross and Hua Hin District Goods Fair,” which began on Feb. 24, has been held at the 25-rai event space on Soi Hua Hin 102, adjacent to the Bluport Hua Hin.

This year’s fair has attracted large crowds each evening, comprising both locals and tourists who came to enjoy the culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and vibrant atmosphere. Continued …

Bangkokians’ holiday woes: Navigating the perils of Rama II

Hua Hin has for years been a favorite escape for Bangkokians seeking a family-friendly alternative to the red-light town that is Pattaya. Sure, the sea in Hua Hin may be brownish, and sometimes oil residue can be found on the beach, but the food is delicious, the hotels are top-notch and it offers a weekend respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

However, recently there’s been an outcry of “I’ll never go to Hua Hin again” on many social media sites – a sentiment echoed during every journey to the seaside haven, albeit reluctantly. The reason for this lamentation is Rama II Road, the only viable route to the southern town that has been plagued by perpetual construction. Continued …

Rama II: A clogged artery

Large construction projects, particularly those undertaken by the state, have significant impacts on communities and often the impacts are felt far beyond the construction sites. One example is Rama II Road — which has been undergoing work for over five decades. Continued …

Beat PM2.5 in Thailand: Your ultimate guide to cleaner air

Navigating the bustling streets of Thailand, you’re exposed to more than just the vibrant culture and tantalizing cuisine. Hidden in the air are PM2.5 pollutants, microscopic adversaries that pose significant health risks. Understanding how to shield yourself from these tiny particles is crucial for both your short-term comfort and long-term health.

The effects of PM2.5 can range from minor irritations, such as coughing and sneezing, to more severe conditions including asthma attacks and even lung cancer. With Thailand’s episodes of high air pollution, knowing how to protect yourself is more important than ever. Continued … 

272 Million Baht Project to Tackle PM 2.5 Dust and Wildfires

Kanika Aunjit, the Thai deputy government spokeswoman, held a press conference yesterday after the Thai cabinet meeting on approval of the annual budget for fiscal year 2024, with a total of 272 million baht assigned to a project to solve wildfire and smog problems and reduce PM 2.5 dust.

Meanwhile, 17 provinces in northern Thailand faced PM 2.5 problems at a concerning level as wildfires negatively affected locals in the past few years. The Thai government gave importance to the issues and raised the issue of PM 2.5 as a national agenda, remarked Kanika. Continued …

Park officials wage uphill battle to control forest fires in Chiang Mai

National Park officials continued to fight what seemed like unending forest fires in the lower districts of Chiang Mai on Sunday, blaming local villagers for restarting fires due to their wrong belief that they were good for vegetation.

Park officials from the 16th protected area administration office, backed up by a Kamov KA-32 helicopter, were still trying to halt fires in forests straddling Mae Wang, Hot and Mae Chaem districts. Continued …

1% fee to be charged on credit-card transactions abroad in baht from May 1

Visa and Mastercard credit card holders will have to pay a fee of 1% for transactions and ATM withdrawals made overseas in baht. The fee is being levied for currency conversion.

When travelling abroad and using credit cards for purchases at international stores, individuals will be presented with the option of paying in the local currency of the country or baht. If the user chooses to pay in baht, an additional 1% fee will be charged. Continued …

How AI is already changing healthcare

Have you heard about how AI is totally shaking things up in healthcare? Seriously, ever since AI tech got super advanced, it’s been making huge waves in how we take care of ourselves.

It’s all about saving more lives and helping us live longer, better lives – something we’ve always wanted, right? The cool part is, AI isn’t just some future dream; it’s making a real difference as we speak, and it’s only going to get bigger and faster from here. Continued …

PM: Don’t Fan Anger Over Foreigner Kicking Female Doctor

rime Mkinister Srettha Thavisin yesterday urged the public not to verbally escalate a Swiss man having kicked a female Thai doctor as she sat watching the moon on the steps leading from his villa to Phuket’s Cape Yamu beach on the night of Feb. 29.

Dr. Thandao Chandam, attached to Dibuk Hospital, was also verbally abused by his Thai wife. They have both publicly apologized to her saying their property had been encroached upon many times, which led to their being angry and scared. Continued …

500 Phuket Locals Rally At Swiss Expat’s Villa to Reclaim Alleged ‘Private Beach’

Yesterday, over 500 local residents gathered at Ya Mu Beach in Phuket to demonstrate against a Swiss national who allegedly kicked a female doctor. The initial assault, which occurred on Feb. 24, sparked outrage and criticism from Thai citizens after the doctor reported being kicked by near the man’s rented beachfront villa in the Thalang area.

The woman, who works at a local private hospital, said she was sitting on the stairway leading to the public beach outside the villa when the assault occurred. Continued …

Foreign Man Throws Glass At Thai Woman In Dog Cafe

Hot on the heels of a Swiss businessman and his wife assaulting and verbally abusing a Thai female doctor who was sitting on the steps leading from their villa to Cape Yamu beach in Phuket, another foreign man threw a glass at a Thai woman in a Pattaya dog cafe and then ran away.

A social media platform user related that the victim was playing with a dog, which started barking loudly and annoyed the foreigner who threw a glass at her, cutting her arm, which started bleeding. Continued …

Transport Co warns against taxi surcharge at bus terminus

Amid a surge of complaints, Transport Co., a state enterprise under the Transport Ministry, took swift action against taxi drivers fleecing passengers with a 50-baht surcharge at the terminus, better known as Mo Chit 2, servicing provinces in the north and northeast.

As of Friday, Transport Co. has put the brakes on the arrival area, redirecting all interprovincial buses to drop off passengers at the departure section. Continued …

Gold prices up Bt400 to B35,200

The Gold Traders Assn. on Saturday announced buying prices for gold ornaments at 34,473.84 baht per baht weight and for gold bars at 35,100 baht per baht weight.

The selling prices were set at 35,700 baht per baht weight for gold ornaments and 35,200 baht per baht weight for gold bars. Continued …

Employment up in Q4 on increased tourism

Thailand’s employment rose 1.7% in the final quarter of 2023 from a year earlier, helped by the tourism sector, after a 1.3% year-on-year increase in the previous quarter, the state planning agency said today.

Jobs in the hotel and restaurant sector rose 8% annually in the final quarter of 2023, as the number of tourists increased, the National Economic and Social Development Council said. Continued …

Deputy Prime Minister Addresses Alleged Foreign Mafia in Phuket

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, visited Phuket last week to inspect and gather information regarding an allegation of foreign mafia gangs in the area. Phuket is one of the most popular Thai tourist attractions among foreign tourists. However, it was found out that the quantity was greater than the quality in terms of businesses in Phuket, remarked Thanakorn.

Meanwhile, many street vendors and tourism-related workers complained about alleged foreign mafia gangs in the Phuket, mostly Russian nationals, taking over Thai people’s businesses, stated Thanakorn. Continued …

Srettha concerned over disputes, urges Thais to welcome foreign tourists

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has urged Thais to play good hosts to foreign tourists by showing kindness and goodwill to help boost the country’s tourism.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Saturday that the prime minister voiced his concern about recent disputes between locals and foreigners that sometimes became physical. Continued …

Experts split on PM’s aviation hub dream

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his vision for Thailand’s future recently. Dubbed “Ignite Thailand”, the plan seeks to establish the country as the world-class hub for eight sectors, namely tourism, medical and wellness tourism, food and agriculture, aviation, logistics, future mobility, digital economy, as well as finance.

The vision was lauded by economic analysts, who said the government should continue to develop the nation’s potential, and the plan could lead the way toward a more sustainable way out of the current economic slump. Continued …

Thailand speeds up development of six airports (not Hua hin)

In a move to elevate Thailand’s aviation stature on the global platform, the Airports of Thailand Public Co. (AOT) fast-tracked the development of six of its national airports. This ambitious venture, set in motion on March 2, entails an estimated investment of 210 billion baht (US$5.86 billion).

It resonates with the Thai government’s policies aimed at transforming Thai airports into a global aviation hub. The goal is to ascend into the top 20 in the global ranking within five years. Continued …

How 5.5 billion wild animals are being kept in cruel conditions around the world

Whether it’s for entertaining tourists or to harvest their bones, across the world billions of wild animals are being exploited for profit. A report has revealed that 5.5 billion wild animals from 487 different species are being kept in cruel conditions, creating a massive risk for both humans and animals.

With up to 50,000 animals on a single farm, researchers from World Animal Protection (WAP) say that the risk of an animal-borne pandemic on the scale of Covid is “not a question of if, but when.” Continued …

World Wildlife Day: All you need to know

The purpose of World Wildlife Day is to increase public awareness of the need of protecting and caring for animals, while also promoting sustainable practices that can aid in biodiversity conservation. An important part of maintaining the balance and health of food systems is wildlife.

The ecosystem that gives us enough food to eat and oxygen to breathe is supported by the planet’s immense diversity. World Wildlife Day promotes collaboration among individuals, communities, governments, and organizations globally to protect the planet’s abundant and diversified wildlife for upcoming generations. This is achieved via education, advocacy, and action. Continued …

Thai community believes it is being poisoned across the international border

On clear mornings, at dawn, Kanchanaporn Paeng-ud stands on a hillcrest where her family processes tapioca and looks out beyond the sweeping valleys across to neighboring country Laos.

Video 

On the horizon, some 20 kilometers away, she can see what resembles billowing columns of smoke that rise high into the sky. For five months of the year, those man-made clouds dissolve into tiny particles and are carried by the wind into her home country, Thailand. Continued …

One-fifth of Mekong River fish species face extinction, report says

Unsustainable development threatens the health and diverse fish populations of the Mekong River, with one-fifth of fish species in Southeast Asia’s main artery facing extinction, a report by conservation groups said today.

The Mekong, stretching nearly 5,000 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, is a farming and fishing lifeline for tens of millions of people in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Continued …

Recover Mekong’s forgotten fish

Fish that walk, and even ones that talk, stingrays the size of cars, minnows smaller than your fingernail, snail-eating pufferfish and ghostly salmon carp. These are just some of the 1,148 extraordinary fish species hidden beneath the surface of the Mekong river’s murky waters for millennia.

Dazzlingly diverse, these fishes are astonishing in their own right. But taken together, they are central to the health of the entire Mekong River, and underpin societies and economies across the river basins. Continued … 

Factories in Thailand will no longer need permission to install solar rooftops

The government is removing the need for permits to install solar rooftop panels for factory operators, aimed at increasing the use of clean electricity. Existing factory laws require entrepreneurs to seek permission before setting up a solar rooftop exceeding 1,000 kilowatts, or 1 megawatt, in electricity production capacity.

Advancements in solar cell production have enabled entrepreneurs to efficiently generate significant amounts of electricity, while minimizing the space requirements for installation. Stringent standards for solar cells have also been introduced to ensure safety for people and the environment. Continued …

Selfie obsession in Thailand a cause for concern

In Thailand, a country where mental health often remains an under-discussed issue, the pervasive “selfie” culture on social media highlights a growing concern. Too often, our young people have social media accounts dedicated to just and only their image.

The development of the Selfitis Behavior Scale (SBS) sheds light on this phenomenon, revealing that the compulsion to post selfies is not just a benign habit but can escalate into an obsession driven by the need for social validation and self-promotion. This obsession, characterized by an incessant pursuit of likes and comments, mirrors broader issues of self-esteem and identity in the digital age. Continued …

From top chef to Michelin stars: The inspiring journey of Chef Tam

Top Thai chef Chudaree Debhakam, better known as Chef Tam, reminisced about the nerve-wracking moments preceding the grand announcement at the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand Ceremony.

Chef Tam’s restaurant, Baan Tepa, clinched two Michelin stars, catapulting her into culinary stardom and making history as the first Thai female chef to achieve such a feat. “Retaining a single Michelin star is a daunting task for any restaurant, but for us, the anticipation was nerve-racking.” Continued …

Krabi Vs Phuket: The Contrasting Traits Of Two Thai Gems

Dotted with tropical beaches, majestic palaces, temples, and ancient ruins, Thailand is a bucket-list destination for many. However, when building an itinerary, the perennial Phuket vs Krabi dilemma often props up.

On one hand, the resort town of Krabi, situated near the Andaman Coast, beckons with its rock climbing adventures, serene natural parks, and tranquil beaches. On the other, Phuket, its vibrant counterpart, is famed for its electrifying nightlife and water sports. Unsure which destination to choose or where to spend more days? Dive into our comprehensive guide comparing Phuket vs Krabi. Continued …

Bus Tickets 

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

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